Last month, I set a goal for myself to spend no money. Well, I could spend money on bills, the mortgage, and food – but decided to take a fast from the retail therapy kind of shopping that I find enjoyment from at my computer, often after dinner, when I’m feeling a little sleepy.
At this writing, I have only broken the fast twice. And it is the second purchase (or set of purchases) is one that I am excited enough about to share with you.
As we’ve watched our neighbors around the country be violated by our government, we have adjusted our spending, gone to protests, lit candles, and chewed our nails.
This red hat that began to show up with the Minneapolis protests, gave me something to do with my hands and something to wear to show love and solidarity.
The history of my red hat came on the pattern that I purchased.
In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country.
Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute.
I purchased a pattern on Etsy.
The yarn I purchased is wool-ease color ‘tawny port’.
And here is the finished first hat. Just in time for snow in South Carolina. (Another historical note – this past weekend was the first time since these things have been recorded that the WHOLE state of SC woke up under a blanket of snow.)
I spend so much time wondering What can I do? What should I do? Does it even matter?
I think those questions are always there. This is a time in history that has put them (me, us) under a magnifying glass. They are the foundation of my commitment to neighbor well – and to let the very word ‘neighbor’ hold the wonder of galaxies and seas.
And what can one do in the space of a galaxy or sea? I can notice the bird, the fish, the shell. I can watch the moon set, fix a star to watch travel, and invite my heart to find its place up there.
Or I can cook dinner, floss my teeth, and make a hat.