"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences." --Eleanor Roosevelt
The other day I finished knitting this red tea cozy. I used this tea cozy pattern from the Sugar'n Cream site. The small size cozy fits my tea-for-me teapot beautifully. A fun, easy knit, and great for using up some leftover yarn! I crocheted a simple loop for the top, but may go back later and top it with a knit or crocheted flower for some extra jazz! (I've added this finished project to my Ravelry page--see link in sidebar.) The cloth the teapot & mug are resting on, is a decorated tea towel I made with some leftover of fabrics from those I've used to make a new curtain for our kitchen. Still thinking of red touches for our kitchen sprucing-up, and the red knit tea cozy gives me more ideas & inspiration for red accessories. This weekend we make a start on our kitchen project and over the next two or three weekends hope to get it all finished before Easter. First, new flooring...
But back to knitting a moment... or rather purling. Purl. Pink Purl. My blog seems to be having something of an identity crisis in recent months, as not much knitting actually appears here lately! I do knit. During the past year knitting has been mostly simple, quick, satisfying projects easily done while watching a film at the weekend, or while listening to a program on the radio, etc. I love knitting a lot. And I'm crazy about fiber. Pink Purl was a screen name I used at a craft forum many years ago, long before I even read a blog or knew much about blogging. The name stuck when I needed to choose a name once I was brave enough to try blogging myself. But I do so much more than just knitting now.
This summer will mark five years since I began blogging. Five years, that's a good chunk of time. And when I started, I certainly couldn't have imagined how far all of this would take me, or how long. Or how much I've grown as a person, how much I've grown as an artist. Nor how many friends all over the world I'd make! For some time now topics shared here are much more diverse than those I started out with. During the past two years especially, I feel that this space has really evolved into a reflection of my soul. I know some current topics may not appeal to everyone. As my inner, as well as outer life expands though, so does this space.
As I approach my fifth blogiversary, I cannot help but wonder if it is time to create a new space, a new blog, a new name, one that is more reflective of where I am at now... that maybe Pink Purl has reached her best-before-date? But I do have lots of ideas for topics and things to share, so no shortage of that! ;o) A new art & life blog, I have been musing on this. And I wouldn't abandon blogging, I love it too much! I am very open to change. I know many people aren't though, or are slow to warm to change. I know that if I make a lot of changes, many friends, friends of this blog and regular readers might not stick around or follow me to a new blog. It is on my mind, for who ever wishes to lose friends? But sometimes one does have to take a risk, to try, to go deeper, in order to be willing to grow, to explore & discover new ideas, let new blessings flow. Just some thoughts brewing currently...
While on this topic of blogging, I feel I should let you know that during the next few weeks I may be posting a bit less, or more rightly, creating shorter posts--more photos, fewer words. As some of you know already, I've had recurring difficulties with tendonitis. I have it in my hands & wrists. And now it seems to be migrating up my arms, some "tennis elbow" or rather, "computer elbow, shoulders & back" is irritating. The pain is pretty bad at the moment. Basically clocking in too much time at the computer for various things, photo editing, and too much crafting even. So I need to take it a bit easier, and find new ways of continuing to do what I love, and what I need to do. I know you all understand, but wanted to let you know. So I will be here, and I will be around! ;o)
What are your thoughts right now? What are you planning? Any changes on your horizon? What do you want to do, or dream to do?
And is anyone still reading?! Bless you if you are... LOL! And thanks for listening. I will catch up with you more soon. First, the old kitchen floor will be ripped up, and a new one in its place--very exciting! Happy weekend to you all!
With Love,
Of course I love your tea cozy. Love red accents in the kitchen. I have red accents too. I should get that cozy pattern for the knitter in my family, my daughter, with a hint for red.
I did read your whole post. Good luck with the kitchen remodel and healing of the tendonitis. My back has been bothering me lately and I think it is also too much computer time.
I like your Pink Purl, as I think of all the thought that come your way as you knit one, purl one. But if you moved I would move along with you. I am all for change too sometimes. Take care!
Posted by: Marilyn | April 01, 2011 at 12:02 PM
5 years of blogging !!! Wow! I am impressed! I plod along with irregular posting & even more irregular visits to other blogs. I understand about your pain. Seems like pain, creating & sewing seems to go together :( .
Happy days & warm wishes from Dubai !
Posted by: Xue | April 01, 2011 at 12:23 PM
I like that tea cosy. Yes I am still reading. Your blog is one of the first ones I discovered, then I lost track and found you again, I have been visiting since. I love it here. Blogs like life do evolve, it is interesting to share the journey with bloggers. If you change sites I will join you. And wow five years of blogging, super. Have a good weekend. Cheers
Posted by: P.K. | April 01, 2011 at 02:43 PM
Five years already! Time flies when you are knitting, crafting, and nosing about with your camera :-) I hope you'll take all the rest you need to keep your tendinitis from worsening -- but I wish there were something that would actually solve it for you. Anyway, enjoy your kitchen (and blog???) renovations! That's the kind of change I like.
Posted by: nikkipolani | April 01, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Yes Tracy I'm still reading and will continue to do so wherever you go. I feel for your hands and arms and I hope they get much better. Less-computer time is a great therapy :) Sometimes I wish I don't have to spend so much time working on a pc but instead do real manual work. Happy weekend!
Posted by: clara | April 01, 2011 at 03:29 PM
5 years is a long time! and i am sorry to hear about your tendonitis.
as for changes in the horizon ... there are some big changes that i want to make, but i am not sure if i have the courage to do so. so right now, i have a lot of thinking to do.
Posted by: kamana | April 01, 2011 at 04:04 PM
ouch hope the tendonitis clears up soon, perhaps some tea in that gorgeous tea cosy as a bloggiversary celebration will help it feel better, take care xxx
Posted by: driftwood | April 01, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Sorry to hear that the tendonitis is traveling it's way up your arm...that is so debilitating!!
5 years is a long journey and one that has held many experiences for you and you have traveled from being "just" about your knitting (and purling!). As P.K. said, blogs evolve and take on their own shape. And we evolve as well. Heaven knows I've had a number of incarnations blog-wise since I started in 2007 and I see each blog as "where I am" in my life. I know you will do what feels right for you.
As for tea time and your cozy -- it's so cute and red accessories are just so much fun!
Posted by: Sherry Smyth | April 01, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Lol~ we brilliant minds think alike as you know since you just read my post ;) You've expressed some of what has been bouncing around in my brain since last night.
For me, I think of Pink Purl as 'you'. The fact that you post about much more than knitting isn't significant to me. If all you wrote about was knitting, well, I'd enjoy it, but other readers might be bored after a bit. I like your blog name just fine :)
Posted by: Willow | April 01, 2011 at 05:38 PM
I love your tea cosy. I wish I drank tea more so I could justify making one. :) I think it is great that your blog changes as you do too. Stagnant lives are quite dead and to have your blog reflect you is the perfect thing. Take care of your wrists and hands and stay off that computer. It's so not worth it! Your health is much more important than regular posting or photo editing. (sorry I started sounding like I was your mom there...:))
Posted by: Lisa Q | April 01, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Your blog what ever it become, will always be part of my favourite read, and should reflect who you are so if you fill the need to change the look, the name and the content, please do. Your warmth and sweetness transpires through your words and I believe all your friends will follow you and you might even win new ones.
Hmm, I did not know I was going write such a long comment ;-) Have a great week-end
Posted by: Anyes - Far Away In The Sunshine | April 01, 2011 at 06:17 PM
1. Love the tea cosy. Love that raspberry color, and I think a flower on the top would be yummy!
2. Your blog is a reflection of you. Why shouldn't the topics change over time?
3. Do you have a good acupuncturist or a really good massage therapist in your town? I've had that same problem with tendonitis, really badly in the past, and both massage and acupuncture have helped. Sometimes they make a small adjustment at the elbow and everything gets better, sometimes they massage the muscles in the forearm. I've been told that some people think they need carpal tunnel surgery, when really they just need some adjustment or massage. It's worth a try, anyway.
Posted by: Leslie | April 01, 2011 at 06:46 PM
I think if you feel like changing it, it should change! Identity isn't always a static thing. I hope your wrists feel better!
Posted by: DK | April 01, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Oh, poor you with the tendonitis. It is appallingly painful and so frustrating. I knew mine was bad when I could no longer lift a cup of tea - and that sent me down the road of high dose anti inflammatories and intensive physio (ice, massage, laser, ultrasound) which did get rid of it, though it took weeks and weeks. I really hope you can find a remedy for yours soon!
Posted by: dottycookie | April 01, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Well, I'm glad to hear you are sticking around! I'd miss you if you weren't blogging. I've been slowing down a bit as well -- I'm actually thinking of channeling more energy into something other than the old blog. I kind of feel like I have nothing else to say. I do -- however -- enjoy seeing what my friends near and far are up to. You've always been a tremendous inspiration with your gentle, calming style and honesty. Have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Jodi | April 01, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Like you, my blog has changed over time. It started out being about knitting and sewing, but I just couldn't produce enough to post regularly, so I started including photos from our many days out and about, which proved popular. But only you know what you want to achieve with your blog - and true friends will stay with you, whether or not you change the name and the focus. I hope you are able to get treatment for your tendonitis - but posts with more photos sounds good to me!! Have a good weekend in the kitchen! Love Anne x
Posted by: Anne Donald | April 01, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Tracy, what a post! So full of ... everything really. Art, beauty, emotions, project etc. ... Well as for me I certainly feel 'guilty' of not hanging or posting much and I have been so slow with the mails too. There simply seem not to be enough time ... but I would be absolutely sad to 'loose' you my dear friend! So I'm going to follow you (read - stalk ;-) haha, wherever your next destination - may that be a new art blog (just an example)... :-) Tracy, I'm very sorry to hear that you have tendonitis! So sorry to hear that!!! So of course take your time to get well first!!! Sending lots of love and of I go to the emailing right now ;-)))
Posted by: Birdie | April 01, 2011 at 08:45 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your tendonitis. I'm sending wishes that you feel better quickly. I think you should follow your heart with your blog and I don't really think you will lose readers. Your certainly won't lose me!
Oh, and I love your tea cozy!
Posted by: gayle | April 02, 2011 at 02:51 AM
That red is such a bright, cheerful color. Hope you are soon without pain.
Posted by: S. Etole | April 02, 2011 at 03:22 AM
Life is constantly evolving - all of us personally, how we express ourselves, what appeals to us and what our priorities are - change occurs all around us, whether we welcome it or not! I try not to overthink things, but roll with what life brings, ever mindful that when I make plans, God laughs.
Posted by: golden west | April 02, 2011 at 03:27 AM
You have to be true to yourself, Tracy. If you feel like starting a new blog, then go for it. I'm sure all your loyal readers including me will go with you.
I'm constantly thinking of ways to do more on my blog, update and make it bigger. Along with a bunch of writing projects I have, as well.
My Aquarius brain always has a lot of ideas swimming around.
Posted by: Shell | April 02, 2011 at 04:05 AM
I think many, many people would follow you gladly wherever you go and whatever name a new blog would take. I agree; change can be a really good thing.
Oh, and I get the tennis elbow thing. I had a terrible case for a couple of years. It began with tennis and then was made worse by, yes, knitting, and even worse by clicking a mouse and typing. I actually stopped knitting and took up crocheting just because of tennis elbow. I so feel for you, Tracy, because I know how much it can hurt!
Thinking of you and hoping you have a lovely weekend! xo Gigi
Posted by: Gigi | April 02, 2011 at 05:01 AM
Tracy, you will always be Pink Purl to me! I, of course, will follow you wherever you go. I truly treasure your friendship and my visits to your page are like a warm visit with a much beloved friend. I love the colour red and think that red in a kitchen is a wonderful colour!! Love the red tea cosy and polka dotted mug!! Good luck with the kitchen re-do and spruce up! It seems a time of renewal for all of us this year! As you know we are rethinking and cutting back on things in our home as well. I would love to redo out kitchen floor but that will have to wait a while. Todd is not very handy at things like that. He is good at organizing and administration but handy man is not one of his skills! Much love to you TJ and Charlie! Hope you have a good weekend and that there is plenty of warm sunshine in it to enjoy in between your chores!! xxoo
Posted by: Marie | April 02, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Dearest sweet tracy, it feels so good to be back on the swing of things on blog land! I love love your tea cozy and that color is just amazing! I always admire your knitting skills. :)
Change is always something constant in my life and im learning to handle it. :) WOW five wonderful years of blogging and im just so happy that we met on this creative world. I will continue to read and connect with you if you decide it's time for a change on your blogging style and place.
I am so so sorry to hear about your tendonitis. Please take good care! I am sending you love and healing thoughts.
Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | April 02, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Hello my friend, I'm back home safely :) I know how you feel with the pain, I find I am getting this too when I do too much crafting and computer. I would follow you to any blog you create :) Will catch up soon, Hugs, Catherine xx
Posted by: Bumpkin Bears | April 02, 2011 at 09:09 PM