The Yarn Project Turns ONE!!!
Last night, I had to fight to get to sleep. The funny part about it, is that I was completely EXHAUSTED, as I made my way to my nice, comfy bed. I was yawning, non-friggin-stop, and I could feel my eyelids becoming QUITE heavy. I thought, as I did the nightly brushing of my teeth, that I would lay my head, on my pillow, and that would be that. I would sink, into a near-coma state.
But, when I managed to lay my head, on my pillow, I realized something. When I wake up, The Yarn Project will be ONE YEAR OLD! And, as soon as my brain went here, the desire to sleep, went away. I started thinking, about so many things. I started thinking about the unveiling, of all the mystery goodies, that would happen in today's post. I started thinking of all the different little ways, I wanted to celebrate this occasion...Because (at least to me), it is a HUGE milestone. And, I thought about yarn. I thought about the yarn in my stash. The "impressive" collection, of Red Heart Super Saver, I have managed to attain, throughout this Project. And the wools, and wool blends. The Pomp-A-Doodle (which I still giggle at, when saying aloud. I swear, this may be the cutest name for anything, well...EVER!) The Homespun yarn, which, though completely EVIL to work with, I still seem to love.
Thinking about all of this, led me to getting off of the bed, and making my way, to my stash. I opened the cabinet doors, and was greeted, by all of my wonderful yarn. I ran my hands, over quite a few skeins. And, last night, the yarn wasn't just yarn. No way! The Red Heart. The Lion Brand. The wool...They all were more, than just yarn. Each and every skein (or ball) was, last night, a trophy. I looked at a red wool blend yarn, I picked up, at some thrift store, one week after starting The Yarn Project. Even to this day, I have no idea what I will use it for, as it is SO thin. But, I love it, because it reminds me, of so much. Back when I purchased it, the very idea of this Project was intimidating, beyond belief. Now, look at me.
I sat there, in front of my stash, until my sweetie told me that it was time to go to bed. "You have a big day, tomorrow."
So, I went to the bed. And, after a good bit of struggling, I managed to fall asleep.
And, I dreamed about yarn, at one point, during the night.
This morning, I woke up, bright-eyed, and bushy tailed. (Speaking of bushy...MY GOD! Someone give me a comb! I think that, this morning, my hair may be the bushiest thing, ever. It looks like a brunette cloud, landed on top, of my head!) I looked at the clock, beside the bed. 6:12am. I raced out of bed, feeling like a child, waking up, on Christmas Day! "It's here! It's here!" I whispered out, in excitement. I wanted to yell it out, at the top of my lungs. Really, I did! But, I was pretty sure that my family would not be incredibly happy, if I were to do so.
I raced to the little wrapped up box, setting on the black ottoman, next to the chaise. And, though I was the one, who bought myself the gift (and therefore, already knew what it was), I was still bubbling over, with excitement, as I RIPPED the blue wrapping paper away.
I pulled out the necklace, and put it around my neck.
Yup! A necklace. A dog tag necklace, which I had engraved, with the name of my Project. I will wear this necklace, with pride. It represents the first year. A year that, while not always easy, has ALWAYS been a big adventure.
And, as I put this necklace on, I thought about The Yarn Project, and all that has happened (both yarn related, and not) since I first began.
The biggest change, is the fact that I am walking, full time now. (Well...Walking, and PRAYING that I do not take daily tumbles!) When I first began this Project, I was using a wheelchair, quite a bit. Even though I had the surgery, which should have allowed me the chance to walk, before writing my first entry, you will recall that the original surgeon abandoned me, leaving me with an open wound (and bone infection), for a year straight. The pain was so incredible that, while I could walk for about 15 minutes (30 max), I was still STUCK, using the wheelchair, most of the time.
Then, I had the second surgery, which fixed my foot. And, lo' and behold, I said goodbye to the wheelchair, once and for all.
And, it was scary! I was terrified, of this change, that was happening. The wheelchair had been a part of me, for many years. And now, all of sudden, it was taken out of the equation.
The Yarn Project came into play, in the form of a metaphor. When I first started this project, I took on quite a bit. I knew NOTHING about yarn, before beginning this. And yet, I had created a goal, and was sticking to it. I was learning new things, which (I think) were rather impressive. And, if I could learn to work with yarn...If I could learn to deal, with a new hobby. Well then, I could learn to be Michael, without the wheelchair. I could learn to be the Michael, who would learn to walk. Sure, it wouldn't be easy. Neither was this Project, I had taken on. But, I could do it. The Yarn Project, had taught me, that I could do anything I set my mind to. Sure, there would be a bit of cursing, along the way. But, I would get there.
Then, I thought about yarn shopping, as I settled down, in my blue recliner, this morning...The necklace, dangling from my neck, and a cup of coffee, in my hands. I thought about how funny, the whole thing is. Back when I was a kid, and my grandmother was still alive, I would occasionally get dragged along, as she went to shop, for yarn. And, I remember she could spend quite a while, looking at yarn. As for me...Well, I would wait, at the end of the aisles...BORED OUT OF MY LITTLE MIND! And, I clearly remember thinking, 'why does she like yarn, so much? Just choose some, and let's leave, already!' Seriously, it was just string! Different colored string. There was nothing special about it. And, it was a MISERABLE experience. I swore, she knew how much I hated it. She would wait, until I was at the verge of whining. Then, when I could handle no more, she would choose her skein(s), and we would go.
Boy, talk about irony.
I am sure my grandmother is looking down, on me, each and every time I go to shop for yarn. And, I am sure she is laughing her head off. Because now, I understand. Yarn shopping is WONDERFUL! Now, I whine if I am rushed, when shopping for yarn. If I had my way, I would be able to pet each and every skein/ball, and spend HOURS and HOURS, surrounded by yarn. (My sweetie has officially taken on the role I had, as a child, of standing at the end of the aisles, bored to death.)
I had myself a second cup of coffee, and my thoughts transitioned. As I took the first sip, from my second mug, I started remembering the past year, of The Yarn Project.
Back when I first started. June 9, 2010...
I remember writing that first entry. I remember writing out the list of crocheted projects, I would take on. (My, oh my...How that list grew!) And, I remember thinking, even as I started this blog, that it was very likely, that I wouldn't go all that far, with it. Sure, it was a fun Project, I was taking on. But eventually, I remember thinking, as I wrote out that first entry, the fun of it, will go away! And, when it does...That will be that. Yup! Back at the beginning, I had absolutely NO faith, in myself. I had created a two year goal, while honestly believing, that I would not be able to get through the first few months.
Here we are, one year later. I have stuck with it. I have no plans of quitting. I have proven to myself that I am not a flake. I can do this. And, even more important...I WILL DO THIS!!!
I remember coming to the loom knitting part, of The Yarn Project. Things were the same, and yet, COMPLETELY different, as to when I first started the crocheting part, of my Project. The difference, was that I knew I was no longer a flake, or a quitter. But, I was nervous, beyond belief...Just like when I first started this project. That same 'Oh God! What have you signed up for?'' feeling raced through me, as I entered into the looms. And yet, I was completely excited. I remember the joy, that rushed through me, as my sweetie and I, went to get my first set of looms. (And God, what an experience that was. We drove to a few places, before finding them!) I remember sitting it the car, with the loom set, in my hands. And, I looked at them, with wide, excited eyes. Part 2...Here I come!
I am happy to say that, while still learning new loom skills, I am proud of what I have so far accomplished.
After I finished my coffee, I gathered all of the mystery goodies, and started setting them up, all nice and pretty. And, as I did so, I thought about another VERY important part, to this Project.
My readers!
Every single day, I am blessed to have you read my posts, and comment on them. I find that I get EXTREMELY excited, when I see that I have a new message. Someone has read my post, and written a message about it! Someone, out there, cares about all this stuff, that I write! When I first started this blog, I really did not anticipate anyone giving a hoot, about it. There are so many other blogs out there, that deal with yarn. Many of them, are better written. They are funnier, wittier...just plain better, in every way. Why should anyone care to read this particular blog? I did not expect, to have anyone comment.
I was happily mistaken. The comments started, right away. People cared! And, all of the comments...well. They make this whole Project, so much better for me.
But, it isn't just comments. You took it a step further. You helped out, in ways that are amazing. When I went in, for my second surgery, a reader (you know who you are) sent me a goody package. In it, was a teddy bear, she knitted for me. And, several skeins, of wonderful yarn, each wrapped individually. I was given instructions, to wait until after my surgery, then open one package, a day. This way, I had something to think about, apart from the pain.
Since then, many of you, have shown support. I have had donations come in, through my Paypal account, which is amazing. I have had readers send me yarn, which I ALWAYS love. I am, and ALWAYS will be, thankful for yarn donations, sent my way. And, I have had a few of you, make my day, with virtual gifts, I can proudly display, on my profile page.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! From the very beginning, you, my readers, have made me feel special. You have made this Project seem special. And, I cannot express my gratitude enough. I am eternally thankful, for your support.
And, to think that, in a short time, I will be interviewed. Well, this is beyond me, really! I keep waiting to wake up. To find out, that it is a dream. One year of work, on this Project, and I have made AMAZING blog buddies, and been chosen, for an interview. How very cool!
So...How do I feel, about making it, to this one year point? The Yarn Project is half-way over!
I feel a mix of different things. There is a very strong sense, of accomplishment. I have learned so much, in so short a time. And, nobody can take that pride away, from me. I am completely thrilled, to have made it, this far. As I have already said, I really did not anticipate sticking to this Project, when I first began. So, being at the ONE YEAR POINT, is completely amazing!
And, I will not lie...
As happy as I am, to have made it, this far, I am also kind of sad.
Half of this Project is gone! The first year went by, so INCREDIBLY fast. And, I know this coming year will go by, just as quickly. It may be even quicker...who knows? Being half-way done, I realize that this Project will not last forever. (It seems stupid, that I am realizing this, just now. But, there you have it.) And, I never expected to become so completely OBSESSED, with The Yarn Project. I never thought that I would come to love it, so very much. And being here, today...at this half-way point, I can't help but think about the end, of this Project, just one short year away. Will I be ready, for it to be over? I really don't know.
But I do know one thing. I still have one year left. One year of joy, with this Project.
So, it is now time, for you all to see the collection of MYSTERY projects, I have made, just for this day. Here you go!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theyarnproject/5814809301/in/photostream
We have a raspberry chocolate cake, with a slice cut free. An ice cream cone. Three creme-filled cookies. A cupcake. A chocolate confetti tort. A party hat. And, two store bought goodies: A set of 2 plastic yarn needles, and a bamboo handle crochet hook, size I.
After finishing this entry, I will be posting the quiz. The winner, of this quiz, will win the following: The separate slice of cake, the cupcake, the cookies, the party hat, the yarn needles, and the crochet hook. I hope that, if you are reading this, you will take part in the quiz. Anybody has a great chance, at winning!
So...The plans for today?
Well, I will be starting my day, the same way I always do. Breakfast.
I plan on going to Daily Fiber Yarn Co., today, where I will buy something. (It may be yarn, or a place marker, or God knows what. But, I will not leave that store, until I have made a little celebratory purchase! ) I will take myself out to dinner, where I will eat the junk-food, that is cheese-covered tater-tots. I will also get a rather delicious celebration cocktail, and slice of (edible) cake. I will spend my day, focusing on The Project, all day long. I will remember all of the good highlights, about The Yarn Project. (There are DEFINITELY a lot, of good memories. And, some Not-So-Good ones, too.) I will look forward, to the next year, where I plan to learn so much more.
The Yarn Project...
Today, I CELEBRATE you!
And, to all my wonderful readers (who make this Project so awesome)...
Happy yarning!
But, when I managed to lay my head, on my pillow, I realized something. When I wake up, The Yarn Project will be ONE YEAR OLD! And, as soon as my brain went here, the desire to sleep, went away. I started thinking, about so many things. I started thinking about the unveiling, of all the mystery goodies, that would happen in today's post. I started thinking of all the different little ways, I wanted to celebrate this occasion...Because (at least to me), it is a HUGE milestone. And, I thought about yarn. I thought about the yarn in my stash. The "impressive" collection, of Red Heart Super Saver, I have managed to attain, throughout this Project. And the wools, and wool blends. The Pomp-A-Doodle (which I still giggle at, when saying aloud. I swear, this may be the cutest name for anything, well...EVER!) The Homespun yarn, which, though completely EVIL to work with, I still seem to love.
Thinking about all of this, led me to getting off of the bed, and making my way, to my stash. I opened the cabinet doors, and was greeted, by all of my wonderful yarn. I ran my hands, over quite a few skeins. And, last night, the yarn wasn't just yarn. No way! The Red Heart. The Lion Brand. The wool...They all were more, than just yarn. Each and every skein (or ball) was, last night, a trophy. I looked at a red wool blend yarn, I picked up, at some thrift store, one week after starting The Yarn Project. Even to this day, I have no idea what I will use it for, as it is SO thin. But, I love it, because it reminds me, of so much. Back when I purchased it, the very idea of this Project was intimidating, beyond belief. Now, look at me.
I sat there, in front of my stash, until my sweetie told me that it was time to go to bed. "You have a big day, tomorrow."
So, I went to the bed. And, after a good bit of struggling, I managed to fall asleep.
And, I dreamed about yarn, at one point, during the night.
This morning, I woke up, bright-eyed, and bushy tailed. (Speaking of bushy...MY GOD! Someone give me a comb! I think that, this morning, my hair may be the bushiest thing, ever. It looks like a brunette cloud, landed on top, of my head!) I looked at the clock, beside the bed. 6:12am. I raced out of bed, feeling like a child, waking up, on Christmas Day! "It's here! It's here!" I whispered out, in excitement. I wanted to yell it out, at the top of my lungs. Really, I did! But, I was pretty sure that my family would not be incredibly happy, if I were to do so.
I raced to the little wrapped up box, setting on the black ottoman, next to the chaise. And, though I was the one, who bought myself the gift (and therefore, already knew what it was), I was still bubbling over, with excitement, as I RIPPED the blue wrapping paper away.
I pulled out the necklace, and put it around my neck.
Yup! A necklace. A dog tag necklace, which I had engraved, with the name of my Project. I will wear this necklace, with pride. It represents the first year. A year that, while not always easy, has ALWAYS been a big adventure.
And, as I put this necklace on, I thought about The Yarn Project, and all that has happened (both yarn related, and not) since I first began.
The biggest change, is the fact that I am walking, full time now. (Well...Walking, and PRAYING that I do not take daily tumbles!) When I first began this Project, I was using a wheelchair, quite a bit. Even though I had the surgery, which should have allowed me the chance to walk, before writing my first entry, you will recall that the original surgeon abandoned me, leaving me with an open wound (and bone infection), for a year straight. The pain was so incredible that, while I could walk for about 15 minutes (30 max), I was still STUCK, using the wheelchair, most of the time.
Then, I had the second surgery, which fixed my foot. And, lo' and behold, I said goodbye to the wheelchair, once and for all.
And, it was scary! I was terrified, of this change, that was happening. The wheelchair had been a part of me, for many years. And now, all of sudden, it was taken out of the equation.
The Yarn Project came into play, in the form of a metaphor. When I first started this project, I took on quite a bit. I knew NOTHING about yarn, before beginning this. And yet, I had created a goal, and was sticking to it. I was learning new things, which (I think) were rather impressive. And, if I could learn to work with yarn...If I could learn to deal, with a new hobby. Well then, I could learn to be Michael, without the wheelchair. I could learn to be the Michael, who would learn to walk. Sure, it wouldn't be easy. Neither was this Project, I had taken on. But, I could do it. The Yarn Project, had taught me, that I could do anything I set my mind to. Sure, there would be a bit of cursing, along the way. But, I would get there.
Then, I thought about yarn shopping, as I settled down, in my blue recliner, this morning...The necklace, dangling from my neck, and a cup of coffee, in my hands. I thought about how funny, the whole thing is. Back when I was a kid, and my grandmother was still alive, I would occasionally get dragged along, as she went to shop, for yarn. And, I remember she could spend quite a while, looking at yarn. As for me...Well, I would wait, at the end of the aisles...BORED OUT OF MY LITTLE MIND! And, I clearly remember thinking, 'why does she like yarn, so much? Just choose some, and let's leave, already!' Seriously, it was just string! Different colored string. There was nothing special about it. And, it was a MISERABLE experience. I swore, she knew how much I hated it. She would wait, until I was at the verge of whining. Then, when I could handle no more, she would choose her skein(s), and we would go.
Boy, talk about irony.
I am sure my grandmother is looking down, on me, each and every time I go to shop for yarn. And, I am sure she is laughing her head off. Because now, I understand. Yarn shopping is WONDERFUL! Now, I whine if I am rushed, when shopping for yarn. If I had my way, I would be able to pet each and every skein/ball, and spend HOURS and HOURS, surrounded by yarn. (My sweetie has officially taken on the role I had, as a child, of standing at the end of the aisles, bored to death.)
I had myself a second cup of coffee, and my thoughts transitioned. As I took the first sip, from my second mug, I started remembering the past year, of The Yarn Project.
Back when I first started. June 9, 2010...
I remember writing that first entry. I remember writing out the list of crocheted projects, I would take on. (My, oh my...How that list grew!) And, I remember thinking, even as I started this blog, that it was very likely, that I wouldn't go all that far, with it. Sure, it was a fun Project, I was taking on. But eventually, I remember thinking, as I wrote out that first entry, the fun of it, will go away! And, when it does...That will be that. Yup! Back at the beginning, I had absolutely NO faith, in myself. I had created a two year goal, while honestly believing, that I would not be able to get through the first few months.
Here we are, one year later. I have stuck with it. I have no plans of quitting. I have proven to myself that I am not a flake. I can do this. And, even more important...I WILL DO THIS!!!
I remember coming to the loom knitting part, of The Yarn Project. Things were the same, and yet, COMPLETELY different, as to when I first started the crocheting part, of my Project. The difference, was that I knew I was no longer a flake, or a quitter. But, I was nervous, beyond belief...Just like when I first started this project. That same 'Oh God! What have you signed up for?'' feeling raced through me, as I entered into the looms. And yet, I was completely excited. I remember the joy, that rushed through me, as my sweetie and I, went to get my first set of looms. (And God, what an experience that was. We drove to a few places, before finding them!) I remember sitting it the car, with the loom set, in my hands. And, I looked at them, with wide, excited eyes. Part 2...Here I come!
I am happy to say that, while still learning new loom skills, I am proud of what I have so far accomplished.
After I finished my coffee, I gathered all of the mystery goodies, and started setting them up, all nice and pretty. And, as I did so, I thought about another VERY important part, to this Project.
My readers!
Every single day, I am blessed to have you read my posts, and comment on them. I find that I get EXTREMELY excited, when I see that I have a new message. Someone has read my post, and written a message about it! Someone, out there, cares about all this stuff, that I write! When I first started this blog, I really did not anticipate anyone giving a hoot, about it. There are so many other blogs out there, that deal with yarn. Many of them, are better written. They are funnier, wittier...just plain better, in every way. Why should anyone care to read this particular blog? I did not expect, to have anyone comment.
I was happily mistaken. The comments started, right away. People cared! And, all of the comments...well. They make this whole Project, so much better for me.
But, it isn't just comments. You took it a step further. You helped out, in ways that are amazing. When I went in, for my second surgery, a reader (you know who you are) sent me a goody package. In it, was a teddy bear, she knitted for me. And, several skeins, of wonderful yarn, each wrapped individually. I was given instructions, to wait until after my surgery, then open one package, a day. This way, I had something to think about, apart from the pain.
Since then, many of you, have shown support. I have had donations come in, through my Paypal account, which is amazing. I have had readers send me yarn, which I ALWAYS love. I am, and ALWAYS will be, thankful for yarn donations, sent my way. And, I have had a few of you, make my day, with virtual gifts, I can proudly display, on my profile page.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! From the very beginning, you, my readers, have made me feel special. You have made this Project seem special. And, I cannot express my gratitude enough. I am eternally thankful, for your support.
And, to think that, in a short time, I will be interviewed. Well, this is beyond me, really! I keep waiting to wake up. To find out, that it is a dream. One year of work, on this Project, and I have made AMAZING blog buddies, and been chosen, for an interview. How very cool!
So...How do I feel, about making it, to this one year point? The Yarn Project is half-way over!
I feel a mix of different things. There is a very strong sense, of accomplishment. I have learned so much, in so short a time. And, nobody can take that pride away, from me. I am completely thrilled, to have made it, this far. As I have already said, I really did not anticipate sticking to this Project, when I first began. So, being at the ONE YEAR POINT, is completely amazing!
And, I will not lie...
As happy as I am, to have made it, this far, I am also kind of sad.
Half of this Project is gone! The first year went by, so INCREDIBLY fast. And, I know this coming year will go by, just as quickly. It may be even quicker...who knows? Being half-way done, I realize that this Project will not last forever. (It seems stupid, that I am realizing this, just now. But, there you have it.) And, I never expected to become so completely OBSESSED, with The Yarn Project. I never thought that I would come to love it, so very much. And being here, today...at this half-way point, I can't help but think about the end, of this Project, just one short year away. Will I be ready, for it to be over? I really don't know.
But I do know one thing. I still have one year left. One year of joy, with this Project.
So, it is now time, for you all to see the collection of MYSTERY projects, I have made, just for this day. Here you go!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theyarnproject/5814809301/in/photostream
We have a raspberry chocolate cake, with a slice cut free. An ice cream cone. Three creme-filled cookies. A cupcake. A chocolate confetti tort. A party hat. And, two store bought goodies: A set of 2 plastic yarn needles, and a bamboo handle crochet hook, size I.
After finishing this entry, I will be posting the quiz. The winner, of this quiz, will win the following: The separate slice of cake, the cupcake, the cookies, the party hat, the yarn needles, and the crochet hook. I hope that, if you are reading this, you will take part in the quiz. Anybody has a great chance, at winning!
So...The plans for today?
Well, I will be starting my day, the same way I always do. Breakfast.
I plan on going to Daily Fiber Yarn Co., today, where I will buy something. (It may be yarn, or a place marker, or God knows what. But, I will not leave that store, until I have made a little celebratory purchase! ) I will take myself out to dinner, where I will eat the junk-food, that is cheese-covered tater-tots. I will also get a rather delicious celebration cocktail, and slice of (edible) cake. I will spend my day, focusing on The Project, all day long. I will remember all of the good highlights, about The Yarn Project. (There are DEFINITELY a lot, of good memories. And, some Not-So-Good ones, too.) I will look forward, to the next year, where I plan to learn so much more.
The Yarn Project...
Today, I CELEBRATE you!
And, to all my wonderful readers (who make this Project so awesome)...
Happy yarning!