Montgomery Scott's Hat

I mentioned this hat in my previous post, but didn't have a pic. Here it is!

That Place On Market

I thought I'd post some pictures of the place where I'm volunteering. A really nice place, not just in the goods they make and sell/give away for charity, but in the actual appearance and the people who volunteer there. I've been working hard to organize the yarn we have (and we have quite a good selection!), and spent some time this past Saturday winding some yarns into cakes. I'm hoping to go back through and price some yarns that haven't been priced, and I have a sweater that someone brought in I'd like to finish. There's always something to do! I am having a good time, it is nice to see human beings face to face, not just ones I meet on-line (although I really enjoy interacting with my on-line friends, also).

I've been horribly sore this weekend, and as a result more than a little down. Maybe it's just the weather, but the RA has really been playing havoc with my joints. The new med, Colchicine that my Rheumatologist prescribed hasn't helped at all as far as I can tell.

I finished the Montgomery Scott's Hat for my brother Clinton. I wrestled with the short rows needed for two of the sides, but eventually managed to figure it out. Or at least did something that looks right. Then I wrestled with the stitching needed for two of the seams, again finally figured out the instructions, but it took me forever! But, it's done and as soon as my brother gives me an address I'll be sending it off to him. I figure as we are in Ohio, we will have a few more cold days that will require warm head gear.

Trying a New Direction

Life can be (and often is) pretty miserable when you have not only chronic pain, but also Rheumatoid Arthritis. When you add the joys of bipolar and depression, it gets close to unbearable. I've been struggling along, trying just to survive, and honestly I'm pretty sick of it. So I'm making an effort to change some things in my life. I can't change my diagnosis and what they, to say nothing of the side effects of the numerous meds I take. But I can make an effort to change some of my responses to my bipolar. So instead of constantly hiding in my house in my old, pink fuzzy robe, I've volunteered to help at a place in my town called "That Place on Market". It's a non-profit shop that makes and sells or gives away hand made items that are sewn, knitted or crocheted. They also have lots of fabric, yarns and supplies for other needle crafts that are for sale. I'm still amazed by the lovely little dresses, hats, mittens, etc that's in the shop, just beautiful! There's always something to do, for the last couple times I've been there I've been organizing the yarn. I can assure you there is a wide variety of yarns to be had! This is the address for the shop if you are interested. The website is still being developed, but the basic info is there. http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/That.Place.On.Market.740-599-7768 Just getting out and seeing real people has already helped my mood. I'm still having some very bad days, the the RA has been especially recently. At least while I'm volunteering it helps me to ignore some of the pain. Amazing what the mind can do if you let it!