"We are all wanderers on this earth...our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams." ~ Gypsy proverb

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Yarn Along ~ The Why of It (part 2)


Joining Ginny over at Small Things for Yarn Along:
"~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ... ~"

My apron is coming along nicely.  It's cute little pattern with a simple K4 Sl1 on one side, and Purl on the other creates subtle vertical pleats along the front of the apron.  As I continue to learn to knit, my respect for this craft continues to grow.  It is simple, yet intricate, repetitive yet demands attention to detail, and soon I am finding that my emotional investment in a piece gets woven in between as well.  I think I am beginning to love it :).

Last week I started reading The Why Cafe' by John Strelecky.  I finished it and to give you a brief summary, here are the three main questions the book explores: "Why are you here?", "Do you fear death", "Are you fulfilled?".

This book is very short, but does a fairly good job of getting to the point in encouraging people to find their PFE: purpose for existing.  It's a another way of saying find what you love to do and devote your life to that purpose.  It also explores why people might fear death, suggesting that it's because most people spend their lives doing things they think they have to (essentially to make money), not what they love to do.  That lack of fulfillment creates fear that there won't be time for the things they love before they die.  The book goes on to say that if we know our purpose, do what we love and feel fulfilled, then there is no fear that there is never enough.  Death becomes accepted as the next part to play, not something to be feared. 

Hmmm, my own PFE? I think for now it's to be the mom my kids need me to be, and the wife my hubs needs me to be, all the while sprinkling fun, enjoyment, and discovery as much as I can.  How I evolve from here, we'll just have to see.  I don't believe I fear death, but how can I know for sure really until I'm staring at it head on?  I do know there is much I would like to do before that happens, and maybe that is the point.  Am I at least doing the things, or working on the things I want to do, before I die?  Well, let's just say, for right now, I am enjoying writing, knitting, and Yarn Along's with you all :).  Follow the joy, that might be a good plan, yes?  And you?

12 comments:

  1. Oh MJ, I love the apron with the pleats!
    Sounds like an interesting book. I do not fear death, I just pray that it isn't until all of my children are raised, that has always been one of my fears.
    Warmly,
    Tracey

    ReplyDelete
  2. MJ, thank you for stopping by, I'm slowly getting to each blog inbetween lunch, laundry and tidying!!! That book sounds fantastic, and your apron is really lovely: this year I am going to learn to knit!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so pleased you are beginning to enjoy knitting. That looks fantastic, can't wait to see the finished item.

    ReplyDelete
  4. the book you read last week sounds very interesting. and your apron looks very cute!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am so interested to see the finished product! Again, I just LOVE that colorway!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your apron looks very sweet indeed!!
    Thanks for the book review - I was curious to hear what you thought of it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. That apron is very clever. I can't wait to see the finished product! x

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the way the apron looks fresh and springlike!

    ReplyDelete
  9. gorgeous knitting, I'm guessing its not a kitchen apron though, must be to go over a dress, too pretty.
    That book sounds very interesting, I stopped being scared of dying when I read Conversations with God, it was life changing. In becoming a mother I feel like I've found my PFE, I think my husband would be happier if he could find his, but so much of it for them is tied up in what they do for work.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the colours in your apron MJ. Can't wait to see how it looks. I do believe you are hooked on knitting. I resisted it for many years, but once I surrendered to it, I loved it. Now I have too many things in my 'to knit' list, not enough hours. I think that can be said for many! The book sounds interesting. Jacinta

    ReplyDelete
  11. The apron is wonderful! Is the pattern one you can link to? Also, is the yarn plain kitchen cotton? I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ah following the joy HAS to be a good plan, right? I think that is where I am headed too...

    The apron looks great and isn't knitting wonderful? How much of you gets knit right into the fabric. There is little that I love more...

    ReplyDelete

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
~ George Bernard Shaw