Last week I told you I was busy having a life - going out of town, spending copious amounts of time with friends, all the poetry and music I won't shut up about. Blah blah blah. It's probably getting old for you by now. Me repeating the same stuff, just more of it. If I would take the time to go back and read what I wrote, I might be able to assess my repetitive nature more thoroughly, but with five posts in one month and all the blogs I know you people are reading, in all likelihood you don't recall what the hell I was writing about two weeks ago any better than I do.
But, seriously. With all my recent flitting about, I've been holding back on you. And I want to apologize for that. In part it's because my schedule has been firing so rapidly but on some level I don't think I've been ready to let you know everything. I've hinted about it here and there, given you some information and not so subtle clues. A few of you who know me on a more personal level are more aware than most. I haven't talked too much publicly because I haven't been ready to share. It's delicate and not something to display to the world if you aren't prepared to follow through. But this is important and I really want to let you know about it because it's a commitment that's dear to me.
It's been almost a month now. A bit more than that, actually. But only seriously for a month. We started flirting in April and I had a really good feeling about it from the very first. But I've felt that way before at the beginning, the flush of excitement that quickly dwindles after you really get to know each other. This seemed different. Very different. It was a challenge in the beginning because I'd never met another quite like this. But the excitement hasn't slackened and the passion runs deep.
When I wrote to you guys on May 16th, that was only the beginning. We've come so very far in just a few short weeks. (And don't be fooled by the appearance of completion, we've only finished the first step of a long journey.)
If I ever find a man I feel this strongly about, he better be very careful because he won't be straying far from my sight.
I've been somewhat hesitant 
to make a serious public commitment to Spring Shawl. I know we are meant to be together but ours is a relationship of convenience, moments stolen here and there - an hour at lunch, a 15 minute morning break, the few free minutes before going to sleep. We have no idea when blocking will commence. It is difficult for me to show you why my love is so strong when on the needles, a photo simply cannot convey the magnificence.
But then, the Amazing Lace came along, and we decided none of that mattered. We could declare our love for each other openly with so many. While others will strive for completion, we will savor the experience of one stitch following the next. Ours is not a summer of competition, but one of communion. A summer of wool and needles and simple joy in Austin, Texas. A summer of Amazing Lace.
What a beautiful and inspiring relationship! Your sentiments at the end of your post are lovely.
Posted by: Rachel | June 08, 2006 at 09:12 PM
You are one of the most amazing lace knitters on the planet - what a joy to see your work unfold. Thanks so much for sharing it!
. . . and I wish you and your shawl much happiness. ;-)
Posted by: Nancy | June 07, 2006 at 04:06 PM
So, so pretty! I love the second pic down on the left the most. Can't wait to see it on!
Posted by: Janet | June 06, 2006 at 03:12 PM
Lovely knitting, lovely color - so glad to see you smiling! Hope you are well...
Posted by: Jessica | June 06, 2006 at 09:26 AM
Very pretty! (shawl AND hair - AND holy crap in a basket is that a SMILE I see??!) ;o)
'kay slinking off to work on Madli now feeling utterly unworthy...
Posted by: Jess | June 05, 2006 at 09:21 PM
Yes, Jody, you chose wisely. I think my next commitment will be to a shawl as well. They keep you warm and cozy, and rarely judge you (though they look surly if you let them get all wadded up).
Posted by: Suna | June 05, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Aww, I think you're blushing. ;-)
Posted by: Tamara | June 05, 2006 at 11:43 AM
Heehee. I can see you were totally meant to be together! What a beaut.
Posted by: Cookie | June 05, 2006 at 11:13 AM
Gorgeous lace! It really is turning out well; no wonder you're in love!
Posted by: Alison | June 05, 2006 at 08:21 AM
I am so happy for you! A relationship like this only comes along once in a lifetime! Ok - I lied. We knitters are a fickle bunch and you will fall in love many more times. But enjoy the here and now and your budding love affair. And keep us posted with lots more gorgeous pictures!
Posted by: Dorothy | June 04, 2006 at 10:52 PM
You freakin' crack me up! Love the story, love the shawl! Ain't it nice to have everything out in the open?
Posted by: Amy | June 04, 2006 at 10:35 PM
What a fantastic introduction to the Amazing Lace!
And I second Jody; still super-love the hair. :-)
Posted by: Cordelia | June 04, 2006 at 09:18 PM
wow! what progress! i know you told me how far you had gotten, but seeing it in the pics is so much more impactful!
and the color -- love it!
as for the hair...still jealous ;)
Posted by: jody | June 04, 2006 at 06:09 PM