Oh, the Cleverness of HER
(This is mostly a knitting post and I'm sorry for those of you who aren't knitters. Just employ your delete button and go merrily about your day.)
Y'all might have already picked up on this but I love knitting socks. I love that they are so portable that I can always have one in progress in my purse. I love that it's a relatively inexpensive project (knitting is a really expensive hobby) and I love all the beautiful sock yarn. But by far the best part of sock-knitting is the point in every sock where I turn the heel. (For those of you non-knitters who are reading along, in every sock (except for tube socks) there is a point where the sock changes direction and takes a 90 degree turn. It follows the way your leg is just going along in one direction and then takes a 90 degree turn and becomes a foot. For a sock to fit properly, the knitter has to hold her mouth just right and say a bunch ofcurse magic words and do some fussing with her needles and then VOILA, a heel is born.) Every time I turn the heel, I think it is MAGIC. I can't believe it has worked AGAIN. And every single time, I think, "OH, THE CLEVERNESS of ME!"
In fact, um, well, I usually say this out loud.
It's gotten to where I don't even HAVE to say it out loud, though, because as soon as I mention that I have turned the heel, my girls will say, "Oh, THE CLEVERNESS OF YOU!"
(Are they terrific or what? They're very enthusiastic about those kinds of rituals.)
Yesterday, I got to help a friend with her first sock. She actually asked ME for help, even though she has knitted whole sweaters and other things and I have...not so much. But I know my way around socks and I was as excited as a MIDWIFE to be a part of the birth of her first sock!
I sat with her while she knitted the heel flap and then we turned her heel together and I stood up and said, "OH THE CLEVERNESS OF YOU!" and she beamed and I left her knitting away at the foot.
And my whole day was just... happy. It was a happy day. Even though my ancient dog Sydney had another two accidents in the house and even though I had to go to the doctor and have blood drawn and even though Coop worked late and even though Jane (7) kind of bottomed out blood-sugar-wise before I was able to feed her dinner... it was still such a happy day.
When I told Ana (10 and a knitter) that my friend had turned her first heel, Ana said, "OH THE CLEVERNESS OF HER!" with great admiration.
Y'all might have already picked up on this but I love knitting socks. I love that they are so portable that I can always have one in progress in my purse. I love that it's a relatively inexpensive project (knitting is a really expensive hobby) and I love all the beautiful sock yarn. But by far the best part of sock-knitting is the point in every sock where I turn the heel. (For those of you non-knitters who are reading along, in every sock (except for tube socks) there is a point where the sock changes direction and takes a 90 degree turn. It follows the way your leg is just going along in one direction and then takes a 90 degree turn and becomes a foot. For a sock to fit properly, the knitter has to hold her mouth just right and say a bunch of
In fact, um, well, I usually say this out loud.
It's gotten to where I don't even HAVE to say it out loud, though, because as soon as I mention that I have turned the heel, my girls will say, "Oh, THE CLEVERNESS OF YOU!"
(Are they terrific or what? They're very enthusiastic about those kinds of rituals.)
Yesterday, I got to help a friend with her first sock. She actually asked ME for help, even though she has knitted whole sweaters and other things and I have...not so much. But I know my way around socks and I was as excited as a MIDWIFE to be a part of the birth of her first sock!
I sat with her while she knitted the heel flap and then we turned her heel together and I stood up and said, "OH THE CLEVERNESS OF YOU!" and she beamed and I left her knitting away at the foot.
And my whole day was just... happy. It was a happy day. Even though my ancient dog Sydney had another two accidents in the house and even though I had to go to the doctor and have blood drawn and even though Coop worked late and even though Jane (7) kind of bottomed out blood-sugar-wise before I was able to feed her dinner... it was still such a happy day.
When I told Ana (10 and a knitter) that my friend had turned her first heel, Ana said, "OH THE CLEVERNESS OF HER!" with great admiration.
Comments
I guess I have to train my sons better.
I am so amazed by you. Truly clever, you. And truly clever, your friend.
Much like your socks.
And also, you.
I am so loving the cleverness of you! Barb, you are a truly gifted writer. Every time I come over to visit you make me laugh. Even when you are having a crappy day you say something funny. You have blessed me. Thanks girlfriend. And keep on rocking those socks!
Umm, just had the feeling that this might seem like a shameless ploy to get a pair of fabulous socks off'a ya. Umm...awkward.. must shut up now.
P.S. Not sure why, but I always have a hard time finding your "comment" link at the bottom. My eyes must be going on me. You might want to make it bigger or highlight it for those of us over 40.
All I need is the cleverness (and some kick-start-ness).