The other morning I was making my favorite iced coffee, just casually pouring the coffee into the frothed milk (I like to make the milk frothy, and I have one of those little gizmos that does it), and look what happened! A glass of caffeinated love! A barrista moment! I couldn’t do it again if I tried.
I’m making good progress on my Boxleaf shawl, but a new photo would look just like the one I posted before. I don’t know how many stitches I have on the needles at this point, or how many I’ll end up with, but boy, those rows are getting long. I used to be able to do an entire ten-row repeat in one sitting, but not any longer. I have to remember to mark my place, but it’s also pretty easy to find my place if I lose it. I’m going to knit until I get close to running out of yarn, and 500 yards will make a nice shawl.
I’d like to be almost finished with the shawl in time to start the Knitter’s Review knitalong for Amy’s Hedgerow Mitts, which starts on June 15. The pattern is based on my socks, and I love it. Amy and I talked about it last year, Clara loved the idea and encouraged her to do it, and the pattern made its debut on May 28. I’m thrilled for Amy, and I can’t wait to get started on my first pair! They’ll be in a beautiful red shade of Alexandra from Spirit Trail Fiberworks.
Though I’ve settled into my skin a bit more since my last post, I’m still finding new ways to think about my life with cancer. It’s summer at the bookstore, so a day doesn’t go by without my seeing someone I haven’t seen in months, or even a year. It’s not easy, but I’m getting used to having small conversations about myself with people who are sweet and kind and concerned. I’m not used to sharing much more than book recommendations with my customers, so I’m developing ways to share a little bit of my experience to reassure these lovely people — yes, I have been sick, but yes, I am on my way to being well. Thank goodness I’ve practiced here!
Annabelle had the best idea for this sunny, breezy Sunday — a nice nap in the window, and a bit of a bath. Now, however, she would like her supper. I can’t turn her down. Besides, she won’t let me forget what time it is!
Have a wonderful week, everyone. Thank you for coming here, and thank you for all your kind, interesting, and uplifting comments and emails. I don’t know if I’d be traveling forward (or upright, for that matter) if I were on this road all by myself.
Not Plain Jane 
ok I can't believe that before you had coffee you had it in you to actually think to take a picture of the heart 😀
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It was just too good to pass up!
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Psssst, Jane, don't look now but I think the iced coffee over there has a crush on you. How do I know? Oh I dunno, just a hunch. What a great way to greet the day. I like that you're learning to dole out manageable little pieces of Jane to the broader world around you. You've been on a quite a proverbial study abroad this year, even if you have no pictures or funny accent to show for it. 🙂
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I think the heart in your coffee is a good sign. 🙂 For me, as a private person, sometimes sharing everyday experiences feels like walking out the door naked. So I admire you're ability to share so much about your cancer journey. Have a great week!
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The yarn link had such beautiful yarns it was like looking at a rainbow close up! I hope you have fun knitting your mitts!
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Messages come to us in some very strange ways and, lady, you got yourself a very good message!
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That's great that you got a picture of the coffee heart! Lovely – and what a way to start the day with a smile.
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The universe works in mysterious ways…and I guess that includes iced coffee with frothy milk. Thanks for the smile.
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awwww – so sweet ! It's all of us sending you a huge hug!!
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I love your Hedgerow socks, and am looking forward to knitting the mitts, too.
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So great to log on and see another post! I saw the hedgerow mitts a few weeks back in my Knitter's Review newsletter. How cool that they took your sock pattern and turned it into a mitt pattern! I printed it off and will surely be trying this one out. Right now I am into embroidering funky vintage tea towels for the summer. I can't tell you how glad I am that you are feeling well enough, both spiritually and mentally, to be posting again. You are truly a survivor and an inspiration!Hugs, Jane!!!!!! (((((((())))))))
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hearts are everywhere… you just have to look!best wishes and thank you again for all that you shareRibbon
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Hi, Jane! I'm just about three-quarters of the way done with my first pair of Hedgerow Socks using Sundara's Palace Hedge Sock (a gorgeous frosted forest green), and I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the knit. I was perusing your FO photos kind of bemusedly, agog and very impressed by the range of projects you had collected,when I noticed the photo of the Hedgerows. I wondered why you had used the photo that the designer had used. After a nap, I looked a little more closely and *bing!* I realized you WERE the designer!So sweet! I am just delighted to have "made your acquaintance", and wish you all the best–good health, good friends, and much happiness 🙂
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Nice blog.
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What a lovely post. I'm so glad to have found it. Your Barrista skills are impressive too!
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