I’m so sorry for your loss; that pain never goes away entirely and you painted such a joyous picture of your daughter for all of us. I hope it helps to draw your readers in.
I share your fandom for Merry People boots. I’m currently deep into finishing a needlepoint Xmas stocking (I’m not early; I’m 6 mo late) but the idea is the washcloths - a mindless project for infront of something streaming? . I think I’m in
Hand knit washcloths are actually quite nice—for dishes, you can throw them in the machine, no funky sponges lingering around, and they offer so much more surface area for suds, and in the shower, they exfoliate without being scratchy. And some years, I start in summer when it’s too hot to lug a sweater around, and knit washcloths and coaster sets for gifts. That said, and no ding to Purl Soho, you can get so many free washcloth patterns on Ravelry and the Lily & Cream Cottons, available at any big box craft store, come in a *huge* variety of colors.
Oh, Ann. I always have tears in my eyes when I read your newsletter, whether it be from laughter or joy or grief. I've found myself in the same place, wondering what exactly I'm feeling and then looking at a calendar and seeing a date floating ahead of me. When it first happened, I was astonished, like you write, that my heart knew, but my mind did not. Thank you for sharing all of this.
I'm leaving for Portugal and Spain for 18 days with only a carryon! Sometimes I pack things like old leggings or tops that I leave there so my suitcase is open for things I might buy!!!!
I've lost more people I loved this year and I now look for things that glimmer in my life (like a red phone booth)....
I just finished reading "The Stolen Child" and really loved it! Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful writing. I always enjoy your (and Michael's) email missives--many good suggestions and ideas for what to watch, read and eat. Believe I have read everything you both have written...up to the Gilmore Girls book. Will now have to pick it up since my daughter and I were such fans of the show itself.
Loved everything about this newsletter, Ann. Since I was one of those who braved a Sunday 9:30 am session (who is up at that ungodly hour after all?) to see you and Ruhlman again—and so glad I did—I felt extra invested. Ah but then your sweet Gracie. I know that cellular memory of which you speak, that way my body has of knowing that this period from late March (Eric’s birthday) to mid June, when he died (a ridiculous 26 years for me this year). Then the knitting! The packing! Kindred spirits indeed. Happy you get to snuggle in at home for a bit. Spring WILL come (more a mantra than a belief, though today’s weather is a nice tease).
I love your monthly musings. I could’ve used your packing guidance for our eight day trip to Chicago via Amtrak. Similar weather! I ache for the loss you’ve had but marvel at your ability to see and remember with a joyful heart. A lesson for us all. Also, cats! I have a photo of Lady Catherine the Greyt looking at me from atop my suitcase with pure judgement 😾
Thank you for the packing guide; I know it comes from a real pro. But what about your coat? Is it the one you were touting as the best ever? And is it water-resistant?
I almost bought that washcloth kit as well. It’s so pretty but then I decided I don’t need hand knitted washcloths. Their marketing people are very good. My Substack co-author and I are planning to knit cats from Sarah Elizabeth Kellner‘s Victorian Housecats to Knit, if you feel like following along. I’m impressed that my friend Jen suggested it. She is a dog person. It’s a really cute knitting book.
Isn't it amazing how grief can just wash over so unexpectedly? Sending warm comforting thoughts to you. Maybe a lovely shawl would be the perfect knit. I am knitting my second Stephen West Boneyard shawl. free pattern on ravelry, fairly mindless and so cozy. A perfect comfort knit that is also a comfort to wear.
I hope to see you (and Micheal) at Bank Square Books soon.
I"m still working on making pot holders from leftover baby blanket yarn.
Hopefully we're traveling to Germany in Dec for Christmas markets. We like to travel light and my plan is to take a carry on each with a backpack each. We don't mind wearing things twice. Maybe we'll check a bag on the way home to make room for the market mugs etc to put in our carry on heading home.
I’m so sorry for your loss; that pain never goes away entirely and you painted such a joyous picture of your daughter for all of us. I hope it helps to draw your readers in.
I share your fandom for Merry People boots. I’m currently deep into finishing a needlepoint Xmas stocking (I’m not early; I’m 6 mo late) but the idea is the washcloths - a mindless project for infront of something streaming? . I think I’m in
I might actually knit them after all…
Try the Giverny cowl pattern and kit from Purl Soho- a perfect in-between project.
I will check that out!
love this!! you are so thoughtful & creative!!!!❤️🌷🌷🌷🌷
Hand knit washcloths are actually quite nice—for dishes, you can throw them in the machine, no funky sponges lingering around, and they offer so much more surface area for suds, and in the shower, they exfoliate without being scratchy. And some years, I start in summer when it’s too hot to lug a sweater around, and knit washcloths and coaster sets for gifts. That said, and no ding to Purl Soho, you can get so many free washcloth patterns on Ravelry and the Lily & Cream Cottons, available at any big box craft store, come in a *huge* variety of colors.
Oh, yes, I knitGrandma’s dishrags often, a free pattern, and use that same cotton yarn. These just looked whimsical, and fun.
Oh, Ann. I always have tears in my eyes when I read your newsletter, whether it be from laughter or joy or grief. I've found myself in the same place, wondering what exactly I'm feeling and then looking at a calendar and seeing a date floating ahead of me. When it first happened, I was astonished, like you write, that my heart knew, but my mind did not. Thank you for sharing all of this.
Thank you for reading, Kim!
Love this!
I'm leaving for Portugal and Spain for 18 days with only a carryon! Sometimes I pack things like old leggings or tops that I leave there so my suitcase is open for things I might buy!!!!
I've lost more people I loved this year and I now look for things that glimmer in my life (like a red phone booth)....
Surely you will find glimmers in Spain and Portugal!
Yes!!! I will, I'm sure!!!
❤️ I love ya, Ann Hood. Big hugs!
I just finished reading "The Stolen Child" and really loved it! Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful writing. I always enjoy your (and Michael's) email missives--many good suggestions and ideas for what to watch, read and eat. Believe I have read everything you both have written...up to the Gilmore Girls book. Will now have to pick it up since my daughter and I were such fans of the show itself.
Thank you, Cynthia!
Loved everything about this newsletter, Ann. Since I was one of those who braved a Sunday 9:30 am session (who is up at that ungodly hour after all?) to see you and Ruhlman again—and so glad I did—I felt extra invested. Ah but then your sweet Gracie. I know that cellular memory of which you speak, that way my body has of knowing that this period from late March (Eric’s birthday) to mid June, when he died (a ridiculous 26 years for me this year). Then the knitting! The packing! Kindred spirits indeed. Happy you get to snuggle in at home for a bit. Spring WILL come (more a mantra than a belief, though today’s weather is a nice tease).
I know you understand, Casey.
You are a trooper to come to such an early event!
Wouldn’t have missed it or you!
I love your monthly musings. I could’ve used your packing guidance for our eight day trip to Chicago via Amtrak. Similar weather! I ache for the loss you’ve had but marvel at your ability to see and remember with a joyful heart. A lesson for us all. Also, cats! I have a photo of Lady Catherine the Greyt looking at me from atop my suitcase with pure judgement 😾
Ha! They can indeed be judgey!
Thank you for the packing guide; I know it comes from a real pro. But what about your coat? Is it the one you were touting as the best ever? And is it water-resistant?
I brought my wonderful, water resistant raincoat, Irene. And wore it every day!
I almost bought that washcloth kit as well. It’s so pretty but then I decided I don’t need hand knitted washcloths. Their marketing people are very good. My Substack co-author and I are planning to knit cats from Sarah Elizabeth Kellner‘s Victorian Housecats to Knit, if you feel like following along. I’m impressed that my friend Jen suggested it. She is a dog person. It’s a really cute knitting book.
I will take a look at that book!
It’s adorable.
I’m embracing my cat ladyhood!
Now remind me of what that coat was.
https://stutterheim.com/en-us/women/mosebacke-lightweight-zip-matte-metal-raincoat
❤️❤️❤️
Hi Ann
Isn't it amazing how grief can just wash over so unexpectedly? Sending warm comforting thoughts to you. Maybe a lovely shawl would be the perfect knit. I am knitting my second Stephen West Boneyard shawl. free pattern on ravelry, fairly mindless and so cozy. A perfect comfort knit that is also a comfort to wear.
I hope to see you (and Micheal) at Bank Square Books soon.
I"m still working on making pot holders from leftover baby blanket yarn.
Hopefully we're traveling to Germany in Dec for Christmas markets. We like to travel light and my plan is to take a carry on each with a backpack each. We don't mind wearing things twice. Maybe we'll check a bag on the way home to make room for the market mugs etc to put in our carry on heading home.