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August 23, 2007

I'm thinking of changing the blog name

to Fits and Starts. Anyone claim that yet?

I haven't knit since Sunday. I'm embarrassed to say that there were times I even left my house WITHOUT knitting. Scandalous I know. We've got less than two weeks until the big reveal and half of you have probably already guessed what's going on but I have a date in my mind to tell you and I'm sticking to it. Suffice it to say though this has been a really really hard summer. And I can't get ANYTHING done. I set out little tasks for myself each day and let's just say I'm lucky I still have a business and they haven't condemned my house. The best (or the worst) part is that I'm in such a shitty spot that I don't care.

There are things I miss though. I miss having the energy to knit. To get things done AND knit. I miss getting lost in something - ANYTHING - and being thoroughly preoccupied. I really miss that. I miss feeling, for lack of a better word, settled. NOTHING feels settled. Decidedly unsettled.

I miss feeling like I can talk about whatever the fuck I want on my blog. Of course, my deadlines are all self-imposed, but I'm feeling like I can't break them. No matter how much I'd like to.

Pretty pathetic post, no?

Anyway, I've got some GREAT news!! We've raised $4180! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! More prizes next week and keep the donations coming! THANK YOU!

Posted by Cara at August 23, 2007 01:17 PM
Topics: Life

Comments

you are just glowing with apathy.

Posted by: ann at August 23, 2007 01:25 PM

Cara's readers ...... Cara thinks that no one reads any of the other comments - let her know that this is not true!

Posted by: ann at August 23, 2007 01:26 PM

I read the comments more than commenting myself. :)

Posted by: Stacie at August 23, 2007 01:32 PM

Of course we don't. um, so just how did I see this?

Posted by: mary lou at August 23, 2007 01:33 PM

We weren't supposed to be reading the comments?

Posted by: Donna at August 23, 2007 01:37 PM

I guessed this from the get-go. Um, it was pretty easy, having endured it twice myself. :)

Posted by: Jen at August 23, 2007 01:53 PM

Thinking about you the last couple of days...it's Okay to take a step back and wait until this bit of down time is over. It WILL be over and you'll feel like knitting and blogging and cleaning and going full steam ahead.
XOXO

Posted by: margene at August 23, 2007 01:58 PM

Oh, I read the comments, I'm just a really sucky commenter. Weird, though, you seem to occasionally be going through the same emotions I am. Decidedly unsettled, that's it! I forced myself to sew my miters into squares. I've now decided I need at least 8 more squares. I think I'll knit socks...

Posted by: Vikki at August 23, 2007 01:58 PM

Read all the comments, just sayin'. . .
Yay for raising big bucks for a great cause!!
Hope your energy returns soon.

Posted by: Kirsten at August 23, 2007 02:13 PM

If your big reveal is what I think it is, this too shall pass. Just go with the flow, no one is going to scold you for not feeling like knitting. You'll have plenty of time to knit and have energy and all that good stuff!

Posted by: Allegra at August 23, 2007 02:23 PM

No worries, sweetie.

Posted by: Carole at August 23, 2007 02:26 PM

If I'm guessing right, I have felt the same way myself several times ... and the feeling does pass. Hang in there.

Posted by: Ruth at August 23, 2007 02:39 PM

i read the comments sometimes. and i hope i know what's going on. i hope, i hope.

feel good.

Posted by: emily at August 23, 2007 02:41 PM

You usually have such interesting comments: of COURSE i read them. It's part of the overall experience, which would be incomplete without the comments. Hope you're feeling ok today. Mwah!

Posted by: regina at August 23, 2007 02:50 PM

Hi, Cara -

I read your blog AND the comments! I am having some sort of knitting ennui this week, too. It must be something about the dog-days of summer.

Take it easy...everyone says it passes :)

Posted by: Toni Van B at August 23, 2007 02:51 PM

I read the post and all the comments. Yes, we all guessed what we're guessing already, and you told us we were wrong. I'm guessing you are a big fat liar, and getting bigger and fatter every day.

Whatever it is, hang in there. This too shall pass, indeed.

Posted by: Lucia at August 23, 2007 02:52 PM

Heh. Ann cracks me up. Delurking to tell you that I most definitely read your comments, and that I THINK I know what the big reveal is all about...you are going to be just fine.

Posted by: Sarah at August 23, 2007 02:53 PM

Yup, I'm delurking too... I enjoy reading your blog AND the comments... always so much fun... I just never have anything clever to say, so I lurk... :)

Summer's almost over... you've almost made it! Hang in there!

Posted by: Hannah at August 23, 2007 03:00 PM

The apathy passes. Then the cleaning and organizing fairy bites you on the ass.

Posted by: liz at August 23, 2007 03:01 PM

Reading the comments is part of the fun of reading the blog.

Posted by: Wanda in Ar at August 23, 2007 03:04 PM

I'm sorry you're in a rough spot. Hope you can be gentle with yourself (says one who has a hard time doing that myself).

Oh, and I also read the comments. Sometimes I revisit the blog later in the day to read more comments!

Posted by: earthchick at August 23, 2007 03:04 PM

I'm total crap at commenting, but I do read them! And the blog. Hang in there - my mom calls times like this "the narrows", when it seems like your whole world view has narrowed down to what's bad and hard and trying in life - and then boom, you're through it and over it, and things start to get better. You can make it through.

Posted by: ames at August 23, 2007 03:09 PM

If your thing is what I think it is I'm in the same boat just a bit farther along than you are. It gets better, my energy and desire to knit came back after the first 3rd of the journey.

Posted by: Jayme at August 23, 2007 03:09 PM

I read the blog and the comments but never comment. But I commenting today to say I'm pretty sure I know what the reveal is, I spent last summer in exactly the same condition (physically ill, physically and mentally exhausted, and feeling bad that I felt that way). But boy, oh boy, when the fall came around and I was past that feeling and the air was cool and crisp - I was on cloud nine!

Hang in there. I rolled my eyes at everyone who said it would pass, but it really did!

Posted by: Stephanie at August 23, 2007 03:30 PM

Looking forward to the big reveal and I do read the comments!

Posted by: ck at August 23, 2007 03:42 PM

I read them at times...like this. Good times ahead!

Posted by: Patty at August 23, 2007 03:48 PM

I always read the comments. Am I supposed to read the posts too?? Crappers.

Posted by: susan at August 23, 2007 04:11 PM

no idea what the big reveal is - but read the comments faithfully for clues!!! am i the only clueless one? i need a ouija board for the answer.
knitting will happen - it always does. hang in there.

Posted by: beth at August 23, 2007 04:18 PM

Of course I read the comments. If it what I and many others think it is, the feeling will pass. Been there done that. Just think of what you will have at the end of the journey.

Posted by: Tonia at August 23, 2007 04:29 PM

You've been planting hints here, there and everywhere for a while now :-) Being a commenter I read all of the comments here and elsewhere and have been noticing yours too elsewhere. You'll be fine. Changes in one's life always come with uncertainties, doubts and some form of grieving for what once was. This too shall pass- the cooler weather will bring about more energy, less restlessness and a feeling of well-being. It's something you'll grow into with time- no pun intended. Keeping my fingers crossed for you and looking forward to the reveal.

Posted by: Manise at August 23, 2007 04:31 PM

I know, but I ain't tellin'.

Oh and "Fits and Starts" is certainly better than if you switch those first consonants around...

And no, I never read the comments.

Posted by: dylansdad at August 23, 2007 05:01 PM

O.K. So I know that we are not supposed to be guessing event though we all think we know what it is.... I am sure that me and the rest of your readers are keeping their needles crossed that we guessed right:)

Take it easy! We love your knititng but we understand:)

Posted by: Marisol at August 23, 2007 05:02 PM

I'm a horrible guesser and not a great commenter either, but I do read your posts all the time. I don't have any sense of whether any of my thoughts will be close at all to what your reveal will be, yet I feel like I understand because I may be moving 2 states away and I can't tell anyone because the decision has not been made. Hang in there!

Posted by: Toby at August 23, 2007 05:12 PM

I do read the comments, though hardly ever comment! Loved the suggestion of changing the consonants!
The worst of days will be followed by the best of days, and I bet your aunt would agree!
Annette

Posted by: Annette at August 23, 2007 05:21 PM

Well, I'm feeling like a knitting schizo these days. Working on a zillion things and getting nothing done. I'm committed to the Tilted Duster from IK Fall '07, but I am scared that even the "need" to complete it won't be enough. Don't be hard on yourself, everything has an ebb and flow (think I've spent too much time at the beach this week? I could really go on, but I'll spare you).

You can't get rid of us that easily :)

Posted by: kathy at August 23, 2007 05:44 PM

I didn't think it was that because you said it wasn't that, but I read the comments and see that everyone thinks it is that so now I'll think it is that and I hope it really is that because then I'll really be: yay!

Posted by: Emily at August 23, 2007 05:53 PM

I always read comments.

And I love the potential new name for the blog - Fits and Starts. Better grab it up before someone else does, Cara!

Posted by: Jo-Anne at August 23, 2007 06:37 PM

Lookie at what Ann started with her first two comments. Way to go, Ann! And, Cara, if you switch the blog name, I won't have any reason to stay up on New Year's Eve because I won't remember when your birthday is. So there! Oh, and rest up . . . you'll need it!

Posted by: Ava at August 23, 2007 06:57 PM

You already told us a long time back that you are not pregnant and don't have a book deal. My only other thought is you might have a job.

Posted by: Sheila at August 23, 2007 07:17 PM

I am certainly wondering about the big reveal, but I am patient and you will tell us when you are ready. I love your blog, your photos, and the way you just put yourself out there. Oh yeah, and the knitting, too. You'll feel like knitting again later, in your own time, and we'll be happy to look at what you knit then.

Posted by: Nancy at August 23, 2007 07:56 PM

I cannot seem to knit a stinkn thing these days-I think about it alot and get like a row done here and htere but nothing that has been finished in MONTHS. It is killing me. And I am just finally getting my house somewhat clean for the first time all summer since school has started again. But you know what? the dirt will always be around-it will wait for you to get to it when you are ready-no biggie!

Posted by: Jody at August 23, 2007 09:05 PM

OK, so what I thought it was was what you told us it wasn't but the more time goes by the more it 'feels' like what I thought it was IS what it is so I hope that you hang in there because after the first part, you WILL feel more like yourself and it will all be good! (how's THAT for a f'ing long run-on sentence!)

Posted by: knittingnurse at August 23, 2007 09:18 PM

Sorry to hear about the not-knitting continuing. Sucky feeling, for sure.

And for what it's worth, I read the comments occasionally, but not faithfully. It tends to depend on how many comments there are...

Here's to more donations and the blues lifting soon!

Posted by: Dr. B. at August 23, 2007 09:32 PM

Sometimes Fits and Starts is better. It could be Sits and Farts. Take care!

Posted by: Sarah at August 23, 2007 10:19 PM

I too thought I knew and you said it wasn't...

I don't always read the comments (or read all of the comments)--depends what kind of hurry I'm in to comment myself!

Posted by: Anne at August 23, 2007 10:20 PM

if it's what we all think it is, it's good to wait til the 4th month to reveal... good choice.. AND I promise, your energy will return, you'll feel so much better, and when the kick begins, it really gets rockin.
we're all grinning out here, just so you know..

Posted by: Teyani at August 23, 2007 10:22 PM

I agree with some of the other comments. You said a while ago it wasn't true but with many hints that you have given I think it is true. Woohoo!!!!

Posted by: Colleen at August 23, 2007 10:24 PM

I'm looking forward to the big reveal, hoping it's what I think it is! You'll feel better soon.

Posted by: Jess at August 23, 2007 10:29 PM

Ha, I had the thought the other day of re-naming my blog to 'knits and starts' but then thought better of it.
So you're getting a dog, right? ;)

Posted by: Kelle at August 23, 2007 10:37 PM

you're opening a candy store? Rock on!

Posted by: Leone at August 23, 2007 10:52 PM

I can't take the pressure. . .please reveal early. . please.

Posted by: Janet at August 23, 2007 10:59 PM

I'm not a comment reader (and am a sporadic commenter, if not an even more sporadic blogger)... I've been in a wierd knitting mood all summer- obsessed with all things lace (which I've never been able to "do" well before), and am neglecting the Summer of Socks despite my personal goal of spending more at Black Sheep on STR than last year. (Accomplished part one!)

I don't know what the big reveal is, I hope its positive, though. But it's been keeping me in all kinds of suspense waiting!

Posted by: kelly at August 24, 2007 12:21 AM

Have no clue whatsoever what is going on. And this with reading the comments!?!
Whatever is going on though, don't sweat it. It'll get better, and you'll feel better and you'll knit again.

Posted by: renee at August 24, 2007 12:36 AM

Time makes everything better, and when it does, we'll all still be here cheering you on.

Posted by: Amy at August 24, 2007 02:36 AM

I read faithfully, but don't normally comment. I love your photos and all of your knitting. After reading the comments here, I think I might know, even though it's not supposed to be what I think it is. Can't wait to find out!

Posted by: Mary-Kay at August 24, 2007 05:42 AM

Your cryptic-ness (is that a word?) cracks me up. If you are dealing with what I am dealing with (only 6 weeks to go,) the creativity returns in full force, along with an incredible desire to be organized--although not much energy to be organized! If it isn't that, I hope you are opening a cool yarn shop or online store or planning a fantastic world cruise!! Take it easy!

Posted by: Diane at August 24, 2007 07:52 AM

Ok, so I haven't been reading the comments lately, but I can now tell that everyone else thinks the same thing I think about the big secret. Yep, when your sister brought you flowers to Kabuki, I thought to myself... Hmmm, I think I know what's going on here. Secrecy, napping, and those delightful twins, apathy and lethargy. Alls I can say is, that EZ surprise jacket seems to be taking over blogland, so you better get on it. :-)

Posted by: LeighB at August 24, 2007 10:12 AM

Those are some pretty hilarious comments! I like the one about switching the first letters of "Fits and Starts"!
Hang in there--this too shall pass...

Posted by: victoria at August 24, 2007 10:26 AM

Okay I am thinking, 3 months dreary, 3 months cheery, and 3 months weary and then a bundle of love. I am so hoping I'm right. I had my first at 42 and the second at 44. I'm thinking girl that this is your reveal.

Posted by: Kathy at August 24, 2007 10:27 AM

I won't try to guess what your big news is as I have not been reading this blog for long. But I am sorry to hear that you have had a really really hard time lately and a shitty summer. You'll get back into the swing of things! I love looking at your knits. You take really sumptuous photos of them too. Take care and I'll check back for the big announcement. Max

Posted by: Maximiliana Henze at August 24, 2007 10:55 AM

I hope you get over/past/through the stressy feelings soon. Been there, done that, not fun. As for guessing - I don't do that. I'm the antithesis of the person who reads the last page of a book first. I fingers-in-the-ears-la-la-eyes-closed my way through the bits of bonus features on a tv series dvd that are clips from episodes on later disks (why do they do that anyway? to punish me for not watching the series when it was broadcast?)

Posted by: Ronni at August 24, 2007 11:20 AM

Love love love...

Hey, I got to say "Prove it all night" in the new column without anyone editing it out, by the way. Out of all the other things in there, I swear that's the best part, getting to quote Bruce without anyone telling me that's not very knitterly ;-)

Posted by: Lee Ann at August 24, 2007 11:20 AM

I can't predict what's going on in my own life, I am amazed that people can guess what's going on in yours!
Of COURSE I read the comments. Them's half the fun.

Posted by: gale (she shoots sheep shots) at August 24, 2007 02:40 PM

We're all so used to January one. Why change it?

Of course we read comments.
Good luck.

Posted by: Sandy at August 24, 2007 09:30 PM

I read the comments, but hardly ever comment myself. I'm not sure why... What ever the "it" is, it's your reveal and do it when you want. I know that self imposed dates are sometimes the hardest to break, speaking from experience. Here's to hoping you'll feel better soon!

Posted by: Jenna at August 25, 2007 11:31 AM

I read your blog because I really care. I read your comments because they're really intelligent and funny.
You are preparing for something new. Even if you're only doing it in your mind. It takes a lot of energy to make a shift.
When I'm really writing crap, I sit down to intentionally write crap and pat myself on the back for meeting personal goals. It soon opens the door to better things. Knit some crap just for a break.
When I feel awful, I love to submerse myself in the pictures of your mitered squares.

Posted by: Angie at August 25, 2007 11:50 AM

Just keep on muttering "times and seasons" to yourself. At least it works for me whenever I get frustrated about the fits and starts in my life...

Posted by: Valerie at August 25, 2007 03:10 PM

I think I know I think I know....oh I hope I'm right....you go girl.......needles are definitely crossed......cg

Posted by: cathy goldman at August 25, 2007 04:31 PM

Like Ann said, I do read the comments! But after I leave mine. I need to stay focused ;) Look at it this way, you knit so many BIG things, your breaks in between still leave you at a way above average FOer. Not bad at all...I'll my 2 cents in as soon as the check arrives, this is one tough summer. I still have my little guess in mind, but will wait for the reveal. Teaser!!!

Posted by: Carol at August 26, 2007 09:53 PM

I don't always read the comments, but always read your blog - thanks for telling it like it is no matter what. I really appreciate that in the world of everyone so afraid of offending someone or something. I like knowing if I read it at January one it's true. Thanks and congrat's

Posted by: Jana at August 27, 2007 12:20 AM

Comments matter! Do you have site meter or something similar? I was SO happy to find out that the Harlot had lurked in my modest corner of the net! There are probably LOTS of people who just stop and admire.

Posted by: painterwoman at August 27, 2007 01:22 AM

Comments matter! Do you have site meter or something similar? I was SO happy to find out that the Harlot had lurked in my modest corner of the net! There are probably LOTS of people who just stop and admire.

Posted by: painterwoman at August 27, 2007 01:23 AM

Um, are you going to reveal that you're not going to blog anymore? I really really really loveu your blog, so I'd be bummed about that, but I know you've gotta do what you gotta do. but I was under the impression that the reveal was something good so I'm confused. Guess I'll just have to keep checking back! ;)

Posted by: Scribbles & Bits at August 27, 2007 11:16 AM

Ah, we creatives call this not-producing time "fallow time." It's the winter rest that allows us to continue renewed in our creative "spring."...

Interesting that most are guessing you are pregnant, though you denied that in the beginning.

me? too busy to guess. Just waiting.

Posted by: debra at August 28, 2007 11:21 AM

Fess up - you and G are moving to New Zealand to start an organic sheep farm!

Posted by: dylansdad at August 30, 2007 01:14 PM

Ya GOTTA read the comments...it's almost as much fun as eavesdropping!

Posted by: flair at September 1, 2007 10:05 AM

I read the comments often, but not always. Often.

Posted by: Priscilla at September 1, 2007 05:19 PM