Thankful Thursday



Last night fifty or more women met to hear the author Ann Hood give a talk about her book THE KNITTING CIRCLE. What had brought me there was as important as the beautiful talk that Ann gave. One of the things that she said, which really struck a cord was that we are all in this dance of life together. I immediately felt that she had just defined the waves of energy in that room. As we listened, each one of us could relate on some level, connecting us in a rhythm that was undeniable.

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A few weeks ago when I took the Altered Book Class, I sat next to this lovely woman named Joyce. Over the course of the hour or so we were in class, we discovered how much we had in common including blogging. Joyce writes a blog called Nana's Space, and is a grandmother to three gorgeous children. It turned out that we had both visited each other's blogs and we both adored Tasha Tudor, and the path to finding a new chapter. We both love the book IN THIS HOUSE and were connected by a their group on Yahoo. Ironic that we were altering books in class, because I sensed that is what our lives are right now...we are altering our book, our story and our purpose in life.



Joyce is a photographer for the Worcester center for crafts. I got an e-mail inviting me to come to the center last night, and she would give me a tour. The place was spectacular, offering classes in everything from glass, enameling, fiber arts, photography and pottery just to name a few. After the tour, women started arriving to hear Ann Hood's talk. Although I do not knit, I was interested in the book. The group was so large that we all moved into the entrance corridor.



Ann was hysterical and her ability to tell a story had us all listening intently to every word. Such a bright articulate speaker with so much animation in her gestures that she had you falling off your chair in bouts of laughter. Then she told us why she had written the book, her little girl had died and she had started knitting to heal. Her book is a novel based on her own painful journey through grief and the discovery of how working with our hands and connecting with a circle of other women heals us on many levels. When she finished speaking, we all lined up to have our books signed. I knew that it wasn't a coincidence that I was there.



Afterward Joyce and I talked some more and helped put away the chairs. We are both altering our book of life to meet this new and exciting chapter. Rediscovering who we are through art, our gifts, blogging and the women we connect with within this glorious adventure of sharing other women's stories. I thanked her and we plan on meeting next week again to paint together.

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On the drive home I thought about the events that had occurred. God had knit Joyce and I together as Karen had given us the pattern in class. Then Joyce added Ann Hood and the wonderful art center to my story. It seemed to me as I sat there amongst so many women, with so many stories, so many patterns in their lives, yet we all danced in joy as this wonderful woman told us stories. During the course of the evening, by sharing her own story, she had knit all of our stories together and helped each of us deal with our own loss.



Today is Thankful Thursday, and Rhondi from Rhondi's Rose Colored Glasses hosts this mindful occasion. So, please visit Rhondi and the many Thankful Thursday posts. Today I am so grateful to have met Joyce and for receiving her generous invitation.



Ann Hood is right, we are all in this dance together and when the energy in a room or in a group of bloggers is evident, we are in perfect harmony and life is easier. I started reading The Knitting Circle last night, and plan on reading more today. Thank you Karen for introducing me to Joyce. Thank you Joyce for introducing me to such a noteworthy evening. Rhondi from Rhondi's Rose Colored Glasses has many people writing today about what they are thankful for, so please stop by.





The song for this post is The Circle of Friends. The yarn decorating my post is from my sister, Susan's blog, One Knit One Purl. She knits amazing things and I have learned many things from her. When we meet at Thanksgiving she promised to show me how she needle felts.
Chris said...

Karen, what a wonderful story! It is such a special thing to discover a "kindred spirit". We can't have too many of those in our lives. I wish you and Joyce many happy, inspiring times together.

Chris

LiLi M. said...

What a beautiful story! I love the idea of being knit together and working together on a better world/life. It's good to meet people with whom you feel a connection, it first brightens up your day and in the end it brightens up your life. And the best part is you both give each other energy. It's a winning experience on all fronts. People in for example weapon industries and armies should think about that once (or better all the time...). Thanks.

Rhondi said...

Hi Karen
We all need each other don't we? I am fortunate enough to be part of a group of quilters and we all have found that making quilts can provide so much healing. What a wonderful story about how you connected with Joyce. Friendship is a gift from God isn't it?
Hugs, Rhondi

bj said...

Oh, Karen...such a lovely story. God works in the most magnificent ways and I LOVE being able to watch HIM work, or hear such a wonderful story.
I also wanted to say that I just browsed thru your paintings and they are so beautiful..what a lovely God-given talent you have.
love, bj

A time to dance said...

I have just discovered you via Beachy at cape cod - I find it an amazing coincidence that I found you and then read your post which made it mor amazing!! I have just started reading the knitting circle , it was a gift from my best friend who has recently been to LA, and my blog is actually called 'a time to dance' and I see so many similarities between our beliefs and thoughts about relationships- I am a Christian and I believe that God places us in situations and with people who help us on our spiritual journey. Who take our hands and sometimes have one dance, sometimes they dance with us forever.... I have found blogging such a tonic - I have met so many lovely like minded people who have really enriched my life, I shall certainly be following you with interest from now on..... Every Blessing
Helen Yorkshire, UK

Anonymous said...

Karen your story about Ann Hood and meeting Joyce is wonderful. I believe the paths we cross are meant to be. I want to see your first knitted project on a post. I always admire anyone who can knit. Good luck.

Hugs...Jeanne

Ellen said...

Hi Karen..how exciting for me that you were my very first comment. Thank you so much...What a Coincident that you were talking about my hometown of Worcester. I also just became a proud owner of a beautiful painting from an elderly friend of my sister-in-law...this woman did a lot of asian style work. I will need to put some on my blog for you to see. Such a pleasure to have met you.
Kindredly, Ellen

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Karen this was just a wonderful story. It is amazing how our lifes twist and turn and around every corner there is a choice of what path to take. You make a decision, follow a path, meet wonderful people..I love life!
Hugs,
Penny

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Beautiful story and a beautiful lady you met. My Blessings to all..m..

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Wow! What a great story. I'm so glad I came over to your blog to read it today. It never ceases to amaze me when God does things like this. He watches over every little sparrow.

windycorner said...

Hi Karen,
Your post was like reading a nice long newsy letter. Thanks for the wonderful story!
You're invited to a Great Gift Ideas party at windycorner. Come on over!
Holley

Deb said...

What a wonderful story Karen! I look forward to following the links .
Beautiful Thankful Thursday post!

Kathy said...

Karen, what a wonderful post. I know I have been changed by reading your blog. In fact, I am creating dolls again in part because of your encouragement--through your thoughtful words and your inspiring ideas. A few weeks ago you told me you "get lost in creating". Those words meant more to me than you will ever know. I am finding solace in the familiar formation of muslin. I love to create and I love to be a part of the blogging community. I'm truly looking forward to your Holiday Fair next week. ~Kathy

Rue said...

Hi Karen :)

That was a beautiful story and how wonderful that you were able to meet a fellow blogger! I always wonder if I'll run into one myself :)

hugs,
rue

PS. I wish I could join your fair, but we'll be out of town that weekend... darn it! Thank you for thinking of me though :)

Michelle said...

Karen,

What a wonderful post. I certainly have altered my book many times in life, both good and bad the what truly held me together through all the changes and the new chapers were my circle of friends. I am very thankful for all the friends I have made in the blogging community and all my true friends who have stuck by me in my book of life. :)

Thank you for this post. It was truly inspiring.

Michelle

Mimi Sue said...

It is so true that we are all connected more closely than we think. Women need other women for so many reasons. I don't know what I'd do without my friends. Mimi

. said...

Hi thanks for the comment on my blog. What a great story! I've met some really great women in the blog world! Hugs, Denise

Nancy said...

I love this post, Karen. It's a wonderful reminder of how entertwined all of us are - through art, blogging, reading... Hugs to you, Nancy

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and touching post, Karen! You have such lovely posts, combining both words, artwork, and photographs... Donna

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