What has happened in the three months since I last wrote? A pair of barn swallows built a nest and hatched a little clutch outside my bedroom wall. They have the sweetest little brown speckled eggs, one broken shell of which I found on the ground. I learned barn swallows are now declared an endangered species in Canada, as their numbers dwindle, so I feel honored to be in their presence. Apparently, my wall was “back-up” nest, as they often build multiple nests and move from one to another if not satisfactory.

Not my image but gratitude to whomever took it:

August felt like a doldrums to me, like a very stuck energy, but September feels like time to move forward. August marked my five-year cancerversary of survival (Yay!) and ongoing doctor appointments ensue. It can feel like one’s life is up for sale in a prediction market when all choices are risk reduction percentages to live. I am steadfastly working to lose weight while being on a cancer prevention drug that causes weight gain. 17 pounds down this year so far, but who’s counting? Me. The Bitepal nutrition log app with a raccoon named Coco who goes to sleep every time I start my daily 16-hour fasts has been helping me, and I discovered a Tai Chi app I am enjoying daily to move energy. Gentle, slow, low impact, yet strengthening. Just like knitting.

Knitting Studio Classes

Socks! In July, Gail LaForest and I were in my studio eagerly awaiting her sock knitting class, and when no one who expressed interest showed, I had a wonderful private tutorial of starting my first toe-up sock. Lucky for me, Gail is a wonderfully patient teacher, a quality in demand as I attempted the Figure-8 cast-on and ripped it out at least four times to start again. I now have a few inches of a toe of a sock on my needle! Yet determined to break through my avoidance of sock knitting once and for all. I am thrilled she will be offering a four-part sock knitting series in October. Details to come.

Beginners! I welcome all interested in picking up needles and starting the adventure of knitting during a regular teaching time of Sundays, noon to 2 p.m. in my studio. You can come one week, return with questions (or answers) another week, and drop in whenever you like for help or just to vent as you progress your skill.

Knitting Therapy! Please reach out if anyone (up to 5 people) would like to arrange a time to hang out and knit in my cozy space as crisp fall wind is in the air and the apple tree outside the window is bearing fruit. I am fortunate to work a flexible primary job where I can change schedule week by week as I build this studio.

My Why

I intend to build a website where folks can reserve a spot in classes and workshops and build out a full curriculum with fellow teachers, but for now I am starting small, manageable, one stitch at a time. Contact me on this site or at waterwomanknits@gmail.com to express interest, and I will send you details.

I am motivated to do this because 1) I love to teach one-on-one, 2) Knitting has been a lifeline for me during many crises and simpler times, 3) My grandmother survived a lot in her life to teach me at age 6, and nothing makes me happier than to know I have passed along to another’s hands the craft she gifted.

Run of Hope

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each year the hospital that saved my only child’s life hosts a fundraiser run/walk, and though I find small ways to give back, I have never made it to a physical event. This year I want to be different and I signed up to volunteer for event set-up and walk. If you feel moved to contribute to such an irreplaceable group of humans doing amazing work to support children, please go to my QR code or link and give what you can. Thank you!!

Erin – Run of Hope