Giving and Receiving

I had a reprieve with my gift socks. Of course, this came after I made most of the second sock in less than two days - certainly a record breaker for me. It gives me time to re-work the big toe since, with surreptitious surveillance of the recipient's feet, I have observed his big toe to be rather long. They came out to be more fraternal than I expected - I was actually trying to make them match since they are a gift but I was fooled by the yarn. Personally, I like fraternal, but I know others may not find it so charming.

The socks are a gift for my teacher. When I sat tangaryo as part of becoming his student, I was supposed to give him a gift. I say "supposed" to because this information was not conveyed to me until the process was already underway. I never quite was able to let go of the fact that I had to scramble and quickly make a small drawing as a gift. It just didn't feel right to me even as I knew he didn't mind and, no doubt, has probably long forgotten. So, I suppose these socks are as much about making me feel better as they are about keeping his feet warm for the coming winter. A gift going in two directions? Less of a gift? Imperfect gift? Bah! They're done.

Today also is Lucy's 12th birthday. Apparently she insists on becoming a smart, compassionate young woman, full of grace. Happy birthday my dear!

This is for you and every 12 year old girl.