It's a Saturday morning and it's one of those days where it's not quite raining but it's not dry either.  It's been like this for 3 days now.  I got up and showered and instead of going and getting breakfast and starting the laundry, I sat down with the computer.  Pk made some toast and the smell is making me hungry so breakfast will happen soon. 

But first, I wanted to respond to Bells' comment on my last post.  She wanted to know if I had come to "love ravelry".  And my answer is a qualified No.  There are parts I like.  For instance, I like being able to search patterns and to have interactions with other like-minded individuals.  I like that it collects information on yarns and techniques all in one place and they are easy to access. 

I'm not interested in uploading my collection of needles, my yarn or my projects.  I don't enjoy looking at other people's stash (I totally don't get the Flash Your Stash people at all).  I like to see what other people are working on and how their projects come out.  I loved looking at what  people made for holiday gifts (there are some really lucky  people out there this year who are going to get some gorgeous handknits!). 

I joined ravelry because so many people use it as a link for patterns and I couldn't see what they were talking about unless I could access the site.  I use it several times a week but I will admit, mostly to occupy myself during downtimes at work.  I'll pop on and see what's going on in a group and read posts and then pop off.

I think it's a genius idea and they timed it perfectly.  I wish it were less knitter-centric and open to more crafts.  There are a lot of creative folks out there who do amazing needlework of all kinds.  I like to look at embroidery arts (and I love Piecework magazine for this) and often I think some of the knitters look at this as an intrusion into "their space".  Not everyone, but often it seems like we are not as welcoming as we'd like to think.

I like the forums for their variety of discussion topics but they are so much cotton candy most of the time.  People post whatever comes into their heads and I sometimes wonder if they gave it any thought at all.  Some of the responses I read make me stop and say "whoa" because they're thoughtless or nasty.  The internet is somewhat anonymous but that shouldn't give people carte blanche to say what they're thinking.  We all have a filter between our brains and our mouths (or our fingers when we are typing) that should keep some thoughts inside.  Some people seem to have very thin filters. 

I don't think I'm smarter or have more common sense than anyone else.  I dont' think that my thoughts are worth more or are more considered.  I just try to make sure I give some thought to what I'm saying and how it will affect others before I post.  (This comes from growing up with a father who would say whatever he wanted no matter how hurtful, i.e. "your sister is the pretty one, it's a good thing you're smart", and didn't realize that you can forgive but you don't forget).

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will break my heart".  This is so true, it's a no brainer.  And I wish people would remember it before they blithely hit the reply button.

Having said all that, Ravelry is a good idea and I enjoy it.  Do I love it?  Nah but I don't hate it either.  Like all internet things, it's a way to reach out and make some connections and have some fun.  It's not the be all or end all but it doesn't have to be.

Wow.  A long answer to a short question.  I know there are those people who will disagree with me and that's ok.  I'm only one person and since Bells asked, I thought I'd answer.   

 Today I want to spin.  I should be spinning for my Ply by Night group but I want to work on Pk's alpaca so I'm going to ignore the shoulds and do what I want.  I do have to clean out my china closet and wash the things inside and polish the silver pieces.  The holidays are coming and some things can't wait any longer.  If we have a nice weekend soon, the curtains and windows have to be washed.  Unfortunately, when we have a rare nice weekend, I don't feel like doing chores.  Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny.  We'll see.

Have a good weekend!