Dec 30 2008
2008: What A Year
Nova Scotia
Looking back, I don’t think that there was anyway that I could fully anticipate the changes that 2008 would bring. The things that were easier to anticipate were the tangibles: I traveled to some wonderful spots – the Shenandoah mountains of Virginia, south-central Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York City, Nova Scotia, the beach, San Francisco, Atlanta, and most recently to Pittsburgh – and saw so many amazing sights. I read a lot of books. I saw my family grow as my baby sister got married on a beautiful autumn day.
It was the intangibles that were so unanticipated; this year was full of many emotional and physical highs and lows. I 
learned more about human nature – how some people can let you down and how others can boost you right up. I spent a lot of time outdoors to nurture my spirit and my mind. I dealt with one of the scariest and most uncertain times in my life when I got sick in August, but it was the love and care of my family and true friends, as well as the treatment plan of my doctor, that helped me get through the struggle. And while I am still in treatment for the Lyme disease that I contracted in the summertime, I have gained a new perspective. If it were not for that “wake up call”, I would have continued on my (mostly) unhealthy path. I would have continued feeling depressed and lethargic. I would have continued to eat foods that contributed to the problem rather than provide a solution. And for this realization, I am grateful. Not enough to thank the dozen ticks for biting me, mind you, but grateful that I woke up to what was actually happening to me.
…and this is why I can look back with a genuine smile… 2008 has been a year for the books. I feel stronger, both mentally and physically, and ready to face the challenges ahead. I have made new commitments for 2009 – first in my mind is my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) certification that starts next month. (In fact, there are several of us on the Namaste Knitter Ravelry group who are making yoga resolutions for 2009 – check it out if you are interested!) I hope to continue along my path of health – and I see my yoga training as an integral part of that wellness plan. Yoga just makes your mind and your body feel good. This is so much of the reason why I want to share this with others.
Of course, 2008 has been a year chocked full of crafty endeavors – well-documented here on my blog (4.5 years of LollyKnitting Around and counting!). I have knit my heart out, purchased way too much yarn, and even learned to weave. I think 2008 has been the year that I was able to learn new techniques and really apply them to my knitting. It was in November 2003 that I picked up the needles, and this fifth/sixth year of knitting has been the best yet. I put together a small mosaic of the sweaters that I completed this year:
Knit and Handwoven Scarves + Cowls Mosaic
Knit Accessories + Socks Mosaic
(details about all of my projects in My Gallery)
It is hard to choose a favorite among all of the knits, but I do remember the challenge and absolute thrill and satisfaction of finishing my sister’s cardigan back in April. I felt a similar thrill when I finished my first Fair Isle pullover in October. Of my weaving projects, I think that I am most fond of my Minou Wrap.
For 2009, I have set some pretty lofty goals. We’ll see how I fare. I signed up for the National Knit a Sweater a Month Dodecathon on Ravelry. Essentially this means that I am hoping to knit at least 12 adult-sized garments in 2009. I think it is possible, considering that vests and tank tops (no sleeves!) can count towards the total. I am thinking ahead to all of the garments that I want to make, as well as the yarns that I want to use from my stash. Should be a fun year! As for the annual projects, I am still deciding on what the 2009 theme of Project Spectum 4 will be. If you have some ideas or any feedback, please feel free to comment here or in the PS page… I am tentatively planning for March 2009, but that is subject to change.
I thank you so much for continuing to read my blog and to send encouragement, love, and support in the form of comments and emails. I am so very grateful for you and this whole community.
Happy New Year to you, my friends!!
Happy New Year Lolly!
Happy new year to you and yours!
A sweater a month – now that sounds interesting….
Lolly, thanks so much for blogging. I know that’s kind of cheesy/weird to say, but your positive attitude cheers me up whenever I read a new post by you. It was so much fun to discover your blog this year and follow along with your highs (and cheer you on from afar during your lows). Happy New Year, and congrats on the training! What an exciting step to take.
What a year indeed! I am happy to read that despite the lows, you can look back to 2008 with a smile. I have the feeling that what you went through and accomplished in the past year bodes well for the coming one.
May I add a suggestion for the coming year? What about planning a trip to the Eastern Townships for the fall foliage (it was glorious this year!), or any other time of the year, really… (Ok, I may have a personal interest in making that suggestion – you know I’d be really happy to meet you!)
I wish you all the best for 2009. May your dearest dream come true!
thank you for this post! It’s truly inspiring. And, you clued me in to how I can learn weaving in 2009, one of my goals. I bookmarked the site and will sign up for a weekend workshop too! I am most grateful.
I know you’ll do great things in 2009, Lolly! Happy New Year!
What a year! I wish you all the best in health and happiness. Your mosaic is lovely, as are you. I just linked your Ravelry Yoga group and joined, thank you for the inspiration. I’m so glad I “met” you this year on your blog and got to know you a little bit.
Be well and have a very Happy New Year!
Happy New Year. The picture of you by the tree looks great!
How about exploring the Chakras? They seem to have strong color associations…
To echo some other knitters, thank you for blogging. Your voice is a rare one–always positive, reflective, curious and encouraging. Your travel adventures and your fun marriage inspire me =) Happy New Year, Lolly!
I have enjoyed watching you and your blog all year. What a year you’ve had. Your trip to Nova Scotia filled me with awe. You’ve knit so many beautiful projects and sweaters this year. It’s wonderful to have you join us in NaKniSewMoDo, too!!
And the happiest of New Year wishes to you too!
Thank you for continuing to inspire and encourage – I thoroughly enjoy reading of your adventures and journey
Happy New Year to you Lolly! Your blog is a constant source of inspiration and light. Thank you for sharing all that you do.
Happy New Year! I am hoping that with 2009 rushing in I can finally get back into a yoga studio. My body has really been complaining lately and it really just does my whole person good when I practice regularly.
Happy New Year wishes to you too!
Happy New Year, Lolly! I really enjoyed this post. I can definitely relate to having health problems lead to making some major life changes (for the better!). I wish you all the best for health and happiness in 2009 (and beyond!).
I love your mosaic of knits, and you’ve totally inspired me to join the dodecathon (lots of yoked sweaters ahead for me in 2009!).
so glad that 2008 is ending on a positive note for you. sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we can get better, but i’m glad you’re feeling better and learning to be more healthy. here’s to a great 2009!!
Lolly, you continue to inspire me! We all have problems, but you deal with them in such a productive way that I feel like I gain a new perspective on life. Sorry that you had some bad moments in 2008 – hope you have a better time next year!
Well thank you so much for that blog entry of inspiration. I needed that kick in the pants to get my 2009 started on the right path.
Here’s hoping 2009 is your best year yet! Happy New Year!
and a happy new year to you!
Happy New Year!
If I had to cut back on my blog subscriptions and were only allowed to keep 5, yours would be among them! Thank you for sharing your passions and some of your high and lows with us. Since English is only a second language to me, I usually don’t comment much, but I wanted you to know, how much I’m appreciating and enjoying every blog entry of yours.
Happy New Year, Lolly!
Namasté
Enjoy the last sliver of 2008, and all the best for next year Lolly! “See” you in 2009
A very good, happy and healthy 2009 for you and your beloved ones!
I’m always glad to read your posts, your set ups in projects (like socktoberfest) and very important: the beautifull pictures you make!!
Happy knitting!
Puk
http://knittingajour.blogspot.com
Happy New Year, Lolly! I always enjoy reading your blog, and look forward to what the new year brings. 12 sweaters is an awesome challenge…I’m too wimpy to join, but I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines!
Happy New Year! I am glad you are feeling better everyday. I wish I lived closer because I think you will make a great yoga teacher.
Wow. You are an inspiring woman who creates so much positive energy — even out of the bad stuff. Here’s to a fun (and healthy) New Year!!
Whew! What a year, Lolly! I’m so impressed with the way you’ve fully lived every moment, even the difficult ones, with grace, determination and good humour. Very inspiring. And then there’s the beautiful knitting, photos and words. Thank you for sharing your year with us.
Here’s to more love, laughter and joy in 2009! And of course a big dose of health and knitting.
I signed up for the 12 sweater challenge too, and am looking forward to it with great excitement!
A very happy New Year to you and your family!
It sure has been quite a year!!!!! You’ve really pulled through in an amazing way, instead of becoming defeated and give in to the Lyme, you turned it into a positive thing! You look amazing and I bet your mind is feeling as good as your body. I am so glad we got to connect at least a few times this past year….I’ve found quite a friend in you and I couldn’t be happier! Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!
Here’s to a great 2009! To think that you managed to knit through all of this, celebrate your sister’s wedding, define a path for yourself, and keep moving forward is pretty amazing. I may try to join you in NaKniSewMoDo, although it is embarrassing to admit that I could do it all from the stash….Cheers!
Lolly:
I’m so happy I bumped into your blog about a year ago. Your posts are always so inspiring and your knitting, truly incredible! May you have a 2009 as full and fond as you dream.
Cheers,
Holli
Happy New Year, Lolly!! You certainly deserve the best 2009 has to offer, so hope you enjoy it all. Congrats on a wonderful 2008
We’re so grateful and thankful for you too Lolly! You’re such an inspiration! Happy New Year to you and Kris.
I have really enjoyed reading your blog and love looking at all you have done. I also love to travel and its been fun getting to see the places that you see. Have a great 2009 and I can’t wait to see all 12 sweaters!
Happy New Year!
I am so glad that we finally met up again in person- your site always inspires me. I didn’t realize you also signed up for the sweater-a-month challenge! This should be a fun (and difficult) one- though I admit I’m counting sweater WIPs towards my projects. There’s a heck of a lot of them I need to work on, after all.
The idea of doing chakras for Project Spectrum isn’t a bad one at all- maybe I’ll get inspired to really participate this year. My resolutions are to run more, and to quilt more- so maybe it’s time to get some alternative craft on, closely related to the color wheel.
All best for the new year- this difficult year has made you stronger, but it can’t help to hope for an easier and joyous 2009!
Happy New Year! Great post, glad to hear that you are feeling better. ::hugs::
It’s definitely been an eventful year. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us! I’m so glad you’re well on the road to recovery, and better yet- pursuing more yoga goals! Here’s to a very happy, healthy 2009, Lolly! xo-S.
Wow, what a year. Happy 2009!
happy new year! i look forward to meeting you in 2009!
Happy New Year to you as well! I truly enjoy reading your blog
As many have said, you are inspiring, positive, and just fun to read! I enjoy reading about your travels especially!
All the best in 2009
I hope your 2009 is as happy and productive as 2008! Both in wooly endeavors and in any other you pursue. Thanks for blogging!
Happy New Year! Hope you have a great 2009!
Happy new year Lolly! It has been a challenging year, for sure. Here’s hoping 2009 is fantastic. I think it’s great that you are doing the Yoga Teacher Training!
Happy New Year! I hope 2009 brings you another trip to San Francisco! Thank you for another wonderful year of blogging.
Leslie
[...] 31, 2008 by prairiepoppins Inspired by Lolly, I’ve been having fun using up the day getting all my knitting into little grids. What a [...]
I have so enjoyed reading your blog this year, Lolly. Truly, your writing, photography, knitting, and travels inspire me, and for that I thank you. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2009!
Wow, would you have thought that you would be in this place and have gone through these experiences at the beginning of 2008? I’m glad that you’ve been able to handle them with such grace and see the positive side to these challenges. I hope that you rise to meet whatever happens in 2009! Thank you for sharing your reflections and for being my wonderful friend. xoxo
Lolly, happy new year to you. xx
I look forward to hearing all about your Yoga training and of course knitting throughout 2009.
Love Lin x
Happy New Year to you, Lolly. I have loved reading your blog this year – yours was one of the ones that inspired me to start blogging myself. Have a great 2009!
Happy New Year, Lolly!
I too have the feeling that 2009 is going to be a joyous, healthy year – I also have to start shaping up my body if I want to be able to stand upright when I grow older. I’m going to start working out, fitness/cardiac training and dancing – the latter with my boyfriend. He is also a very active, athletic guy, so if I get in better shape it means we can go on some nice trips together that challenges the both of us physically.
I can’t wait to get started, and I’m very excited for you too!
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself, and for being an inspiration to so many of us.
what an amazing year for you! i wish you all the best in 2009!
Happy New Year, Lolly! I’m glad you have found some silver linings in the dark clouds. May you enjoy good hockey and good knitting in 2009!
Happy New Year, Lolly! I’m so glad I got to meet you in 2008. I hope our paths will cross again soon!
You knit some lovely sweaters this year! Best wishes to you in the New Year!
Thanks for all of your positive energy and inspiring projects!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!! Funny how big challenges can make for such big (positive) changes! I’m glad for your health and thanks for sharing. Best of luck with your teacher training and the dodecathon, I look forward to reading about both!
Lolly, thanks for another year of beautiful, inspiring, thoughtful, educational and fun blog posts. Happy 2009!
-Theresa
OMG, that’s a serious project to take on! If you knit 12 sweaters this year, you will officially be my knitting hero.
Beautiful knits of 2008, Lolly!
Wow, 2008 seemed to have been quite a year for you. I can’t believe that I didn’t catch up on with your having been sick (blame my diploma exams for that)…but it seems that you’re on the best way to recovery to a full health. Here’s to 2009 and to you!
Happy New Year!
i’m behind in wishing you a happy new year. i’m very behind in blog reading. anyway, as you know, i’m a big fan of project spectrum so i’m looking forward to number 4.
Happy New Year to you! It’s belated, I know, but I’ve been out of the loop for some time. Anyway, I wish you the best of health and happiness in 2009—and happy anniversary to you and Kris!
What a year indeed! I have a feeling that you enjoy every year like this.
Happy New Year!!