It's a new moon...

“Rise

said the moon

and the new day came”

— Rupi Kaur

Sun giving way to the moon… truly the golden hour.

The new moon… a time for new beginnings and fresh starts; providing us with a clean slate to begin again.

It’s been 2 full moons since I’ve said hello. And as I’ve become more attuned to the lunar phases, I’ve been able to learn more about myself. When I set out this year to post with each full moon, it felt tangible and came with a focus. How I’ve come to love watching the moon wax in the night sky building with anticipation… when she reaches her fullness, it’s a time to celebrate.

What I also noticed is that I found it hard to find my rhythm with respect to posting something on the blog. Coming to say hi to all of you in the midst of the lunar cycle felt a bit of an intrusion… as if I was stepping into a social gathering feeling quite awkward. What to say? How much to share? Why did this feel so unnatural?

To add to this, I began wondering about the names of the moons. It seems each full moon has a name depending on geographic location and/or culture. And that led me down a rabbit hole of questions…

does that name apply from the previous full moon to the next?

or from the current full moon to the one 28 days from now?

or is it a name for just that moment, when the moon is full.

I began digging and found out that the name of the full moon is really the name of the entire cycle - new moon waxing to full and waning again…

And then I found my rhythm… the new moon is the beginning, a time to set intentions, start new projects and to say hello.

Hello new moon… the September moon… the harvest moon as many call it.

Hello to all of you…

What I also came to realize is that the names of the “full” moons weren’t resonating with what was occurring in my own life. For example, in July, I named the moon “water” as this was greatly on mind. I was near a body of water but also surrounded by numerous forest fires and smoke due in part, to a lack of water.

At the peak of the “water moon…”

In August, my focus was on the prairie so I named her the “prairie moon.”

At the end of the “prairie moon…”

And for September, I’m choosing to name her the “cleansing moon” as I’m needing to remind myself to clean up many aspects of my life. I’m scouring the house as well my body… it’s a time to be intentional about work, home, and projects…

On my drive home from Idaho during the “water moon”… 1500 miles provided a lot of time for reflection. I’ve made this trek back to Iowa many times however, this was the first time that the wide open spaces of Wyoming captured my imagination. Having spent 3 weeks with a smoke-filled sky, the clouds provided the most magical backdrop. It was here, in this vast country, I was able to reflect on how the lunar phases were pulling me to think about productivity in new ways. The ebb and flow of getting things done…

it’s an in and out, push and pull, work and rest.

And these cycles are everywhere: our breath, an hour, the day, the lunar phase, a season…

Perhaps you might like to set an intention for this new moon. What might you want to focus on for this next lunar cycle?

What’s on my needles…

I’ve had Shetland on my mind. It’s been 5 years since I made my first trip to this magical place. I spent some time in August posting a trip down memory lane on Instagram. And that led to some serious “cast-on itis!”

I knit a Hesti hat by Ella Gordon,

a Buness tam by Mary Jane Mucklestone (it’s now finished but I just loved the light in this photo),

and currently the Kuvvel cowl, also by Mary Jane.

Fall Healthy Knitter plans…

Watch for upcoming news regarding a “walk-along” in October. It’s been years since I’ve done one of these. I always used to do them as a mystery until I finally learned that running a mystery knit-along was not my forte. So, I’m updating a pattern you’ve seen before and creating a few new versions. This one is all about colorwork and as colorwork goes, it’s fairly straight forward. Whenever I start to design colorwork patterns, I spend a lot of time knitting the designs of others (hence the reason for the three items in the photos).

Also, if you aren’t familiar with a “walk-along,” no worries… I’ll explain more with the next new moon. Bottom line, it’s a way to focus on some movement as the season transitions… and still have time for some knitting.

Project Peace… yes, there will be Project Peace 2021. I’ve recently changed my idea for the theme but as soon as I have everything settled, I’ll start telling you more. And for those of you who have mentioned you want a project with heavier weight yarn, I really need you to share your favorites when it comes to worsted or bulky weight yarn. I’m working to include your wishes… pop a comment below and share. My intention is to create a pattern that can be adapted to yarn weights at both ends of the spectrum… thin or thick.

What I’ve been reading…

Oh my, I’ve been bouncing around with several different books. Working hard to finish something. I’ll wait to share until next time.

May you find connections with others through knitting and tuning into the moon. We are all sitting under the same moon and have since the beginning of time. I find that thought comforting and extremely powerful… in a very delightful way.

If you’d like, please share your intention for this coming moon cycle. As well as any thoughts on worsted and bulky weight yarn preferences.

Seasonal shift underway…

The strawberry moon...

“Even now, after more than fifty Strawberry Moons, finding a patch of wild strawberries still touches me with a sensation of surprise, a feeling of unworthiness and gratitude for the generosity and kindness that comes with an unexpected gift all wrapped in red and green.

After fifty years they still raise the question of how to respond to their generosity.”

— Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer

From the most sacred of gardens, Minnesota

Sweetness bundled in the shape of a heart,

Shaded by leaves of disproportionate size

Huddled low to the ground,

Protected from the elements…

A gift from the Earth

to be treasured,

savored,

sweet not sour,

red not white

if patience prevails…

our delight in this seasonal treat

became something more,

with each trip to the store,

their flavor subsided,

bodies hypertrophied,

to be available on demand.

With this full moon,

may we honor the cycles of the Earth

the gifts that she bears,

with each season,

hearts complete.

early morning on the prairie, Prairie Horizons, Minnesota

Good morning prairie!

Just after the May Flower Moon (which I just wasn’t able to muster a post due to some health issues and work demands), I returned to the farm in MN… Prairie Horizons.

A time to rest, recharge, connect with self, others and the Earth.

To nurture friendships and mentor a few dietetic interns.

To take in each day as it unfurled.

To let go of my daily routine.

It was intense, far more than I anticipated.

By choice, I slept in a tent, close to the Earth, to be more open to the lessons from the land.

It was hot… oh so hot. Days and days of almost 100 degree weather and no rain.

There were ticks a plenty…

And the coyotes just around the bend reminding me of their presence each night, multiple times.

Yet it was stunningly, breathtakingly, beautiful…

Egrets, swans, herons, pelicans graced the ponds and shorelines.

Monarch butterflies, bumble bees, golden eagles, and bald ones too.

New families of ducks, geese, and box turtles…

I fell asleep to the wonky call of the three resident Sandhill cranes and arose to their early morning chatter to assure my witness of the sunrise over the horizon of the prairie.

A time to deepen relations and for that I am truly grateful.

A gift… just like the strawberries.

Sunrise over the pond, Prairie Horizons, MN

“Strawberry moon” has been used by Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others, to mark the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries. Other tribes indigenous to North America have different names e.g. Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe), Green Corn Moon (Cherokee) and Hoer Moon (Western Abenaki). Since strawberries are not native to Europe, this moon has also been referred to as “honey moon” and “mead moon.” Considering that the moon is not specific to anyone culture or location, the names of each moon vary and are most often, place-based. You can read more about the Strawberry Moon here and here.

On my needles… in May, I spent some time creating an outdoor sitting area. Without realizing it, the space became a little sacred space honoring many loved ones. The patio furniture belonged to my grandparents (circa 1970’s), cushions made by my mum several years ago, the string of lights was my father’s. I’m surrounded by ferns (one new) and an older community (not shown here)... when the weather is cool, it is certainly a place of peace.

In early May, I began knitting a Ramona Pullover by Elizabeth Smith (the grey sweater in the photo). Returning to campus this fall necessitated a little inspiration so I decided to design a “fall outfit.” Grey sweater with a white button-down shirt, black pants and my favorite, clogs… black. In some ways, focusing on creating an “outfit” has felt a bit superficial however, I am choosing to think of this as a very creative way to bring some positivity to the situation. Overall, I’ve enjoyed working from home, have been very productive, and I’m not looking forward to that change. So, a new outfit is my remedy.

What I’m reading… this book is incredible. It’s taken me close to 2 months to read as it’s very dense. Yet, it’s drawn me closer to the Earth, provided a gateway to better understanding the utter, vital, critical role of plants, and given me a renewed focus on what it means to be healthy, self and the planet. If you are looking for a quick, easy, summer read, this one is probably not for you. BUT your outlook on plants and pharmaceuticals will most likely be altered for the better as a result of reading this book, The Lost Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner. I can’t remember who recommended this book but it was one of you. Thank you!

With the passing of the Summer Solstice on June 20, we honor the light and yield to the coming darker days. The global pandemic is far from over however, “normalcy” returns to so many with access to the vaccine. There is hope, however it all still seems a bit topsy-turvy (aka upside down). Just like this butterfly.

As the full moon wanes over the next 14 days, may you enjoy this time of motivation and enthusiasm for being productive. May the weather be favorable to the land where you live, and may you find enjoyment in these days of summer.

The gift of the strawberry is the reminder that there is a season for everything and that just like the moon, we too, need to wax and wane, ebb and flow, grow and rest.

I’d love to know what the gift of the strawberry means to you… please feel free to share in a comment below.

The super pink moon...

The ripeness of each moon… a time to pause and reflect on all that is…

inspired by this full moon, I’ve an irresistible urge to cast on something pink…

While the Earth continues to awaken from her slumber, the leaves and blossoms on trees begin to burst forth with vivid green and magenta…

Tullamore Glen, IA

and I’m reminded of the pink of the desert…

Moab, UT

You may have noticed that I missed my post for the Full Worm Moon in March. My husband and I went on an impromptu, extended-weekend camping trip to the desert. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to step-away from my daily routine and to experience the Earth’s seasonal shift from a different perspective. It’s not a place I’m normally drawn to, however, we listened to our hearts, packed up the car and spent five nights camping under the full worm moon and stars, and walked the desert landscape during the days.

I suppose I’ve always thought of the desert as dry and barren, a hot place with limited vegetation. And perhaps, that’s what I’ve expected from a desert, so each time I’ve gone, that’s what I’ve seen. Yet this time, I went to be part of that landscape, to witness the transition from winter to spring; open to the possibilities of seeing something new.

Since March 2020, life has felt a little like the desert. This past year has been a time of soul-searching, grieving, and leaning into what it means to part of this world during this time. And while, the year has also been filled with new ways of being, the push to return to normal, as is the case here in my town and state is unsettling. I’m not sure I’m quite ready.

So, how does the desert open back up after a long winter and usher in new life?

with grace and simplicity and slowness…

Fisher Towers overlooking Professor Valley, Moab, UT

On the last day of our adventure, based on a recommendation from a local, we hiked to Corona Arch. Climbing up out of the Colorado River valley towards the cliffs that seemed to hang high above our heads, I looked up to see my husband grinning… “you are going to like this.” And there, was a “field” of cairns…

not just one…

or two,

or even a hundred…

but hundreds of cairns.

And if one cairn marks the way to guide us…

I can only surmise that hundreds of cairns must certainly mean that one is no longer lost…

a sacred place on the path to the Corona Arch.

Corona Arch, Moab, UT

Although we’ve been back home for six weeks, the impact of our excursion to the desert will remain with me for quite some time. Stepping away from our current daily tasks to focus on being connected with self, each other, and the Earth… I needed that chance.

What’s on my needles… well, there are always multiple works in progress (WIPs), however, these days my needles have been relatively quiet. Just last week, the new Shetland Wool Week hat pattern was released so I was inspired to cast on the “Da Crofter’s Kep.” You can find the free pattern here. I had all the Jamieson and Smith’s yarn for the colors called for in the pattern… I love starting off a colorwork hat pattern using the intended colors as it teaches me a bit about color blending.

Da Crofter’s Kep in Jamieson and Smiths

What’ I’ve been reading… besides work, this is probably the reason (oh, and the gardens) that I’ve not been knitting much of late. This book will most likely go down as my book of the year… The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. It’s one of those books that makes it hard to move on to the next book. It’s an important story that’s told in this book… one that many of us know nothing about, even those of us currently living on the lands where this story takes place. If you chose to read this book, please send me an email as I’d love to know your thoughts.

What’s next… as I approach the end of the academic year, my mind is busy spinning with possibilities. Planning for Project Peace is underway with a theme most likely picked and now, I’m on the look-out for daily topics that connect with the theme. However, as I reflect on the lessons from the past year, my desert immersion and life in Tullamore Glen, I’m reminding myself to proceed slowly with simplicity and hopefully, a little grace.

How are you feeling this Full Pink Moon?

A Norwegian Forest...

Introducing a new pattern…

Norwegian Forest

As many of you know, I spent a lot of time last year reflecting on “place,” in particular, peace in place. We even spent 21 days in December (Project Peace 2020) exploring what it means to find peace in “place.” In March 2020, when we retreated into our physical places, this idea of finding peace where I live weighed heavy on my mind.

When posed with the question "where is my place?" we often focus on the land we call home. What if the place that brings you comfort is not where you reside, dwell, or hang your hat, but rather a distant land, in the midst of a grand forest, a wide-open prairie, or at the water's edge?

The simple act of knitting can transport us to far-away places through the stories told in our stitches. A Norwegian forest inspired this new pattern.

This is my place... deep in the forest surrounded by the great beings we call trees.

The initial inspiration for this design came to me when I travelled to Oslo, Norway in September 2019 to attend a conference organized by the Nobel Peace Center. Although I loved the city of Oslo, I was yearning to walk in the forest. Some fellow conference attendees suggested I take the train to the top of the mountain overlooking Oslo and there, I would find a forest. I asked for further directions… where do I go once I get off the train? How do I find the forest? The trails? Again, they gently affirmed their original instructions… just go the last stop and you’ll know what to do.

And yes, leaving the platform at the last stop, you step into a forest, the most magical forest.

I meandered through the trees…

looking up at the brilliant blue sky…

gazing down at the mossy floor

dotted with the most brilliant red berries.

A bit lost yet comfortably familiar…

The shawl idea came to mind as the train transported me back down the side of the mountain to Oslo…

stripes of brown and beige for the trees…

green lace for the pine needles, leaves, and moss…

and bright red bobbles for the brilliant berries.

The design engrained in my mind wasn’t transferred from thought to needles until inspired by a call for designs from Kate Davies in March 2020. I’ve long admired the work of Kate Davies and to submit an idea for her perusal felt daring and bold. By August, I’d finished the shawl, submitted my photos, and found out that the idea had been selected to be featured along with the works created by other designers for the MY PLACE series. Each Wednesday for the past couple of months, Kate Davies has highlighted a pattern based on an individual’s interpretation of MY PLACE.

You can read my essay for MY PLACE on Kate Davie’s blog. A big thank you to KDD&Co Team for the yarn support and encouragement, Becky Monahan for her amazing tech editing and graphic design work, and Lisa Nunamaker for her beautiful illustration. Lastly, a huge hug to Lola who graciously (sometimes and other times not so much) allows me to take photos of her wearing each design that makes it this far!

The oak savannah of Iowa prairie…

You can download a copy of Norwegian Forest from Ravelry. Through 3/21, receive 20% off using the code NFbobble20

The pattern is also available on The Healthy Knitter website; the pattern price will be automatically reduced through 3/21.

As we approach the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere, the days are longer, and the Earth begins to show signs of new life. Soon, the mirky brown of March will be covered with new growth andan abundance of green…. on this day of the feast of St. Patrick, might I suggest a warm cup of herbal tea to connect to the Earth and all her splendor.

peace… and I’ll see everyone for the next full moon (3/28).

Christina