1. I barely have time to shower lately, let alone knit.
and
2. When I finally find the time to knit, I want to knit with yarn from my own flock.
Why, you ask, am I giving this yarn away rather than selling it? Good question. The short answer is that this yarn makes me sad. This yarn, these very skeins, were mentioned in my divorce proceedings. My ex-husband thought I spent too much money on yarn and used this particular buy to illustrate his point. [He didn't mention that I had a job, paid for it myself or that I bought it at the annual Wonderful Things sale for half price.] The thing is, he's a good guy, but getting divorced sucks. Now, every time I go through my stash and see this yarn, it reminds me of a time when I wasn't in such a great place.
Today, I am happier than I've ever been in my whole life. I have a growing business I love, a partner who appreciates my independence (and doesn't keep track of my purchases), what I consider to be the finest flock of fine wool sheep and angora goats in the world, hundreds of friends/shareholders who share my vision and support me in every way, and the life I always dreamed of.
So it's time to let the past- and the yarn- go. I want to send this yarn to someone who will be able to look at it with fresh eyes, someone who can appreciate the hard work that went in to growing the wool and lovingly hand dyeing it. Someone who will be made happy by it.
So here's the deal. Enter by adding a comment to this blog posting. I thought we'd do it a little differently this time just to mix things up a bit. In your comment, tell me the best piece of advice you ever got and who gave it to you.
I have four groups of Manos Del Uruguay to giveaway. None have ever been used although I did wind one skein of into a ball.
Seven skeins of Coffee
Four skeins of Cherry.
Six skeins of Goldenrod.
And one skein each in Poppy, English and Aster.
Four winners will be chosen at random on Sunday, June 8th at 7 p.m. After the winners are chosen I will randomly assign a colorway to each winner.
The fine print: You don't have to be a shareholder to win, so pass this along to anyone you think might want to enter. You do need to use your name when posting so I can let you know that you've won, but it doesn't have to be your full name. A nickname will do fine- just don't post anonymously. If you have trouble posting a comment just send me an email [susangibbs1 at mac dot com] and I'll enter you. I will announce the winners here, so be sure to check back in next week to see if you've won.
EDITED TO ADD: I'm getting lots of emails from people who are having trouble posting a comment. Don't worry- it's not you. It's blogger. I am posting the names of everyone who emails me so you are entered. No worries!
EDITED BECAUSE I FOROT TO ADD THE BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Back when I was a journalist, I was covering a really nasty trial out in west Texas and I got to spend some time with a captain in the Texas Rangers. He said "Always remember, what's wrong is wrong even if everybody else is doing it. And what's right is right, even if nobody else is doing it."
582 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 582 Newer› Newest»best advice i ever got: "if you ever get a chance to win some yarn, take it"
:)
congrats to you!
*searching in vain to find words to tell you what a cool - beautiful - thing you are doing*
YOUR action is reminding me of the famous Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world.
And I want to share two bits of wisdom from my Dad - grandfather to 19; father to 10; brother to 6; son to 2; husband to 1 -
"Things are never as bad - or good - as they seem."
"This too shall pass."
*searching in vain to find words to tell you what a cool - beautiful - thing you are doing*
YOUR action is reminding me of the famous Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world.
And I want to share two bits of wisdom from my Dad - grandfather to 19; father to 10; brother to 6; son to 2; husband to 1 -
"Things are never as bad - or good - as they seem."
"This too shall pass."
When I was growing up my mother's best friend's name was Anna Margaret. She was from Kentucky, was about 10 years older than my mother, and was the most beautiful Cosmopolitan woman I had ever seen. When I was in my teens and and everyone started wearing mini skirts, she said to me, "Kim Marie, a woman's best asset is a man's imagination." I've never forgotten that. ~:o)
what a generous thing to do.
I'm not sure if my comment worked last time... but here's a new one.
Count me in too! My best advice: Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.
First of all, congratulations to you at turning your life around. I went through a similar situation and I understand the associated bitterness and the need to purge the past.
My best piece of advice. "Don't concern yourself so much about other people. You wouldn't worry so much about what people think if you realized how little most of them actually do."
I don't know where I heard the advice but I use "fake it 'til you make it" a lot. I am a teacher and somedays I just really don't have the energy to deal with obnoxious 7th graders but if I act like I am happy I am there, I usually get in a better mood quickly.
Carol R.
Sandi K.
Sonia B.
Celia P.
Great idea to giveaway that lovely yarn, you're turning a negative into a positive for lots of people, including the readers of your blog (who are getting all this advice!).
My best advice was actually something I read in a profile of the painter Renoir; he said: "People love to be nice if you give them the chance."
There is a lot of advice from the women in my family...
To be independent, to be true to yourself and to not be afraid to take chances.
"When you have a dream keep your head down and don't listen to the people who say you can't"
And....my mother always said living well is the best revenge.
And, life is to short not to spend it doing what you love....I tell my kids that all the time.
Good for you Susan!
aka...ayearandaday on Ravelry
Congratulations on your de-stashing. Sounds like a positive move.
I wrote this to myself in my journal when I was 14 and now I'm almost 45 and it still rings true:
It's good not to know what you want, then you won't be disappointed when you get it because it doesn't match your expectations.
Wonderful, generous heart revealed from your story.
The best piece of advice I've had is from my husband. He says. "money is just money - why don't you find a REAL problem to stress out about". By that he means that we have our health and happiness, and I shouldn't be stressing about money for the sake of stressing about money.
Oh, I just thought of another one - "eat less, move more".
Oooh - The Wonderful Things sale... I've spent many a COLD winter morning standing outside WT waiting for the doors to open!
Thanks for the chance at your yarn - One person's bad karma is another's windfall. :)
That's too bad about divorce. My mother is going through one and it is really hard for her right now. So tell her to be happy within herself first, and then everything else falls into place. I love Manos del Urugual, it's just too expensive for me to every buy much! That's what being a former student/recent having to get a real job will do for you!
Some of the best advice I got was in a book at my baby shower and a cute one was: pick up all of the Legos before turning off the lights. So true - ouch!
There are so many comments! I guess the best piece of advice I ever got was "you don't have to fix the problem, just make the customer happy." Usually, fixing the problem is the quickest way to make people happy, but some problems are just unsolvable. But if you're nice and keep people happy, they don't mind so much.
good for you. i have been stashing manos slowly but surely for a throw to knit for my son's school fundraiser. :) so I am always on the lookout for some.
My mom gives me great advice everytime we talk. Lately it's about finding my own voice and speaking with my own voice. Be true to yourself.
It sounds like you are already following this advice in your life - Knitting from your own sheep sounds like a dream come true!
Best wishes in all you do.
Mary (mbm on rav)
The best advice (if you can call it that) I've heard is "Once empirical experiment is worth a thousand expert opinions." It's from Bill Nye, the Science Guy.
How generous of you to give away the yarn. Reminds me of a friend who gave away all the "old boyfriend jewelry" when she got married. Your blog is a true inspiration. The advice I like is "if you don't ask, you don't get." Helps me to remember that things I assume can't happen, actually can. Hope to win the yarn!!
I admire what you're doing here...I did something similar after my divorce. It ties into the good advice, actually...Out with the old, in with the new. Getting rid of things with negative memories and replacing with something that makes you happy is one of the best things you can do for yourself!
My father always says, "Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without."
Good sense financially and in trying to avoid our 'gotta have it now' society.
I am so happy for you, My dream is to have a few goats and spin fiber. I love Manos too!
I don't know if its the GREATEST advice but its something I now ALWAYS remember.
Picture me, age 10, spoken to by my German Grandma:
"If you dribble when you piddle, be a sweetie wipe the seatie."
I was mortified but follow it to this day!
Congrats on your new life! Divorce sucks but life doesn't have to. xoxoxo, Knitzophrenic on rav
Wow, mentioning yarn purchases in a divorce! Unbelievable.
Knittingfiddler
Whoever wins, we're all lucky to read this good advice . . .
A recent good piece of advice came from my therapist, actually, and was reaffirmed by my husband. Do what's hardest first. Nothing is actually as hard as it seems, and you can get the hard stuff out of the way and enjoy everything else. I love it!
One of my favorite quotes, Don't sweat the petty stuff, pet the sweaty stuff :)
I love Manos!
Wow, there is so much good advice in these comments and I have none to share ... except do what you enjoy. You are never as stuck in a lousy job/relationship/situation as you may think you are. Really.
Best advice so far was from a friend in reference to my then boyfriend, she told me to give him a chance. I didn't want to, but I did. I've been married to him for 7 yrs now.
I must agree with previous comments of 'don't sweat the small stuff', that is one of my rules to live by.
What a touching story!
My favorite advice from a very cool uncle:
"It is none of my business what other people think of me."
Thanks for the opportunity~
Laura
"Listen with your heart, decide with your head." A neat trick if you can manage it. :-) Lovely to transform this memory into something generous and touching.
Jumping in!
My advice is: don't wait for the second chance, do it now, because there could not be a second chance.
Veruska
We got the best advice from a nurse as we were leaving the hospital with our newborn twins. We've applied it to everything, not just parenting. She said, "Don't keep score."
It didn't matter who changed the last diaper, who got up with a baby last, who ran somewhere to fetch something, we just both pitched in and did what we had to do.
Sorry about your divorce, the yarn is lovely and I definitely have room in my stash for it. I'm Supermommy on Ravelry if you need to reach me.
The best advice I got was from a dear friend who said, "You don't have to be anybody when you grow up, you can chose your own path." I think back on that every time I'm in a sticky situation or I have to make a hard decision.
His other bit of advice was that eggs fried in bear grease is really good. I haven't had cause to try that one yet!
My boss told me "done is better than perfect." It's something one of her former co-workers used to say a lot.
As a perfectionist, it's hard for me to always keep to that, but it's good to be reminded that you don't always have to make everything perfect. Life goes on even if a word is misspelled or the border of a flyer is not quite even. And it means that there's more time to spend with the people you care about.
When I was trying to decide if I should change jobs or not, a friend told me, "Go ahead and do it, if you change your mind, at least you'll always have an interesting story to tell."
Wow, that's extremely generous of you. I would love the chance to win Manos yarn. I've recently found it and can't put it down. :o)
The best advice I was given is: "Follow your gut instinct, it will never steer you wrong"
The best advice I ever got was "Don't stay with a person who thinks you'll be fabulous when you've become or done (blank), stay with the person who thinks you are fabulous now"
"Don't be sorry, be yourself." As in, stop apologizing for not living up to whatever wild perfectionist ideals you think other people might expect of you and just be yourself. Everyone will be a lot happier for it.
An old cowboy once told me, "Always be sure the screwing you're gettin' is worth the screwing you're gettin'." And he was right!
I love that coffee-colored Manos....
"Never judge a child (or their parents) until yours is the same age." This is my pearl of wisdom.
"Never say never."
"...and the point is, to live everything." Ranier Marie Rilke It's one of my friend's tag lines and I love it.
Great contest!
My mom told me "You can't choose who you work with, you just have to make it work." It's been the best advise to help me deal with *crazy* co-workers!
Some of the best advice I've received: It's only money. and Money can't buy happiness.
Sorry to hear about the bad association of the yarn with the divorce but it is beautiful stuff.
My advice: don't let yesterday eat up too much of today.
hmm... best advice would have to come from my mom: Even though it really sucks sometimes and inevitably is more difficult, it's better to do the right thing.
My father gave me the best piece of advise:
You can be anything you want to be and do anything you want to do as long as you believe in yourself and set your mind to the task. The only way you could fail, is if you fail to try.
I find that he is usually right, and even when I did not succeed, it taught me a good lesson.
What a great affirmation, turning bad into good.
The best advice I ever received is when I was young, newly divorced and a kind older man who came in where I was working told me "Always tell the truth. Then you never have to try to remember what you said."
I still live by this. Rubie
My dad was a big fan of "measure twice, cut once," though in my case, I should measure at least eight times. Maybe nine.
Well I'd love to be entered into this giveaway! My name is faeriebell on Ravelry. Not sure what the best advice I've ever heard has been, but "time heals all wounds but never forget the lessons learned" is probably up there. :)
Smart move on your part - and a nice one for the lucky winner!
Advice I've received from several riding instructors and yoga teachers over the years:
"Breathe!"
I can see why that yarn would make one feel sad. I am lucky in that my partner does not care about my yarn purchases either. I would be very hurt if the same thing had happened to me. I am glad that you are at a great place in your life now though.
Don't need more yarn, but the best advice I got was "choose your battles". Said by our pastor when we were having trouble with my mom trying to rule our wedding plans.
I can really tell from your post that you're in a good place now. I think it's great to come through what was obviously a very painful divorce and be able to say your ex is a good person. It says so much about your character.
The best piece of advice I ever had was to "always do the best I can". It might not be perfect, it might not even be passable, but try your best. The only failure is not trying.
Hugs!
Jackie
JackieCastsOn on Ravelry
Best relationship advice:
put in 90% only expecting 10%. If you both do it that way, it will even out.
The best advice: The Serenity Prayer - God grant me the strength to change the things I can; the serenity to accept the things I cannot; and the wisdom to know the difference. As a control freak, I need this little reminder every now and again.
Wow I love all the responses on here!
My comment would be to find a way to smile everyday and if you can help someone else find their smile...cheesy but so am I!
I was changing jobs and going to teach in another school. One teacher told me that "there are nice people everywhere".
I was once told - When you have a problem with a friend/family member it is easier to "build a bridge" to get over it than hold a grudge and keep it bottled inside.Often easier said than done though.
Only a bad hubby can't love the Manos!!!
Sometimes I have to repeat to myself: "If there is a solution to a problem, there is no need to worry. And if there is no solution, there is no need to worry."
Some people tell that these words are Dalai Lama's words, other people say that these words are Aristotele's words. I just know that these words can help me when I panic!!!
I'm sorry for my awful English, I'm an Italian knitter ^___^
From my dad:
1. Nobody can *make* you feel anything. You are responsible for your own happiness.
2. Wherever you go, there you are.
Seems like you've figured that out already!
Beautiful yarn!
Advice given to me that I pass along to my kids...Character is what you do and how you act when no one is watching.
On a lighter note and a new favorite...When life gets you down, slap on a little lipstick! :)
Good luck, everyone!
Best advice - "Trust in God and do not lean upon your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5. He has never let me down yet. :)
You got the best end of that deal, you got to keep the yummy yarn and get rid of the boob.
janetclaire@yahoo.com
Wow. Just wow. I'm sorry your Manos doesn't make you happy anymore, and I completely understand why.
The best advice I ever got was from an old boss of mine. I had made an accounting error, and was apologizing to her and fixing it. Her response?
"If you don't make any mistakes, you aren't doing anything."
It is now my mantra - along with "if this is the worst thing that happens to me today, will it still be a good day?"
Keep your happy on!
Trish (emeraldmaiden on Ravelry)
*hugs* I went through a nasty divorce not so long ago and all I can say is that it can turn even the nicest of people into caricatures of nastiness.
I survived mine because I had the love and support of my family and friends and the best man I have ever had the privilege to know and love.
I'm glad your life is good now.
I subscribe to a yoga podcast and he has several great sayings.
"Sometimes you have to try easier instead of harder"
"If you always give what you've always given, you'll always get what you've always gotten"
Love those.
YiLi
The best advice I ever received came from my mother. I was upset upon returning home from school after being called weird by some of my classmates. My mom told me, "Well, if you weren't weird, sweetie, you wouldn't be interesting. You'd be boring like all the other not weird people". That's been my life's motto since.
My mom just has a way of making me feel better with a few simple words or sentences.
Congratulations on moving on and finding your bliss!
I think this is such a great idea, and I've loved reading everyone's advice.
My mother is a veritable fountain of advice, but the two of hers that I repeat the most frequently are:
- Never take "no" from a machine.
- Always be a little kinder than you think is necessary.
It's amazing to experience the serenity of actually treating people well throughout the day and smiling sincerely. I have my mom to thank for that, and so much more.
Best advice I ever got was after I had miscarried my first child. A friend/co-worker told me,
"Don't let other people dictate how long it should take you to heal. Take as long as you need. Just remember to always be honest with yourself about how you're feeling, and allow the healing to come. It will come."
I've made that a key component of how I live my life ever since.
The advice I received was in reference to dividing up all the property and belongings when I was going through my divorce "It's just stuff. Stuff can be replaced." Letting go is the best thing to do!
Congratulations! Sounds like you have found your way to the life you deserve.
My entire life, my mother has impressed this advice on me: "listen to your gut." No matter what I'm trying to decide, from whether or not to buy that new pair of shoes to whether I should quit my job, this advice has served me well.
The best piece of advise I every got was "Listen more". I tend to be a talker more than a listener, so it's something I struggle with....but it's getting better.
When I was young, "Marry the person you can't live without." Apparently the first finance I could leave without.
After our second miscarriage, "When you're ready to try again, have fun and cross your fingers."
I'm sorry your yarn gives you sad memories. I hope that this thread gives you happy thoughts for the manos!
Cheers
you won't know if you don't try!
(i tried and now, 8 years later, i'm sure glad i did!)
onto other adventures now!
The best knitting advice I got, though not in person, was from the Yarn Harlot in I think Knitting Rules. She said, "don't be afraid to knit crap." Honestly, that totally changed the way I knit. I'm a much more fearless knitter now.
When I headed off to college, my mom told me, "I give you three pieces of advice:
1. Always have a spare box of tampons stashed in a drawer.
2. Make friends with a gay man so you'll always have a guy you can go to get the male perspective but sex and lust won't get in the way.
3. Avoid mixed drinks with vodka in them, they will sneak up and bite you on the ass."
Dad just told me to go to every class. Hers was much more useful!
Wishing you the brightest of futures. Sounds like you have the present by the horns!
Best advice... do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
I can't remember where I saw this, but at some point during my graduate school application process I was starting to get way too nervous and almost backed out of the whole thing. Then I read this: never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. As cheesy as it sounds, I really would think of that phrase whenever I felt like I shouldn't go through with it. Now, I can say that I'll be starting grad school in the fall! :)
Silly me...my post was 6/2 @ 5:16PM and I forgot to leave my name. Freckledcutie is Kelly.
Thanks for the fun giveaway.
Kelly
my grandfather told me "one side of the car follows the other" best advice in driving... and i think in life too.
I love your business concept & your spirit... atta girl!
The very best advice I've ever been given? "CHOOSE to be happy."
I also really like "life is not a dress rehersal" and "all or nothing at all (aka go for it!)"
Best Regards!
- Denise
(you can contact me through my Ravelry id: dlotter)
I'm not sure excactly where I heard this from but I find it powerful and (to me) words to live by:
"Dance like no one is watching."
And if you happen to find the right person to share that dance with - all the better!
I wish you much happiness!
Kelly K
I never really got any good advice as my life was a mess. I can only say keep your head up as you have been and remember that things come back to you 10 fold. I truly do believe that. My advice that I have learned is "Get busy living or get busy dying."
I am honored to be in your giveaway and thanks for being a better person and choosing not to be bitter and angry. Divorce is a rough road and you truly are a brave soul to embrace it the way you have and also to invite all of us in your lives the way that you have. Best of luck in all that you do.
Theresa in NJ
"You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need" The Rolling Stones
Letting go is always excellent advice, it's hard to do sometimes though.
XenaBob on Ravelry
It's such beautiful yarn, I am so sorry it has such ugly memories. I have been there too. I am glad you are in a better place, life does go on and manages to get better.
Great advice from everyone!
I hope that the yarn give away helps you along the path in your new journey.
The advice that I go by is to always forgive everybody everything every night before you go to bed and never forget to laugh at yourself (you will be guaranteed an endless source of amusement).
I've also liked the quote "Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere."
Well, this is my own advice (or I've heard it somewhere, I can't truly remember): There is always a purpose to what happens. I've learned this quite a lot with school and stuff. I'm glad you've found happiness!
-Amy
I think the best piece of advice i ever got was "don't mindf*%$ yourself.
That little voice in your head is a tape loop." it isn't telling you anything new or enlightening.
Thanks for doing this!
Holy Cow, you have enough here to write a book! As my mom once told me- "Remember, Ginny, not all doctors were A students". Apply as needed.
www.FatCatKnits.Etsy.com
on ravlery as FatCatKnits
Rule #1 God is in control.
Rule #2 People are goofy.
These rules of life came from a friend who worked with me in a difficult office situation and they've served me well for many years now.
I have two pieces of advice that stick out as I think back.
The first is from when a good friend passed away last year at age 20, while I was 21. When everyone was being sympathetic I had one friend who looked at me as I was talking and asked, "What can you learn from this?" I took that to heart and learned from the death and to ask myself that question when I'm looking at a situation. I really appreciate Robbie for taking the time to ask me what I could learn.
The second piece of advice was follow your heart, I don't know where I heard it from, probably my mom, but I try to follow it even when my decisions don't necessarily make sense to everyone around me.
--Jess (Jessetfan on Ravelry)
I have a fairly reactant personality, which means I tend to do the opposite when given advice (even if it's not in my best interest....). However, while not exactly advice, the Rolling Stones counsel that "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you'll find, you get what you need." has held pretty true for me.
Also, when I came back from Peace Corps and had no idea what I was going to do with my life, the clerk at the health food store suggested I look into getting my Master's in Social Work, and I did, and it turned out to be a very good choice for me. So thanks, Andy at the health food store.
"Regret is a useless emotion"
Take care of your health before you don't have any choice but to ask others to help you.
Welcome home!
This advice came from my dad. He is quite frugal. If someone offers to pay for something, let them. ;)
I no longer feel guilty when someone offers to pay for a good meal or something special. I let them and thank them graciously. I know they feel just as good about sharing as I do when I am paying.
I am very embarrased. In my comments earlier describing similar problems in calving , I remarked about the mama cow eating the uterus. Disregard, please! I meant to say the placenta, the afterbirth. Regards, Redfaced Bill
I am torn, I have no more room in my yarn drawer. I can't think of any good advice off the top of my head, but at the theater last night, I saw this on the shirts which seems like good advice to me--"live life like there is no intermission" (to give proper credit, Studio Theatre in Washington Dc).
Good yarn should never make a knitter sad! I can understand wanting to let go of painful memories and move on. (And makes room in your stash for new yarn with happy memories attached!)
The best advice I got was from a tiny magazine cut-out, given to me by my mother - it said "Don't marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can't live without." At the time I was contemplating a marriage proposal from someone who I wasn't truly in love with more than I liked the idea of being in love... most definitely not the same thing! I'm so glad I heeded her words and waited for my now-husband to come along and sweep me off my feet. (And I Still keep that little cut-out tucked away in my jewelry box)
Many good wishes of happiness sent your way!
The best advice I know is never treat a family member worse than you would treat a complete stranger.
Good for you to get your life together!
When I was in a downward spiral and dealing with empty nest, a friend of mine sent me this quote: "we are each of us angels with only one wing and we can only fly by embracing one another" -Luciano de Crescenzo. It was truly a lifeline.
How generous of you to share some of your lovely stash! I've never worked with Manos but have been dying to! My heart goes out to you regarding the divorce. When mine came along, it was the loom and two of my spinning wheels that I had to find "good homes" for ---I am so happy your divorce has resulted in an even better sequel to your first go round! The best advice I find myself remembering most often is from The Little Prince --"That which is essential, is invisible to the eye!" In other words, the things that really matter are the sharing of love, friendship, and generosity of spirit. Life is reaching out and touching one another. All those things that we get caught up in and believe are what really matter, are usually the things that mean the least. I was coming home after a movie with a good friend. We ran down to BART (the underground rail service) to catch the train home. We past a homeless man with his violin case open. I hurriedly threw in some change, as did my friend, but as I started down the stairs, I realized she wasn't with me. I ran back up and she was standing there listening as the gentelman played her a song. It hit me then --the quarters were appreciated, but the gift of my friend stopping to listen and "see what was essential" about this dear man had been much more important than the gift of money. That which was "essential" between us that night, was truly invisible to eye but blindingly bright to our hearts!
My first boss told me to always save 10% before you do anything else. It's been a great guide through the years.
I can't remember who gave us this advice as we were getting married, but the thing I always try to encourage newlyweds to do is to institute a date night. This is easy when the love is fresh, but when you're in one household, balancing work, bills, and life, it can be easy to fall into a routine and forget what drew you together. We haven't always followed it, but it makes a world of difference when we take little dates (coffeeshops, bookstores, or game nights at home), and we just came back from a vacation to D.C., partly undertaken as a five-year anniversary trip, partly as a babymoon. We loved the whirlwind, and it was great to get rid of all the distractions.
I don't know if it's advice per se, but since I HATE to do thing over again, my mantra is "do it right the first time". Little did I know 2 years ago when I started knitting how much it applied! While I can't say that I've followed my own advice with every knit project, I CAN say that the ones I'm most happy with are the ones where I took the time to do it right the first time. ;)
Hmm, I was trying to come up with the best advice I ever got and was pondering this out loud when my littlest cat said "meow! mer-ow!" so um today, that could be the best advice.
Oh, and possibly "beer before liquor never sicker, liquor before beer never fear" or whatever it is it taught me not to mix my alcohols...
I'm glad you're in a better place now!! (and slightly envious of your flock!!)
Best of luck to you in your happy new life!
I had a friend, Melanie, in high school who was just plain boy crazy. Always had a boyfriend and was always on the lookout for the next one, and she had a knack for picking boys who weren't very good to her. So a boyfriend broke up with her and she was really, really sad, and my mom said "Tell Melanie there are plenty of fish in the sea." Which is good enough advice as-is. But then my dad said, and I'll never forget it, "Tell Melanie she doesn't need any fish."
My friend's Mom had some good advice about having children (which I hope to be able to use soon):
1. Listen to your child. They'll tell you what they need.
2. Treat your kids like people.
Heidi
my Daddy told me that I'd never be able to please everyone all the time...so just make sure I can honestly say I've done the best I could.
Gingernut
Joyce R.
yvonnegut
What a generous offer!
I would love to be entered in the drawing.
My mom used to say "whatever you send out to others comes back to you". May the good Karma you are spreading come back to bring you some happiness in the future.
S Jee
Congratulations on a new outlook on things, with a better partner!
The best advice I ever received was from my mother and it was this: "It's not a prison sentence." To understand it, you must know that I have always been a worrier. When I got to the point in life where I had to start making some BIG decisions (should I go to law school? shoud I move to a differents state? etc.) I was almost paralyzed with the fear of making the wrong choice. Mom told me that, at some point, you have to give up the fear and just move forward, but that if something reeaaaallly isn't working out, well then, you head in a different direction. It's not a prison sentence - you can change your mind.
Best advice I ever got was from my tough guy, trucker, tattoo artist Dad who said "tell the people you love that you love them."
That, and "you're never to old to be a Daddy's Girl."
My advice? Take any given advice with a large grain of salt.
As a midwifery student, the best advice I got (aside from "You will be at the births you are meant to") was B for Balance!!!
Hi, I found your blog through Ravelry; it is so nice of you to have a destash contest! I have two pieces of advice both given to me by my mother. The first is "Bloom where you are planted." I've seen this elsewhere but my mom was the first to say it to me and it stuck. I always try to remind myself that you can make good things happen almost anywhere.
The second one probably only applies to me but I hear my mother's voice in my head anytime I'm dwelling on something that is in the grand scheme of things insignificant. She always says, "Move along now Sarah," which although simple I think serves as a nice reminder that we all need to give ourselves a break once in a while, learn what we can from a situation, and then move on. :)
The best advice I got was "if you put God first in your life everything else will fall into place." I wish you the best for your future!
The best advice ever, from my mum who knows my fiery temper. Sleep on it. By the time I wake up my new hair color doesn't look so scary, the puppy doesn't seem so bad and the husband doesn't seem so unforgivable. But if things are still bad theres been time to make a clear headed rational decision.
Glad to hear things are going better for you though.
Best advice I ever got:
"Every battle leaves scars. Each scar leaves us wiser."
Received from: my college psychology professor.
I hope you recover from your pain quickly.
Big hugs!
Best advice- "Give somebody else a chance" You don't always have to be first, and you don't always have to let everybody know you have the answer. It just pisses people off. Great advice in a lecture room, and in a relationship. Sometimes it's better to let the other person come up with the answer, be right, or wrong, and not be in competition with you either way.
The best advice I ever got was this:
If you keep looking for exactly what you want, you won't find it. Stop looking, and it will come to you.
I've learned that often. Stopped looking for a nice Jewish boy (I'm Jewish). One found me and we've been together for 2.5 years. I stopped looking to be happy and do fantastically in school. I've discovered a new hobby of art, and plan to become an art teacher.
So yes. I reiterate, if you keep looking for exactly what you want, you won't find it. Stop looking, and it will come to you.
WOW!!! How nice of you to do this! I am a very new knitter and haven't tried Manos yet, but it looks wonderful and I've heard many good things about it.
My best advice is: Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Works wonders for me as I am a major worrier and a bit of a chicken.
:)
What a lovely and generous way to give yourself closure and healing. Now spread your wings and FLY!
NurseBrandy
When I was a preteen and approching that awkward stage full of no self-esteem and angst, my sister told me to not worry about what others thought of how I looked, because everyone was so concerned with themselves that they would barely notice something like the little blemish on my chin. I've thought of that often and it still seems quite true.
congratulations on your beautiful new life! your story is an inspiration.
a dear friend once told me "it's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do."
also a favorite of mine-from the rocky horror picture show-- "don't dream it, be it."
am i allowed two?
karen (okeydokey on ravelry)
My dad was an Air Force officer and told me never to kiss ass, it will never make you happy in the end. I'm glad he never did, he still went far on his on merit and loved what he did.
If you have to fight, fight naked. It will be over sooner.
advice:
it's foolish to take action just for the sake of doing so.
from my best friend and honorary sister.
My advice is this:
"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart"
Your yarn would have a great home with me!
(I'm Hannahbelle on Ravelry)
I know what you mean about ex's being nice guys, but sometimes not-so-nice when in the clench. When people get hurt, they say some of the meanest things - and it especially hurts to know what just awhile back, they told you they loved you! What I went through recently is nothing like a divorce, but it was a very difficult breakup. My heart goes out to you, absolutely and utterly.
And it is an honorable thing to knit from your own flock - something about that terminology makes me think of knitting from your own heart. What you produce perhaps not only comes with the traditional knitting work behind it, but something deeper of yourself. And something deeper of yourself is what you should always discover, when you're out on your own again.
I'm certainly trying, anyway. Good luck!
Best advice...
Time flies even if you aren't having fun...have some fun!
This is incredibly embarrassing, because I don't usually like mass-market schmaltz, but the best advice I ever got came in the form of a Mary Engelbreit poster--this one, to be precise. The poster was sent to me by my stepmother when I was agonizing over which graduate school to choose. It was exactly what I needed to hear: Don't look back; pick a path and make the best of it, because you can't have it both ways.
Sorry to read about your ex.
The best advice I ever received would be from my Mom. It was when you think you have a major problem ask yourself if in a month or a year would it seem so bad. Usually it is not so don't spend a lot of time worrying about it either do something to pass it off.
Debi
Best advice I ever received: a college professor once told me that sign of a good person is when they're interested in what they're interested in.
I've never forgotten it!
what a joy reading all these wonderful words of wisdom! Thanks for sharing a part of yourself, and bravo to you for moving on!
the best bit of advice was something that was said at a friends wedding by her grandmother. She said that in every relationship there will be days when you do more for your spouse and days your spouse will do more for you. don't spend your days keeping count because in the end it really does all balance out!! bottom line: DON'T keep score!
The best advice I have ever received was from a brilliant professor during freshman orientation at my university. He said, You have to make crossroads -- not just look for them. He meant that you have to be proactive in life, and I have been thinking about it a lot lately, as I am graduating in about a week. I am trying to be decisive and hope for the best.
Very generous give away-- I LOVE Manos. Just bought my first skeins last month.
Hmmm...how about "what goes around, comes around."
I had a really fantastic boss one summer; she was bright and vibrant and loud and opinionated and kind. She was not universally popular in our small town, but the people who liked her respected her a lot. She always used to remind me:
"Failure is not an option!"
At first that didn't mean a lot to me, but through the years, and especially when I entered graduate school, that advice became priceless. When I did my Master's degree I ended up with two horrible, petty, abusive supervisors who tried to make my life miserable. Every time I was on the brink of quitting the program, I would remember my former boss' advice, and I would find new strength and continue on. I now have my Master's degree and am working on a doctorate. That was truly wonderful advice!
I've had items from past relationships that made me sad/frustrated.blue, and I will be rehomingthem soon (sorry, none of them is yarn). If I win, I'll give it a good home and turn it into something lovely.
glitterbear (on ravelry)
the best advice I've ever received was: it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, you have to love yourself.
Sadly, this is recent advice given to me by my ex... I'm coming to terms with myself now... and I'm realizing more than ever before that I've never lived my life for myself. I'm working on that now, and happy that I'm doing new things because I want to, not because anyone else thinks I should.
Thank you for sharing your yarn with us in such a meaningful way.
Moving forward and letting go is the best thing, glad to hear you are loving your new life :)
My Irish granny said, "Never marry a man who hates cats; he'll have no respect for women and he won't be true to you. And never marry a man who hates dogs, he'll treat children badly and won't be a good father."
Sorry the yarn has such bad memories for you. What an asshat. Good riddance.
Well, I'm not sure it's THE best, but it's the one that has stayed with me for over 20 years:
"Take good care of your teeth." -my late mother's dying advice to me.
And I have, for the most part, and she was right...it sucks when your teeth start going.
The most helpful piece of advice I got was from a former colleague who told me to do a journalism course. I did and and now enjoy a freelance career with flexible schedules and no commuting!
Another piece of advice that really worked was from my sister-in-law's husband when I complained my husband was arguing against my buying a laptop, because I didn't *need* it. He said, well, if you don't need one, buy one as a luxury! And I did, I bought a Mac.
The best advice seems really relevant to you situation:
Don't date boys who aren't nice.
Seems simple, but then you don't end up married to a boy who isn't nice :)
Thanks
I just read about your giveaway on Ravelry. Beautiful colours of yarn you have there :-)
Still I agree, it is important to go on and be happy instead of looking back. I wish you all the best.
(my Ravelry ID is Lansingerland)
I have two pieces of advice. One I got from a wonderful friend when I was about 13.
He told me "If you don't lie, you don't have to remember what you said before."
The other might be good to remember just now as you read all of these. "If you know the difference between good advice and bad advice, then you don't need advice!"
Thanks for having the contest.
Honestly - My boyfriend gave me the best advice ever. He told me about Non violent communication by Marshal B. Rosenberg
And because I took the time to learn this technique, where you talk from your heart to another persons heart, I faced my mom and told her some things from my heart.
Now I have a great relationship with her - and a lot of other persons, because I dared to show my heart.
But I got another good advice from a friend, who wrote on my toilet wall:
I'm going to live forever, or die trying!
I wish you the best of luck in your life. And I'm thrilled you are happy again.
My Psychology teacher always said "When the only tool you have is a hammer every problem looks like a nail."
What a fab contest. :) Good for you for getting rid of something that reminds you of bad times, in such a healthy manner.
The best piece of advice I ever got was from my mum. I had a friend over and she wouldn't let us do something (can't remember what) and it really pissed me off. So I told my friend loudly that my mother was really stupid. She marched right over to me, grabbed my arm and told me that you praise someone in public, but if you disapprove, you tell the person in private and never, EVER in front of anyone else. It's difficult to translate the phrase she used to English (we're Danish) but that's the gist of it. ;) I still remember it very clearly, and from that day on never, ever said anything bad to a person while others were around. On the other hand, I'll praise someone loudly if I think they've done something well. It's actually pretty good advice. Who wants to be reprimanded in front of others?
Count me in. ;)
Trine xx
Hang in there! I know that knitting always makes me find my center... in fact, it's why I begin knitting in the first place! Long story...
Anyway, I would love to experience your yarn... and if you really have YOUR OWN YARN (sheep and such), let me know more about it! I am all about some homemade stuff! ;)
coty aka Markfifersmyhero
ooh - are the stars aligned for me to win manos on my 30th birthday? ;)
i love the advice from the Ranger...it comes in perfect time for a particulary trying time when I am standing up for someone on my own.
Best piece of advice I ever had...
I had a rough time a couple of years ago and tried to take on too much at once. This resulted in me feeling like crying every minute of the day.
So a very kind man gave me some sort of reiki treatment to get all of the bad energy away. And afterwards he told me I needed to sit down and have a big loong talk with myself, and find out what I want for myself, and what I don't have to or want to do. Life can be a bitch sometimes, but don't let her beat you! he said.
That would be the best advice I have ever received. It might not sound like much, but at the moment it really was all I needed. I haven't felt so bad since, so hopefully I learned something too.
ensorceler
I think the best advice I got is from my grandfather - Don't feel pity for those less fortunate than you. Just love them.
When I was living in Tulsa OK and struggling with an unwanted separation (and later divorce) a co-worker / friend told me about getting through a rough patch herself and said she just decided to be happy. Just "decided"??? I didn't get it for a long, long time but eventually did. What she was saying was to turn down the misery and enjoy the big and little things that make up life - a pretty sunset, how quiet the house is early in the morning, getting a knitting project completed, a cute little baby, children playing.
I was once told "quitting is the easiest thing in the world." A teacher said this it was right before I was about to do something quite intmidating.
If I accidently double posted, I apologize. I'm not sure if the first comment went through.
The best advice I got was from my grandma. "Remember, a dog that will fetch a bone will carry a bone." I don't gossip (except with close friends LOL) and when people pump me for information at work, I hear this phrase go through my head. My most common response in "I don't really know. Have you tried asking him/her?"
Saved me from many troubles.
Wow, so many wonderful comments! I hope I don't repeat. My own advice to myself is whenever I'm worrying about something or a problem seems monumental, I ask myself, will this matter in six months? Helps to put things in perspective.
Hi, great idea!
The best piece if wisdpm/advise I was ever told!
Every choice/decision has a cost and only you know if you can afford to pay it! I try hard to live by it.
Kibdest regards, Mel
Wow. love the yarn!
Corny, but best advice was from my dad, when I was 13 and had no idea how sage this was: "This above all, to thine ownself be true; thou can'st not then be false to any man."
A sad but uplifting story all at once. ITs so sad that divorce makes good guys say shit stuff.
A good piece of advice is - "if it doesn't scare you its probably not worth doing". Not something I live by every day (I'd be a nervous wreck!) but all the stuff that has brought me most rewards this has been true for - I managed to get a PhD despite being terrified, and will be getting married in a DRESS (I'm not a girly girl) in September...
Good luck with the next stage of your life.
I think I got the best piece of advice from my boss yesterday: "Just make sure what you're getting is worth what you're giving up...it's just a job."
Thanks for being so generous.
'Nothing worth having in life comes easy.'
Congratulations on your success! Thank you for your generosity.
About two weeks before my dad died last year, he told me to not put off doing the things that you want to do or else it would be too late.
I would say have faith in yourself
The best advice I ever got was to follow my heart. It's so hard to make decisions sometimes but in the end, I think I usually end up making the right decision because I like to just down and think it through.
I really love the color of the cherry. Please count me in!
Thanks
Divorce is a 4-letter word - I'm so happy for you that you seem to be coming out of the other side.
One piece of advice my Grandmother gave me : always make sure you have a good bed and a good pair of shoes - if you're not in one, you're in the other.
She also had lots of gems about men and married life in general.
Not one of hers, and I can't remember where I saw it, but it always makes me laugh, and comes into my head during stressful times for some reason (!): it's a mythical title for a Country & Western song... "If I'd 've shot you sooner, I'd 've been out by now..."
The best advice I ever received was to ignore the advice "Never go to sleep angry". In other words, don't argue when you're tired; a little bit of sleep does a world of good when it comes to a disagreement. Unfortunately, I can't remember who told me that.
Thanks for the contest!
The best piece of advice I read was from the Yarn Harlot's blog:
"It'll all be OK in the end. If it's not OK, then it's not the end"
It's got me through some stuff :)
I'm glad you are in a better place and appreciate that you say your ex is a good guy, just in a bad place! Bravo to you for having an upbeat attitude!
Best piece of advise I ever got was "Don't sweat the small stuff" and "Say everything with love" tough to do sometimes! I believe both of these bits of wisdom came from Grandma :)
Your post made me smile two different smiles - a sad smile at memories of a yuk divorce, and a happy smile at how you've found a positive way to remove reminders of the sadness from your life. Well done!!!
xxx
I'm sorry this yarn makes you sad, but I'm glad you're much happier now.
The best advice given to me was that "the housework can always be done later - the time you have now is precious". This was said to me by my husband's auntie after the birth of our little boy and it's so true.
My grandmother always said, Look ahead and leave your regrets behind you. I've found I am usually much happier when I keep this in mind.
Congrats on clearing out the things (yarn) that can weigh you down. Hugs.
My partner always has the same 2 pieces of wisdom for me:
"Do or do not, there is no try"
"talking does not cook rice"
Both irritating to hear, because both very right.
I think I just congratulated you on wedding news...that's Ravelry confusion for you...It should have read congrats on getting out of a fiber-restricting relationship!
Take care,
Adeline
The best advice I received was regarding decluttering: That ugly old vase that belonged to Aunt Martha isn't Aunt Martha - it's just a vase. If you don't love the vase, it doesn't meant that you didn't love Aunt Martha, and hanging on to it if it does not bring you pleasure is not honoring Aunt Martha.
Hmm, I got lots of advice when we got married (32 yrs ago) and most, although well meant and heartfelt, was useless, the most useful and hardest was...":be gentle with each other". I realized that we are often hardest on our family so I try to treat my partner as I would a dear friend.
~Sue
How generous of you! Count me in on this one!
I'm sorry about your divorce, but glad you are happy now.
I'm a spinner, too! It's relaxing, isn't it? Say hi to the sheep.
Momartist
"You are the only one with the ability to make yourself happy. Happiness is a choice you make everyday"
LizzyB
Sorry I didn't read the directions very well.
"you are the only one with the ability to make yourself happy. Happiness is a choice you make everyday"
llamaliz1@yahoo.com
Hi, what a nice yarn! I haven't seen it yet. Do you also accept sign-ups from Europe?
Those little sheep you have are sooooo adorable.
Regards, Darja from Slovenija (in Europe)
great story...hope all is well now...sounds like it..
ok, mine from a friend and now I have a tee shirt with it on it "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it!"
Hugs to you, and thanks for such a fab giveaway.
Mom is always a fount of wisdom--Trust yourself. Deep down you know what is right for you.
Thanks for doing this. I am glad you are in a happier place.
You've found a way to free yourself from bad associations by being incredibly generous to others--good for you!
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