Hello March!
The daffodils (and snowdrops) are popping up and spring is in the air. The residual piles of snow along the drive disappeared today after several days with daytime temperatures in the low 40's. The first day of spring is less than two weeks away and I am happy for the change of seasons.
Spring means we will be spending more time outdoors. I want to plant more native plants this year. I have been learning about how important native plants are to all living creatures---from insects and beetles, to birds and mammals, and human beings. You might be surprised to learn that an oak tree (Quercus sp.) supports more than 500 other creatures! Hail all mighty oak! If you are interested in reading more about the amazing diversity of nature look for "Bringing Nature Home" by Douglas W. Tallamy.
Last month I gifted two quilts --- one was a quilt for a first born baby in Massachusetts and the other was a college graduation quilt for my niece in Texas. Both were patterns of my own creation. Below are two images.
Last month I also knit and gifted several asymmetrical scarves. I found a wonderful pattern online at Ravelry. Just search the free patterns for "asymmetrical scarf". The one I like was contributed by pattern author Joanne Thread Head.
This is a quick to knit scarf that has a great drape when made out of fingering weight yarn. If you would like to make it from DK go up a needle size and make a swatch.
Here is a photo from one surprised friend!
While knitting scarves this past month I realized how much I love the process. Knitting, along with other creative ventures, is relaxing and meditative. One stitch follows the last one, so on and so forth. Just one stitch after another. Similarly, for me, quilting is another meditative practice. One piece of fabric stitched to another and bit by bit you assemble a block, and then the blocks are arranged in rows, and then the rows are stitched together and it becomes a quilt top!
This month I'd like to challenge you to think about what you'd like to create. Would you like to knit or crochet? Embroider? Draw? Paint? Decide on one thing. Dedicate 10 or 15 minutes each day doing it for the rest of this month. I think by March 31st you will be surprised how much you've accomplished.
Remember focus on the here and now. Stop reliving the past. Stop worrying about the future.
Do something creative today just for you.