Your writing always lands true for me, Martina. The way you describe telling moments, the moments you choose, the turns of phrase, the snatches of internal and external dialogue--it all just fits, weaving (should I say knitting?) a narrative that just works seamlessly, drawing me in from beginning to end. Sometimes I go back and read bits just for the pure pleasure of the craft and the story. Kudos!
It may surprise you to hear that hanging out with you has loosened me up, causing me to be more forthcoming with material I've kept to myself for a long time. So, thank you for being a reassuring presence in my world.
That's lovely to know, Martina! I have to confess though that "reassuring presence" took me right back to your essay and your long-ago boyfriend's sweater. And then I thought, Oh, I hope I'm not wool! Which made me chuckle. So thanks for all of that. :)
I enjoyed this read immensely. The story connecting sweater and scarf, comfort and hope, past and present was perfect for my spirit this Sunday morning.
Nice sweater and scarf. Here’s the thing (and I am not making this up), I am also allergic to wool. I had wool mittens that left my little girl hands looking close to raw meat. BUT my great grandmother had knitted them. They were precious and the only ones I had to protect from the brutal cold. I also had one (and only one) bathing suit given to me from one of my many great aunts. It was wool! I wanted to be in the water where my father helped me learn to swim. I put up with the discomfort as I loved the water and my father and summer. I never was in the water long (kindly) enough to turn into minced meat. Yes! Wool is something to treasure (sometimes) and (sort of) fear.
Thanks again for inspiring me to remember times past.
I didn’t know of any other kind. It was what I was given to wear when I went swimming. No Walmart or Target or even K-Mart. Maybe Sears but never saw a children’s section. 🥴
Your writing always lands true for me, Martina. The way you describe telling moments, the moments you choose, the turns of phrase, the snatches of internal and external dialogue--it all just fits, weaving (should I say knitting?) a narrative that just works seamlessly, drawing me in from beginning to end. Sometimes I go back and read bits just for the pure pleasure of the craft and the story. Kudos!
It may surprise you to hear that hanging out with you has loosened me up, causing me to be more forthcoming with material I've kept to myself for a long time. So, thank you for being a reassuring presence in my world.
That's lovely to know, Martina! I have to confess though that "reassuring presence" took me right back to your essay and your long-ago boyfriend's sweater. And then I thought, Oh, I hope I'm not wool! Which made me chuckle. So thanks for all of that. :)
I enjoyed this read immensely. The story connecting sweater and scarf, comfort and hope, past and present was perfect for my spirit this Sunday morning.
Happy to oblige.
Nice sweater and scarf. Here’s the thing (and I am not making this up), I am also allergic to wool. I had wool mittens that left my little girl hands looking close to raw meat. BUT my great grandmother had knitted them. They were precious and the only ones I had to protect from the brutal cold. I also had one (and only one) bathing suit given to me from one of my many great aunts. It was wool! I wanted to be in the water where my father helped me learn to swim. I put up with the discomfort as I loved the water and my father and summer. I never was in the water long (kindly) enough to turn into minced meat. Yes! Wool is something to treasure (sometimes) and (sort of) fear.
Thanks again for inspiring me to remember times past.
I should add -- wool bathing suit? What medieval torture device is this?
I didn’t know of any other kind. It was what I was given to wear when I went swimming. No Walmart or Target or even K-Mart. Maybe Sears but never saw a children’s section. 🥴
The things we put up with for love.