Day 16. Participate...

“Follow the fish, follow the knitting”

Traveling along a line… 60 North, an imaginery line that connects people, knitters, fisherfolk, peace, and my heart, today we visit the most special of places, Cordova, Alaska, a mere 4000 miles from Shetland. Here, you’ll find a tiny, little fishing village tucked away in the wild of Alaska remotely located on the Copper River Delta in Prince William Sound.

The Copper River Delta

Here, reside approximately 2000 people, and while not an island, there’s that feel… there are no roads to Cordova, just a plane or a 6 hour ferry ride. A fishing town… where life revolves around the salmon and halibut…

boats…

nets…

the making of nets…

and the processing of fish…

While Amazon has most certainly provided the people of Cordova with access to more “goods,” one can’t help but notice that the choices for groceries, eating out, or clothing options are limited. That life is just a wee bit simpler… in a really good way.

So with that need to acquire “stuff” set aside, one starts to feel the importance of connecting with the community… the drive to belong to something greater than a busy schedule, the need to do more… time seems to slow down just a bit.

Kids are out playing on the street…

…people are hiking up the ski hill

and meeting at their local yarn shop, The Net Loft.

In this remote, little village you’ll find one of the most beautiful shops in the all the land. Well, see it’s not really a yarn shop… it’s the general store, the mercantile, the haberdashery… there’s the most exquisite yarn with multiple collections themed off the colors from the surrounding area, jewelry, painting supplies, dishes, lotions, table linens, baby gifts… anything you might need for that special occasion.

And while this shop is like no other for it’s material contents… it’s much more than that…

it has heart and soul.

It’s a place for the people of Cordova to gather, to connect, to participate, to inspire, to teach the next generation the importance of art and craft, to engage…

It was here that I truly began to understand what it means to be a community… it was here the word took on new meaning and became…

commuKNITy

a collective group based on knitting… to participate, to be connected and to have a sense of belonging.

It is here, in Cordova, at the Net Loft, that those feelings of being connected took shape…

the livelihood of the people that live here, the fisherfolk…

the ties between fishing and knitting through the making of traditional gansey sweaters…

and the people that come together in the dark days of winter to gather, to participate, to make something beautiful, to place one stitch next to the other…

You can read more about this specific painting by Nicola Slattery on Dotty’s blog. Pull up a chair, you’re in for a treat.

Peace seed #16.

Knitting has the power to connect us. Whether it’s as a collective group of people at a knitting store, coffee shop, library, or a virtual group on Ravelry or perhaps through this blog or maybe it’s by way of connecting your yarn source with the person that is receiving the finished item…

what is your commuKNITy?

Many of you might be wondering… why did I go to Cordova? Dotty creates the most amazing event called “Fiber and Friends.” It doesn’t happen every year so I would highly recommend if you are at all interested in attending any of Dotty’s events you subscribe to the shop’s newsletter.

On a personal note, I met the most amazing people while attending this event… I’ve made friends for life whether they live in Cordova or were there for the week… Dotty, Coleen, Terri, Anna, Susan, Lori, Jane, and so many more. At a time when I was feeling rather isolated… I found my folk, my peacekin, right there in that geographically isolated little town with a huge heart. Thank you Dotty and The Net Loft.

peace, one stitch, one step, one breath at a time…

~Christina

P.S. This post is one of the most cherished ones I've written yet... this place, the people, the message are so dear to me. There's something about 60 North that has captured my heart... Shetland and Cordova. It certainly can't be attributed to the weather... it's something about the magical aspect of the people and place.

Of all my blog posts, this one has been the most challenging to write. The need to do justice to this place and the people has created some pressure… expectations. Many posts, I just write and let them go, they’ll be what they are… but this one was different… how can I capture all those emotions in one short space. Maybe when the times right, I’ll be able to explore in words more specifics on the week.

Day 15. Perspective...

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

— Henry Miller

Welcome to 60 North… Shetland, 100 miles north of mainland Scotland. Where the wind doth blow, the winter days so dark, and the seas be wild yet the beautiful landscape, and overriding pride in place are most prominent. The Shetland Isles are home to approximately 23,000 people and 270,000 sheep.

I recently visited Shetland for the second time… the first to attend a knitting retreat. I fell in love with the place and people and knew I must return. My second trip was a deeper dive into issues related to sustainability and food systems; to develop a study abroad experience for university students studying nutrition. I spent 5 days exploring Shetland, meeting people and identifying examples/activities related to nutrition and health, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and cultural/social identity, the four pillars of sustainability recognized by my professional society.

And so… over those 5 days with limited daylight, I came away with a different perspective. One I hadn’t expected. One that provided me with insight on what matters in life… and I was surprised by what some of these items were…

The power of peat… who knew how important this substance is for the health of our planet. All I knew about peat was that we used it as an additive for our annual potted plants. Blanket bog made up of peat is a crucial resource to our planet as it sequesters carbon. Peat bogs are disappearing and we must save the peat bogs!

St. Ninian’s Isle. Where the water flows from two different directions, never to meet. The amount of beach that’s present depends on the tide. Persistence…

Knitting in nature… does it get any better? Yes, actually, sitting on a cozy sofa, next to a fireplace with a warm cuppa tea might be more appealing. Yet it’s those moments that I’ve knit in a park, a mountaintop, on a beach, in the cold that provided me with perspective on how lucky I am to be able to return to a warm, cozy place.

The power of loss… a cemetery filled with reminders that at some point life ends, that we remaining ones grieve, and find our way on a new crooked path.

Yet it was here at this spot, overlooking the magnificent, powerful ocean that I wept tears… for our inability to gain perspective on war and peace… when will violence no longer be the perceived solution? What will it take?

And then there’s seaweed… nutrient rich, anti-microbial, nature’s fertilizer and herbicide. New perspective and appreciation gained.

But it was these birds soaring between the rocks, alongside the cliffs, above the tumultuous waters that the perspective I’d been needing was revealed.

I had returned to Shetland with the idea that this would be THE place to live… my family often jokes that if I’ve gone missing you’ll find me in Shetland. The beauty, the calm, the relaxed feeling I have that overcomes my entire being, the walking, the people, the sheep (yarn and knitting) the connected communities… this is PEACE.

As I watched these birds soar with grace catching the winds high and low I began to think about the gulls. Were they out there having the time of their life? Did their experience match my perspective? Or rather were the birds cursing the wind, frustrated by the fact that they couldn’t land on the rocky perch, fearful that with one sudden gust they could easily be tossed against this massive pillar of rock plummeting to the ocean below. Did they sense that with one wrong turn, one little mistake there would be no second chance?

And while, I’m certain the seagulls weren’t contemplating their existence, my perspective shifted… my perspective on where one has the opportunity to find peace. It’s not always in the moments of grace, beauty and effortless flight…

peace is right now,

in the messy moment,

the place that you are.

In the present…

My love for Shetland, this magnificent rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea, and the people have been imprinted on my being. I will return again and again if only to gain more perspective.

Opportunities to be at peace are everywhere… tucked away in corners and behind apparently close doors…

Peace seed #15.

Perspective… today, grab your knitting and watch a movie. One of my all-time favorites is Maleficent, a story about perspective. There’s two sides to every story and what might appear to be the truth based on what you’ve always been told might just not be the entire story. Perspective…

However, if that movie suggestion isn’t quite your cup of tea, why not dive into watching the BBC mini-series, Shetland. It’s an incredible show based on Ann Cleeve’s books. Not to worry, Shetland is a safe place despite the fact that this show paints a different story. It’s filled with beautiful scenery (rain and wind too) and knitwear. Find this on Netflix.

Finally, a Project Peace participant recently sent me an email with reference to a documentary called Winged Migration. It’s from the bird’s perspective… you can rent/purchase this one from Amazon.

And if you were feeling really adventurous and wanted to plan a pilgrimage to Shetland, check out Promote Shetland or Misa Hay’s website, Shetland Wool Adventures if you want a knitting-focused retreat.

Give-away #2 winner announced tomorrow.

Peace is a journey… one stitch, one step at a time.

~Christina

Day 14. Plan a peace party...

We are officially 2 weeks into Project Peace. Wow, even with a focus on peace, it’s easy for the days to quickly pass. As I think about the upcoming week, I’m filled with excitement for the 21st.

I’ve long referred to December 21st as the most optimistic day of the year (that’s my Northern Hemisphere identity speaking as it would be June 21st if I lived down south). To me, the darkest day of the year is a time to pause and reflect on the awe and beauty of the natural world… a day filled with promise that the light will slowly begin to reappear.

This year, the moon will be almost at it’s fullest with the Cold Moon on December 22. With clear skies that night, it’ll be nothing but bright with the moonlight reflecting off the snow and ice-filled ponds. Solstice is my day to truly honor peace… and how I can plant seeds to spread peace in my community, the nation, and the world.

During Project Peace 2016, a fellow knitter recommended we have a special day around the world to knit for peace. It only seemed right that December 21st would be that day. So we named it “Worldwide Knit for Peace Day.”

Last year, I was attending one of my daughter’s soccer games… and of course, knitting. A sister of one of my daughter’s teammates stopped to chat about my knitting. A lovely conversation followed centered on knitting and peace. I told her about Worldwide Knit for Peace Day and she paused, took a sweet little breath, looked at me with a sparkle in her eye and said “wouldn’t it be great if someday knit for peace day was an official holiday celebrated around the world?”

Why yes Lauren, wouldn’t that be grand. She said “I really hope I see that happen one day.”

Dream BIG…

Just the other day, I was having a conversation with a friend and she asked me “what is your long-term goal for Project Peace?” Silence… she offered to rephrase the question.

“If you could have one outcome as a result of Project Peace, what would it be?”

And it hit me… it’s to have Worldwide Knit for Peace Day become a day recognized around the world by knitters everywhere as a day to pause and knit for peace. …to know that globally we are connected through two sticks and a string, united for peace despite any differences, whatever that complicated word means to a person.

That Worldwide Knit for Peace Day provides an opportunity for a knitter to say “yes” to peace.

So, my one big wish is to make Worldwide Knit for Peace Day a real day… one that’s accepted, celebrated and owned by the knitting community at large.

But how do we do that?

Peace seed #14.

Plan a party… each one of us…

What will you do to honor Worldwide Knit for Peace Day?

Here’s some ideas.

• host your own personal peace party. Light a candle, put on your favorite music, pour yourself a wee cuppa and knit. With each stitch, focus on peace. Treat yourself to this time of knitted reflection.

• invite your knitting group to your home… gather, chat, light a candle for peace, perhaps share a way a peaceful act you will do in the New Year. Have everyone at your party, add a pin on the global knit for peace map on Ravelry (see info below). Maybe even create some peace-related party games… create a peace gratitude jar… gift swap with peace gifts…

• Chat with your LYS about organizing a get-together. Our local shop, Knitting Next Door hosts a function each year with yummy treats and some door prizes. Sharyn from the YarnScout is hosting a function at their local “pay what you can restaurant.” She’s sponsoring that night’s meal, inviting knitters to join for dinner, pay what they can and even bring a knitted item for the local shelter. What a beautiful example of knitting for peace to support the community.

• Perhaps you want to knit in public on that day… chat with people when they ask you “what are you knitting.” Tell them “I’m knitting for peace.” Or if you want to be extra bold, make a sign for your table “I’m knitting for peace, ask me about it.” Gather at a coffee shop, a library, local restaurant… share with others what it means to knit for peace.

• contact your guild. Tell them about “Worldwide Knit for Peace Day.” Ask them to share with members or to host a gathering. Perhaps the guild might like to organize a drive to collect knitted hats, mittens, etc to give to a local shelter.

• If you are a blogger, have a podcast or know of someone that does… ask them to share.

I know this creative group can generate many more wonderful ideas…

Leave a comment on how you plan to knit for peace on December 21 and I’ll consider it an entry for our current give-away (by tonight at 11:59)… and if you left a comment yesterday, I’ll count today’s comment as a second entry.

I often get asked “why December 21st? It’s such a busy time of the year, can’t you do this on another day.” Every day is a busy day… we have to make time for peace. If we are trying to find the perfect day or one that conveniently fits works with our schedule it’s kinda missing the point. That’s my answer every time.

Make time for peace. Don’t just pencil it in somewhere that’s convenient.

Pin your location on the global peace map.

We have over 600 pins on our global peace map... if you haven't had a chance to pin your location or leave a comment with your location, please do so. It's a powerful way to demonstrate our commitment to peace. Let's cover the world with peace!

Can we reach 1000?

This map is documentation that we, knitters from around the world, are united for peace.
Go to The Healthy Knitter Ravelry group and leave a message with your location in the World-wide knit for peace day (12/21) thread... let's cover the globe with pins representing knitters for peace.

With each stitch… peace.

~Christina

Day 13. Permission...

You’ve heard it before… just say “no.” One of the most popular time management tools is to say “no.” Stop taking on so many responsibilities to minimize the overwhelm, overload, overstimulation; feelings that are the antithesis of peace.

This past summer, while visiting The Net Loft, I was chatting with Dotty, the shop owner, about Project Peace. As an aside, Dotty happens to be one of the most inspirational women I’ve ever met (more about this later in Project Peace). Dotty handed me a greeting card and said “I think the message on this card is important to share during Project Peace.”

As she stood there quietly reciting the words, I felt this wave of calm ripple through my being. Whether it was the content, her soothing voice, or the awareness of being present in that very moment.

YES.

The secret isn’t saying “no” to everything…. it’s YES to all the possibilities!

It’s about saying “yes” to the good things.

Brilliant.

Peace seed #13.

Today, give yourself permission to say “yes.” Say “yes” to the good stuff.

I asked Dotty if she would paint one of her beautiful watercolors for today’s seed. Below is an image of the painting… cranberries, spruce sprigs, and a dove. If you click on the image, you’ll be able to print a page filled with 8 of these images. I printed them on regular paper but you might want to print on cardstock for even better resolution of the painting.

Print the cards, cut them apart, and take a moment to write down what you say “yes” to… but wait there’s more!

Giveaway #2.

Dotty has been journaling along with us during Project Peace and hopes others might do the same… perhaps after the New Year if now isn’t the right time. In my correspondence with her the other day she said “I’d like to provide a watercolor set, a linen covered journal, pen and carrying case as a give-away as a means of encouraging people to continue reflecting on the topic of peace.” Thank you Dotty for this generous, heart-felt gift!

To enter, leave a comment responding to the following prompt:

In regards to cultivating peace, I say “yes” to…

I’ll accept comments through 11:59 pm on 12/14. I know that not everyone is able to leave a comment on the blog and I’ve yet to identify why that is… so, if for some reason you can’t, send me an email with your comment.