Finding therapy in an age-old tradition.

"You crochet?" I was recently asked. I'm sure the smirk on the girlfriend's face wasn't meant to hurt, but, rather, invite my explanation as to why I do it and how I've turned this traditionally Grandmother-esque hobby into a potentially cool one.

You see, approximately a year and a half ago our family's life took an odd turn. While our oldest son fell head-first into his teenage years, his typical angst took an ugly side-street and terrible personality traits reared their ugly head(s). Using my own inner faith to calm me, I prayed that God would give me something to take my mind off the day-to-day bumps in the road. I'd hoped it would be to rechannel my writing and focus more on that novel that's been on the tip of my fingers for years. Or, perhaps, I didn't feel it was too much to ask to have a lovely singing voice and the ability to share it with others. Neither happened. But, that's the funny thing about getting what you need; not always what you want.

If you've read any of my earlier posts (there are soooo many), then you have an understanding of how I came to crochet, but what I haven't shared until now is why. Although to respect the privacy of my son and our family, I won't go into the details, but I will say that when I picked up crocheting, I wanted to put it down immediately. I was bored. This was just another boring, albeit cheap, hobby that I didn't see concluding productively. But, as I've explained before, I just couldn't put it down, and after some patience with myself, I've found that I'm a natural at it!

Don't get me wrong, my first love will always be writing, and from time-to-time, I will sing in the shower, laundry room, and when I'm alone in the car. Until then, I will continue to hone my crocheting skills and continue to create whatever I'm meant to create!

Question of the week: "Have I created a monster?"

When I began my newfound habit of crocheting in November, I had no idea it would end up where it is today. Meaning, I believe I've stumbled on the latest fashion craze - not neckwarmers, like I'd hoped, but, instead, baby and children hats!

From time to time I will browse through Etsy.com or Youtube.com to find inspiration. You see, I like things that are acceptable, but different. For instance, when I saw an Irish woman's version of a neckwarmer, scarflette, or cowl (depending on where you are located) I immediately thought, I can do that! I began crocheting countless neckwarmers for friends and family members, they truly became cheaper alternatives for Christmas-gift spoiling, but, I always seemed to garner the same response: "Wow. Thanks. What is it?" Side note about me: When "I" like something, especially if I become amazed and excited about it, I assume those around me will feel the same. My husband calls this the "Hansborough Effect." ----to be explained at a later date or upon personal requests by email--- Well, the neckwarmers didn't take off as much as I'd hope. However, I did stumble across a precious baby beanie with bear ears and decided to tackle that design. A co-worker's 1 1/2-year-old son became my muse, and so I set off to tackle this garment. Two days later, bear-eared hat in hand, she loved it! Her opinion truly meant a lot to me because she knows a lot of mothers in the community, therefore, if she loved the hat, others would follow!

Needless to say, they did and have....and I've created no less than four hats over this past snowy weekend! I can crochet a hat in about a day or less, so I'm thinking of taking this newfound fanatic "on the road," so to speak. I might take the summer months to stock up and create as many hats as I can, then, as the season shifts to cooler breezes, perhaps I'll set up shop at our local Octoberfest or Farmer's Market to sell my newfound prizes. Have I created a monster in my baby beanies? Perhaps, but it's so darn much fun!

So....what exactly are you trying to say, Suzanne?

NOTE: This is the second attempt at this posting....the first one crashed on me. Thank you, Mozilla.

When I posted a link on my Facebook page directing my friends and family to this blog, I didn't fully grasp that I would need to add blogs to it. Sure, sure, I know what a blog is, but for some reason my first blog (which, by the way is nothing short of a novel - geesh) just seemed to sum up my thoughts.

Cliffnotes version: I developed this hobby....I like it....things are taking off unexpectantly....thank you for your time.

I didn't fully comprehend that I would actually need to write things. Now, for those who know me, I love to write! So, this is not a problem for me. What I actually wanted this blog to become, however, was an alternative site for my crochet pieces - to display them and then, hopefully, lure you to my Etsy.com page to make a purchase or two. Now, however, I know that I will actually need to write, entice, and post photos to actual do said-luring.

So...onto my next, true blog entry....