Why wait?

Every year I think to myself, “self, this is the year you are going lose weight or maybe do something amazing.” Well this year I just want to live in the now. I want to embrace every moment as it comes.

As luck would have it, I had the perfect opportunity to do just that on the 1st day of the new year.  I was at my Aunt Richadene and Uncle Phil’s spending time with cousins and my grandparents. For years I have watched my Grandmother knit beautiful scarfs, hats, and blankets and I have always had this urge to learn to knit as well.  However, since my Mom died I realized I also lost my teacher.  She was the won who taught me to sew, to cook, and to share that love with others.  So, I decided to ask Grandma to teach me.

And boy did she ever!

We made a special trip to the local Michael’s where we bought some practice yarn and then some nicer stuff for me to use in a scarf. Then we took it back to the house and she sat for HOURS patiently teaching me the cast on stitch, knit and purl.

I am not going to say I am awesome at this new craft. After all, I just started but so far I have definitely learned that knitting is going to be a lesson in patience.

I have also noticed that knitting seems to be a bit cultish. Ladies at Michael’s were eavesdropping on Grandma’s instructions and many came up and said, “my grandma taught me when I was 7 or 9 or 20.”

I am happy that one day I will be able to say my Grandma taught me!

My prayer for all of you is to use this year like it is your last!
Take a moment to laugh with your children.
Stop to help a wounded animal.
Listen to what your children are asking you instead of immediately saying no!
Pray like you need it every time you bow your knees.
Embrace your spouse and think back to the moment you first kissed him/her.
Call your elderly grandparents and just talk!  You just might learn something!
Take a moment to do something small that can have an eternal impact on the life of someone else.
Love big and laugh hard!

That is my wish for 2011.