Feb 22, 2012

Yarn Along #2

I'm taking part in Ginny's Yarn Along.

While celebrating Christmas with my family, my sisters were surprised when I didn't give them any hand-knitted gifts.  I made them each liquid soap instead and while they loved the soap, they were clearly disappointed that I hadn't knitted anything for them. I was surprised. I knew that they admired my knitting, but I thought that they weren't particularly impressed or interested in my hand knits. Not wanting to disappoint, I happily gave Kathy a recently finished Moebius cowl, but I didn't have another to gift to Esther.  A few weeks into the new year, I told her that I would knit her whatever she wanted and she asked for a pair of black fingerless mitts.  I'm ashamed to say that it took me a while to cast on, but I finally did and spent last week knitting a variation of these.  They're a bit on the narrow side (we sisters have long, slim hands) so I'd like to knit her another pair but, for now, she's happy.



I started a new non-fiction book called Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. On a recent drive to work one morning, I heard the author interviewed on NPR and was instantly fascinated by the thesis of her book. I've always known that I'm an introvert but typically that label has connoted a person who is shy, anti-social, and possibly even timid. But I've also always known that I'm fairly out-going, friendly, and not the least bit timid. 

In Quiet, Cain attempts to define who an introvert is:  she is someone who thinks before acting, who prefers the company of a few close friends rather than a large cocktail party, and at the end of the day, prefers to sit quietly with a good book.  For me, a quiet evening is not only a preference but a need. In my work, I engage with people all day long and it's wonderful. I'm energized by it, challenged by it, and grateful to know so many interesting people.  But once I leave campus and get into my car for my drive home, I revel in the thought of several hours in the company of my family, eating a home-cooked meal, reading my book, or catching up with my favorite shows.  This is the way I both relax and rejuvenate.  

I'm only about 1/4 of the way into the book, but already I'm hooked.  With so many people of influence in our society today who are larger than life, I'm so happy to be reading about the other side of this crazy celebrity-obsessed world we live in.  Remember, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Frederic Chopin (to name only a few) were introverts.  I like that company!

15 comments:

  1. That sounds like an excellent book that I might have to give a try. You are also such a nice knitter for giving your family so many pretty knits. I'm sure that those projects are always treasured.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That book sounds really interesting! I'll have to see if my local library has it. I'm definitely an introvert- I need some peace and quiet every single day just to function.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a sweet sister you are! I have not given anyone but my sons and grandgirls hand knit stuff,but both my mom and sister saw my fingerless gloves this past weekend and quickly exclaimed they would love a pair--with mom even adding in that she likes black! So, I think this coming year there will be Christmas knitting in my future!
    Your book sounds quite interesting--and I must say that I am like you. After my day at work, dealing with the public, I am always so relieved to step into my house at the end of the day--even though folks tend to label me a "people person", I do have my limits!
    *smiles and happy day*

    ReplyDelete
  4. That book sounds great. I once read "The Loner's Manifesto" and have never forgotten the author explaining that introverts have "tiny social batteries that need to be recharged much more often than extroverts." Somehow that makes sense to me. Haha.

    ReplyDelete
  5. How sweet your sistas were missing your knits! You are brave to knit w/black; it can be hard to see when dusk comes.
    I admire you for reading such intellectual reads.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You're such a nice sister! That book sounds interesting, maybe I'll give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an interesting sounding book. I must see if I can get a copy of it from our library :) Happy knitting.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I had to giggle in recognition when I read your observation that your family were disappointed. It's funny how that happens. Makes you feel good though! The introvert thing is interesting. I'm extremely introverted - perhaps knitting is something that draws us introverts in as it's the perfect activity for our minds.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely gloves, I hope your sister appreciates them and wears them all the time!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That book does sound good and I think I may be a sociable but introvert at heart!
    Your knitting is wonderful and I agree your sisters are lucky.
    I can't wait to see what you do (and read) next.

    ReplyDelete
  11. You're so nice :-) It's so great that your sisters appreciate your work enough to want to have some of your pieces. Definitely makes it more satisfying to knit for them! I agree that the book you're reading sounds very interesting; may have to pick it up!

    ReplyDelete
  12. That book sounds interesting, I think it describes my sister quite well!

    My husband looked crestfallen when there was no knitting for him this year even though he specified some months ago that I shouldn't make anything for him as he wouldn't wear it. I ended up making him a cowl (also black, by his choice) in the new year in time for his birthday *tut* (I hate knitting black!)

    I'm sure your sister will appreciate your knitting for her.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oooh, the book sounds fascinating. I'm an introvert, too, and also have a job where I deal with people ALL DAY. Must.Have.Quiet.Time. at night!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I heard that interview and thought, ok I 'll go with this new definition, because it does describe me! I'm glad you are enjoying it. I must order it from our library!
    I love the description of your burger and hike day. We too are surrounded by beautiful walks, but I have been so captivated by my knitting this year that I am reluctant to venture out. You have inspired me.
    Not familiar with the Yarn Along, off to read up on it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm sure your sis will love her mitts! Knitting for others is tough. I'm always so pleased when they ask me to knit them something rather than me trying to guess what they might like, myself.

    ReplyDelete