This is logically absurd, and there is a mathematical proof which I can't claim to fully understand and won't bore you with (but if you're interested, see the video below which explains it concisely and clearly in four minutes). My mathematical ramblings are because this Hitchhiker is beginning to feel a bit like I should have named it Zeno's Hitchhiker; I think finishing it may actually take me an infinite amount of time. I fully intended to have it done by today, but a lawyer, NY Life Insurance, and RCN (the worst cable company since Comcast) have conspired to deprive me of quite a bit of knitting time. (I'm the executor for my father's estate and I could never have imagined how much time would be involved.) I'm just going to keep knitting, hope to be done some day, and hope Zeno was wrong.
I started listening to The Book of Lost Things last week, but just couldn't seem to focus or care about the story, so it's back on the shelf for later. I'm now listening raptly to an Arthurian retelling, The Winter King. This audiobook is 20 hours long, and it's part of a trilogy, so if it continues to be as good as it is at the start, I've got plenty of future reading lined up.
What are you making and reading this week?
I remember having a few knitting projects that feel the same way - hope you get to the finish line soon! I'm knitting socks and a sweater and I'm reading The Immortalists.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have had projects that felt like that - never ending! On the bright side, that blue is so beautiful and you know that Eventually you will come to the end of the yarn.
ReplyDeleteThe video clip was fun - thanks for sharing. When I got to the part with the square it reminded me of a log cabin pattern!
I've cast on for new socks and am reading a not-so-great book. Looking forward to something a little meatier in the future.
Being an executor IS a TON of work, as well as a Huge time hog. Wishing you patience and ease in dealing with those you need to deal with during the process.
Bonny, your hitchhiker is looking gorgeous! Remember, knitting is supposed to be a comfort, not something that produces stress. If you feel stress about finishing it, it is self imposed. I imagine it is stress from having to be the executor of your dad's estate rather than the hitchhiker. Don't let that ruin the process for you on what seemed to be one of your more favorite knits! You know all this intellectually, but try to know it emotionally. This too shall pass away, and your knitting will still be there. I am not knitting much, I have been entirely too busy. Life gets in the way of my knitting daily. But I have been reading quite a bit since all the books I requested from the library came in at once (Becky's law of requesting books). I am currently reading The Power, and I am not sure how I feel about it yet.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the source of the stress! I naively thought I'd be going to the lawyer, signing a few things and that would be it, but so far it's taking about 20 hrs/week. That's doesn't leave much time for knitting (or much else) when you're also working 40 hrs/week. So it is self-imposed stress and maybe a little resentment at this huge time suck. But as usual, your advice is spot on and so helpful. "This too shall pass away, and your knitting will still be there" is my mantra for this week, and I thank you for saying just what I need to hear!
DeleteI am trying be monogamous with my current sweater but the pull of a new project is strong. I am reading White Houses by Amy Bloom and listening to Educated by Tara Westover
ReplyDeleteOh, my. I've been stuck in that particular time-space continuum before. I never realized it had a proof of it's own! Here's to proving Zeno wrong. XO
ReplyDeleteHowever long it takes you, it is going to be beautiful! I'm reading E.M. Forster's A Passage to India. There is something so appealing to me when I read these old classics, I like that they cause me to slow down and really pay attention to details and images. I'm knitting the Taproot cowl and have about 1/3 left to knit, but, I don't have much knitting time this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Zeno with me! I think he has riddled quite a few of my knitting projects over the course of my life! Sadly, Zeno wins and the knitting does not. I hope your incredibly beautiful Hitchhiker is done soon!
ReplyDeleteZeno explains so many of the journeys and side trips we take in life. I wonder if it is your current situation that has more to do with Zeno's theory than it is Hitchhiker? The progression of color change is rich and calming, at least to my eye, but then, you know how committed I am to seeing her wrapped around you.
ReplyDeleteI've my own Zeno blanket known as the blanket-o-squares. I'm committed to getting my part done very soon. Really. I am. Listening to GWTW...20 hours of 49 remianing. And that Hitchhiker is stunning.
ReplyDeleteI do love your hitchhiker so much! you can definitely see the gradient now :) We don't have cable (we cut the cord and watch over the air and stream from hulu, netflix and amazon). My internet company was fabulous in fixing my speed though! So they are worth the pretty penny we pay for it :)
ReplyDeleteKnitting a Peace Project Shawl and loving it's simplicity. I'm reading Lead with your Heart. A horse book that a friend let me borrow. I learn a lot about life when I study animals and interactions!
ReplyDeleteOh, your Hitchhiker is looking quite lovely, though!! The Winter King sounds like something I might like -- I was just remembering the other day that I'd been lucky enough to see Richard Harris in the stage production of King Arthur once. I hope that the stress & responsibility as executor hits the downhill slide pretty soon.
ReplyDeleteSome projects do feel like the knitting stands still. Was Zeno a knitter, I wonder? Whenever you finish, it will be lovely.
ReplyDeleteI was the executor of my mother's rather meager estate. So much paperwork. UGH! I'm so sorry you have to go through all that stuff.
ReplyDeleteA good book is exactly what you need to at least give you a bit of relaxation time.