Like meeting up with old friends

You know that experience when you suddenly see or talk to someone you haven't in a long time?  Maybe even the last encounter was less than pleasant, so seeing them is a surprise, and not a bad one.  You realize that you've been silly for holding whatever grudge or avoidance and you think to yourself, "see, that wasn't so bad.  In fact, it was even fun!"  And the thrill of meeting them and the possibilities of seeing them again are rekindled.

And it feels good.

You know the experience I'm talking about?

Well, I've had that experience in more ways that one this week.  One was real...a friend from my past got in touch with me again and we're talking.  After 9 years of not talking.  This was one parting that didn't end well, and I have to admit I'm a little shy and awkward, but I'm trying.  But it does feel good, so I'm hoping that it continues to do so.

The other was metaphorical, of sort.  Remember the beautiful mystery knit-a-long cowl I started in November?  Well, I parted with it on less than amiable grounds.  The needles were too slippery for the yarn or too big for my hands or in general not feeling right.  So, I put it aside for other, more immediate and interesting things (plus I had Christmas to knit for and that took a bit of time).  I pulled it out this weekend as the work in progress I decided to work on in between knitting monsters.  And you know what?  It felt right...so right in fact, I'm not sure why I put it away.  Sure, the needles were still slippery and awkward, but the cowl is gorgeous and the results are wonderful...

...and I finished the knitting of it. I even bought some buttons when I was in London and they are perfect.  I have put the picture of its knitted progress here.  I'll have it modeled in a day or so.