Last year, I said small pleasures bring great rewards. How prophetic that was.

I have a few simple goals for the year. In 2008 I learned to spin, and I think 2009 is going to have to be about becoming a better spinner. I spent most of my spinning time fighting my wheel, but with the addition of the weights to the base, I am now in charge of the wheel. Because I am now firmly in charge of my wheel, I took the liberty to quite simply ignore it. I have got to get back to it. I hope to spin and make something from my handspun. Right now I am going to aim for a small scarf or shawl. I have some Shetland fibre in a couple of colours that I would like to knit in traditional Shetland patterns.

I want more socks in my life. Reasonable people would ask how could that possibly be a goal when a person has already knit so many this year. The thing is, socks energise me. They are so basic an article of clothing, so simple in desing and purpose and here I am making them. People have made their own foot coverings for millennia, and I am now counted among millions of the nameless army of people through time who did such a simple thing. I like being in their company.

I hope to make more scarves this year. Scarves are something I can wear everyday to work and toss aside if it is too warm, wrap closer if it is too cold. Scarves are a way to use fine yarns without breaking the bank. Scarves can be serious if need be. Nothing like a thick warm plain one in winter, but scarves can be an expression joy, of lightness, and air and spirit. They are an avenue of creation, of lace, of play, and fun.

I'd like to knit something from each of Elizabeth Zimmermann's books. Every time I look in these books its like going to knitting school. I have a modified rib warmer on the go right now, but that is only the beginning. There is so very much more to learn. and when I finish these, I am heading for Lucy Neatby's videos.

I knew knitting was changing the way I looked at the world, but I did not suspect all the marvelous people that knitting would bring into my life. The north side knitters, the Sherwood Park knitters, the Wednesday night knitters, the library crafters, my spinning guru and the yayas, to all of the wonderful people I have met over the computer, as I look back on the blessings that this past year has brought to me, I find myself richer than I ever thought to be. Knitting with you made my world a better place to be.

Each of you helped me to learn that small moves, done with consistency, and a tiny bit of diligence, over time can make great things possible.

May 2009 be a year of exploration and celebration. May your discoveries along the way enrich your hearts as you have enriched mine.