Oh my sweet Louet…
Thanks for the congratulations and good wishes, everyone! It feels great to have such a wonderful community to share good news with.
I did something today that I hadn’t done since July: I sat down and spun some yarn on my beloved Louet. The spinning wheel had gone into storage last summer when I put my apartment on the market. It was moved in a couple weeks ago along with the big red couch and the colander, but I hadn’t managed to find any time to actually sit down with it. It was giving me these really pitiful looks every time I walked past it. It looked especially hurt when it would see me sneak in some knitting time with storebought yarn. It was pathetic, really. So on a work break this afternoon I set up my dear Louet, pulled out the bag of lovely merino that Billy surprised me with last year, and sat down.
I’d forgotten how much I love to spin, how relaxing it is. This merino is fantastic. Really soft and practically spins itself. I’m spinning up skinny singles of it to ply together. I’m not sure yet if I’ll dye it or leave it natural. I’m not one to wear white, but this wool is such a perfect creamy color it almost seems a shame to cover it up. We’ll see how the mood strikes me once there’s enough done to ply. I have three pounds of the stuff total.
Okay, back to work with me. On deadline, as usual. Billy and I had a conversation last night that we’ve had at least ten times before. He wants me to take less editing work so I’ll have more time for writing, knitting, sleeping, breathing. I want that too, but having been so fiercely financially independent for so long, it’s a scary thought to consider actually working less and letting him pick up a bit of my slack. I’m lucky that he considers my novel not only as real work, but as the most important work I do, which it is… It’s just hard to decide to intentionally earn less, especially with all the house expenses right now. I guess I could start to take less work now, and if it’s just too scary or money gets too tight I could take on more work again. Sigh. I don’t know. I can’t believe I’m even discussing this here. Blogging’s a funny thing. You know, when I started this blog I was determined to talk only about knitting and spinning and nothing personal. Right.
My Louet’s gonna be spinnin’ away tonight too! I have so much of that turquoise/black to finish… Loads…
Posted by: Andrea
DO IT! Work less and fulfill your personal dreams. Life is short! Your personal work is very important. We need more people who follow there own dreams! I say this too because I am about to put a book proposal togather. I agrre with the guy who has good taste, both in women and in rings!
Posted by: Melly
Sorry about the typo!
Posted by: Melly
Cari, congratulations! That is one beautiful ring and a very cute proposal story.
Start by taking just one less project than you would otherwise. If that feels OK, cut back a little more. Now that you’ve got the ring — well…a goodwill gesture might be in order!
😉
Posted by: claudia
Ain’t it odd? When I started blogging, I never thought I’d post pics of the interior of my house! Now that’s gettin’ personal…. But that’s what makes us know each other, and that’s what I love aboutcha.
And can you get any cooler, please? I don’t think I remembered that you spun…. I’m bringing my drop spindle when I come east – that whole “plying” thing FREAKS me out. But I know you’ll help.
Good for B for knowing what your most important job is. That’s why you said yes.
Posted by: Rachael
You don’t have to tell me how scary it is to relinquish a little bit of the control, a little bit of your independence. But it’s also thrilling to be able to trust in someone and depend on that person, *especially* someone who believes in you and understands what your real work is. He’s a good man, that Billy.
Posted by: Em
to quote rachael, “can you get any cooler?”
i didn’t know you spin. a lovely louet you got there, lady!
Posted by: nakachi
The real question is, have you managed to find any time to sit down with your colander?
That’s tough about work/money/writing. Like you (surprisingly!), I’ve always been financially independent (hey, when I wasn’t working I got my own damn student loan!) and it’s important to me. If my Billy made that offer, it would be a tough choice. But why not take him up on it? The fact is that what you love and want to do the most isn’t a paying gig (until publication, of course, when the accolades and film options start pouring in…). You shouldn’t NOT do it just for that reason. Consider yourself lucky to be able to work less and write more. Many people don’t have the option. And like you say, you can always find more work again down the road if you want to.
Posted by: alison
Back from vacation and checking in on blogs….Congratulations! Your story sent chills! So-you have a great guy who wants you to let him take a little more of the burden for a time (not forever) so you can finish your book and still have time for yourself, oh and HIM of course. Do it slowly, and remember, life is long and full of give and take. You will be doing it in return, or practicing for when you are taking care of the kiddos. He sounds too perfect. Let somebody put you first for a change. It’s hard, but work on that book and then see if that doesn’t make up for it!
Posted by: Teresa C
My Louet’s gonna be spinnin’ away tonight too! I have so much of that turquoise/black to finish… Loads…
Posted by: Andrea
DO IT! Work less and fulfill your personal dreams. Life is short! Your personal work is very important. We need more people who follow there own dreams! I say this too because I am about to put a book proposal togather. I agrre with the guy who has good taste, both in women and in rings!
Posted by: Melly
Sorry about the typo!
Posted by: Melly
Cari, congratulations! That is one beautiful ring and a very cute proposal story.
Start by taking just one less project than you would otherwise. If that feels OK, cut back a little more. Now that you’ve got the ring — well…a goodwill gesture might be in order!
😉
Posted by: claudia
Ain’t it odd? When I started blogging, I never thought I’d post pics of the interior of my house! Now that’s gettin’ personal…. But that’s what makes us know each other, and that’s what I love aboutcha.
And can you get any cooler, please? I don’t think I remembered that you spun…. I’m bringing my drop spindle when I come east – that whole “plying” thing FREAKS me out. But I know you’ll help.
Good for B for knowing what your most important job is. That’s why you said yes.
Posted by: Rachael
You don’t have to tell me how scary it is to relinquish a little bit of the control, a little bit of your independence. But it’s also thrilling to be able to trust in someone and depend on that person, *especially* someone who believes in you and understands what your real work is. He’s a good man, that Billy.
Posted by: Em
to quote rachael, “can you get any cooler?”
i didn’t know you spin. a lovely louet you got there, lady!
Posted by: nakachi
The real question is, have you managed to find any time to sit down with your colander?
That’s tough about work/money/writing. Like you (surprisingly!), I’ve always been financially independent (hey, when I wasn’t working I got my own damn student loan!) and it’s important to me. If my Billy made that offer, it would be a tough choice. But why not take him up on it? The fact is that what you love and want to do the most isn’t a paying gig (until publication, of course, when the accolades and film options start pouring in…). You shouldn’t NOT do it just for that reason. Consider yourself lucky to be able to work less and write more. Many people don’t have the option. And like you say, you can always find more work again down the road if you want to.
Posted by: alison
Back from vacation and checking in on blogs….Congratulations! Your story sent chills! So-you have a great guy who wants you to let him take a little more of the burden for a time (not forever) so you can finish your book and still have time for yourself, oh and HIM of course. Do it slowly, and remember, life is long and full of give and take. You will be doing it in return, or practicing for when you are taking care of the kiddos. He sounds too perfect. Let somebody put you first for a change. It’s hard, but work on that book and then see if that doesn’t make up for it!
Posted by: Teresa C