The Power Of Community

Community.  I think a lot about community.  Not just the geographical area I live in, but the groups that I belong to.


One of Merriam-Webster's definitions for community is "a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society."  I'm involved with several communities that reflect my lifestyle, values and interests.  It's natural for people to seek out others who share the same interests - everything from sports to crafts to politics to religion. 


Some communities are designed to be social networks and exist for people who share a common interest.  Most knitting groups probably fall in this category.  Other communities are meant to bring about change.  People who are passionate about a particular cause come together and work to bring about a desired result.  Political campaigns are one example.  Some days I think I should be more active with communities that are working for change, striving to make the world a better place.


And then over the weekend I read an update on the Great American Afghan Raffle that XRX held to raise money for their employee, Sue, to help pay for medical expenses.  People bought raffle tickets for a chance to win the Great American Afghan that is pictured in the book by the same name.  This afghan is a beautiful piece of work with rich colors, textures and designs.  I was thrilled to learn that the raffle raised more than $11,000 for Sue.  I was moved to tears when I read that the winner, Angela, has given the afghan to Sue so that she may have it with her during cancer treatment.


I know that knitters can be very generous and supportive.  I've seen that in my own knitting community and the knitting community at large.  This raffle is just another example of the good that people can accomplish when they unite behind a cause.  The power of knitters, the power of community.


On the needles . . . my Jeck socks are coming right along.  As I've been working down the foot toward the toe, I can't help but think about my next project.  Plotting and planning is half the fun.

I took a short break from the sock - enough time for some winding. This new project is sitting on my desk, tempting me to cast-on.  I have to cast-on just a few stitches.  And then, since there won't be too many stitches, I'll have to knit just a few rows.  One thing leads to another, and I've started my way down that slippery slope. Whom am I kidding?  I'm not going to put up much of a fight.  It's safe to say I will cast-on before the end of the day.