Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Eternal Conflict

It's the eternal knitter's struggle--to knit or to read. It seems to me that most knitters I know are a bit on the introverted, or at least introspective, side. Those two characteristics also seem to go hand-in-hand with loving books. But, I'm not one of those people who can knit and read at the same time, so I have to balance two of my favorite activities. Sometimes, I'll go months without reading a book because I'm so hooked on a knitting project, but I've been quite a reader lately, which means that my knitting has gotten marginalized at times. I just had to laugh today passing by a little rabbit head that I started last week, sitting on my stack of books, waiting for a body  I'm in the middle of two of  books right now, Kitchen Confidential and The Hundred-Foot Journey.  Kitchen Confidential isn't mine; it's a friend of mine's, who got it signed by Anthony Bourdain when he came to Bakersfield this summer. Our book club is reading A Dog's Purpose, but I haven't started it yet. I was too busy reading Because of the Lockwoods by Dorothy Whipple, which I discovered after re-reading  The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brocket.  She has a list of "cozy" books to read, and Because of the Lockwoods was on it. I haven't enjoyed a book like that for a long time. It was a fairly simple plot, and the ending wasn't completely satisfying, but I still really enjoyed its "British-ness,"and when I finally plow through this stack, I may have to order another Dorothy Whipple book.
Our beagle, Rowdy is still not doing too well.  I have pretty much felt like he's not going to make it for the past couple of weeks. I would describe myself as a realist, but the rest of the world might say that I'm a pessimist. He just looks so sad and has lost quite a bit of weight. I am, however, married to an optimist, so he, of course, went to the library to try to figure out for himself what was wrong with his dog since three different vets don't seem to be able to figure it out. Kitty is trying to keep positive too and learn, by osmosis, what to do for Rowdy. Maybe with the two of them working together, there's hope.

9 comments:

Willow said...

Is it the week to knit bunnies? I didn't get the memo but that's what I've been doing.

Most of the knitters I know are introverts. I always have big plans to join a knitting group and then I just don't seem to get motivated to make it to the meetings. I'd rather sit at home and knit.

I do hope that your husband and the cat can help Rowdy. Best of luck to them.

TheBlackSheep said...

Oh poor Rowdy. I hope you find out what's wrong with him. :(

Knitting vs. Reading is why I have my audiobooks. Makes the choice, well, no longer a choice!

Knittings Nice! said...

Oh for me the conflict is knitting v reading v sewing v cooking v oh just about everything.

Tracy Batchelder said...

I've also been reading a little more and knitting a little less.

Tracy said...

Oh, I LOVE that photo of your kitty snuggling the hound book...LOL! But so sad and sorry to hear about your sweet Rowdy... Hoping very much he will be well yet! I'm like you, to read, or to knit--every the dilemma! I like to do a little audio books sometimes while I knit for variation--I can still knit and enjoy a good tale. :o) Thinking of you all, and Rowdy especially... ((HUGS))

Thimbleanna said...

Ah yes....to knit or read. Or in my case...to knit or read or quilt. It's a huge dilemma. Reading has really taken a backseat since I dropped out of my book club. So Sad. I do hope you find out what's wrong with poor Rowdy. Maybe he needs a girl? ;-) Or Not.

Anonymous said...

I am a creature of routine .... so I read after breakfast, and knit in the evening!! I hope you are able to find out what it is wrong with Rowdy. Malcolm is a dedicated optimist - which can actually be wearing at times!!

JayJay said...

Are there any studies on the personality traits of knitters? I ask because I am tried and true extrovert, so don't fit your characterization at all. I do like to read, however, so I understand your dilemma.

I'm so sorry about your dog. I hope he recovers on his own or your husband and the cat figure it out. :(

labatterie said...

I am tried and true extrovert, so don't fit your characterization at all.