Haiku-A-Day Challenge #4: Crochet Journey

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #4: 

Crochet Journey

I first learned how to crochet sometime in my childhood, most likely instructed by my mom or godmother. A few years ago, my neighbor Kelly also took time to try to teach me.

Each time I tried to learn how to crochet, I encountered roadblocks; I put my crochet aside (out of sight) and abandoned it. Recently, I reached out to my longtime family friend, Ellen. She's been teaching me how to crochet again - beginning with the very basics. I have had to restart a few times, untangle yarn, observe her, refer to directions and online tutorials. My stitches began sloppy or tight. I had to redo my stitches so many times and ask for help to get out of my mess. I had to begin again and again. But I'm starting to get it.

Crocheting has given me something to do when I'm by myself. It's been a welcome, needed distraction. It's been a good challenge. 

Recently, I realized that my crochet journey is a good metaphor for my current life events - returning to something that I was never very good at, relearning skills, asking for help along the way, reading and observing when I am stuck, connecting with old friends. 

I am not where I want to be yet, but I am growing.

Create slip knot. Mess.

Work slip stitch. Single crochet.

Restart. Try again. 

My crochet efforts in early November

My crochet efforts now

*Disclaimer: I wrote and "published" part of this post on Instagram last month (with a few edits). BUT the Haiku is new and the second photo is new.