Why it was spiritual
I heard a good friend once say, “Spirituality is how you feel about what you do.”
LOVE that.
I felt really, really good after this past weekend. As a kid, I always struggled to identify. This isn’t a psychotherapy blog, so I won’t get into it. But generally speaking, one of the best things for me about the Men’s Spring Knitting Retreat was that I didn’t have to struggle to identify. I immediately belonged. Just because. Guilty by association in a really good way. And I love short sentences, in case you haven’t noticed.
These boys really contributed something special to the show and tell night:
The first thing everyone said was “where’s the pattern?!?!” So adorable, and the best possible knitter strip-tease I’ve ever seen. Ok, maybe it was the only knitter strip-tease I’ve ever seen. I have so many photos, so many memories, I’ve uploaded them all on Facebook here:
Men’s Spring Knitting Retreat 2010 Photos
The next project for the the 4 men in the photo? A new knitted hammock to replace the one they broke. Just kidding. Those hammocks were like uber-hammocks. I think they were made for more than one person on purpose.
Now, here comes the spiritual part. You may ask (as I did) - John, where are all the KNITTING photos???? For me, it was more about the experience. The “being around” the knitters. In the company of. Amidst. Among. Belonging. Embraced. Welcomed. I truly felt all of that. I made real friends. I wasn’t inebriated. I heard bullfrogs, for pete’s sake!
There is one more photo that I will post in a bit after I clear it with everyone - I got there later than everyone so I didn’t hear the photo “rules” that there is buzz about, so I want to make sure I don’t upset anyone. But I took a couple group photos that I’d love to share.
I feel like such an ugly shell I’ve wanted to get rid of for so long was finally at least cracked this past weekend. I’m so grateful I went, I’m so grateful for the friends I made.
Spiritual. Yeah. I’d say.
Your photos are gorgeous, even if the snakes gave me chills. Your retreat sounds fabulous and cathartic and lovely.
Sounds like you had a great time. Love the photo, speaks volumes.
What a wonderful feeling! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have that more often.
Especially love the snakes photo!
Wow! Those are gorgeous photos. You have such a good eye for composition. I just love the forest by the lake and the one with the fish. I’m glad this retreat reached to you on a deeper level. We all need those experiences from time to time. *hugs*
I am SO glad you have a blog. Even more glad you were at MSKR this year…I couldn’t imagine it without you now.
Awesome time, awesome man…did you find a boyfriend?
What a fabulous photo! Thx for sharing your reflections on the MSKR. Sounds like it was well worth it.
Great pics!!! Am loving the snakes and the kettle dyed yarn and the knitted boxers…
It’s nice to get away and be with friends. Acceptance and peace. I’m thrilled for you that you got to relax…hc
wow. Two pieces of knitting amongst the photos and they are both mine……
GREAT snake photos!
The photos are great. I love the snake photos
Are those the “Socks Appeal Boxers”? If it is, I had only seen a pic before of the front. They are even cuter from behind!
So what, where IS the pattern for the boxers?