Finished: Summer Shawl (Better Late than Never!)

Hi,

I finally finished a project! In an earlier post, I said all I had to do was put the fringe on the shawl and I would have that finished by the end of the week--wrong! I messed around for like two weeks, but I finally got it done. To bad the summer is over now. I guess there is always next year!

Eryka

Trail Expose! Has This Ever Happened to You?

First, I want to note that I am writing this post for the following reasons:

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a strong-mind.

2. I will not let this incident keep me from a place I love.

3. Secrets often have great power over the secret-keeper.

4. I refuse to let this incident have power over me.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday, Kobe and I went on our regular walk down our favorite trail in the park. I have taken to calling it the Prayer Road, since I spend most of my time talking to God. Round trip, it is a two-mile walk through a canopy of trees - pure loveliness. Even the concrete supports and the railroad tracks sprinkled along the way add something special to the experience.

On our way back, we were past by a man smoking a cigarette walking in the opposite direction. This is pretty standard; we have encountered many neighbors and strangers alike on this trail.

About 10 minutes later, he walked past us again (going in the same direction) only this time he was only wearing shorts, his Minnesota Wild sweatshirt was stuffed in his backpack. Now, I thought this was really weird, but Kobe and I continued to putter about: Kobe was eating grass and tinkling on things, while I gathered leaves for a collage.

As we walked on, Kobe was walking ahead of me. He continued until he got to the concrete pillars then stopped, squared his shoulders, perked up his ears and ruffed up his fur a bit. He was looking at a man sitting on the concrete.

I could see the man's head from where I stood. But as I got closer, I quickly realized that he was completely naked and he was diddling himself. I was stunned! Now I have seen teenagers, making out or smoking "funny-smelling" cigarettes, but I had never seen anything like this. ANYWHERE!

He noticed the look on my face and said, " I don't mean any harm, I am just an exhibitionist."

To which I said, " I don't care what you are, don't nobody want to see that. Put you gotdamn clothes back on!" Yes, I used the vernacular forms and Yes he put his clothes back on.

He went on to explain that he has always like exposing himself to women, even when he was a kid. I told him his behavior was incredibly disrespectful. I asked him, "Would you do that in front of your mother? He said God No!

"But it is OK to disrespect me? Hell, my dog didn't need to see that!" I said. I went on to add the following. " You need two things: therapy and Jesus!" I asked him if he went to church, he said not in a long time, so I suggested he go back. And when he gets there, he should tell the pastor what he does.

To which he replied, "Yeah, they sent me to one of those men's groups, but they don't focus on things from a spiritual aspect." I told him to keep going to those meetings too.

Finally I told him this: "I don't ever want to see you in this park again. And I mean it!" and with that, he put back on his sweatshirt, socks, shoes and left the trail. Kobe and I also made our way home.

Now this may seem like a long conversation to have with a pervert, but is was actually quite useful. When I got home I called the police and the park police. I was able to describe him in complete detail as well as add that he had been in therapy for this behavior before. I asked the park police to increase patrol in the area and they said they would.

I really don't want to see him in the park again. I know a lot of women who run on that trail, and plenty of children play there as well and they have a right to use the park unmolested. I too will continue to go to the park, but I will have my cell phone with me from now on!

I hope this will inspire other women to feel empowered. These men are cowards who get off on hearing women scream. Don't give them the satisfaction. This is not to say you should expose yourself to danger - safety is the highest priority.

Don't let these coward make you feel like a victim. I refuse to be a victim.

Love,

Eryka

This is So Perfect: God and Dog!

I saw this video, "GoD and DoG" on Facebook and it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Thanks to Wendy Francisco for making it. It really captures the pure love one feels from GOD and from Dogs. I have always considered GOD's greatest ambassadors here on earth. They don't lie, they don't judge, and they love unconditionally. I just hugged my own heavenly ambassador Kobe! Check out the video below. If it is loading slowly, you can see it on YouTube as well.

New Painting: What do you See/ Feel?

Hi,

Here is a piece I did on Wednesday. What do you see in it? Does it evoke any specific emotions? I would really appreciate any feedback you have to offer. Thanks!

P.S. I am putting the finishing touches on the blue summer shawl. I am currently weaving in the ends and will attach the fringe to tomorrow. I should be posting that one soon.

Ta,

Eryka

Knitting Meme: I’ve Come to Realize...

I just saw this on post on Karen’s Blog, and I felt obligated to complete it. I have been inactive in the knitosphere for so long, I feel like I need to do something to rebuild my "stick-cred". So here are my responses. Like Karen, I included cute pictures to entice you to read to the end. Enjoy.

I've Come to Realize....

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size…Ok just as it is.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job…is what ever I decide it is.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving…I am talking to myself about random things.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need…Continue exploring my creative self!

5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost…My belief that most of our political leaders are committed to solving community issues.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when…The world is too much with me.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk…I will be on the floor after a glass of wine or two so…let’s not get me drunk.

8. I’ve come to realize that money…Pays the bills but it cannot make you a better person.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people…Are too emotionally-damaged to experience real love.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always …Be an emotional person.

11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings…That my brother is a great father.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom…Had a pretty rough road to walk, but she did it successfully.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone…Is a lifeline.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning…That I love my dog.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep…There is so much great information in the Bible I wish I could absorb it instantly. But I can only do it one verse at a time.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking…I should be going to bed, I can only watch so much King of the Hill.

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad…Is my dad.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook…I am looking for a sip of companionship.

19. I’ve come to realize that today…Was challenging but important. Growth cannot come without doing the work.


20. I’ve come to realize that tonight…Has been an accomplishment!

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow…Will involve more hard work!

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to…Have a happy, healthy and successful life.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is…Another knitting blogger or a friend on Facebook.

24. I’ve come to realize that life…Is about being a perpetual learner.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend…I haven’t thought that far ahead!

26. I’ve come to realize that marriage…Is hard.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends…Are few but good!

28. I’ve come to realize that this year…Has been a life changing experience.

29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is…In need of prayer…a lot of serious prayer.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should…Live with fewer rules.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love…GOD, my family, my dog, knitting, and painting.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand…What motivates people to act in unjust ways.

33. I’ve come to realize my past…Made me who I am.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties…Are fun with the right people and costumes!!

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified…Of banality.