Knitting...and the point of massage...

I've been busy on the knitting front. I've finally finished my first pair of Norwegian mittens. I had never read this type of pattern before and unfortunately, this particular pattern wasn’t ideal for a beginner. It was very intuitive in that you had to just know when to start decreasing for the top of the mitt (chart didn’t show when decreases began), and the instructions themselves weren’t totally clear. Now that I’ve finished two mitts (second much better than the first), I understand how this is written. Still, I think there are other free patterns with clearer charts and more detailed instructions.

That said, in spite of all the little mistakes, I love these mittens. I wore them for a week or so, but they are a little big. So I've decided they're a good set of man-sized mittens, and I will put them on the mitten tree at church to be given to all in need. They'll keep a man's hands warm through the holidays.

This picture will remind me of my first foray (and certainly not last) into serious stranded colorwork.

Next, I used my prized skein of Noro Iro for a new winter hat for myself. (The old hat will again go on the mitten tree). It's called "Thick and Quick Slouchy Beret," but they should add "One Day" to the name because that's how long it took me to make it! This hat features a folded hem, made by knitting the current stitch with its corresponding cast-on stitch about three rows early. It makes a nice soft edge, and no sewing necessary--very clever!

Thanksgiving is over. Now the Christmas season begins and now more than ever, we remember to give to others.

Tomorrow I head to the spa to give massages to all the holiday clients. It's funny that the holidays are always such popular times to get massages. Part of it is that's when people take holidays from work, so they have the time. Yet, they still treat massage like a luxury, and not a necessity. Why do people think they're not worth the self-maintenance that they require? Why do people put their own well-being on the back burner?

I suppose it's part of the work ethic: Get the job done first. Or maybe it's a moral issue: We are selfish beings, so we need to take care of others before we take care of ourselves...but I challenge this train of thought!

Take care of yourself first...so you then may take care of others!

Now that's the spirit!