The Floral Hook

 Happy Weekend-Eve, lovely Yarnarinas!

🌼 This week has whizzed by, oh my goodness! How is it almost July!? My days definitely feel whizzier than ever, and I suspect it's doing everything as a solo person. I feel a bit guilty missing my husband's involvement in some of the household chores. But honestly, someone else doing a few dishes here and there, cooking an occasional meal, taking the dogs for a walk, or stopping at the shops on their way home from work makes a huge difference! I was listening to a podcast a few days ago where the host suggested taking a short pause between tasks to mitigate burnout, anxiety and/or stress. I LOLLED!!! I've 100% earned the cap, bumper sticker, t-shirt and lifelong achievement award for juggling several tasks simultaneously. Day in and day out.

🌼 However, in between what sometimes feels like soft chaos rolling the days along, there are our gentle morning walks. The dogs and I are all-weather walkers. Lately, we've been exploring higher up the slopes of Kasteelberg, following narrow pathways made by either small animals or infrequent woodsmen looking for dry wood. We've deliberately become happily "lost" exploring these little pathways, but our trusty Leader Laia has a nose on her that always leads us safely back downhill. 

🌼 Along the way, we met a towering, grandfather Bluegum tree with the most beautifully wrinkled skin and sturdy arms raised happily to meet the sunbeams (told you this weather makes me a little woo-woo!!).

🌼 This past week, we've been anointed with pure winter sunshine! It does feel like a mystical experience; it's so delicious! Taking advantage of this free resource, my little twin tub washing machine, nestled at one end of the studio porch, industriously pummels the dogs' blankets. Clean laundry is pegged on the washing line strung between two very old Almond trees. The grass in this area is cut only once the clover has bloomed (for the Bees, you know...), and today, the sun shines while a gentle breeze ruffles through. Gotta love free stuff, right?

🌼 So, the last time we chatted, I mentioned a new cushion-sized block pattern in the pipeline. Tadaa, see below the official sneak peek!! As always, I've had loads of creative fun with richly textured florals. As far as my own colourway goes, I think I'm sort of trailing in Floralai's wake! Or maybe these are just my favourite colours right now? We could call it a Winter palette? Speaking of our dear Floralai...carefully washed and stored away only for darling Noella to mournfully start looking for her blanket! I was mortified, having completely forgotten that she'd grown up snuggled in Floralai! It now occupies a permanent space on my worktable. For Noella.

🌼 In a few days, I'll release the Prelude for this pattern, which I've named EMBERWOOD. As many of you Lovelies already know, the Prelude is usually released two weeks before the official pattern release. This will give you a little time to plan your colourway and gather your favourite yarn! But...it's time for me to leave you in peace now before this becomes a novella! 😁

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, and one lucky Yarnarina has received her sweet gift (you know who you are). I've chosen our next gift from Tatsiana's collection, the BLOMMA SQUARE. So please do remember to add your Ravelry name with your comment. 

As always, Fridays carry a little weight of sadness. It used to feel like an unbearable weight, but time really does seem to lighten the load. On 29 July, it will be two years, Lovelies. The furry-bums and I have settled. Not rooted, mind you. Rooting is a whole other thing. But the ground beneath our feet feels less shaky, and our footsteps are a teeny bit surer as we lean into our daily routines. More than anything, establishing a routine (of sorts) has been the glue keeping body and soul together. To anyone else it might look like a boring life, but to us, our boring little life is beginning to feel like everything we will ever need or want. We are so grateful.💖

Take care of your precious selves, Lovelies; stay safe, stay calm, stay creative and crochet on!

💛Jen xxx