Monday, October 12, 2009

For over four years...

As I am writing this I am looking out of the window to the lake and all I see there now is ice. The surface is still and blue and gray and the lake is gone, possibly until next spring, next May. The ice cover is new, not hard enough for skating but hopefully the snow will not come just yet and give us at least a day on the skates along the shore line. If temperature stays like this, -12 C last night, it will not take many days to build a solid ice to enjoy.

There is little bit of snow on the ground but not much. When I wrote you the last time and was wondering about the winter and when it would come, it started to snow the very same night and the temperature started dropping and has been down for a while now.

I have been doing all sorts of crafty things but mostly to wastebasket. Although it feels like I have been wasting my time I know that some of this wasting should be referred as investing because I have learned a great deal --- mostly about embroidering. There have been my biggest mishaps. But there was one successful moment and this cat is the outcome.Some drawing happened, very little produce, but lots of work. Fingering weight yarns are all over my workspace and at the time I cannot say which one is my very favorite. This here is Austerman Step.Step feels very woolly even though it has Jojoba Oil coating (--- it also has some Vitamin E added to it!???). (The beautiful turquoise there is Merino Wool dyed by Black Bunny Fibers if I recall right - the dyeing there is gorgeous.)This is interesting new acquaintance: Regia Hand-Dye Effect, color 6553. It is two plied, but the other ply is just a thread. There is no way to get bored with this yarn group there is so much variety and I have just scratched the surface.

This blog turned 4 years in the beginning of the month. Four years seems like a long time, and even though there have been few close calls of me dropping writing altogether I am very happy that I have kept writing and recording the knitting mostly. There are many things that I have gained; the most important being new friends and new skills and my life would be so much poorer without. So I thank you all for reading. This would be pointless without you.

Here is a glimpse of my yesterday morning. So no wonder I hanker for wool all the time. Wool remains to be good for the body, and for the spirit and for the soul. And I wish it to you all. As always. Lene

Thank you for the award, Olivespearls!

48 comments:

  1. I'm glad you've kept writing as well, because I love reading when you make a new post. Your creativity and thoughtful processes, and the lovely fruits of your labor are inspiring, and I remain very glad that I found your blog. Happy blogiversary!

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  2. MaureenTakoma19:14

    I also am so glad you continue sharing your thoughts with us.

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  3. Congratulations on blogging for four years!!

    I can see why wool is your friend!!

    Sue

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  4. I am always so happy to see a new post from you, Lene! When you stopped writing here for a long time, I kept hoping...and when you "returned" it was like seeing an old friend getting off the train for a visit!

    Your photographs today are a preview of what I will see from my windows in a few weeks. I am in no hurry. At the moment, I am working outside, with leaves falling all around and a clear blue sky overhead. My hands get too cold to type (or knit) after 15 minutes or so, and I go in the house and warm up for a few minutes before coming back outside. I do not want to "waste" this perfect outdoor weather, which will be gone soon.

    Stay warm!

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  5. I've only recently found you and have enjoyed everything I've read so far. Please do continue to blog, and to dance with wool.

    Your photos are breathtaking...and remind me that winter's not far off in this part of the world, either.
    (((hugs)))

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  6. We also had our first snow of the season this week - very early for here! It makes me want to dive into the wool (and, as always, I find you such an inspiration to do so as well)!

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  7. Congratulations Lene! Four years is a wonderful acccomplishment and truly and an amazing journey for the rest of us to follow. I would be lost without be able to take a break from my reality and step into your world if even for just a minute otr two and be reminded of the beauty that surrounds us every day. Thanks you for this, and all the wonderful inspiration you provide!

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  8. I'm always glad when I open your blog & there's a new post. Thanks for your knitting insight, your pictures & your words.

    Happy blogiversay!

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  9. I have been reading your words since you started four years ago, and never tire of the inspiring things you make and the beautiful world you live in.

    Thank you for your time and congratulations on four years.

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  10. Thank you, Lene, for continuing to share with us, your knitting, your stunningly beautiful views, the thoughts in your mind.
    and yes, that time is considered investment.

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  11. Like Lyn above, I've been reading since your very first post and enjoyed it every step of the way. So glad you've found a balance, a way for the blog to settle into your life comfortably without being a chore. There are a lot of us out here who would miss your posts very much if they were to stop. Your words, pictures, projects, and processes are inspiring and valued.

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  12. Luisa03:23

    happy bloganiversary, Lene. Reading about your life and crafts is one of my joys. Thank you for this blog.

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  13. Anonymous05:23

    Lene, thank you!

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  14. Anonymous06:32

    I love to read your blog, and I am so happy you continue to write. Happy blogiversary.

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  15. And I thought it was starting to get cold here (8°C this morning ) ! Happy blogiversary to you. I still love to read your letters.

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  16. I'm happy to keep reading what you write, and enjoying what you knit. Happy blogiversary!

    My world is bigger and brighter with you blogging in it.

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  17. Happy blog aniversary, Lene. Reading about your life and knitting is always interesting and even in the cold, so warm !! Thank you for this blog.

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  18. Anonymous15:01

    Happy Blog Birthday!
    Your blog is so well written, reasoned, informative and creative feasturing your fantastic knitting, as well as sewing and quilting. Truly gives me the idea that the Northern light inspires you with its clarity and brilliance.
    Keep up the good work!
    Yay! Lene!
    Best wishes, Cherilyn

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  19. MaryEllen15:34

    Lene,
    Congratulations on your blogging anniversary. I am so glad you decided to keep writing and sharing your world with us.

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  20. India15:49

    Thank you for writing this blog. It gives me peace, and inspiration, and a window into a place very far from where I live, and yet not so different either.

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  21. Best wishes and many thanks on your fourth year blogiversary! I enjoy your blog so very much and I thank you for sharing with me.
    Much wool for warmth with the rich colors of the dyers and the intricate textures of plying be with you as well.

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  22. Anonymous17:08

    Dear Lene..... thank you for your blog and for being my "blog friend." I so enjoy reading your stories, and I often wonder about them: what are the little dolls doing now in their lovely dollhouse? What are the beautiful dancers doing? Your writing leaves ripples in my mind that keep me thinking and trying to create on my own level.

    When I took a class last spring from Susanna Hansen, she kept referring to "my friend Lene." I was so pleased to feel that you were "my friend Lene" as well.

    Barbara M.

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  23. Thank you for sharing your knitting and your part of the world with us.

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  24. Beth in Maryland17:51

    Dear Lene, thank you for sticking with us! You are far away but close in spirit.

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  25. Lene - it is always such a joy to read your blog and see your pictures. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  26. Anonymous22:29

    I'm glad you've kept blogging - I love the creative things you do and the beautiful pictures of your country that you post! Congrats!

    Lesley

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  27. Carmen22:44

    What beautiful photography, Lene!! I always look forward to your posts...your knitting, the scenery, your way of life.....beautiful!

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  28. Anonymous00:06

    Lene, first of all it looks so beautiful there! And secondly, thank you for writing here. Your posts are always so thoughtful. Well, I think it is because your approach to knitting is so thoughtful. It is raining here in California, which is what it does here in the winter. It is not really cold or beautiful, but it does begin to feel like winter, and also a good time to stay inside and knit. Thank you!

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  29. Congrats on the blogiversary -- and many, many thanks for the shout out!

    Carol (Black Bunny Fibers)

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  30. I continue to read your blog - gaze at your pictures - and can't wait for the little sweater patern! You are so gifted in many ways - we are grateful to have you and you talents!

    Keep warm - May the Wool be with you!!

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  31. Thank you, your writing and insights into your lovely homeland always leaves me feeling like I have had a 'cup of tea' with a good friend. Keep writing, its always interesting.

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  32. Kati06:12

    Happy Anniversary! Your entries always fill me with a sense of peace and nature. Please continue.

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  33. The Regia hand dyed looks so inviting! And your photo of the autumn sun is amazing. Happy anniversary -- I'm glad you have kept writing too :-)

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  34. Love reading your blog. Many thanks. You make the world seem a beautiful place.

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  35. When I see "Dances With Wool" in my Google Reader it brings a smile to my face! Yours was the first blog I read regularly, and I love to read about your knitting and where you live! I have always wanted to travel to the far north, and still hope I get to do so someday.
    Here in Oregon, on the 45th parallel it is rainy and stormy. It seems that autumn overtook summer yesterday... and all along the west coast of the US. It makes me want to take out my needles and cozy up with a good book! Thank you so much for being a blog friend!

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  36. Anonymous07:06

    Always a pleasure to hear from you, Lene. The cat looks cute.

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  37. Anonymous14:22

    From the other side of the world I've been reading your beautiful blog for some time ... hanging on the detail of each piece as it progresses.

    My great grandfather was Finnish, and there is something about your photos of snow, ice and isolation, and knitting that seems very familiar and comforting to me, like I've found something that fits.

    Happy Anniversary!

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  38. Ann in Montreal17:25

    Thank you Lene for four years of thoughtfulness, whimsy and fiber delight. Also for introducing all of the wonderful creatures that inhabit your world, both the flesh and blood kind and the fabulous fiber ones.
    I look forward to your posts, fret a little when there is a long period between them wondering if all is well and find so much inspiration here. Again thank you for allowing me into your world.

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  39. Beautiful photography. I love coming for a visit.~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  40. Anonymous13:43

    I'm so glad that you continue to share your thoughts, your knitting and your beautiful country with us.

    Pat in England

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  41. Happy blog anniversary! I so enjoy your beautiful knitting and photography. Thank you for sharing and you inspiration. :)

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  42. Nora03:20

    I too have been reading your blog for a long time. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful projects, creativity and thoughts with us.

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  43. Onnittelut minulta myös, pohjoinen ystäväni.
    Uskollinen lukijasi olen ja ainainen ihailijasi. Taitava olet ja kärsivällinen.
    Innostunutta jatkoa blogillesi.

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  44. siriusknitter19:11

    I've been reading your blog for a while now and it always gives me pleasure when I find a new entry, I'm so pleased you continue to write, I love your pictures of life in the arctic. Congratulations on 4 years of blogging!

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  45. I'm a little late, but congratulations and thank you for the past four years. One of the best features of the Internet is access to people all over the world with different lives, climates, and view points. Thank you again for sharing your life and knitting above the arctic circle.

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  46. Happy Blog Anniversary Lene, I love reading your posts and journeys with wool. I am so glad i found you. Jane x

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  47. How wonderful to see the snow at your place, I love the pictures you take of your area.

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  48. It´s not just the knitting in your blog. It´s the scenery, it´s the way you create with words, the entire athmos here that transfers a reader to a whole new level of tranquility. It is a lovely manifestation of meditative state in knitting and all that´s entwined around it.

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