Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Ending the month at the same place I started

I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin' about half past dead; I just need some place where I can lay my head. "Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?" He just grinned and shook my hand, and "No!", was all he said.

Maybe The Band was wrong. Maybe life isn't a carnival, maybe it's something closer to a waltz. At the beginning of the month I was working on a prayer shawl for someone. As the month closes, I find myself at the same exact spot on the dance floor.

Today, DH mentioned to me that his coworker's girlfriend had her cancer surgery this morning. His description leads me to believe she had a lumpectomy, with a little exploration on the side. I thought I ought to make something for her. Then I looked at Swallowtail in my lap-I am about 25 rows from the first border. And made up my mind right then that that's who this is for.

Funny. I've known the guy about 4 years, haven't seen him since I quit working 18 months ago. Apparently, he doesn't have a good chick checklist (or maybe he's not on a good checklist-who can tell these days?), because the last time I saw him, he was with his wife.

So....am I nuts to give away my pretty Swallowtail? I have aunts that would adore it. Somehow, I have faith in the mystical powers of gifts that tumble out of the sky. If she's an unworthy asshole, she may be nudged into a humane moment for just a second-long enough that it slaps her. If she's a nice person, it will be a hug.

No worries about whether that shawl is "me" or not. Perhaps there's a knit and release program somewhere with my name on it. Now if you'll excuse me, I hear The Band striking up.

Take a load off Annie, take a load for free; Take a load off Annie, and (and) (and) you put the load right on me.

15 comments:

LisaW. said...

Re: the shawl...random acts kindness...paying it forward..its all good stuff that goes onto the plus side. I've anonymously gifted scarves..but never shawls..but you've inspired me before and you'll probly inspire me again doggone it..and by the way..until tonight..I always thought it was "take a load off MANDY"...good grief...(but I also thought it was "i wanna hold your haaaa aaaaa aaaam..." which i couldn't understand for the longest time) sometimes...well..often...i'm really a total dork.

junior_goddess said...

I always thought it was "Fanny", but who knows, I got the lyrics from one of those on-line spots.

Welcome to Dorksville, girlie. I'm in good with the mayor.

Anonymous said...

Good on ya Bets, thinking of the shawl for this woman. I'm sure it will give comfort to both your friend and his girlfriend.
Les

Anonymous said...

Once again your amazing generosity is inspiring and just makes me feel happy to know you. You make the world a better place. Daryl

CatBookMom said...

Your generosity is incredible! I know you've worked really hard on Swallowtail, and I just hope the recipient will appreciate it and the warmth and caring that went into it and the gift.

Grace said...

that is so sweet of you, sometimes thats the way it works with prayer shawls, sometimes they lead you to the person who needs it the most!!

jayne said...

I think it's a wonderful, kind and generous thing to do. I hope the universe smiles on you while you work on the shawl.

I always thought it was "Fanny" until recently. It is Annie.

Isn't there a documentary movie about the last days of The Band called "The Last Waltz." I'm pretty sure about that.

Got that song on my iPod these days. Great music to go outside and have a walk.

Bri McS said...

You're no more nuts than the rest of us. The swallowtail where end up where it's supposed to, without getting too deep.

Um, I picked up a cake pan catalog over the weekend. Are you also in with the mayor of CakePanDorkville?

junior_goddess said...

Yes, Jayne, The Last Waltz was the last album before what's his face died, and I think they did something recently---2002 perhaps.

Bri, I personally know the mayor of CakePanDorkville. I also know a woman who goes thru mark-down Wilton pans after Christmas, and sends them to friends with kids. 'course, I also know a muffin pan goddess.

(lalala)

B

Suzann said...

ahh the Band good stuff, girl

This is just so typical of your natural generosity. You keep doing it again and again. I am sure she will love the shawl and the good thoughts that go with it

Joan said...

It's definitely "Annie". Good luck on the shawl decision. I'd probably whip up an easier one for her and save the painstaking work for my aunties. But wahtever you decide will be the right decision.

Anonymous said...

Bets, as I tell Tim, God uses all the good things you do as ingredients to make other good stuff happen.

It's like when you're in the Union and you work that National Holiday at time and a half AND get the hours as comp time for another day...

She who knits prays twice.

Anonymous said...

Bets,

Your generocity never ceases to amaze me!

Thanks for being you,
Libby

Anonymous said...

bets,

i think it's wonderful that you are thinking of giving your shawl. i know having people take the time to make things for her has definitely raised gran's spirits during her treatment. i agree with other sentiments - it will end up where it's meant to end up :)

i also can't wait to see how my VK tunic turns out...it may be a little while before we get to see the result. november is my crazy month with school.

Anonymous said...

The shawl will still be a hug for her, even if she is not so nice of a person. You were obviously moved to do this. I kind of agree with Joan, I, too, would have probably chosen something easier. Thank you for being the example to which I aspire. :)