Life Lesson #3249

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade for others.

That is one of life's great lessons and one that got me through the weekend.  Last week  Annie blogged about the Red Scarf Project, but it was when Jean created her haunting button that it became real; something that couldn't be marked 'to do' later.   Friday night an elegant red alpaca came out of hiding and grew into another Opera Scarf.  In just a few hours time, with meditative stitches and prayers for love and joy it was created to aid Lisa in her quest to help Chinese orphans. If your time is rare you can purchase a scarf instead.  Wouldn't your Mother or best friend love a red scarf knowing it helped the unfortunate?

Blogland is full of generous and Conscientious Knitters.  There is a new List on my side bar titled just that.  It lists the growing number of charity projects available that help collect donations to varies causes and needs.   Stephanie was able to raise over  $50,000 for MSF by selflessly knitting a pair of mittens to give to one lucky soul.  Many other knitters and spinners stepped up to help her with more incentives gifts and the total of dollars rose quickly. 

Deb and Wendy have a button for the Heifer Project on their side bars and the total of dollars there keep rising, as well.  On one of the TV news programs I saw the story of an African family who was given a goat.  The goat produced enough milk to feed the family and more. The mother was able to sell the extra and used the funds to send her daughter to school.  The girl, so thrilled to be given a chance to learn, took it from there and with scholarships she won along the way, has grown into young woman now studying at an American College.  She will return to her people to help them better their lives. And the goat?  It had offspring that were given to other families in the village.  One gift can change the lives of many.

A little closer to home some of us are knitting squares that will be made into a (secret) blanket.  I took the pattern for my square from Barbara Walker's "Learn to Knit" book and it made up quickly and beautifully.  I knit prayers of joy and long life into my section of the blanket on Sunday.  Knitting both the scarf and blanket projects has been a balm for my pain and made the weekend of gray fog more livable.   Lemonade for others.

Susan is still selling her Hugs and Kisses sock pattern with funds going to Oxfam and there is a Yahoo Group to  "Knit Your Bit" with  projects that continue to fund tsunami relief.

As we all know there is need everyday of every year, with or without disasters.  Blogland has some of the most conscientious people on earth.  With two sticks and string you we can change the world. 

Comments

[froggy]

thanks so much for keeping those thoughts of charity. top of mind.

[Shelby]

Beautifully said, Margene. It is truly amazing what a few people can do to with just inspiration, compassion, love and a couple of knitting needles.

[Mary Beth]

Well said, Margene, and thanks for all the meaningful links!

[Annie]

What a great post, Margene...and a beautiful red scarf.

[Stephanie]

Margene, thanks for the list, and for the kind words...but the incredible nature of the total on my blog is due to the incredible nature of the knitters who answered the call. All I did was call.

[Teresa C]

Margene, you are an inspiration. It is a wonder you have time to knit anything for yourself with all of the things you do for others. Thanks for reminding us of this list of ways we can contribute.

[susan]

Are those plastic, Susan Bates needles!!!!????

[marta]

It's so true - most of us are so, so fortunate here in the U.S. and we can each do *something*. I'm still knitting those chemo caps (I have a pattern on my website) but now have sized them down for kids at The Children's Hospital...hmmm...I think I'll have to post that pattern, too. I know I count my blessings every day - and there are so many of them. Thanks, Margene, for reminding us of those who might need our help. You're a blessing, too!

[Norma]

Wow, Margene, that's a lot of lessons! I love that red opera scarf. Just gorgeous!

[Cassie]

OUCH. My conscience.

[patti]

Margene, my son received a goat for his Christmas gift from his grandfather. I can't remeber right now, but I think it is in Haiti. He is only 10 but he understood the importance of it.
Also, I know it is not top of your list, but our troops overseas also need warmth from us. Wendy at zibibbo is good has the sniper cozies.

[Sara*]

Thank you for reminding us all of the amazing opporunities to knit for those we may never know or meet. I am personally bonking myself on the head gently reminding myself through your words that I should be doing more knitting for charity.

And that red scarf is amazing.

[Wendy]

This is just the reminder I needed today. Thank you Margene!

[Jean]

Hey Margene,
Thanks for the kind words about the button. You're scarf is gorgeous! I had several false starts on mine this evening. Can't make up my mind.

[Heather]

Someone on an ezboard that I belong to was talking about how she thinks knitting isn't political or feminist and I just don't get it. Maybe it's not political or feminst to everyone, but obviously it is to some people like the ones who are making a difference and helping charities and I don't see how that's a bad thing.

[Neena]

Gee. Maybe that's just the motivation I need to knit something, again....

[mrspilkington]

beautiful scarf, for a great cause. thanks for the list in your sidebar too. your post was a pick-me up.

[elisa]

What a beautiful post, and a wonderfully succinct recounting of some of the good stuff that is going on in the world. It is so easy to forget that most people really do strive to be decent and honorable.

[Laurie]

Did she say "sniper cozies"?

[Birdsong]

Very nice tribute to all the conscientious bloggers and charity knitters. Have you heard of the Prayer Shawl Ministry (www.prayershawlministry.com)? Even though I am pagan, I like the idea of praying for healing while knitting up shawls for people who need comfort. Years ago, I was making baby blankets for the Sedona Godmothers, but can't find them any longer... Loved your beautiful red scarf and plan to work up one of my own - thanks for sharing and Happy Anniversary!