
This week is dedicated to writing and my quest to master (a gross exaggeration) basic knitting skills. During the break my teacher is a virtual one: Knitting Help. I've never seen her face but my new instructor has talented hands and a reassuring voice. So far I've viewed the Double Cast-On and the Continental and English Methods of Knitting. One is easier for left handers and the other is preferred by those who are right hand dominant. It probably isn't surprising to learn that I show no facility with either technique. I just keep clicking on the replay button. At some point I'll figure out which one works best for me. I'm going to invest in a larger set of needles and a slightly thicker yarn to see if that makes the process easier to handle and easier to see what I'm doing.
I have a legitimate role model for the writing/knitting combo. Sue Grafton, the A-T (so far) Kinsey Milhone mystery writer, is a local resident and was featured on a public access television show, The Creative Community. It was fascinating to hear about her road to success-a long one involving at least six unpublished manuscripts--and her writing process. She also talked about her love of knitting. Knitting requires different skills and "relaxes" the mind. Mechanical creativity as opposed to brain-draining creativity. A nice balance.

The Owens Valley and Death Valley are both in bloom right now. The restoration of the Owens River has transformed the dry salty soil of that water-deprived valley into a environment which now supports its own flora and fauna. In Death Valley the rain of this past winter has brought a good crop of wildflowers to bloom in the middle of the desert. It's my first visit to Death Valley. Couldn't imagine going there in the triple-digit, super-heated summer but am looking forward to seeing what this season has to offer.

3 comments:
Isn't it exciting to have a whole week of writing ahead of us? I'm just giddy with the actual prospect of writing and reading.
I can hardly wait to hear about your forth coming trip. I know it will manifest into a beautiful novel one day.
Have a fabulous time doing your research Maggie! Can't wait to hear all about it. How wonderful for you and your sister to road trip together:)
I added your Blog to my side bar list..is that okay? Coffee tomorrow am? (Wednesday 8:30ish?)
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