To quell the overwhelming sense of boredom that is growing inside as each day on the East Coast passes, I bought my first knitting needles and two balls of yarn. And I’m knitting.
Yep, that’s right. I’m knitting. I started my first scarf two days ago and am already half-way through. At this rate, my christmas presents will be completed by August. Once I’ve mastered the simple scarf, I’ll be moving into socks and hats. Earth-shattering.
Ladybug poses patiently next to my knitting.
Do I have nothing better to do than knit? Well, actually, my to-do list is pretty long at the moment, but none of these tasks have deadlines. And most are getting started, but there’s only so much time one can spend on the computer and most of these tasks are computer related. And at the end of the night, when I’m sitting around with my dog wondering what the hell I’m doing on the East Coast, in Myrtle Beach of all places, I end up diving into the depths of the internet and wallowing in my RFS (restless feet syndrome- read here to learn more). So, in an attempt to introduce balance into my life, I picked up the knitting needles and started working with my hands. At least, at the end of the night, I can see progress. I can see actual, tangible results from my work and I feel accomplished. I’m making a scarf. Period.
Maybe I’ll start knitting in more locations and watching the world pass me by, in a zen-like state of productivity. Yesterday I sat on a park bench with an approaching storm on the horizon and knitted my cares away. After a few minutes of contemplation while lost in my simple stiches, I noticed my surroundings with a little more awareness and contemplation than I might normally. A breeze was bouncing off the lake, birds were flying overhead and a flock of ducks came to sit next to me under a tree. And they all do this weird sort of yogic stretch move where they stick one leg out after they’ve been squatting for a while. When the big duck started the yoga moves, the rest of the little ducks followed. I had no idea this even occurred, and I’ve seen ducks most of my life.
I guess in seeking a little sanity and non-digital engagement, stiching away has been a welcome relief. Maybe on the next walkabout, I’ll just knit my way across the country. I think I smell a new blog!! The Knitting Nomad!! Ha! I wonder how much more of the world I would see if I just circumnavigated the country on the Amtrak with just a few knitting needles and a couple Moleskin journals. Sans iPod. Wow, I actually wrote that. A digital detox of the highest degree, some knitting needles, some yarn and the rails. Maybe a journey for July? Stay tuned…
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