Knitting in Bombay..Bistro

Last night several ladies from our knitting group met for our "first Monday" knitting night at Bombay Bistro, which I think is the best Indian Restaurant in the Twin Cities. It was a small group of us, so we really got to connect with each other:

• 
  Liz worked on a beautiful rippled pattern baby afghan
  
• Leslie & Carrie worked on sweaters
  
• Peggy worked on a a cabled shrug in a fabulously expensive alpaca yarn from Peru
  
• Christine (Peggy's daughter) worked on a teal cardigan with a love honeycomb cable pattern. Of course she also served as the resident expert and help both Carrie and Leslie resolve some issues they were having with their projects
  
• And I worked on this new neckwarmer...Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and I didn't get pictures of any of it!

But it was after dinner that the magic really started. What started as standard conversation, evolved into an actual meaningful discussion about race and inclusion in the U.S. Now, I have engaged in these conversations in the past, but there was something different about this one.

Primarily, I felt as if defenses were lowered: everyone was willing to listen and everyone was willing to share. I really learned something last night. I never understood how hard it is for White Americans to even begin to deal with issues of race. It was a painful conversation, but it was a good one. I feel much closer to the women in my knitting group and I feel I am a better person for it.

Eryka

Set Back

I am still very angry with Ron. I am having a hard time forgiving him. I wish I had made a different choice. But maybe not. Things happened how they were supposed to. But I just don't want to be angy anymore.

I am so excited I can't even knit!

Ok, So I am sitting here looking at the election returns. Only I am also tracking them using the online tools on both CNN and MSNBC! This is such an exciting day, I feel so fortunate to be apart of it!


Added Nov 5 at 7:47 a.m

You know, my mom and I spent a lot of time on the phone last night, most of it was me calling her to repeat what she just heard on the same news program I was watching. But it was a mixed moment for us. Remembering the history we have come through and celebrating how far we have come.

His speech moved me to tears, especially his primary message of inclusion. Before an incredibly diverse crowd of thousands he encouraged us to stop the labeling and celebrate ourselves as Americans...all of us as Americans. Because no one deserves that title more than anyone else. We are a family and it is time started acting like one...well a functioning one at least. I love you all.

Friends Shouldn't Let Friends Knit without Swatching

I started another poncho, using the fabulously scarlet Lopi yarn I ordered. Unfortunately, I didn't to a gauge swatch, and well, lets just say there is a toddler out there who will get really lucky! Seriously, I think I shall have to pull it out and start over. I love Lopi yarn and I think this really red yarn will be mega hot!!

Ava's First Halloween!

My sister-in-law Jane, just sent around these pictures of my niece in her first Halloween costume. Doesn't she look precious! My mom sent over the costumes. I like the giraffe better than the pink poodle and it appears that Ava does too! There are also some updated photos as well.

BTW, my mom also made the baby play throw that Ava is sitting on. Isn't it fabulous? Mom, what materials did you use?

See ya!

Regards,

Eryka