Close Friends That You Can Call

I've been reading a book called Boundaries, by Dr. Henry Cloud. In it, he mentions that you should have at least six people that you can call if you need to talk. That way, if one person is busy, you have other friends or family members who will support you.

I thought about how true this is. Many people are feeling isolated due to social media. I made a few phone calls to close friends. I had a long, laughter filled conversation with a woman I did 42nd Street in Europe with; it was so good to catch up with her. She told me that she had been thinking about me all week. Those connections are so important to our mental health. We need to communicate with people who are on our same wavelength.  It's healing for our hearts and souls.

I left a message for another old friend from the same show. We usually talk now and then on Sunday afternoons. I always look forward to our conversations. Just hearing his voice puts a smile on my face. Close friends are treasures. I met both of these dancers almost thirty years ago. They are both so kind and compassionate.

I spent a lot of time today finishing up my blue Carbeth sweater. I completed the ribbing on the turtleneck and bound off loosely. I weaved in some of the ends, and grafted together the stitches underneath one of the arms. I will do the rest of it tomorrow. Working through the final touches on a hand knit sweater always takes me twice as long as I think it will.

 It's really a gorgeous design; I'm so excited to wear it. It looks completely different than anything else I own, because of the Icelandic wool. I absolutely love the vibrant blue color!

Here are some more photos from my trip to Ojai. I went back up the next day and attended a fabulous knitting group. I signed up for a sweater class that uses an interesting method of shaping the shoulders with German short rows. I bought the yarn and got started on the back. With this cold weather we've been having I have been getting daily use out of my hand knit sweaters. I rarely buy yarn, but this time I made an exception. I am so excited about taking a class again. I have always loved being a student. I get such a charge from the joy of learning.  I felt very comfortable with this group of knitters. Most of them live in Ojai or Santa Barbara. They are artistic, trained, and talented.  The vibe of that area really pulls me... like a magnet.

I also signed up for a writing course with Rhonda Hetzel. I took her blogging course on Skype and really enjoyed it. I did the homework today and emailed her  my questions and writing sample. Phew! There is a lot to look forward to with these classes and teachers.  How are you doing?