We have a choice in this life of turning towards people, or turning away. That sounds like a simple statement and generally it's an easy choice. However, if you have ever been hurt you know that turning towards people, especially the person that hurt you, can take a heroic act of the will.
It's all about participation in life's experiences that makes the journey fulfilling and memorable. For that reason, I try to chose to turn towards people, and the Internet provides a mind boggling number of opportunities for doing so.
Recently, I participated in the Gift of Jewels hosted by Se'Lah, a woman with a wonderful heart and a passion for celebrating life as well as reflecting on quiet moments of solace. Her blog, Necessary Room is an inspiring and caring place to visit.
I think the metaphor for the Gift of Jewels is that we all gave the gift of ourselves. Therefore we were the jewels sparkling and bringing light into the world. It was purely about letting someone know that they were special, for no particular reason. Just because. My Gift of Jewels arrived around the time we lost Mr Puffy, and I received a beautiful caring note of condolence from Carol who happens to be a talented artist. The note card (pictured below) is of her artwork and her words of sympathy were heartfelt; it's now kept in my "keep forever" file. You can see more of Carol's beautiful artwork on her blog, My Painting Room.
It was my pleasure in the Gift of Jewels to be assigned to Elizabeth, a woman in Denmark who, be still my heart, is a skilled embroiderer and a pure delight. She too was going through a difficult time with a serious eye condition at the time and my note arrived when she also appreciated some kind words. Her blog is a lovely place to visit filled with beautiful inspiration for drawing, sewing, and writing. Go see Elizabeth at Landanna and enjoy.
Not everyone reading this has the time or inclination to write a blog. But blogging and reading blogs has been a very positive influence in my life and is an example of how you can turn towards people. The picture below illustrates what I mean. In this picture (taken this past weekend) you will see a scarf I knit (originally blogged here) that was made with yarn I won on Theresa's blog T Does Wool and a vest I knit (originally blogged here) that is embellished with buttons I received from Kim of Chronic Ennui as part of our Magic Yarn Ball swap. These woman, and others I have met on-line, have become wonderful friends and I would not be the knitter I am but for my participation in the on-line knit community.
Until next time, be well and love well and, perhaps, think about ways in your life that you turn towards or away from people.
24 comments:
I definitely agree with you. Blogging and people in the online knitting community have proven to be a wonderful addition in my life. The people I have met are kind and caring with open hearts which is not always easy to find in people.
Hej Claudia,
You are so right about blogging. It is a most rewarding journey to take. Lot's of new friends, new experiences and a lot of learning. All wonderful tools for the rest of life.
The scarf is beautiful and has so much extra value because of the generosity of your new found friends.
Have a lovely day.
Elizabeth
An especially beautiful and heart-warming post, Claudia! And I couldn't agree more! :o) I like your phrasing of turning towards or away... Our action speak and influence our lives so much. Our choosing to interact or not with others affect out life too. When I was a child, and well into my teens, I was painfully shy. As an adult I see now the many reasons why, and how hard it was through the years to over come it. Turning toward people is something I relish now. :o) Blogging and the creative online community has been such a blessing in my life. I have made some wonderful friend--like your dear self--and just have encountered some of the sweetest souls. The internet makes it easy to be open and try to connect, and I like that. Se'Lah is a great friend of mine, and I was so thrilled when she started the *Gift of Jewels* project--what a lovely way to share & send some love and friendship all around the world. Love seeing the card/gifts your received and sent! Happy Week, my friend... off to see all the links! ((HUGS))
It can be a risky thing to turn toward people - but well worth the risk, to me. The people I've met through blogging have become very, very dear to me. Carol's artwork is beautiful. I love your vest and scarf, Claudia - you wear them well!
I wholeheartedly agree!! I wouldn't be anywhere in my knitting if it wasn't for the wonderful support of women all over the world who have encouraged me, answered questions and inspired me. Beautifully written!!
Beautiful. But I'm not surprised that you attract beauty and kindness.
Lovely thoughts :)
Beautifully put - and i couldn't agree with you more! I try to always turn towards people in order to partake in new experiences and learn new things. In my opinion the people that turn away are afraid of being hurt or used. But these feeling can be avoided if you keep your expectations low in a new friendship and remember to have fun - we have so much to learn from one another. You look so wonderful in those knits - i'm off to read about the details on your vest - i want one too. see there i go opening myself up and learning from a friend. take care, Claudia.
Beautiful post! I'm a person who turns away from people when I've been hurt. But you are right about the online community. I'm glad it exists.
so happy to call you friend...for a friend is definitely a jewel worth keeping.
Beautiful thoughts,as always Claudia~~
Claudia, you are a jewel. My life has surely been blessed with your presence. I think the more we share love, the more complete we will be.
I am so thankful that you joined the *gift of jewels* project. It's been a pleasure getting to know you.
one love.
Oh this is all so true. I remember when I was having a rough time at work when the economy tanked and I was getting nasty calls from investors - a wonderful blogger sent me a little care package. It just felt so great. And it really did make my day. I love blogging and I have made 'friends' with people I have never actually met, but we understand each other. And you are one of those people Claudia. I always enjoy your blog and enjoy our emails. Hugs.
A great post, Claudia! Some people make it so easy to turn towards them and you are definitely one of them.
I'm not a very good blogger, but I am inspired daily by my friends online.
Thank you all for your lovely comments. I've decided I just might have the nicest group of readers in the entire world!
As to Knitter Gal's comment: You won't find a more talented knitter, spinner, weaver, and fiber artist anywhere. She is merely more discriminating and chooses not to overwhelm the Internet with too frequent postings - LOL
Yes you are a Jewel and I really love coming to visit.
As always you have a way of putting things.. We all need to turn towards others more. Best wishes
i love this post; how wonderful!
This post wonderfully captures the beauty of the online knitting community. I was also struck by the fact that you participation in the Gift of Jewels came at a difficult time for both you *and* for the woman you sent your package to. Sometimes it amazes me how things happen right when we need them!
I'm not really shy per se, but I am naturally an introvert (I blame my Scandinavian ancestry) so really gravitate towards being alone with my knitting most of the time. And when I force myself to get out of the house and spend time with friends, I am ALWAYS happy I did. We need people! And I agree with you that being online is a great way to connect. Online, I am much more "outgoing", but I find myself getting really embarrassed when I get any sort of attention (weird for someone who willingly blogs, I know). Whenever I get a nice comment on my blog, I honestly turn red, close the email, and want to run away from the computer. I think part of my learning to turn more towards people is being able to accept their kindness.
Sorry for the long post...thank you for "listening", for the reminder to turn towards people rather than away, and for helping me examine how to do this better!
So well said Claudia...I'm happy to have you in my life :D
Beautiful post...
I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much I love your knitting. Your creative talent is so beautiful and the knitted treasures you produce are nothing short of spectacular...and you model them so beautifully. You most defintely inspire me to greater things with knit!
What a beautiful post. Inspirational to read.
What a beautiful post, I love the way you write! If I could write like that I'd post more insightful things on my blog. LOL
You are so right about the online blogging/knitting community... I've met so many wonderful friends & can't imagine not having them in my life now. :)
And you are absolutely one of those.
What a lovely and beautifully written post. Love you and your blog. Hugs and best from my heart to yours. :)
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