I’m writing to you on Monday morning, the day after a series of unimaginably terrible events in Australia, Syria, and here in the U.S., at Brown University and in Los Angeles.

My heart hurts so much for all of the victims, and for our world.

And when my heart is hurting…when as Wadsworth wrote, “the world is too much with us late and soon” …

My instinct is try to counter that pain with reminders – however small – that there is still beauty and love and joy in our world.

So this week, I’d like to share a very personal story about something small but powerful that happened over Thanksgiving.

The story starts earlier this year, when my ex-husband, Brent (whom many of you met over the years when he would pop in to help pack LoopsClub kits) was diagnosed with a serious health problem. I won’t go into detail, but while it is curable, it involves lots of testing and a lengthy battle.

Brent and I met when I was in my early 20s, and he was hired on as an art director at the same boutique ad agency where I was a copywriter. We went on to eventually marry, build our own branding business and raise three wonderful kids (and lots of dogs!) together.

When we decided to divorce (after almost a year of couples counseling) we chose mediation. But that certainly didn’t make it easy. There were some very gut-wrenching moments and long periods of silence, too.

Still, through it all, our family maintained connection through a group chat started by my daughter, Mallory when she was in grade school and labeled, simply, “FAM.”

One day, Brent shared his latest health update in the FAM chat, and added something like, “When I get through treatment I was thinking I might get a tattoo. Maybe we could all get one together?”

Now, I think this was a pretty spur of the moment suggestion. Three of us, including Brent, had never had a tattoo. I don’t really think Brent thought the kids would go for it, much less his ex-wife.

But then, over Thanksgiving, this happened.

For our family tattoo, we chose the “signature” that Brent uses to sign all of his paintings – a letter “B” for Brander in a circle that looks sort of like a wax seal.

(Side note: Brent has become quite an accomplished artist, with his own website, and even had a piece hanging in the place of honor at Tulsa’s M.A. Doran gallery over the holiday.)

It was such a sweet and tender moment that I originally thought I’d just keep in the family. But after yesterday’s global news, I was reminded how important it is to share these tiny, ordinary miracles that happen every day, all around us.

In the words of Mary Oliver…Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable. ♥️

Wishing you every holiday blessing,

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I’ll be drawing for our holiday giveaway tomorrow. Are you entered to win yet?

For your chance to win one of these five exclusive fade kits by Five Boroughs Yarn, valued at $180, all you have to do is purchase Knitflix: Season 10 by tomorrow, Monday December 21st. It’s all fifteen of the lifestyle movies from Season 10, strung together into one inspiring movie.

It’s sure to become your new favorite comfort watch. Or gift it to a friend who could use some inspiration this Season.

To buy Knitflix: Season 10 at the intro price of just $67, click here.

Woodland Loafers Super by Clare Slade

Need a last-minute gift and have some super-bulky wool hanging out in your stash?

These “Woodland Loafers Super” by Clare Slade look so comfy! And they take just a skein or two of Malabrigo Rasta, with zero finishing. Find the pattern here.

FRENCH KiSS hat by ANKESTRiCK

The “FRENCH KiSS Hat” by ANKESTRiCK just debuted on Ravelry as a free pattern, and it’s rocketing up the charts. The designer writes that this is a thank-you gift to her followers, and a great way to practice the “dip stitch” that she is in love with…so much so, she’s created a FRENCH KiSS top as well!

FRENCH KiSS Top by ANKESTRiCK

The designer’s exploration of this stitch was inspired by the “Wolk” shawl pattern by Bernadette Ambergen, which is crocheted.

So whether you’re into accessories or garments, knit or crochet…there’s something here for everyone! Perhaps if, like me, you’re a sucker for check patterns, it could be your first cast-on of the New Year?

“Wolk” by Bernadette Ambergen.

Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

Caprese Salad Wreath
By Two Peas and Their Pod

I was today years old when I learned about salad wreaths! It’s such a simple idea. You just put a small bowl upside-down in the center of your platter, build the salad around it, then remove the bowl and voila! Festive salad! I’ve seen it done with Christmas-y vibes like orange slices and pomegranate seeds…but this version is oh-so-simple with just 5 ingredients. A great way to get some veggies on your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 5 oz baby arugula (or your favorite salad greens)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or balls
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic vinaigrette, or balsamic glaze, for drizzling
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. On a large round platter or board, form a circle of arugula that resembles a wreath, leaving a hole in the center.
2. Decorate with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve!
3. The amounts you use will depend on the size of your platter or board. You can even make individual wreaths on salad plates. The above amounts are just a guide. This recipe is super simple.