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Jonny found my old copy of The Fledgling on a shelf last week and started reading it to the girls. I took over a few chapters in, realizing that I had mostly forgotten the story. I must have been about twelve years old when I first read it, Larkspur’s age. What I do remember, is that after reading it I jumped from the back of our couch up towards the vaulted ceiling of our living room over, and over again. I was convinced that with one of those leaps I would continue to fly up into the air, rather than come crashing down onto the carpet. Twelve was a difficult year for me, maybe one of the hardest of my childhood. I think I must have wanted to fly right out of that house, right out of my life. And if a giant goose had arrived to carry me away, I wouldn’t have thought twice before climbing on his back. Recalling that the book has a sad ending, I got a little worried, and wondered if maybe this wasn’t the best read aloud choice for the girls, particularly Larkspur who is pretty sensitive. I warned her and she told me not to worry, that she listened to the audiobook a couple years ago and already knows. That was a relief. She still hasn’t gotten over the first few chapters of Island of the Blue Dolphins. When I was her age, that was one of my most favorite books. I’ve been trying to convince her that we should finish it since we already read the saddest part, but she’s not going for it.
I cast on for a South Bay Sweater for myself last week, and I’ve just divided for the sleeves. I’m determined to start knitting myself more sweaters, and I’m really excited about this one. It seems like such a wearable style, and natural gray wool is probably my favorite color for a sweater. When my girls asked who I was knitting for and I told them “Myself,” they both gave me puppy dog eyes and lamented their own lack of sweaters. My new goal is to teach them to knit their own! Larkspur followed her first pattern last week, and knit a leaf shaped dishcloth for a friend. I think it was really exciting for her to realize that she can read a pattern! This opens so many doors, and sweaters aren’t too far down the road, I hope.
On a walk today, Larkspur declared that this spring has been far more “magical” than last spring, thus far. And it’s true. So much that we planted last year is blooming now, and even the woods seem more beautiful than last year, though that might be our imagination. And then there are the frequent trips we’ve been making to a friend’s house to visit her baby rabbits, goats, and sheep. Between them and the chicks in our bathtub, we’re in baby animal heaven right now. I can’t wait to come across baby turkeys and hopefully little spotted fawns in the woods. Spring must be my favorite time of year.
p.s. I’m planning to update our shop on Friday, April 27th at 11 a.m. ET. I’ll be adding new yarn and hopefully some cutting boards as well.
Karen says
Ginny…those photos of Mabel with the chicks made me smile and laugh with joy. Thanks for sharing with us.
karen says
spring has sprung where you are! lovely 🙂 We are slowly greening up but it’s taking too long if you ask me. Right now it’s raining and dreary. Love the photos today!
Katherine says
I had added the South Bay sweater to my favourites a few weeks ago. I’ve seen them popping up and they always look gorgeous. I look forward to following the progress on yours!
Marilyn says
Those chicks are precious and so are the photos of Mabel. The pictures are beautiful. I love reading your posts, they make my day. Your children are all so beautiful God Bless.
Marilyn
Deanna says
Love your posts. Hoping, fingers crossed, I can get to some of that beautiful yarn before it is all gone.
Marion says
Ginny I love the photos of Mabel and the baby chicks. I understand Larkspur not wanting to finish the book. My sister read a book about the flower girls . She said it was sad. I will not read the book.
Marion
Joan says
Your post are so inspiring. The baby chicks and rabbits are adorable but not as cute as Miss Mabel.
Joan
Myriam says
“Magical” is such a great way to describe spring. I recently discovered your blog – what an inspiration you are! You’ve actually inspired me to dye my own threads. I’d love to dye yarn, but I live in Guatemala and there is no yarn to be found here (too hot!). It turned out really well – beautiful pinks from avocado skins. So, thank you!
Lisa Coville says
Thank you for sharing, once again, your amazing gift of photography to lighten this world & brighten my day!! BEAUTIFUL post ~ makes me want to head out to the woods : )
Theresa says
My son is like Larkspur. The book I was never able to finish or read to him was Peter Rabbit. The first time I got the the part where Mr. McGreggor is chasing Peter and talking about a rabbit stew or pie — no more listening. Every year or so I would try again with Peter Rabbit and every year he would protest and ask me to stop. Oh well. I have my books to I don’t want to hear or read. So I understand.
Sandra Davidson says
Your pictures are just magical and that sweet baby girl , your children are growing too fast. Blessings to all of you
sandra says
Magical post! Toddler with chicks – completely ADORABLE
Elizabeth says
So glad for such a good progression! God be with you!
Eileen says
Spring is backing into the county here as well, ( today, it is to snow again). Love all your baby pictures, Mabel looks thrilled with those chicks! And you have on your Barn Sweater, I almost clapped seeing that sweater on you, ( a favorite of mine). Hope Spring continues to move forward in its magical form for you all. Wonderful pictures, always enjoy seeing your posts.
Anna says
It’s facsinating to me to read about the books you’ve read in your own childhood and which your children are reading now too. When I was younger I loved the Island of the Blue Dolphins. I have a german translation of it and read it definitely more then twice.
Right now I’m working on my very own version of the shalom cardigan. I don’t have children so most of my knitting is still for myself – two sides of a coin, I suppose.
Thanks for all your glimpses of spring. I come nearly daily here to swim in the cozy feeling of wool and nature and family motion.
I wish you all a pleasant spring!
Clémence says
Oh those baby feet! Adorable and magical pics (again!). Knitting for ourselves, that’s a big thing! Spring is beautiful here in my French countryside too, every is a big day of work in the garden (and the house is feeling a little bit forgotten….oops!)