Catharsis - purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art b : a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension (Merriam-Webster).The students in the American Literature class I am observing happened to have "catharsis" as one of their vocabulary words today. Hearing that word made me realize how much I enjoy just the mere sound of that word rolling off someone's tongue. It's interesting to me how some words have a way of embodying their definition. The word "catharsis" just sounds relaxing to me with the way its letters and syllables come together in perfect harmony. The hard "k", the soothing "th" and the hiss of the "sis" .... by the time I'm done saying it, I already feel a bit more relaxed.
Knitting has definitely become a cathartic past-time for me, particularly now that my work and school schedules have become all-consuming. The project I'm working on right now is particularly relaxing to knit, and it has provided a nice diversion from the 12-page research paper that I have looming over my head this weekend. I just love the way the colors work perfectly with the entrelac pattern of Knitty's Danica scarf. I don't think I would have attempted this pattern based on the photo that comes with the pattern. However some fellow knitters over at the Craftster boards have been turning out beautiful scarves using this Patons SWS yarn, particularly in the Natural Earth colorway. Although the beautiful weather we're having today makes me think that winter just might be on its way out, I have no problem investing time into a scarf that I probably won't get to wear until next year. It's a fun project to knit no matter what time of year.
And if for some reason knitting ever fails me as a tension reliever, I know I can always count on these little guys to put me in a good mood. They're so darn cute, just looking at them makes me smile! Have a great weekend!
