(Photo from last Sunday in Madison, a beautiful snowy spring day.)
Well, I just had the nicest surprise! My buddy on Ravelry, Becky (gathersnomoss), let me know that my little blog has been nominated for a Favorite Knitting Blogger/Website Readers' Choice Award and it is because of you, the readers, taking the time to nominate me. I had no idea. I am so touched and honored. The write up on the site is incredibly kind and sweet. I am appreciative and a little overwhelmed at this unexpected happening. Thank you!
Click here to see the nomination for Favorite Knitting Blogger/Website Readers' Choice Awards on About.com!
The competition is stiff to say the least. Now, I am nominated with Ravelry (the entire site, not the blog), Knitty (also the entire site, not the blog), The Yarn Harlot, and Yarnista. I think that is a hoot! It's like the little engine that could.
You can vote once a day through March 21st for your favorite. It doesn't have to be for me, I just appreciate the fact that I am nominated. So thank you to anyone who voted for the wonderful and kind nomination.
I've mentioned that I have been showered with unexpected kindness lately. There is something in the air I guess as I don't really have any other explanation for it. For example, a few years ago a woman contacted me on Ravelry. Her son was in a very serious and precarious health situation. She was having some very dark days. She was writing to tell me how while she was in the hospital waiting with her son she would read my blog and knit. The time spent on my blog was somehow comforting to her. She was thanking me for the distraction from her worries.
I wrote her back and asked if I could send her a little something in the mail. Honestly, I can't even remember exactly what I sent her but I am sure it was some yarn and a pattern or some other fun knitting related items. She wrote me back a while later to tell me that her son pulled through and was doing well. I was so relieved.
Ever since that time, every once in a while I get a little package in the mail from this kind woman, Gabi. It is always unexpected. She makes the most beautiful handmade greeting cards and notecards. She has sent me stacks of them along with other things. I have been so lucky to be on the receiving end of her talents. I love how she handwrites a letter to me each time. The other day a package was delivered with this adorable hand-stitched beaded doughnut. It is just so sweet. I love the tag, too. She included a three page handwritten letter, like from an old long lost friend. I just love it. The letter is the sweetest little thing ever.
Gabi's quiet, humble kindness reminds me of all of the good in people. She never asks for anything in return at all, nothing. Pure goodness.
It's these little things that mean so much, like getting a photo of a newborn baby in a handknit hat, or of the generous charity hat and toy knitting that constantly goes on all over the world, or of an elderly beloved grandma hugging a handmade knit toy, or a grandpa who is in a nursing home getting a knit lap blanket made from a baby blanket pattern, or the big group of Itty-Bitty Knitters (my forum group on Ravelry) gathering from all over the globe, literally, at Rhinebeck this fall to meet each other in person for the first time, or receiving a gigantic handknit patchwork blanket from this same group who I love so dearly....
These are the kinds of big and little things I will always remember about the past 6 years here on this blog.
Knitters, you have changed my life for the better.
Thank you.
best, susie
