Monday, July 30, 2007

I knit

Therefore I am.

I have been knitting for just over three years. It has changed my life. I learned how to knit at the Knit Out in Washington DC and started knitting when Bill became ill. I picked up the needles and never put them down. I walked into the Yarn Barn and started a stash and a friendship, both of which continue to grow. I knitted while waiting for the doctors, for the tests, for the test results. I knitted as I learned there was no cure for Bill's dementia, that they didn't know exactly what it was, that they didn't know what caused it, and that they didn't know how to treat it. I knitted as I learned his brain was dying, but I didn't know why, nor how long it would take, nor how fast.

I knitted scarves. I knitted socks. And vests. And sweaters. For me, for him, for friends. I knitted.

Knitting brought me joy, solace, peace. Knitting brought me comfort and peace. Knitting kept me sane.

For three years I knitted as I tended to a dying husband. Until finally he was ready to go. His tired brain had had enough.

I put down my needles.

I told him it was okay for him to go. I told him I would be okay. I told him not to worry. I told him I would carry on.

I told him I would knit on.

I knit; therefore, I am.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Bill

My sweet William


William Henry Schauer

December 28, 1943 - July 5, 2007

Good Night, my love. Sleep tight.

Godspeed, my love, till you are mine again.




Monday, July 09, 2007

My Two Homes

A tale of two countries. Mine.


Last week the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC hosted the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall. The festival showcases cultures around the world and the U.S. This year three cultures were selected: Northern Ireland, cultural roots of Virginia and life on the lower Mekong River. The Virginia celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement. The Mekong River portion features life and culture of the people of the countries along the lower Mekong River: China's Yunan province, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and my native Thailand.


Isn't that a great coincidence? My hometown of Thailand and my adopted state of Virginia were celebrated at the same time! Two totally different cultures from the opposite side of the globe merged into one on the National Mall. I am so proud.


Here are some pictures from the festival. First Virginia.


This is a replica of the John Smith boat. Where is Pocahonthas?






Carving a mortar from wood..







And one from clay..






An early settler showing you how to make a wooden tomahawk.





And the essential whiskey barrel.






A native American dancing.



And an all-American quilt.



Now on to the Mekong River.








String musical instruments from northeastern Thailand.




Yunan people weaving.


And weaving from Cambodia.


A loom from Thailand.


And a close-up of the woven silk.



My two homes. I am so proud to be a part of both.