Yes! I’m there at last. I’ve reached the chapters in the holiday mystery I’m writing (due December 15th) where I get to show the sleuth—Kelly Flynn in the Knitting mysteries– put all the pieces together and figure out WhoDunit.
I LOVE writing those scenes. It’s so much fun showing how your sleuth sorts through all those clues that have been turning up and the ones that have been hiding and the ones that she’s just now discovered. . .all the pieces to the puzzle. I know, it’s probably terribly, terminably left-brain and anal, but I love it. That’s probably why I enjoy writing mysteries. Good thing, too.
As this series has continued, I’ve found a way to show Kelly putting all the pieces of the puzzle togeether and indulge in color/texture/sensuality at the same time. When I first started knitting back in 2003 (after having fallen down the rabbit hole at the real Lambspun shop in Fort Collins), I discovered something fascinating.
Knitting was relaxing, peaceful, positively meditative. I found myself accessing the same “alpha-like” state that I could in other meditative pursuits. Fantastic, I thought. Now, I do not profess to have discovered something. Other fiber and needleworkers have discovered the same thing years ago. In fact there was a book published several years ago, I’m told, that explored the “Zen-like” aspects of knitting. Too cool.
I just got to include my sleuth in my discoveries. As I sit and knit, I find my thoughts settling, becoming more ordered, and new ideas emerging. Since I found it so enjoyable, I let Kelly in on the fun, too. It also makes a nice visual scene as the knitted project comes into shape while she’s piecing together the murder. As I said. . .lots of fun.
What’s your favorite activity that allows you to “reflect and meditate?”
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I like to crochet but haven’t picked up the hook since having carpal tunnel surgery. I just bought some wool to make myself a scarf so I’ll be starting that soon. Yippee!
My all time favorite thing to do is color. I can get away with it easily cause I have little kids. I’m no Monet, I like crayons, colored pencils and a coloring book. I just bought “color-your-own” wooden ornament sets. One for me, one for the kids. I got to use markers AND glitter glue. SO FUN!
by debbie
on November 13th, 2007 at 9:01 am
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I agree completely about the knitting–very soothing, orderly. But I always set a challenge for myself by using cable patterns (hey, I’m Irish), because it’s so much fun to watch the patterns emerge and intertwine. Just like a mystery!
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Gardening! There’s something very relaxing about mucking around in the garden, even though I’m physically active, my body is relaxed and my mind just…flows.
by Diana
on November 13th, 2007 at 10:16 am
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Love knitting (and crochet and cross-stitch), but recently I rediscovered my spinning wheel, and the zen-like, alpha wave inducing process of the fiber flowing through my hands and becoming yarn. For me it’s not only good for relaxing, but also for thinking!
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Mine is cross stitching. I can plot while stitching or just relax and enjoy creating a wondeful piece. Pamela in Kansas
by Pamela
on November 14th, 2007 at 12:50 am
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Debbie—I hope your wrist won’t be bothered by the knitting. Take it easy and slowly.
Sheila–Cable patterns are so pretty. I haven’t done one yet, but I included a beautiful one in A KILLER STITCH. It’s an original pattern that a friend and yarn shop owner in Denver created. Beautiful.
Diana—Gardening is very centering and nourishing. Plus, we create something beautiful that keeps growing. I’m watching all my flower beds go brown gradually as they move through the Fall season. Heading to winter.
by Maggie
on November 14th, 2007 at 2:08 am
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Cricket—I love to sit with the spinners while knitting. It’s a double dose of relaxing.
Pamela–Wow, you can plot while cross stitching? Boy, it would take all my concentration just to keep track of what I was doing.
by Maggie
on November 14th, 2007 at 2:10 am
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Wow—my earlier comments didn’t post. Drat! Here they are again—
Debbiee–Better take care of yourself. Take it slowly, girl. That way you can still crochet or knit. Little bit at a time.
Sheila—-Cable patterns, boy, you’re brave. I included a great original pattern in KILLER. Got it from a friend who owns a cool knitting shop in Denver–LAMBSHOPPE.
Diana—Absolutely. Gardening is so enjoyable and centering and satisfying. Even late yesterday afternoon when I had no time I still rushed outside to re-pot some indoor plants that needed it. Brrrrrr. Cold.
Cricket—Oh, yes, I love to knit beside the spinners. It’s so soothing. But I would totally screw up the yarns just like my characters in the latest book. That’s why I included that scene. I saw it happen.
Pamela—Yikes! You can relax while cross stitching? Wow. . .I would get all mixed up, I’m positive. Cross-stitcher Supreme Monica Ferris sat next to me at a panel last May at Malice Domestic mystery conference. Kate Collins was also on panel. We all brought our “crafts.” Lots of fun.
by Maggie
on November 15th, 2007 at 10:47 am
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It suddenly feels like I don’t have time for reflecting and meditating anymore! Hopefully it will come back once life settles down a little bit. I do like to knit, though I’m not very good at it–need lessons ASAP!
When all is off-kilter in my world, and I need something to soothe me immediately, I bake. From scratch. And then I eat. 
by Heather
on November 15th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
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Whoa, Heather—that’s a dangerous hobby. Actually, you don’t have to take lessons to knit. I didn’t. I learned exactly the way I have Kelly do—sitting around the table, talking to others. It’s easy. They’ll walk you through it and help you out every step of the way. It’s easy to get comfortable with. This it’s portable.
by Maggie
on November 16th, 2007 at 1:00 am
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Maggie, I play Bookworm Deluxe and/or Diamond Mine/Bejeweled. They help me unwind.
Debbie, I love to color, too….and watch cartoons. My mom doesn’t get it though…She has a fit when she sees me watching cartoons. But recently, she got some videos for my nephews and then watched them all herself…I told her to remember that next time she caught me watching cartoons or coloring. I usually can only get away with coloring or watching cartoons when the boys are visiting.
by Traci
on November 18th, 2007 at 2:01 am
