Years ago, when someone said something that was negative either to me or my friends, one of us would say, "Consider the source." the only comments of value are from trusted friends and family. BTW, your posts are terrific!
Personally, Ann, I think indifference is much worse than negative criticism. I once heard from a dancer that Jerome Robbins used to gleefully ask people about his work “What'd you hate?” And when Andre Gregory came over to our place for dinner, my husband told him he'd seen a Wallace Shawn play he'd directed. Andre laughed and said “Was that the night people walked out on it?” My husband nodded and said “And I was one of them.” Andre roared. We've been friends since. When I was first starting out as a writer my father read something of mine and wrote me, “Give it up. And by the way, I would have said the same thing to Tolstoy.” I roasted my father at a law firm tribute and told that story. He gave me a standing ovation. It's much worse to be politely ignored than to be lambasted.
I appreciate this but don’t agree. However it does remind me of something the poet Liam Rector told me many years ago: “The opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s indifference.”
Well, I do enjoy your Substack, including the knitting and the cats. And when it comes to cats, I can't have one because I'm hideously allergic to them. But every cat I meet loves me and no matter how much I try to politely avoid them they pursue me. I've been told by cat owners that they love overcoming aloofness. Which maybe they see as indifference. Ok, gotta go write a mean letter to our local government.
I don’t knit but I devour your monthly posts start to finish. After many great reviews of my first published novel, someone posted a negative, one star. I was crushed. My sweet hubby pulled up the reviews of one of my favorite authors and showed me that she had more than several one star reviews. It was freeing and a great reminder that people just can’t help themselves. Most of us write because we can’t help ourselves. I look forward to reading about Spain and your further adventures in knitting! Where would we be without our daughters? My Hannah is my constant craft consultant. Safe travels! I’m living vicariously! ✌🏼
I love your newsletter. My girlfriends @lorijulia first introduced me to your writing with the flight attendant book and i heard you speak on their radio show. Now i need to go to Ireland. I love your travels and while i dont knit it doesnt matter. ❤️
I love your newsletter and someday I will learn to knit! I'm in the triage phase of life right now - what do I have to do? Do that first, with writing time in and around it. No time to knit yet (or for the mountain of art supplies that I already have). The cowl is beautiful but permission to keep it enjoyable and not a new source of onerousness is probably even better. Someday...
I can't knit, don't like the way I look in bulky knits; can write but not the way you do ... at almost 80, I envy your delight in life and color and travel and experimentation and adventure. You do you, Ann!
Ann, I enjoy every part of your newsletter, as it’s given me a chance to get to know you better. We actually met briefly at a Bay Path seminar in Dingle several years ago and I was so intimidated by your writing ability that I didn’t give myself the chance to interact with you one on one. My loss. You are a real person and you graciously share your many gifts in your newsletter. We all need thick skin for the naysayers!
The instructions for the cowl are wrong. I also frogged a bit. You need to reduce every fourth group of purl stitches. So K1 P1 purl 2 together, K1 P3 three times. Repeat the sequence and you will reduce four stitches and end up with 60 stitches. It took me a few minutes to figure it out. But Annabelle is right (as always!). It doesn’t make a huge difference. I had JUST enough for a second cowl so Peggy Moss is getting a present. The Guggenheim at Bilbao is beautiful. I went years ago when there was a giant Jeff Koons dog made out of flowers in front. I have a picture somewhere. And San Sebastian is beautiful and foodie paradise. Some really outstanding restaurants.
I’m not sure if it was wrong or just not clearly written but something didn’t add up. Otherwise, I love it and most of the pattern was pretty easy to follow.
I’m about to start knitting a cat. I actually planned this project a while ago, but I’m channeling my kitty grief into a ball of alpaca. My writing partner is knitting along in solidarity on the West Coast.
Keep on writing about knitting! About whatever you want! (I know you'd say that to me as well.)
I just got back from a trip to my hometown and found some amazing old photos and documents that my aunt left me and my cousin. I found out that my Irish side of the family is from Wexford and Kilkenny! When I finally make it there, I'll have to include Donegal for sure. That is my idea of good time, Ann!
Travel is “time to think and dream and immerse myself in new experiences.” Yes, Ann, I agree and I’m inspired you chose pen and pad in place of technology. Your photos are beautiful and just the trip I’d plan with delicious food, wine, coffee, and adventures. Thank you for sharing your travels.
I’m glad you made it there! Your pictures and description of the trip is beautiful! I had the same experience… when I was in 6th grade, I learned about the Coliseum and I knew I wanted to see it. I finally made it last year… probably over 40 years later.
Years ago, when someone said something that was negative either to me or my friends, one of us would say, "Consider the source." the only comments of value are from trusted friends and family. BTW, your posts are terrific!
I love that! And thank you!
Personally, Ann, I think indifference is much worse than negative criticism. I once heard from a dancer that Jerome Robbins used to gleefully ask people about his work “What'd you hate?” And when Andre Gregory came over to our place for dinner, my husband told him he'd seen a Wallace Shawn play he'd directed. Andre laughed and said “Was that the night people walked out on it?” My husband nodded and said “And I was one of them.” Andre roared. We've been friends since. When I was first starting out as a writer my father read something of mine and wrote me, “Give it up. And by the way, I would have said the same thing to Tolstoy.” I roasted my father at a law firm tribute and told that story. He gave me a standing ovation. It's much worse to be politely ignored than to be lambasted.
I appreciate this but don’t agree. However it does remind me of something the poet Liam Rector told me many years ago: “The opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s indifference.”
And I appreciate it that you don't agree. May your day be filled with rave reviews!
It’s an interesting thing to ponder. I don’t think we—or I—need rave reviews as much as general kindness toward each other. At least, I’ll take that!
Well, I do enjoy your Substack, including the knitting and the cats. And when it comes to cats, I can't have one because I'm hideously allergic to them. But every cat I meet loves me and no matter how much I try to politely avoid them they pursue me. I've been told by cat owners that they love overcoming aloofness. Which maybe they see as indifference. Ok, gotta go write a mean letter to our local government.
I read every word and when your name appears in my inbox I clear the decks so I can enjoy every breath. Thank you. 🙏🏼
Thank you!
I don’t knit but I devour your monthly posts start to finish. After many great reviews of my first published novel, someone posted a negative, one star. I was crushed. My sweet hubby pulled up the reviews of one of my favorite authors and showed me that she had more than several one star reviews. It was freeing and a great reminder that people just can’t help themselves. Most of us write because we can’t help ourselves. I look forward to reading about Spain and your further adventures in knitting! Where would we be without our daughters? My Hannah is my constant craft consultant. Safe travels! I’m living vicariously! ✌🏼
A good reminder, Cheryl. Thank you.
Take the sweet, sublime comments. Throw all others directly over your left shoulder!!!😎♥️
I love your newsletter. My girlfriends @lorijulia first introduced me to your writing with the flight attendant book and i heard you speak on their radio show. Now i need to go to Ireland. I love your travels and while i dont knit it doesnt matter. ❤️
I love your newsletter and someday I will learn to knit! I'm in the triage phase of life right now - what do I have to do? Do that first, with writing time in and around it. No time to knit yet (or for the mountain of art supplies that I already have). The cowl is beautiful but permission to keep it enjoyable and not a new source of onerousness is probably even better. Someday...
You’ll get there, Marla!
I can't knit, don't like the way I look in bulky knits; can write but not the way you do ... at almost 80, I envy your delight in life and color and travel and experimentation and adventure. You do you, Ann!
Ann, I enjoy every part of your newsletter, as it’s given me a chance to get to know you better. We actually met briefly at a Bay Path seminar in Dingle several years ago and I was so intimidated by your writing ability that I didn’t give myself the chance to interact with you one on one. My loss. You are a real person and you graciously share your many gifts in your newsletter. We all need thick skin for the naysayers!
Oh Linda! I wish we had interacted! Next time…
I got lost in Bilbao a couple of years ago and wandered and wandered. Was heading back to my hotel from the Guggenheim. Loved it.
The instructions for the cowl are wrong. I also frogged a bit. You need to reduce every fourth group of purl stitches. So K1 P1 purl 2 together, K1 P3 three times. Repeat the sequence and you will reduce four stitches and end up with 60 stitches. It took me a few minutes to figure it out. But Annabelle is right (as always!). It doesn’t make a huge difference. I had JUST enough for a second cowl so Peggy Moss is getting a present. The Guggenheim at Bilbao is beautiful. I went years ago when there was a giant Jeff Koons dog made out of flowers in front. I have a picture somewhere. And San Sebastian is beautiful and foodie paradise. Some really outstanding restaurants.
This makes me so happy. There ARE mistakes in knitting instructions! Blessings on all who can figure them out.
I’m not sure if it was wrong or just not clearly written but something didn’t add up. Otherwise, I love it and most of the pattern was pretty easy to follow.
It’s gorgeous! Almost finished so pictures coming soon.
I’m about to start knitting a cat. I actually planned this project a while ago, but I’m channeling my kitty grief into a ball of alpaca. My writing partner is knitting along in solidarity on the West Coast.
Thank you, Ellen! I thought I was losing my mind!
It wasn’t adding up, so I ripped it out and recounted.
You and Michael lead the best life! I love following your adventures.
Keep on writing about knitting! About whatever you want! (I know you'd say that to me as well.)
I just got back from a trip to my hometown and found some amazing old photos and documents that my aunt left me and my cousin. I found out that my Irish side of the family is from Wexford and Kilkenny! When I finally make it there, I'll have to include Donegal for sure. That is my idea of good time, Ann!
Yes, I would!
Now Donegal is on my list! We were there on our honeymoon in 1980 but it’s a blur. As usual, your travel notes will be shamelessly followed!
We are going back next year!
What a great post. Thank you!
Thank you!
Travel is “time to think and dream and immerse myself in new experiences.” Yes, Ann, I agree and I’m inspired you chose pen and pad in place of technology. Your photos are beautiful and just the trip I’d plan with delicious food, wine, coffee, and adventures. Thank you for sharing your travels.
I’m glad you made it there! Your pictures and description of the trip is beautiful! I had the same experience… when I was in 6th grade, I learned about the Coliseum and I knew I wanted to see it. I finally made it last year… probably over 40 years later.
I’m glad you made it at last!