After a hiatus of 40 years, my friend Barbara inspired me to knit again. I learned to knit as a very young child. Over the years I enjoyed making clothes for my dolls, family members, boyfriends and even myself. I made my outfit, including a hat for my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah. It was stunning!!! Knitting with mom was our happy place. When I moved to New York City in the 80’s life got very busy and I forgot all about knitting. That is until a few years ago. While visiting Barbara I was reminded of the joys of knitting. I watched her knitting an intricate pattern. Barbara makes the most beautiful shawls, sweaters, hats, blankets, etc. She even knit the yarmulkes for her grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. It reminded me of the fun I had knitting with mom. She was a wonderful knitter and couldn’t read patterns. I was a wonderful knitter and didn’t know how to put the pieces together. We made a perfect team: I read the pattern to her and she finished what I made. Just thinking of it makes me happy and sad at the same time. Now I had the time to knit. I decided to make a lovey for my friend Maggie’s new born grandson. The minute I put the needles and yarn in my hands I was in my happy place. Knitting, purling, reading instructions it all made me happy. Watching these strands of yarn become “something” I made was pure joy!!!! I may not have Mom to help me finish the project; instead I have Barbara and Andrea. Since that first lovey I’ve branched out to baby blankets, baby sweaters, baby hats. I’ve made many hats for friends, family and even me. I’m now working on two intricate sweaters; one for Rivkala and one for me. Thanks to Andrea, Rivkala’s sweater will get finished. Hopefully she or Barbara will help me finish my sweater. Who knows, maybe I’ll learn how to do it. I have several other projects working also. Knitting, talking about knitting, shopping for yarn and knitting supplies, surfing the internet for new patterns and projects — it all brings joy. I may even try crocheting. FYI, Knit or Knot Yarns in Jupiter, FL is my favorite store. Another joy of aging; having the time to do what I love.