It’s amazing what some kindness (and hours surrounded by yarn) will do for you. When I drove up to Stash for our Trunk Show on Saturday I was exhausted from all the extra busy our life has been made up of lately. Feeling more worn down than usual had also made me feel more sensitive, and some unpleasant interactions I’d had in town the last few weeks that would normally be shrugged off much more easily, made me feel heavy hearted. I was taking some rudeness, that really had nothing to do with me, personally. (Carrying it around with me rather than letting it go.) And I was caring too much that certain people just didn’t like me, no matter how kind I was towards them or how hard I tried, instead of being totally okay with the fact that they didn’t and saying oh well.

It wasn’t until I opened the door to Stash that morning and was greeted by smiles, and offers to hold the door and help carry things (and then help set up), that I realized just how very much I had needed some kindness. I could feel my body relax with relief. It was a good reminder to me that being in places with good vibes- like a yarn shop as lovely as Stash- is such a good thing to do for yourself. (A bunch of friendly knitters was exactly the kind of energy I needed to be surrounded with!) You know the kinds of places I mean- your favorite food spot, the library with the thoughtful librarian who is always glad to see you… the places you walk into that just make you feel happy. Stash is one of those places for me, a happy place.

I chatted with friendly people, drank tea, did some knitting, browsed through pattern books, and felt skein after skein of yarn. For me, soaking up the colors of yarn with my eyes, and feeling all the different fibers with my hands, is so therapeutic. Simply being around yarn is great therapy for me. (I attempted to take a picture of the gorgeous window display in the shop right now- it seriously looks amazing- but the glare on the window made it difficult to capture. Oh, and how much do you love those bags pictured above?) When I opened up the book Within to explore the pages, I saw the message: Accept what is. Let go of what was. And believe in what will be. Be you. I breathed a little deeper when I read that, it was just the message I needed to hear.

The kindness was taken to a whole new level when Stash-enhancer Kathy handed me a handknit gift to bring home for Bracken. I had been wanting to knit him the Butterfly & Cocoon pattern by Susan B. Anderson, and when Kathy handed me one she had so lovingly made, I could hardly believe it and nearly cried, I was so touched. She knew about his love for insects and especially butterflies. (It is absolutely precious and Bracken adores it. Thanks again Kathy! You have no idea how much you brightened my day.)

As the day came to an end, Sonia, the owner, asked if I was tired of listening to Christmas music and I said no. Honestly, I love listening to Christmas music so much and haven’t even come close to hearing enough of it yet this season. She hadn’t tired of Christmas music yet either, we kept listening and singing along until I packed things up and headed for home. (By the way- we left our turning rack at Stash, so you can enjoy that large selection of WoolyMossRoots buttons longer.)

I came away that day with new knitting inspirations, and I sang Christmas songs the whole drive home. Feeling more lighthearted and peaceful, what I came away with most of all that day was such an appreciation for kindness. I don’t think we realize sometimes just how much simple kindness can mean to those around us. When I got home, Jeff and Bracken had enjoyed their day together, having some much needed home time and putting up our tree. I walked in the door, welcomed by twinkly lights and the warmth of the woodstove, and I had a cozy feeling in my heart that I wanted to linger in for as long as possible.