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."
583 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 583 of 583An excellent piece of advice I got from a colleague when I was in grad school was about writing papers (he got it from his mom): Think of an approach/opinion that is different from others and write about that. I've found the same approach also works for other things, e.g. designing. : )
When dealing with breast cancer at the ripe old age of 39, my husband (who is my rock and my lobster) told me to go and have a good cry for 15 minutes and then come out fighting with my head high. That helped me through 3 relapses as well. That was 11 years ago.
My whole life my mother has told me to "just get on with it". Drove me absolutely crazy, like hair pulling crazy. But as I got older I finally began to understand it's wisdom and even began saying it others.
Like melan526 says, all the advice comes from mom. I wonder... is that because mom is always right or that her message (and her voice) has been drummed into our heads?
The advice that has stuck with me the longest is: if you realize you are going to fall instead of trying to stop yourself use that energy to fall safely. This advice was given by someone who was trying to teach me and my fellow kindergarteners (I think) how to ice skate. I think it is great advice for all sorts of situations.
it must feel good to be in a new place and leaving the past behind.
a friend and co-worker shared with me that when it comes to a long-lasting relationship that it's important to "get your heart, your head and your gut to align" if one is off, then there's likely something going on that requires further investigation.
Good advice. What beautiful yarn. I have never worked with Manos, but hear its the best. Thanks for sharing. What a dream "job" that's how I want to "retire" :)
Suzanne
I have actually have 2 to share:
1."Anne of Green Gables" It's not what the world holds for you, it's what you bring to it.
2. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person (can't recall where I read this)
Wish you all the best!
My advice: Anyone who might try to bring you down is just ignorant, they don't know any better. Saves yourself from getting angry at a lot of people.
Thanks for the opportunity...the yarn looks lovely as does your outlook on life!
Heather (cdnknitchick on Ravelry)
Congratulations to you for putting forth such a positive way to put the bad memories behind you. Recently, I have been struggling a lot with depression. Some days it was so hard to get myself out of bed. Randomly I got some of the most inspirational advice from listening to Dr. Randy Pausch's talk entitled "The Last Lecture." If you haven't heard of him, he is 46, a professor at Carnegie Melon, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given 3-6 months of good health left. His positive attitude in the face of a very harsh situation is so touching. Here a few quotes from his talk:
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.
The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough.
It’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.
Here is the link to his lecture site:
http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
I found this on The Discardian, when that was an active blog: "Don't let the blur of movement try to replace one elegantly completed task."
I typed that up and taped it to the lower edge of my computer. It helps remind me take a breath and to finish something when I find myself being sucked into the vortex of overly crazy busy-ness.
I had a horrible first marriage and was working for a divorce attny and too afraid to ask for help. A former employee came in to visit (had not met him before) and out of the blue told me to ask my employer for help. Not only did she find me a great attny she paid for my legal fee's. I guess the moral here is not to be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
I was told two things by a lady I considered my mentor in the needlework world.
1. Don't let a problem become a worry or a crisis. Next year you won't even remember it.
2. When preparing a class to teach remember: don't put everything you know in one class. first it is impossible to teach that much in one class and still have a good design. second if you can put all you know in one class, you need more classes.
the golden rule: do unto others as you would have done unto you.
my mom. gone for 25 years now.
That yarn is georgous....keeping fingers crossed.
:0)
sara
The best advice I ever had is really about holding on when the darkness comes:
This too shall pass.
It does. All things pass. And it is a horror as well as a comfort but I need to know it and remember it. This too shall pass.
And something else will come.
I agree with all of those who applaud you for making something good from something sad. It's a wonderful impulse!
a form of advice about growing up, came from one of my english teachers.
you know that you've grown up when you realise that you're never going to get any more grown up than you already are.
The best advice I ever received was so simple -
"Trust Your Instincts."
Whenever I've "gone astray"
(Look! A sheep/flock reference!)
it turns out that I actually knew in my heart what I should do/not do; say/not say; eat,wear,spend/not eat,wear,spend; believe,love,trust in/not believe,love,trust in. The problem was I didn't listen to my own best instincts.
I was going through a tough time meeting a new man, and when I did go out with new men, it seemed they were only interested in one thing. Having no self-esteem, I ended up giving them that one thing, and never hearing from them, which just drove my self-esteem even lower, causing me to sleep with men to feel better. It was quite a vicious cycle. My friend Ann gave me the following advice:
Every time you sleep with a man, you write his name on your heart. When you meet the man you are supposed to be with forever, do you really want to give him your heart with all those names written all over it?
Made me stop the cycle. I'm now happily dating a wonderful, sweet, loving man. It took him quite a while to write his own name on my heart, a fact of which I am very proud.
There are an awful lot of comments and what great advice they are imparting! It is really inspiring to read them here and what a reminder for all the good things in life.
The best piece of advice I got was from a wise woman, my mom who used to tell me "you have to always tend to your garden of life - if you don't get rid of the bad weeds - there won't be any room for the flowers to grow". It always made sense - the more time spent on people/relationships that are bad for us - friend, boyfriends, etc... the less time we have for those that are the best for us - it is hard to pull the weeds - but once we do, the garden of flowers is just so stunning.
Good luck to you - it looks like you have a flourishing garden now!
The best advice anyone's ever given to me was to not take things personally. This was from my therapist.
What a wonderful post (the being able to move to a better place in your life part, not the sucky divorce part) and the comments with advice are so reaffirming to read. All the best to you and your coming adventures.
This is the advice I give my kids:
"Be good. Be better than you have to be."- Garrison Keillor
I follow it.
My best advice (this one from the "financial" category; my dad's advice can all be categorized) is "Spend your money on the way you live" meaning if what you like to do is watch tv, don't feel bad buying a nice tv. But don't just go around buying things that don't fit your lifestyle: don't buy a boat if you don't go boating thinking that you'll start boating...
Best advice I ever got was from Bruce Springsteen:
"Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny."
OK, maybe he wasn't speaking directly to me, but it works (thanks for the contest)!
"Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff." My 8th grade History teacher told me that and when ever I am stressed I think of that and it makes me smile and helps me put things in perspective.
Another one that I always think of is,"Go out into the real world knowing who you are otherwise you will lose yourself. Quickly." My favorite teacher of all time told me this my freshman year in high school and I think it holds true. Don't follow the flock (pun intended) and do what you think is right.
I hope everything keeps going great for you and once I get money I will be more than happy to buy from you!
Hi! Congratulations on moving FORWARD.
I've had a lot of good (and bad) advice. The saw that has served me best continues to be "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This isn't always easy to do, especially when someone is being ugly, but it reminds us that people are human and just like us, often just need a little kindness to make it through their day. I wish you well!
ldp
ldpaulson on Ravelry
The best advice I got which I try to follow is for when you have a new baby. "Savor every moment you can. They grow so fast and will never be that small again."
What a wonderful way to get rid of some bad memories and turn bad karma into a beautiful new object. :)
What beautiful yarn! I'm sorry it holds difficult memories for you but it's wonderful of you to offer it out as a give-away.
I don't know that this is advice exactly, and it's something that I still struggle with- but "don't base your self worth on what others think."
I hope this helps you find goodness and hope in your new stash, I think it is very sweet of you to let the yarn go to create good vibes in another home. Divorce is a pain and I am sorry that your ex let something you love become a guilt.
Best advise I ever received... sometimes you don't need a solution to your problems, you just need someone to listen to you.
Hi there,
I am sure you won't be wanting to post across the pond but I wanted to say I've found it inspiring reading everyones posts about advice. The best advice I was ever given was how ever you choose to react or respond at the time was the right way for you at that time. (When I lost my twin boys.)
I am loving reading through all the comments. Not quite done yet, but getting there.
My favorite piece of advice came from a teacher in a book: be a filter, not a sponge. I think its a very succinct way of saying that just because you get advice doesn't mean you have to take it, and what your end decision (or opinion) is should be your own, not one that you borrowed from someone else.
I'd like to take part in the drawing.
The best relationship advice I've gotten is that it's not what you choose to say, it's what you choose NOT to say.
That's why it says to tell the truth, the *whole* truth and nothing but the truth.
There are few things so damning as half the story, taken out of context, omitting a crucial bit.
Good for you in getting to a better place, and recognizing what you need to do to stay there :-)
Hmm...I suppose the best advice (well, we'll see ;-) ) I've gotten is not to give in to the lure of an easy, comfortable, boring career despite the people who try to insist that it's the only way (you are living proof that my dreams aren't ridiculous ;-) ) and to just QUIT WORRYING ABOUT IT ALREADY.
Man, that coffee color is delicious. So much so that I typed "coffee flavor" instead of "coffee color" and had to fix it. Heh.
At a tough point in my life, where I screwed up majorly and had to admit it to my parents (knowing that the admission was going to be life altering for all of us)my father said something to me that help me to realize I was not as bad a person as I thought I was at the time.
He asked me "Do you think you are the first person this has happened to? Do you think you will be the last?"
That comment/advice helped me to realize that we are all human and we all make mistakes and constantly dwelling on them accomplishes nothing but to make us feel even worse about ourselves.
Having seen your current partner, and his involvement at the MV Fiber Festival I think you made out in the deal in more ways than one! Count me in, and even if you don't have time to knit, I think you should make a purchase of some yarn that makes you extremely happy, just for the sake of being able to if you want to! (Saw your doggies a couple of weekends ago at Felix Neck guarding the herd...boy are they TALL dogs! Very handsome!
This looks like the start of a book, to me - are you noticing this, oh Journalistic Farmer Type? :)
anyway. right now my boyfriend keeps telling me "remember, Life is a journey, not a destination." I see a life I want, and am struggling to get there, and he's helping to remind me that I need to be patient while getting there.
(but damn, it's hard sometimes).
The best advice I was ever given was:
Pick your battles; you cant' die on every hill.
I guess that also goes with my 2nd favorite line from the Serenity Prayer, "...accept the things you cannot change."
I wasn't going to leave a comment because I'm supposed to be doing housework but I couldn't get you off my mind and I just wanted to tell you that you're a very strong woman and you deserve whatever good fortune comes your way
Hugs, Alyce (crazyforknitting)
Best advise: Pay your dues, and in the end you can run with the big dogs.
Now, I could care less about running with the big dogs, but my husband and I have paid our dues, and now are reaping the benefits by living a fairly comfortable life.
Kay
Best advise: Pay your dues, and at the end of the day you can run with the big dogs.
Now, I could care less about running with the big dogs, but my husband and I have paid our dues, and now are reaping the benefits by living a comfortable life.
Kay
Best advice was from my father - When in doubt, err on the side of integrity. I've yet to meet a situation it doesnt apply to.
My best friend, Kate, is the one who told me to use Oxiclean to get blood out. Her brother - a deputy sheriff - is the one who told her about it. I don't generally need to clean up after bad situations but I do have a young child who's prone to bloody noses and will sometimes forget to mention that he had one during the night - which sometimes means removing some significant stains after they've had a chance to ... mature.
I didn't actually GET this piece of advice, I learned it the hard way.
Live a life that is without regret.
In other words, don't pass up on a chance at something special in order to make the safe (and often lazy) choice. Don't say things you will regret. Don't act in ways you will regret.
I'm happy that your life is on a happier track now and I think this purge is a wonderful idea. Not just for the lucky winner, but for what it will do for you.
Divorce can suck, but most often is the best decision. 10 years, and no regrets for me.
Some of the best advice:
1. Action makes fear go away.
2. Make friends that will stand up for you, not tear you down.
3. Look forward, but remember your past.
4. If not now, when?
Advice to my own teenage boys: Don't do/say anything you wouldn't do/say in front of your grandmother.
Hooray Manos Del Uruguay! I made a hat out of a multicolor version and I love it. All except for the being allergic to wool :( I know sad. I still wear the hat...that is until I have to rip it from my skull cause it itches sooooo much.
Secretly A Mermaid
Just laugh at yourself and make it unanimous.
It came from my darling husband and helps me keep my sense of humor ... something I really needed today when, fresh off a long weekend away from it all, reality slapped me in the face.
I wish you the best of luck! I wish I had some great advice to give, but nothing comes to mind.
Wow what a great contest! The best advice I have ever gotten was to always enjoy where your at in life. My husband told me this when my son was first born. He was getting up so much at night that I just kept telling my husband I couldn't wait for him to get older so he would sleep. It made me slow down and really appreciate that newborn baby time. And now that awesome two year old time lol...
What a nice gesture! I hope I win!!
The best advice someone gave us was when we were preparing to get married: "Never go to bed angry." We've made it a rule, and it has been very helpful. We always give the same advice to our friends when they get married.
I think Thumper was right, when he advised Bambi "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all."
Wouldn't politics be different if the candidates had to adhere to this?
The advice I probably use the most is "no guts, no glory." Not sure where I first heard it, but it definitely rings true when considering a change and the easy/safe thing to do is to not do anything at all. That little phrase has brought some good changes!
Thanks for a lovely contest - yarn shouldn't make one sad! The best advice I was given: "Don't ask the question if you aren't prepared to listen to the answer." Wishing you happiness!
"What other people think is none of my business."
Becky
Wow, that's some story....
Best piece of advice I've gotten recently is to 'Work the work; don't let work, work you'
For the perfectionists and control freaks in all of us. I needed that advice today.
Best advice ever - be true to yourself always.
There is a lot of great advice on this posting! Thanks for sharing it.
Kathleen
May I join in?
I think the best advice I've ever received came in the form of a pithy little line by CS Lewis. 'Courage is the form of every virtue at the sticking point'.
Essentially, what I got from that was that none of my high-minded principles matter if I don't have the guts and perseverance to stick to those principles when it get scary or difficult. Good intentions don't count.
I don't particularly like this bit of advice - I want part marks for the right start - but it's true. The money I intended to give to charity doesn't help anyone, the kind word I was thinking to say to the new girl doesn't make her feel welcome, the protest letter I was too scared to write my mayor doesn't influence policy.
My current favorite piece of advice came from my (non-knitting) husband: Buy an extra skein. Just in case. The one I find myself giving most often is 'It doesn't always have to be someone's fault.'
Maya Angelou said that giving liberates the soul of the giver.
Good luck to you, and to everyone who has entered the contest!
You are a most inspiring woman,Susan, and kudos to your partner for being so able to let you be you!
The best advice I ever got was from one of my high school coaches. I was struggling with various aspects of life and she put her arm around me and said "You know, you don't HAVE to do anything." That alone gave me permission to take control of my decisions and the ability to handle the outcome of my choices.
thank you for being there and working so hard to share your current life's work with us.
lilea in Bar Harbor MAine
Someone once told me "the only stupid question is the one you don't ask". No one knows everything and anyone who thinks they do has a lot of learning to do.
Treat others the way you yourself would want to be treated. Sometimes I nearly bit my tongue off but I refrained from comment and remembered this.
Sandy H
Pecsan114@optonline.net
My dad always said, "if you are good at what you do, everything will fall into place." Didn't matter if I was good at being a teacher, a homemaker, a doctor, an ice skater, a lawyer, etc. So long as I was good at it, everything would work out (happiness, success, etc.).
The best advice from my mom was demonstrated in action (more than once) but never explicitly said: Don't make significant hair changes the day of a big event. (The "[my hair is a]Frizzy Knot" incident will live forever in infamy.)
The insight that I share with newlyweds is: Marriage is never 50/50. In truth, it's more like 100/100. Each partner must give 100% of what they have available to the marriage. Your 100% may not be "as much" as your partner's 100% (or the other way around)but you have to have faith that they are giving everything that they can and that it will all balance out in the end.
I love all this advice; it's so inspiring!
I guess I'm going to show my (lack of) age with mine -
Wear sunscreen.
and
Be who you are and say what you feel because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind.
~Dr. Seuss
As a child, I never liked to wear a raincoat or carry an umbrella. When I would leave the house on a rainy day, my dad would always say, "Walk between the raindrops." This is the best advice I've ever been given.
Thanks Susan for letting us meet your lovely goats and sheep last week. Talking with you was so inspiring. All the best to you and your flock!
Oh my gosh! I have never seen so many comments at once in Blogger!! :o)
As you can see this is a fabulous giveaway!
And would be my first Manos acquisition should I win! That Goldenrod is awesome!
I found you via WMK's blog!
Martha F.
ambling
alexandra.glick
beverly r
Jasie
knitwench
Amber Beach
Amber Beach
Martha F. (canary)
The best advice I have recieved is "Do what is right because it is right not to bring yourself glory."
XenaBob
gingernut
Michyv
Amalya
tantej
kuties3
Gorgeous yarn... and I'm glad you're so happy :)
At a speaking engagement by my favorite authors she said, "Look at any anthropological grouping any time in history, and there's a steady 10 percent of women who did not have children for various reasons There's a need for responsible, adult, childless women in society because mothering is so difficult. You can be a 'sparent,' a spare parent!"
felicia@farscape.zzn.com from Henderson, NV
Sorry to hear about the divorce, yes, it sucks. Something that might cheer you up, or me anyway, my sisters and would love to buy T-shirts with your little cuties on them! Ike or Truman... or the color logo at the top of this blog!
Thanks for another giveaway!
I have two, one from my mom who said, "Just ignore her and hope she goes away." When my younger sister was pestering me(I say this to my kids all the time now. And from my dad, when I got engaged to my loser boyfriend the day I graduated from high school. "Make sure you finish school and get your education before you get married."
Thanks again,
Tina (tinadp on Ravelry)
Your passing on the yarn is a truly wonderful gesture. I think following your decision is all the advice we need. I've never seen Manos in person but am dying to try it. Thank you so much.
Darlene (owekid on ravelry)
FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SIX COMMENTS! GOOD LORD, SUSAN!!!
I'll bet if I was an international shepherding supastah and gave away tons of sweet yarn on my blog I could get more than 3 commenters....
Huh... I'll have to look into that. ;)
Okay! I'll become an international supastah! Just have to figure out what I'll supastah in...
-This is Jenny with the glasses who you'll see next Friday.
Best advice: Every event is just a small moment in time. It is your choice whether to dwell on the bad things, or cherish the good ones. Given by: a friend
It's hard to choose the best advice that I have ever received, but here's some good advice I've received from my parents. My mom often says "this too shall pass" which has helped me get through difficult situations, and my dad often reminds me to "try your best- that's all you can do".
I love reading your blogs and keeping up with the latest on the farm- it makes me feel like I'm really there. And I love Manos yarn. Thanks for taking the opportunity to create something positive out of a difficult time in your life.
this is kind of weird and i got it kind of indirectly. i used to volunteer for the rape crisis center in dallas. i was on phone duty. a woman was concerned about her daughter's promiscuity (age 8 or 7) who had been molested by her stepfather. the daughter asked if her mom would ever marry again.
mom: nor for a long time. i don't trust men right now. don't you?
daughter: "NO JUST NOT HIM"
what a wonderful concept. don't judge all by the one! put the blame where it belongs! it's an out of the mouths of babes message that i try to keep in mind. and it leaves you heart so much more open!
o, can i add one more?
"if you teach me what you know and i teach you what i know, we'll both be twice as smart!"
do not know where i got it, but it should leave one's mind open for learning and teaching!
thank you for opening up to us...yourself and all the the above advice...great reading!
oh, come on back to texas whenever you can!
sandy in tx
I just had to say that hodgepodge's saying is wonderful. I hope that I keep remembering that I can learn from others if I will listen to what they have to say. We can all take a lesson from that.
Alyce
wolle
My husband says that "The right thing to do is usually the hardest thing to do." And he is right, as usual.
Let Karma do its job, a watched pot never boils, and you can't get hung up on little things. Live it, good 'cause you only live it once.
I'm happy and sad for you on this. Hugs.
If you think everyone you know really needs to be in therapy it is time to schedule an appointment for yourself!
My Mom gave me several very good pieces of wisdom. She said to pick my battles and pay ahead. She also said, don't put off til tomorrow what needs to be said or done today, what if tomorrow never comes.
Best advice I ever got was from my mom, but you have to get it at an early age. . .don't move straight from my house to a house with a husband. You need to live out on your own for a while between us and married life because you have to know that you are strong enough to do things for yourself if need be. Smart woman.
Glad life is treating you well now.
The greatest advice that anyone has ever given me is to listen. Just listen to what someone has to say because even if you agree or disagree most of the time people just need a person to listen.
What a great way to turn lemons into lemonade! Good for you!
The best piece of advice I ever received: The 3 R's - Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for your actions. I try to live by it!
Best wishes,
Violet
Count Me In
The best piece of advice I've ever gotten was to "Carpe Diem" and live life. As far as I know I've only got one and I'm living it large!
I don't know if it's the Best advice...
Picture me, age 10, being spoken to by my German Grandma:
"If you dribble when you piddle, be a sweetie, wipe the seatie!"
I was mortified but I always remember now! Congrats on your new life and outlook! Divorce sucks but life doesn't have to!
Knitzophrenic on Rav
I'm glad you're in a happier place now - good for you for getting rid of that which makes you sad!
My dad often said when catching me or my brother out on lies as teenagers... "to be a good liar you've got to have a good memory" :)
Glad things are going so well for you pet
x
The best advice I ever received was from my Mom. You see my Mom had breast cancer and passed away. One day we were sitting in her hospital room talking about all kinds of things. We both smoked cigs for a long time and had tried numerous times to quit. Mom told me I had to quit, because she did not want me to end up like her with cancer and dying, she said it is an awful way to die. And I needed to be there for my kids. On March 26 2000 my Mom did die and it was the worst moment of my life. AS I waded thru my grief I kept remmebering her words. So on Dec. 31 2000. I promised I would quit, for months I prayed to my mom to help me and be my angel by my side. Well it did work and I quit for my MOM and have not had a cigarette for 8 years. My mom and I were always very close, and I know shw watches over me as my special angel everyday. That is the best advice I ever received and thank my Mom everday for helping me
Thanks Debbie
My mom used to say, "Always leave the party while you're still having fun." I think that is the best advice, especially professionally...At functions, where you want to sort of quietly leave your mark...And it has always applied to jobs or living situations that seem really perfect, when in fact there's something much more satisfying around the corner...Best of luck to you.
Deborah
My best advice is to not waste time on things that don't make you happy.
I think this contest and all the advice that you're getting is amazing!!!
-Alli
Here's a toast to a fresh start and a joyous future.
The best advice I ever recieved was from a close friend when my husband died. He read me a passage from Remember, a poem by Christina Rosetti.
"Better far you should forget and smile,
Than that you should remember and be sad."
It helped him when his wife died, and it helped me get through Lonnie's death.
Mary
The best advice is to be kind to yourself.
I have just given away a lot of yarn that i bought during a bad breakup from a partner that I lived with. I found it very liberating. I hope this giveaway makes you feel like this too.
From Mom: Don't decide you don't like it before you try it. Originally to encourage me to try new foods, but with a broader application now.
From my mentor in nursing school: The hard thing is often the right thing. I try to remember that when given a choice between 2 options.
Last, from my high school history teacher: When his friend said "I can't go to law school, I'll be 52 when I get out in 3 years," he asked, "well, how old will you be in three years if you don't go?" I am going to be the same age in 5 years whether I take a chance on something to make me happier or a better person, or if I sit on my arse and do nothing.
Good wishes to you!
JenntheNurse
What a beautiful, cleansing thing you are doing.
The best piece of advice I received was while I was going through my own divorce. I was trying to patch things up with my husband because I'd just figured out the ways in which I had wronged him, and I wanted to make things right once I owned up to my part of responsibility. A wise friend, happily married a second time around, promised me that I would get a second chance to make things right, just maybe not with my first husband. She was right: I am blissfully married again, it's been three years now, and I fully credit the lessons learned in my first marriage for the success of this one.
Blessings on you. Here's to second chances: for us, and for the yarn! I love me some Manos!
"Be Bold."
From different sources at different times, but always good advice.
Sandy K
Best Advice I got:
You can't control what other people are going to do, you can only control how you react to it.
Something I heard many years ago: Just because it's fun, doesn't mean it's right.
It's very generous of you, to say your ex is a good guy. Good luck.
My two favorite pieces of advice are:
Even professional players strike out. It's expected that they will sometimes. So be your own fan, instead of critic, and be gentle over your you misses.
and
Once upon a time you were whole and happy and unafraid. Remember that time and tell yourself that story now. If you can't remember it, make it up. Then make it happen.
"Mommy, you don't need any more yarn!" - spoken by my three year old daughter last time I took her to a yarn store. It was excellent advice, but I ignored it.
The best advice I have heard came from a great relationship/life counselor....
Sometimes in life you have to just go ahead and feel the guilt and do what you are going to do anyway.
My Beloved often repeats this when I get squeemish about spending too much money on "____"(whatever it might be). I must admit I have learned that feeling the guilt often causes me to really appreciate that purchase for a long time afterwards and the rest of the family usually benefits as well.
The three pieces of advice I got from a river guide:
1. Don't panic!
2. Take what the river gives you.
3. Paddle like a dog!
I'm encouraged by this post to start weeding out objects that remind me of my own hard times or soured relationships. I wish you the best for all of your new adventures.
I'd love to be entered in your giveaway! It's always so lovely to hear that someone has made it through a rough patch and is now in a better place! :)
My best advice "Don't sweat the petty stuff." and the most humorous - "Don't pet the sweaty stuff."
Oh, I somehow posted a comment sans advice!
I think the best advice I've been given might be "Read the directions first". That, or "Consider the source".
Best advice: If the world knocks you down and tells you you can't, pick yourself up and do it anyway!
My mom always said "Use the good stuff" you don't know what tomorrow will bring. We used the china at weird times and my mom got the "special" glasses out to drink from. She must have known she didn't have loads of time I guess. She died 2 days after my son was born. She never got to hold him, just see him in pictures.... I know she was excited about him, but the one picture I always have wanted is seeing her holding him. The good thing is, she didn't even know she was going to die. One minute she was fine and talking to me on the phone about leaving to come visit us and the next she was gone.
Live everyday to the fullest. We do even more now than before.
audrianna21 on ravelry
Take care of yourself, no one can do it for you.
i'm not sure if i'm too late for the contest (damn time differences!), but i thought i'd leave you my advice anyway:
Its better to regret something you did, than something you didn't do.
Best Wishes as you begin this new exciting chapter in your life.
Two favorite pieces of advice - First, my dad always said to have new gainful employment before telling your current employer where to stick it!
Next - Believe and trust in yourself! If you don't beleive in you, how do you expect anyone else to?
Best advice: Holding a grudge doesn't hurt the other person a bit; only you.
One of the best bits of advice I ever got was from my dad: Eat a bowl of cereal each night before bed. It makes you sleep better.
I still eat nightly cereal a couple of times a week! In fact, I have a bowl of chocolate peanutbutter pops right now.
And oh how I love Manos yarn.....
Watch out for a man who tries to come between a woman and her stash. All kidding aside, I am sorry the ex was such a pain. I wonder what he collected? Tools, fishing gear, etc? Knitting keeps me sane.
The best advice I've ever gotten was from my dad:
"Act like you know what you're doing, and no one will bother you."
What? No one said it had to be relationship advice, and this piece really works!
Of course, I found you on Ravelry.
I wanted to congratulate you on your new career and your now fulfilling relationship.
Some advice that I have been told:
From my MIL: Knit loosely.
Infamous: Wherever you go; there you are. i.e. You can't run away from your problems. If you don't like something about your life, fix it. Don't move away from it. You'll find it wherever you go.
Thanks for the yarn contest! It's great to hear how well you're doing, it's inspiring. ;)
The best advice I've ever been given (yes, it's from my mom) was (to paraphrase) never sweat the small stuff. It may seem cliche but she LIVES by this motto and if you make the effort to just stop and put things in perspective, everything becomes so much easier.
- Susan
SimplySusan.etsy.com
I think the best advice I've gotten is to stay true to who you are. It sounds like you're doing a fabulous job of that! Congratulations on everything :)
Here's the best advice I ever got, "Marry someone who's a good conversationalist. The longer you're married, the more important it is." From my great-grandmother, when I was about 10. I "heard" this in my head a LOT more times during the first marriage ('cuz he wasn't) than I have during the second one ('cuz he is!).
My favorite piece of advice comes from my dad.
Repeat after me: All men are pigs.
Good luck, honey!
The best advice I got was from my brother, who said that the things you make yourself, whether it's art, music, writing, or whatever, is so much more fulfilling and meaningful (to you) than anyone else's work. Meaning that movies, tv shows, and music, made by other people, often wear out after a while, and become boring. Our own creations are so much more meaningful to our minds and souls, and truly express what we want. I think about this and try to be more creative and less passive, in my life.
Serena
Hi, this is CharmEng89 on ravelry. I guess a breakup isn't anywhere near a divorce, but here I am completely terrified of facing my first if it comes to that....and everyone's "good advice", though well meaning, helps little. One does resonate a lot with me because I'm the type of person who likes to make everyone happy, and hate it when people are angry with me, and it's not my fault. And that is "It's not your fault". It just reminds me that there are things out of my control and that I can't avoid, like pain, rejection, separation, emotional blackmail and the lot. That those people really have no right to be angry with me so I won't worry so much. On top of that, there is (this doesn't really work for married couples, but it does for bf/gf with (very)pushy parents!) "You are not his wife and therefore do not have to put up with it." Especially the "do not have to put up with it" part. There are some things people should just not let themselves be put through. Imagine my bf's mum expecting me to behave as if I were already his wife (like expecting me to visit him at the hospital (long story, if you want to hear it PM me on rav) ALL the time even though I was already going about twice a week and depressed), and I surmise she was getting pissed that the bf got angry all the time when he was on the phone with me when in reality it is his responsibility to choose his own reactions,especially without provocation. I don't think she figured I could get depressed. oh well...it's always somewhat comforting to me to share my stories, people on the rav are nice enough to listen and comfort.
I love this yarn, but sometimes it's good therapy to let go sart afresh, thank you for the opportunity and good luck to you. Cyndy
Great divorce story! Glad to hear you're now HAPPY.
And the best piece of advice I've got:
"There's only one thing worse than mutton dressed as lamb and that's mutton dressed as mutton"
hey, a giveaway! let me give it a try and be #545. besides, I want to share my friends' advice with you. here goes:
I'm going back to college in the fall and am both terrified and looking forward to it. the best advice I got was a friend who told me fear of failure is ok, but shouldn't hold me back from trying. I'll be a much happier and braver person after I've tried, whether I succeed or not.
Arja
avandenbos at yahoo dot com
The best advice I ever got I didn't take (isn't that always the way??). This was back in the late 1960's, early 1970's when "nice girls" did not move in with the man. My psychiatrist told me "Never marry anyone unless you have lived with him, in all possible ways, for at least one year."
Within six months of my marriage I was wishing I had taken his advice. So, go slow and even if you've known the person for years, don't make a final committment until you've lived together for a good 12 months.
Glad to hear that you are in a better place now. Cheers to a great future.
Just love the colours of the yarn! :)
My best advice: "Happy or sad: always a reason to eat chocolate!"
Kudos for you on making a sweet wine out of sour grapes!
Susie-Knits (ravelry)
Hey there...my name is Dean...I can be reached at scribblezlist@yahoo.com...best advice I've ever received and given:
Don't worry about the "shoulds" of life...happiness is the meaning of life...as long as you're not hurting anyone else, live you life the way you want to live it and ignore those who try to impose ideals upon you...you are your #1 priority...take care of yourself and the rest will follow.
My mother always told me to always trust my instinct.
this is going to sound so sad, but i can't remember any advice that has really helped me out or benefited me.
a girl in college told me not to settle into just any design job because i was too talented. i plan to use that advice once someone decides to hire me...
I'm so sorry that you went through such a difficult time, and I think that you are wise and courageous to let go of that period. That it also frees up some yarn for someone is a bonus :-)
The best advice I got from a mentor is to reflect on what my values are, and then check to see if my goals and decisions reflect that. This has given me the courage to do things that are important to me without feeling guilty about all the other things that I think I'm "supposed" to be doing but am not.
I think that this is a great way for your to move forward from a rough time. When reading your post a couple of things came to mind:
I like to tell people: You can't live backwards! (It's always easier to see how things could've/should've been done, but it doesn't help to dwell) You're doing a great job on this one.
Also, a friend used to remind me to: Let go, let God! That one's gotten me out of many scrapes.
Finally, one of my favorites (from Dad): The amount of sleep necessary is directly proportional to the amount of sleep available!
Probably some of the best advice I ever received was from my old hairdresser when she told me to "not fall in love with someone's potential".
I was way too young to know what she really meant at the time, but as a MUCH wiser adult woman I can't begin to say how much that advice has helped me.
I suppose "Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it" won't be a very good comment to leave. ;^)
Hmmm...my mom wasn't much of an advice giver...she let us make our own mistakes. But I've always liked "Follow your passion. The money will come." Have I followed it? No. But I like it.
I watched my mom "save for a rainy day" all her life. When it came time? She had no life left for the rain. ;(
So I say, make sure you've got a cushion, then enjoy! Dark chocolate, rich coffee, deep red wine...and lots of love...
(oh...yeah, And Yarn, too!)
Congrats on being able to "let go!"
(((Hugs)))
Something that I try to live by is "No hagas a otros aquello que no quieres que te hagan a ti"
which means: do not do unto others that which you would not have them do unto you.
My favorite piece of advice ever given to me was from my father. He said, "Lynn, you should always keep your passport current, you never know when you'll need to leave the country quickly." I immediately asked him if there were family secrets he hadn't been telling me!
Never go to sleep angry. Silly, but true and somehow it's managed to keep my marriage alive for sixteen years. Considering I consider myself still fairly young, I think it's great advice for young couples just starting out. It's never a good thing to let anger and upset fester, even overnight.
The best advice I have ever been given was when I was struggling financially and otherwise with my first post school job, also unmarried and pregnant. A friend who had been in a similar situation told me to make the decision to have or not have the baby completely based on my needs not what anyone else told me was best. It made me really sort out how I felt and I realized I would forever regret giving up the child and I had the baby. It was absolutely the best decision for me.
I will also pass on the advice I give students and co-workers: If it's seems too hard, you are probably doing it wrong.
I'll second the "If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all". Its great hearing all the advice from everyone
I'm not sure who told me this, but it sure helps to keep in mind that everyone is trying to do the best they can with what they have or what they know at the time, that really changes your viewpoint on people when you extend them the grace that they are doing the best they can....
NurseLisa13@hotmail.com & nurselisaa13 on ravelry - YEAH!
You can make pro/con lists all you want, but eventually you just have to go with your gut.
Beautiful yarns.
The best advice I have is: Follow your heart, but don't ignore your head.
I hope your heart is healing and that this generous give-away will help that process.
WOW! 565 comments. That must be a record.
I hope I am not too late. I just heard about your contest. Hopefully I am here early enough in the day...
Best advice:
Be yourself. Don't try to change who you are to please others.
It has worked out well. My mom is a pretty smart lady. :)
Here's something I have to keep telling myself: "Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by stupidity (or thoughtlessness, if you're being charitable, or temporary stupidity/thoughtlessness, if you're being REALLY charitable). Oddly enough, this outlook keeps me friendly towards people!
When I was stationed on the USS Harry S Truman, I worked for someone comparable to Satan. AS1 Dennis told me in passing...
It's not like someone woke up today and literally plotted on destroying your life. Don't live life like they did.
It has really saved me from turning grey and bitter.
The best advice I ever got: If you think you can, you can; and if you think you can't, you're right.
Tana
www.life.tanapageler.com
Put it in a bubble and let it go - Cashier at Target
I have been told it before, but this time it really hit home. Can't always follow through, but I at least try.
-Sabrina
Put it in a bubble and let it go - Cashier at Target
I have been told it before, but this time it really hit home. Can't always follow through, but I at least try.
-Sabrina
I'm still holding on to some of the crap that I have from previous relationships, and I think it's about time to let go.
So, wanna trade for a really tacky diamond-chip ring? :P
(anyways, count me in)
And as far as advice,
"If it's making you miserable, do something to change it." - My Fiance
Simple enough, but sometimes I get stuck in a rut, and I need to be reminded that I can climb out of it.
A piece of advice my husband got from a boss he really respected: "Listen to your wife, do what she says." Amazingly, he still quotes it often (after 11 years of marriage).
And my mom's advice in chosing whom to marry (although it sounds like you don't need it!): "Its not who you can live with, its who you can't live without."
The best advice I ever recieved was from my Grandmother-she lived a grand 92 years and no matter what life threw at her she was gracious and beautiful.
Her words to me were:
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. So be happy no matter what life throws at you, otherwise you'll miss too much along the way.
BFN
Kim
Some of the best advice I have received came from my mother. She said not to judge people right away - their cat may have just gotten run over. It sounds weird, but I've found it to be true - you never know what happened to someone five minutes before they were rude to you.
count me in!!
Amy
The best advice I got was from a friend's mom when I was in junior high..."No matter where you are or what you're doing, someone who knows you and your parents is always watching!" Yup!
Deborah
My dad always said "Objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Objects at rest tend to stay at rest" I have relied on these words countless time to propel myself forward and to remind myself to take some time to rest.
Another piece of advice I got from a horoscope about ten years when I was 18 or 19 was to imagine my current self sitting on a porch staring at the sunset with my ancient self. My young self asks my ancient self "what do you wish you had done?" and then go and do it.
I know how you feel on an object illiciting emotions in you. It happens to me too. I'm sorry to hear that you had to go through that, but think that it's absolutely WONDERFUL that you're in a great place now! I'd love to be entered, and wish you lots of peace in your life!
Hi, Our group knits and crochets. We teach people to do this and, with our projects, make gifts for our children's advocacy center, nursing homes, prayer shawls, etc. In the case of the advocacy center, it is often pre-teens and young teen girls who are victims of sexual abuse. Their self-esteem if often shot so we like to make things that are especially special for them. hnderson@pacifier.com again hnderson@pacifier.com Thanks
I actually read that entire post, something that doesn't happen often. You're a great writer! I can relate to the evil X trying to use spending as a reason for divorce as well.
This is a beautiful way to cleanse your world of bad feelings. I applaud you!!
My best piece of advice wasn't so much advice as commentary on my behavior. I was impatiently waiting for my friends to hurry up so we could go eat, when my friend Grouchy Chris looked at me and said, "Aren't you ever content?"
Zing. I've tried ever since to be mindful and aware and happy with the moment in front of me. I don't always succeed, but it's slowed me down in many impatient-making situations.
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