So many thoughts, feelings, emotions… I write to you from the prairie in Northwest Minnesota, a very special place it is. A place of peace… the people, the land, the animals, and the much needed time to step away from many of my day-to-day responsibilities.
I write this on my last evening of an 11 day respite for mind, soul, and body. A place where I feel at home perhaps like I’ve never known before…
I’ve laughed out loud with no one around,
cried just because,
yelled with joy with no one but the cows and steers to hear me,
listened to the coyotes party all night long,
felt safe in an old farmhouse while the wind ripped from one corner of the prairie to the next,
engaged in the most inspiring conversations with those that live on and with this land,
watched the clouds shift in form and color…
my heart is filled with hope and promise.
I came here to “get work done” and also to brainstorm with a new friend about the intersection of food and peace. And what an adventure it’s been. A journey of two sojourners whose paths now merge to focus on what it means to cultivate peace through food and place.
I’ll share more about this magical place during Project Peace.
Speaking of Project Peace, I wanted to provide an update. I’ve now posted yarn requirements on Ravelry and the Yarn Scout has put together kits with the yarn that I’ve used for the project. My vision for this project was one of cozy and comfort; the alpaca/wool blend yarn is exactly what I dreamed of creating. I finished knitting my sample during my stay in the farmhouse on the prairie and as the shawl continued to grow, it was the perfect project to keep my lap warm and toasty.
If you aren’t able to access Ravelry, please take a look at the Yarn Scout page to view the yarn I used for the project. For those of you not wanting to purchase the pattern from Ravelry, I’m working on a way to buy the pattern through my website. If you are wanting to stash dive or use a different yarn, here are the requirements:
A total of 200 g fingering weight yarn (~800 yards) is needed. I used 150 g (~600 yds) of color A for the body and 50 g (~200 yds) of color B for the border. For the main color I choose a solid color and for the border I used a hand-dyed contrasting yet complimentary color.
Photos of the project are forthcoming… I am headed home tomorrow, to block the shawl and then persuade my daughter to yet again, engage in the photo-taking process.
I am so looking forward to spending December with all of you… whether you are knitting, writing, drawing, stitching, reading, or taking some time just to be, it’s a time to slow down and focus on peace… seeking, making, building, keeping, sharing. It’s 21 days of saying yes to peace.
peace,
Christina