Sunday, September 14, 2014

Community Ties



One of the benefits of the internet is the ability to stay in touch with people at a distance - sometimes at great distance.

During the summer Bobbie Irwin came through town and we managed to connect with each other for an all too brief visit.  As part of the visit I gave her a tea towel.

And then things went to hell in a hand basket for me and I had a rocky road in terms of pain, finally ending up not being able to weave.  Long story short, the road to recovery does not travel in a straight line and I had a relapse just as I was beginning to literally get back into the saddle and wound up worse than before.

During the relapse a parcel arrived from Bobbie.  We had talked about weaving with fine linen and more than 8 shafts and how much she was enjoying her new 12 shaft loom.  She had told me about an old tea towel woven from fine linen she had found in a second hand store, how she analyzed it and converted it from 16 shafts to 12 so she could weave it.

What a delight to receive such a special gift - one of the very fine linen towels we had talked about.

Through this 'ordeal' - and the rest of the health issues I've shared on this blog - I have been so grateful to everyone for their support and encouragement.  Through the internet - emails, Facebook, comments on the blog - I have been made aware of how many people are sending best wishes and positive healing energy my way.

I have needed every bit of it to get through the past 6 weeks, and to carry me through at least another two weeks of recovery.  (The soonest I guestimate it will take before I can do more than just sit at the loom and see how possible it will be to actually weave.)

Soft tissue injury is dreadful.  Once injured the tissues are never entirely whole and healthy again.  It is one reason why I am so adamant about working efficiently/ergonomically.  Once you have suffered repetitive stress injuries, those tissues will always be at risk for further improper or over use.

So I say again - if it hurts - STOP!  Rest.  Allow the body to heal.  The sad truth is that when the injuries pile up and age creeps in, healing takes longer.  Sometimes much longer than we would like.  Be kind to your body as much as you can.  We only get issued with one.  I just wish an owner's manual came along so that we would know how best to care for it.

Currently reading Long Way Home by Louise Penny

7 comments:

Rachelle said...

I'm glad you're on the mend and totally understand on the RSI thing. I got it in my 20's and managed to get back to normal, but now I'm in my 40's it's rearing its head again so I've had to slow down. No weaving for a bit (throwing the shuttle was an issue), less knitting and some spinning seems to be ok so instead I'm trying to do spring cleaning which isn't half as much fun but at least exercises the muscles in a different way.
Oh, and less computer time too.

the Mighty M said...

Laura I am so amazed and inspired by your comments. Yes it us hard sometimes to be kind to our bodies. As a person, and maybe you are one too, I live in my head and don't think much about the physical miracle we have. I wish you healing and happiness.

Dorothy said...

Hope you heal well and soon. I do so agree about the owner's manual, we all just muddle along without and it is easy to make mistakes.

Meanwhile that is a really beautiful linen towel that Bobbie has given you! Thanks for sharing the photo.

Peg Cherre said...

You give so much, Laura, that you deserve EVERY BIT of goodness that comes back to you. You are a constant source of information, inspiration and encouragement to me and MANY other weavers.

Anonymous said...

Laura,

I have "lurked" on your blog for a while now. You are a true inspiration to all of us (especially those of us who are in the golden years).
I am so glad to hear that you are on the mend.

Malcolm

PS - would love to have the draft/details on that linen tea towel.
MB-D

Laura Fry said...

Email me. Laura at laurafry dot com

Cheers
Laura

Martha said...

Sorry to say I haven't visited your blog in awhile, Laura. Very very sorry to hear of your current health problem. Sending you healing thoughts and energy for an excellent recovery...