Home Sings Me of Sweet Things

Home is where your stash is.
~the fictional Eliza Carpenter, quoted in How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron

As I headed off to the Pacific Northwest nearly two weeks ago, my past seemed to rise in front of me: the roads winding through trees brought back the many backpacking trips I went on in high school and college, the songs on my iPod were the same ones we sang along to as we drove up into the mountains—Richard & Mimi Farina, Bob Dylan, Donovan. Going home, where there are memories at every turn... 

Teaching at Churchmouse Yarns & Teas in Bainbridge was completely enjoyable! What can I say, really? John & Kit, Karen, Laura—the entire staff treated me so well. I taught in the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center, which offered incredible natural light; the food, from Blackbird Bakery, was excellent. And I honestly think that students in my classes self-select for intelligence and humor!

I had a chance to visit friends and family in Seattle for a few days, more memories. I was so happy to see them. The words of Lyle Lovett in "This Old Porch"—"Remembering the coming back and not crying about the leaving" — kept coming to mind. 

And then the long drive home to Berkeley, going to another home where my dear husband and daughter were looking forward to my return. Every song seemed to say home. 

Speaking of home:

Rachael Herron's second book in the Cypress Hollow series came out last month: How to Knit a Heart Back Home. I liked this volume even more than the first! Rachael gets better and better.... Not having Rachael's way with words, I will simply say, Read it!

Comments

[Sylvia]

I agree -- book two was even better than book one -- and I thought it was perfect! DH loved the parts I read aloud, especially the paragraph where he's watching her knit and loving the magic of it.

DD's off to Portland for a week, scouting out college and the town. Fingers crossed that she loves it as much as we expect her to.

I love the colourway in the photo. Beautiful!

[Sandy]

Sorry I missed you at Churchmouse! Saw some swatches from the class last week. Outstanding!

And I just downloaded Rachael's new book for my iPad today! I did try to find a real copy in a bookstore.
Best,
Sandy

[Rachael Herron]

Miss you. Must see you soon. xoxoox

[Sidney]

Love that song! Love that swatch!