It's the same old Hitchiker, and while I swear that there is a gradient evident in the cake, I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever show up in the knitting. Logically I know it has to eventually, so I'll just keep knitting, hoping that next week I will indeed have a gradient photo to show you. (I think I've written that several times before!)
While I'm knitting the same Hitchhiker, I am reading a terrific new book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. One of my dear reading friends told me about it on Sunday, I checked Netgalley and saw that it was available, submitted my request, and was thrilled when I was approved and downloaded it to my Kindle by Monday. I'm finding it a delightful book so far. The author encourages people to downsize and begin to responsibly clear out their own things as they get older so relatives aren't stuck doing it all after they are gone. My sister and I had to do a massive cleaning after my mother died and I made a vow that my kids would not have to do that; I think this book will help me keep my promise!
What are you making and reading?
After single-handedly clearing all of my mom's belongings last year - and then single-handedly downsizing my dad (am I bitter? moi? of course not!), I have completely embraced the concept of Swedish death cleaning before even reading the book! Can't wait to read the book. . . :-)
ReplyDeleteKeep knitting, Bonny. I also can't wait to see the gradient. XO
That book sounds great. My Dad did a very good job of ditching stuff, but there was still a ton of things (most still at my house). Your gradient will appear...it just takes FOREVER!
ReplyDeleteI have managed more knitting than I expected while camping!! And, finished History of Wolves which I liked. Am now reading I Will Send Rain which I really like. Makes me want to re-read Grapes of Wrath!
Ditto with Kim, almost - my sister and I cleaned out my widower Dad's homes x2. Once to move him off the farm to a smaller house in the little town (huge downsizing) and then when he died. My spouse and his sister just did his widowed Mom x 2, once from the big ranch house to the apartment, and then from that to assisted living. I can't wait to read this Swedish version and then give it to our sisters.
ReplyDeleteKnitting on a project that has been hibernating a year, a loose cashmere sweater-like top. Getting my projects down-sized!
Well, I think I would love to read this book, especially since we have no children. I'm sure my one niece in particular would do the cleaning out, but it's not fair for her to be overwhelmed. I do have to say at first I thought the book would be about cleaning the body yourself for a home viewing, as I read some people are starting to do.
ReplyDeleteAnyway - I know that you are anxious for a new color pop on your Hitchhiker, but nonetheless, it's still lovely!
hmm, I think I see a shade difference in the gradient. But maybe it's my wishful thinking for you!
ReplyDeleteI am feeling a great amount of meh about my currently in progress knitting projects and I am itching to cast on something new. But, I am ignoring those thoughts!
ReplyDeleteAs for the reading, oh man, the long awaited library holds are coming through at a manageable clip - I am working on my third Man Booker short list novel and loving it so much that I stayed up WAY too late reading last night!
After cleaning out my mother's house with my brothers & sister last year, we all decided that we need to get rid of things before our time comes. I have made a good start, but because I'm the oldest, the younger siblings gave me all the boxes of scrapbooks, mementos, letters, & journals that belonged to my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. It is overwhelming to go through and decide what to keep and what to let go. That book is one I definitely look forward to reading!
ReplyDeleteI once heard the saying (for someone in Denmark) "Less stuff, more living." I agree and have been working on my house ever since (it's a process). The gradient might be one that is intended to only show on the very edge of the shawl, which means you'll have a lovely shading to a point of light.
ReplyDeleteI've recently heard about the Swedish death cleaning and think in many ways it is such a good thing to do,my Aunt has been sorting out her stuff and says she feels so much better knowing that we won't be burdened with that task and also she has enjoyed passing on stuff to different people now and seeing their enjoyment in it all. Your shawl is coming on nicely but can understand the impatience of wanting to know how the changing shade will work etc.
ReplyDeleteThe author says that it's not really about death, it's about the story of your life. I've fallen off my own clearing-out wagon a bit, but this book has provided motivation to make a real effort, one room at a time. My kids don't deserve to be overwhelmed by my memories and stuff!
DeleteI took five or six car loads of my own stuff to GoodWill after having to clean out my parents' house. I definitely inherited the pack rat gene and if I cared about my kids at all, I'd do an annual (or monthly??) purge. But alas.... I wouldn't want to steal the joy of finding three shoe boxes full of pocket knives, or trying to figure out what to do with over 500 paper weights. Actually, my kids are just going to end up with a LOT of yarn and books on their hands. And pens. I do have a slight pen addiction.
ReplyDeleteI never knew about Net Galley until I saw a post of yours on Facebook. Now I'm a member and I just got approved for this book, too! I'm going to read it and share it with Dale in the hopes that his Swedish ancestry will kick in and encourage him to embrace the concept!
ReplyDeleteThe gradient on your shawl will appear suddenly, and it will be magic. Hold that thought, Bonny. I am still working on my coat. It is so undemanding, I am able to take it everywhere I go and work on it; my kind of knitting when I have lots of appointments. I am reading several things because I was trying to read Forest Dark and have had so much trouble getting into it. I didn't read her second novel, but I loved History of Love. I have had to renew it, and I hope I can wade through it before the due date. So far, it is dense and incomprehensible, but I hope it develops a direction soon. I started Manhattan Beach, and I really like it. It has very little competition from Forest Dark! I hoard a little around my hobbies, but other than that, not so much. I am not very sentimental and try to do an annual clean out which is not as effective as it could be. My husband is a pack rat. I think things weigh us down and are basically of little value unless they perform some essential task or kindle a very special memory, so this book is singing my song.
ReplyDeleteI also loved History of Love, but I've also heard your same opinion on Forest Dark from a lot of people. You've got a great attitude towards "stuff". My mother couldn't part with anything, so my sister and I had way too much to clean out. I've fallen off my own clearing-out wagon a bit, and this book has provided much-needed motivation to make a real effort. My kids deserve better!
DeleteWe've done my parents house and then my Dad's apartment. You may remember the kleenex pyramid? Well it was the same for flashlights, muscle cream, coffee, etc. I've not done anything serious lately but should seriously embrace some death cleaning come January 1! And I'm sure your gradient is going to be a crazy wonderful surprise! (My m-i-l house will be daunting!)
ReplyDeleteWaiting for those color changes can seem to take forever. But it will happen.
ReplyDeleteI need to read that book. I am so slow at cleaning out our junk.
I'm hearing a lot of good buzz about that book. I know my parents worry that I will have a hard time throwing anything away when they're gone, so they're working on downsizing for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm really grateful my mom is making a first attempt at downsizing, especially after seeing Marc's mom's house - four floors absolutely packed with almost 60 years of living. ugh. And I can't til next week - I'm SURE we'll see a lighter blue knit into the shawl, not just in the cake :-)
ReplyDeleteI first saw your post about this book, and have read some more good buzz about it since! I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteMy mom did a great job of downsizing in the two years between when she was diagnosed with cancer and her death. My MIL not so much.
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