Let's imagine for a moment that we are tiny enough to follow a bee into a hive. Usually the first thing that we would have to get used to is the darkness……
Exploring The World of Social Insects…
Last month I was merrily knitting along on my Hayrick socks and loving the new Bamboo sock blend, Pandora, that I am now carrying. Whipped through the first one and then all the way to the heel of the second one, when I caught a glimpse of this…..
Anne, that is SO not fair!! You know me well enough to know that I would have to immediately stop what I was doing and cast on, for this is "les abeilles" or better known as The Bees.
The above quote from The Secret Life of Bees, is perfect for my post today. It's been a difficult couple of months for me. I have been struggling with a bad bout of sciatica, which has been pretty darn painful this time around. I think that women as a whole tend to have a pretty high tolerance for pain and learn to live with it until it moves to that plateau where it needs to be addressed, which this did last week.
The doctor put me on a round of prednisone which I really hate because it is one of those good/bad drugs. Takes care of the pain, but the side effects are challenging. I have to say that the feeling of euphoria from the release of pain is worth the current sleepless nights…well almost.
I realized I have been living in that darkness of pain for much too long and am so grateful to feel part of the human race …standing tall again and able to pick up little Miss Goose without feeling like I might keel over…so YAY for that!
Once again my little winged friends have found me at just the right time. Late at night while the house is quiet and I am still wide awake this beeutiful pattern has been my constant companion. The pattern has Anne's typical intuitive flow which I love. I am nearing the finish line with this shawl which I am doing in a new lace weight bamboo blend that I will start listing in my shop soon.
Knitting this shawl for me has been like reading a good book that you hate to see come to an end, therefore I am going to immediately cast on a second one in my linen blend, Muireann, as I know this is going to be a shawl that I am going to enjoy wearing and wearing and wearing. Thanks Anne!
The Woolen Rabbit 
That pattern caught my attention when I saw it, too. You’ve made great progress on it!
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Kim, I’m so sorry to hear the sciatica is flaring up, and in the middle of summer of all times! Hope you’re feeling better and sleeping soon. I’ve had to be on a lot of steroids for my arthritis, and I found one that is strong enough without all those crazy side effects–Medrol. Comes in a butt-shot and pills. Maybe it’s an option for you?
After seeing your post I’m going to have to get some of your silk/linen blend!
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I’m so sorry you’ve been in pain! I’m glad the drugs are helping and at least those sleepless nights are great for quiet knitting time. The new shawl is gorgeous!
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I am sorry that your pain has been constant. That euphoria from no pain is probably some euphoria from the steroids, too. Lovely knit…bet you are just buzzing through it.
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Glad that something is helping, tho’ I know that the “something” can be it’s own menace!
And now, between you and Anne and Jocelyn, methinks I must go pick up this pattern, b/c yes, oh my it’s bees!
Thanks for enabling! 🙂
and keep feeling better, okay?
(((hugs)))
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Your knitting is lovely, and I do hope the pain goes away soon. Loved your inclusion of the quote from “The Secret Life of Bees”…one of my all-time favorite books. 🙂
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I’m so sorry to hear how you’ve been living in pain. Trying to live your live in chronic pain completely wears you out. I do hope your new meds help.
I love the quote from “The Secret Life of Bees”. It is my most favorite book.
You silk/linen blend yarn is gorgeous and a must have for me to be knit with this new shawl!
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Kim, I swear you and I live on the same plane. Sciatica pain has been my constant companion and there has also been a little drug euphoria going on. Knitting is a releif and a release. With Sprossling nearly finished and a skein of Pandora newly housed in my stash I think I know what’s next. Anne has a way of keeping us connected.
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awww, now i’m all choked up!! that is the sweetest compliment, that a pattern project helped you through a bad time; thank you for sharing . .
and your new yarn looks amazing; i can’t wait to touch it!
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Well, if one has to be kept up by drug side effects one should have something so lovely to keep them company!
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I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with sciatica. I know what that feels like. Glad the prednisone helps. Hope you will be soon pain free and able to enjoy life.
Your knitting (and your yarns) are so beautiful.
Take care.
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I hope you are feeling better. My mother had sciatica on and off when I was in middle and high school.
Your shawl is beautiful!
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I hope you are feeling better soon. Can’t wait to see that shawl when it is blocked out in all its magnificence!
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What a beautiful shawl! I love the colour and the ‘bees’ quote. I hope your feeling better the knitting s making good progress.
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so glad that you have a fabulous pattern of Anne’s to fill those late waking hours. and I am hoping that you are able to cure this nasty pain soon.
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So glad you’re feeling some relief! (Better living through chemistry. . .) I love Anne’s new pattern; such a beauty! And perfect in that pale yellow yarn. Yum!
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