A humbling experience...

I'm inspired. Inspired by all the amazing people that have joined the mystery KAL and walk-along. Their stories, their motivation, their presence...

I'm grateful. Grateful that others want to join together during the month of November to knit and walk.

When I conjured up the idea of hosting a walk-along in conjunction with a mystery knit-along, I never imagined that it would be met with such enthusiasm. We are creating a community of knitters, a network of like-minded people that are focused on their health.  It's a walking movement for knitters. Just imagine if each person in the walk-along asks one person to make a commitment to walking this month and they ask one person etc...think of all the miles that we will have walked collectively.  

If you are in the mKAL and WAL and you use Instagram. Please take photos from your walk (not the knitting part as we don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone) and post on Instagram using the hashtag #amarchthroughtime.

I love walking on the country roads.  Through the seasons the cornfields keep me company. Each season comes with a completely different visual. Here are some of my fall shots taken on a recent walk.

Knit one. Walk two.

November...

Reasons to love this month...

Hard to believe we welcomed our first child into our lives almost 18 years ago...he's our miracle child for several reasons. We'll celebrate his birth at the end of the month.

My dear sweet mum's birthday.

The beginning of the inaugural Healthy Knitter mystery knit-along and walk-along.

Thanksgiving...a day to express gratitude.

NaBloPoMo...National Blog Posting Month. Yes, blog every day during the month of November.

The seasons are changing. We move into shorter days with more darkness. There are more leaves on the ground than in the trees. Yard work shifts from grass maintenance to preparing for winter. And soon, the snow will gently begin to fall and blanket the earth for a long, peaceful slumber.

Less daylight, colder temperatures and an increasing desire to retreat to the sofa.

Wait, don't throw in the towel yet. Let's work together to support one another during the month of November to prioritize the health of "self". Give yourself a treat this November and make a promise to "self" to be more active. Join The Healthy Knitter group on Ravelry for some support  and camaraderie or subscribe to The Healthy Knitter mystery KAL/walk-along.

The number 66...

My favorite number is 66. 

The first house I remember from my childhood was 66 St. Lawrence St.

My birth year is 66.

But there is a little known fact about this number that makes it really special. Did you know it takes 66 days (10 weeks) to form a new habit?

A habit is a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur unconsciously.

66 days...do you know what happens 66 days from today? That's right. January 1 (which happens to be my half birthday) but also the infamous day for setting goals for the upcoming year.

If you start tomorrow with your new goal, in theory, by the time you reach 2016  it will be a habit!

A habit could be positive or negative. Since I like to avoid messages such as "don't do this..." selecting a positive behavior seems most appropriate. I know I need to drink less coffee and tea but how can I phrase this as a positive message? Here's my goal for the next 66 days. Let's see if it is routine by January 1.

Drink water at least 8 oz of water morning, noon and night.

What's your goal for the next 66 days? Can't wait to hear.

A Healthy Knitter Adventure...

The time has come for me to share what I consider my greatest accomplishment with The Healthy Knitter thus far.  Remember back in September when I mentioned that I had been busy over the summer albeit a bit quiet on the blog?  Well, this is the project I've been secretly developing AND you are going to fall in love with this one. It's a great knit PLUS it is good for your health.

First, it is a mystery knit-along (KAL) that begins on November 2nd with the final clue delivered on December 7th. Well, the project is a cowl but the specifics are a mystery.  It is designed for the adventurous advanced beginner or intermediate knitter. All the details can be found here on Ravelry.

Second, the best part of this project is that it is accompanied with a "walk-along". You've never heard of a walk-along? Don't worry, you aren't alone; I made it up :) With the pre-order you will receive information on goal-setting and how to establish a walking commitment. You'll need to decide on a walking goal for the month of November. On November 2nd, you can sign a contract with yourself or a buddy to increase accountability. 

Here's to walking through the month of November and beginning of December.  Even if you don't want to knit the project you can still join us for walking.

A Healthy Knitter group has been formed on Ravelry. A thread for March through Time will be added so that participants can interact...maybe even encourage one another with walking. Make sure you use the cover page of the pattern when you add March through Time to your projects to avoid spoiling the details of the cowl.

PROMOTION! Right now you can purchase the pattern for 25% off through October 26. No coupon needed. Following the last clue in December all participants will receive the pattern in one complete document including the walking information. The pattern will available for general purchase after the KAL however the walking information will not be included.  

Fall is in full swing here in central Iowa.  I have been participating in #slowfashionoctober started by Karen Templar of Fringe Association. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be blogging more about this process and introducing a few concepts related to knitting, health and sustainability.  Since I'll be blogging more frequently (2-3 times a week) and I'm hesitant to overwhelm your inbox with announcements, I've decided to send a weekly update to your inbox. If you want to read more frequently then check the website.

I love all the seasons but autumn is definitely a special time that conjures up images of cozy cabled sweaters, hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee, and long walks with beautiful foliage on the trees and the ground. I'll leave you this evening with some amazing images of fall in the Midwest. 

My favorite view on my walk to work...

Gaining some perspective...Queen Anne's lace has pink on the edges.

Playing in the leaves wearing my favorite red shoes...