I am so sorry, Tina, that you are having to go through all of this.  Take your time with stuff here; your well-being is more important, though I know that work sometimes helps.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

posted by Ruthie
Jan 20, 2010

I’m just so sorry when anyone else has to go through what really is one of the most horrible experiences in my memory.  Rely on friends and loved ones for support, never be afraid to ask for help (still hard for me), and know that eventually, it eases…

I’m so sorry, and I’m thinking of you…

posted by Deirdre
Jan 20, 2010

Usually when something ends, another better thing shows up when it’s time.  Please take time for yourself and your support system.  Girlfriends last forever.  I did the damned craziest things during my period of grieving.  Don’t do that, but hold close to your loved ones.  They’re there for you, even if it’s not apparent at present.  Things will be different tomorrow: not necessarily better or worse, but different.

posted by Sandy Meadows
Jan 20, 2010

((hugs)) I wish I could be there to give you a real hug.

posted by turtlegirl76
Jan 20, 2010

Although I have never ordered (cost, you see?), I have long admired STR and your beautiful dying at Blue Moon.  I read your blog regularly. 

I wanted you to know that YES, I understand entirely.  Please know that friends, family, and now even strangers are praying for you.  If I can offer you just one fragment of advice it is this:  Be patient with yourself.  God bless...liz

posted by Liz Chatwell
Jan 20, 2010

Sorry. I got my divorce t-shirt after only 5 years of marriage, which made it easier in some ways (five years? What is that??) harder in others (my babies were actually babies).

Forward you go, one step at a time. It does get easier, and better.

And on the days when it doesn’t feel better grab a good friend, open a bottle of something adult, bawl like a baby and then laugh like a little girl.

posted by melissaknits
Jan 20, 2010

{{{hugs}}}

posted by lauragayle
Jan 20, 2010

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

posted by Shannan
Jan 20, 2010

Get to that knitting and I am sending good thoughts to you and your kids. Take care!

posted by Trisha
Jan 20, 2010

It was just a year ago that my divorce was filed after 23 years of marriage.  There are good days and bad but they are ALL filled with love.  Allow yourself time to grieve and don’t allow others to “should” on you.  The storms will pass and then you’ll be allowed to see the world in all its glory once again...I’m almost there.  Believe and KNOW that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

posted by Bobbi
Jan 20, 2010

You are not alone, Tina. Many of us have had the same horrible experience and can assure you that a divorce can be a catalyst for personal growth. That is not to ignore the pain, but some reassurance that the sun will shine again. You have relatives and friends for support and you also have acquired a network of knitters who really care about your emotional health. Once you are over the grieving process, you might find that it is possible to have a civil relationship with your ex and that can be good for everyone concerned. You have all my love, my thoughts and prayers, and my wishes for a portion of peace and tranquility. Blessings, Hazel.

posted by Hazel Smith
Jan 20, 2010

Having worked for a divorce attorney for 30 years I know how traumatic this process can be but I’ve heard from many of our clients after the fact and it does get better.  Things you thought you could never do - you will; steps you didn’t think you could take - you will.  Yes, there will be bad days but the good days will return - you have your whole future in front of you to shape and color. The love and support of your army of family, friends and knitters will see you through.  One final word - be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time “YOU” need - everyone is different and everyone copes differently - what works for someone doesn’t necessary work for someone else.

Hugs.

posted by Marie
Jan 20, 2010

(((hugs)))Take care of yourself, ask for help if you need it, and accept the love and care of your family and friends. One day at a time. . . .
salam wa sa’aadah Linda

posted by Linda Shields
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I am so sorry to your news.  Having been through the same experience some 30 years ago, I can honestly say that it is an awful feeling when it happens, kind of like the bottom of your world has dropped out.  But, life will definitely get better!  Just give yourself plenty of time to heal and wait to start any new relationship for awhile.  I married my [second] husband two years to the day after my divorce.  We’ve had our ups and [plenty of] downs, but now our marriage is rich and solid, a literal fortress in the storm.  I doubt I would have ever had this with my first husband.  I wish you peace, and clarity, and sanity.  Take care!

posted by KateinIowa
Jan 20, 2010

I am so sorry for the loss of your marriage.  Take care of yourself - you have my good wishes and warm thoughts during this difficult time.

posted by Kathleen
Jan 20, 2010

I applaud you for making such a courageous, life-giving decision for yourself.  I can only imagine how difficult it must be, even when you know it is right.

Sending you lots of positive, loving energy.

Lise

posted by Lise
Jan 20, 2010

Tina,
I’m so sorry to hear about what you are going through.  While I have never gone through the loss of a marriage I have gone through the loss of love and I understand that.  Take the time to heal yourself.  We are all here for you.

Lots of love and a chick flick with pizza and beer…

Annie

posted by Annie
Jan 20, 2010

Sending lots and lots of hugs! As someone who has been through a divorce (although I was only married for 5 years not 23) I know how icky it is. I think I had a lot of days hiding under the covers but eventually the sun will come out (I find myself wanting to burst into song...Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow...but I think my fellow office folks would think I’m even more nuts than they had suspected).

I can’t wait to see the new colors and will be anxiously awaiting the camp sign up! Lots of love to you!

Mya

posted by Mya
Jan 20, 2010

Tina I hope that you are able to get through this really rough time in your life.  Although we have never met, you are in my thoughts as is the rest of your family as you go through this difficult time.  We are all here for you and pulling for you… Hopefully this change will be a catalyst for even better things to come your way!

posted by Kristina
Jan 20, 2010

Change can be so hard. Big changes are even harder. I can only relate my own experience: life was never again the way it had been. Nor was it the way I had envisioned it. Instead, slowly - very slowly it seemed - I wore a new groove, and what came was far better than I could have ever imagined.

In the mean time… pizza and beer sound pretty good.

Many many hugs coming your way.

posted by Judy Becker
Jan 20, 2010

I’m so sorry to hear your news.  I’ve been there too. It will get better.

Your full disclosure took courage.

posted by Sue
Jan 20, 2010

Just a hug and a stroke to say I’m praying for you.

posted by Gina
Jan 20, 2010

(((((((hugs))))))) You are so brave Tina.  Keep being strong and wonderful!!  You are in my thoughts and prayers. (((((bigger hugs))))

posted by Irishgirlieknits
Jan 20, 2010

I’m so sorry to hear you are having a divorce.  ((Hugs))

posted by Duffy
Jan 20, 2010

I enjoy reading your blog and drooling over your awesome colors. So sorry to hear you are going through this difficult change.

Here’s something I’ve been told:
A happy marriage is truly a blessing - knowing when to end a marriage is a blessing in disguise. Count your blessings and find joy in your life each and every day.

Sending positive thoughts and support your way.

posted by Kristen
Jan 20, 2010

Tina,
I’m so sorry to hear this news.  Having never been married, I can’t say I know what you are going through, but I did experience the divorce of my parents after their 23 year marriage (what is it about 23?).  I’ll be praying for you and the girls, that this life change will be smooth, and that you all will be happy again in the near future. 
Wish I could give you a big hug!  You give such great hugs---you deserve the same.
Hang in there!
Love,
Tamara

posted by Tamara
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I feel your hurt..there does come a time in a marriage or relationship, when the two parties, start to grown apart..just a little at a time, then the space gets wider, wider...then you either realize it or just go on..realizing the gap before it turns ugly, is the wisest..Go with good faith, God will give your strength you’ll need..
To make the pass easier is to FORGIVE one another..it is the only way to HEAL..Remember you have children with many events to share..do it in love.

posted by Pat Dixon
Jan 20, 2010

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

posted by Erin
Jan 20, 2010

Thank you for sharing what’s been the most important thing in your life for probably quite some time.

Lots of good advice here, esp. about being good to yourself, asking for help, and knowing you will survive in spades—it just takes time. Most of us encounter some real left turns, spinouts, and U-turns on the journey that is our life. But we find the road, and it continues. And we share it with people we love. You will, too.

posted by Luise
Jan 20, 2010

Tina,
I am so sorry to hear of your divorce. I have been on my own for the past several months as my husband and I have separated, so I understand what you are going through. My thoughts are with you in this most difficult time.

posted by Trina
Jan 20, 2010

My parents ended their marriage after 23 years. We had growing pains afterward trying to find our way as new families, but in the end we are all happier. New parents, new siblings, new children and more love. I hope you take all the time you need to grieve and to remember the kernel of why you were a family for as long as you were.

I’m sending good vibes your way and I hope the sun comes out to shine soon!

posted by Alyssa
Jan 20, 2010

Hi Tina,

Sometimes life just doesn’t always turn out the way we would like it to.  At times like these, please be comforted in the knowledge that you are surrounded by a host people who only know you through your creativity and yet will drop everything to lend you support when needed.

There are over 3000 of these people on the Socks That Rawk group on Ravelry and I can assure you that every single one of them has a pair of more than willing shoulders to cry on and who truly and really care for you.  That’s an incredible support network!

I wish you the very best of luck at a major crossroads in your life and trust me, the pain does go away in time.  For what it’s worth, here’s something that helped me thru my similar crisis:  The best revenge for a failed relationship is to have a good life.  I have no doubt whatsover that you will be where you want to be…

Take care,
Chi

posted by Chi
Jan 20, 2010

Much love to you at this time. Endings are always hard but they usually come before new beginnings.

posted by Megan
Jan 20, 2010

Oh Tina.  Like others I wish I was there in person to give you a hug.  I know from meeting you in Port Ludlow, you have lots of friends and people who love you.  I hope you know you can rely on these friends to help and support you through this difficult time.  Please know they will listen, as well as laugh, cry and drink with you in times when you need them (I know this as several of my own circle of friends went through this too after more than 20 years of marriage.  I was VERY glad I was there for them, your friend will be too).

posted by Sarah
Jan 20, 2010

I’m wishing you all the best Tina.  I’m sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time right now, but you have a wonderful attitude about it all.  I’m sending you lots of good thoughts and am pulling for you when you are feeling under the weather.

You have brought so much joy to all of us Blue Moon fans.  Hopefully we can help bring the same to you.

~Hope

posted by Hope
Jan 20, 2010

I will be praying for you and your family.
Many hugs.

posted by Angela
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I am so sorry that you are in the midst of all the pain of going through a divorce. It is a birth like any other - painful, spasmodic, scary, messy, and expensive, with lots of tears and sometimes yelling and then suddenly - surprisingly - laughter, relief, and a brand new beautiful beginning full of wonderful possibilities you would never have thought possible. Be good to yourself and if, at times, things get really bad, look at your kids and say… “it was worth it”. {{{hugs}}}

posted by Sophia
Jan 20, 2010

All my best to you, Tina. Change is difficult, but we can become better because of it. My divorce was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, but I know that I’m a different, better person because of it.

posted by Jenny
Jan 20, 2010

So very sorry to hear about the ending of your marriage ((((hugs)))). Gentle thoughts (and remember to be gentle to yourself)

posted by Tori
Jan 20, 2010

Oh Tina, I am so terribly sorry to hear what you must be going through and feeling.  It is my hope that as you step into this new chapter of your life that you will be greeted by many wonderful surprises and contintued success.  That your life will continue to be filled with much Love, Happiness and Peace:)

posted by Marisol
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I am so sorry to hear this. I can empathize, as I am currently going through a divorce myself, though my marriage was only a few years. :( It is hard. Remember lots and lots of people love you. And try to focus on the opportunities for growth and change in the next chapter of your life. You can and WILL get through this. Sending you lots of love.

posted by Mandi
Jan 20, 2010

Oh Tina, I’m so sorry to hear about this.  I know that many of us understood that you were having a difficult year last year with just the things that we *knew* about - I can only imagine how much more difficult this has made everything for you.  Take care of yourself and know that we are keeping you in our hearts.

posted by Denise
Jan 20, 2010

Dear Tina:  this is a space where only hugs really can convey the sympathy and empathy I feel for what you are enduring right now.  My husband and I have buried two children and been separated...we are married twenty years and every day is tenuous.  We are even able to laugh about it as we see the reality of how things have changed between us over the years.  Live your grief and liberation as you need to...we will still be here to share in seeing the world as you see it...grim, great and otherwise.  do take care...xox m.e.

posted by mary ellen
Jan 20, 2010

Hugs, Tina.  Take care of yourself and take all of the time that you need--things unfold at their own pace.  There are lots of supportive thoughts coming your way.

posted by NancyN
Jan 20, 2010

{Bunch of internal swear words} Well damn. Can’t say much beyond what everyone else is saying. Thanks for pulling yourself together enough to spread the word. Deep breaths, take time to find a happy place. Eventually you’ll find the “new normal”. Go, do, we’ll wait. Hugs, Alice

posted by Alice in the Heartland
Jan 20, 2010

Big hugs from Northern Ontario.

posted by Kelly Magill
Jan 20, 2010

Thinking of you…

posted by Tasha
Jan 20, 2010

hugs, prayers, beer, girlfriends, tears, more hugs, more beer. lots.

posted by marcy
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, you are in my thoughts at this difficult time.  Take care of yourself first!

posted by Laura
Jan 20, 2010

You and your family are in my thoughts.  Anything I can think of to say sounds too much like a Hallmark card.  I hope you find peace and comfort in the colors.

posted by Knitasha1968
Jan 20, 2010

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and sending a hug your way.  There are no words to ease your pain or make these early days easier.  Just know that there is an entire community out here wishing you the best and sending you love.

posted by Woohoogirl
Jan 20, 2010

Dang.  I still hope you feel better--you can be heart or head or soul sick and not sick-sick.  Hugs to you.  Enjoy playing with colors and get the new ones up whenever.  It’s not like we won’t wait for ‘em.

Take care of yourself, Tina.

posted by Bryn Kildow
Jan 20, 2010

HUGS Tina! Hang in there!

posted by sandyinwyoming
Jan 20, 2010

(((((Tina)))))) And many good thoughts and prayers for you and the rest of your family.

posted by Celia/Nartian
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I’m so sorry that you are having to go through this. I don’t have personal experience with getting divorced, but my parents divorced after 15 years of marriage when I was 12. At the time it was hard, but both my parents are now happily remarried, and those marriages have been a great example of what great relationships can be. You deserve to be happy, and I hope this process can be as smooth as possible for! Hugs from Kansas City!

posted by Emily
Jan 20, 2010

Tina,

All I can offer is some virtual ((hugs)). You are an inspiration to so many people, and you will get through this, no matter the weather.

Thanks for all you do!

posted by Valerie
Jan 20, 2010

Love and hugs, Tina.

posted by Ann
Jan 20, 2010

Luckily you have many wonderful friends, fans and well-wishers. You will not be alone. Sadly, I will not be at Camp this year, but I am thinking of you and know you will get through this. Many hugs.

posted by CaroleNJ/SloKnitR
Jan 20, 2010

Been there.  Done that.  It’s important to take care of yourself for a while.  Be a little self-ish and self-centered.  Do nice things for yourself, even if it’s just smelly stuff in the bathtub.

Love to you… you are an amazing, creative, wonderful, loving person.

posted by Diane
Jan 20, 2010

Soooooooooooo sorry for you.  Sending you healing vibes.

posted by Erica
Jan 20, 2010

Big hugs from me and the little ones.

posted by Angela Marie
Jan 20, 2010

Having just gone thru the same thing - I can truly appreciate the feeling of “under the Weather”.  I can only hope that life gets better sooner vs later.  I know that there is always a light at the end of tunnel - it just sometimes doesn’t feel like it.

May the sun come out shortly - and stay out

posted by Karen Sobel
Jan 20, 2010

Please don’t feel bad for not explaining being under the weather before, Tina.  You give so freely of yourself in your colours that so many of us want to give back to you, whether it be well wishes for illness or any of the other things life can throw at us.  I am saddened to hear that you are going through this time with your family and truly sorry that I may have added any burden upon you or taken you for granted.  It means a lot that you wanted to let us know and share something that is deeply personal.  I hope your spirits will be carried and strengthened by the love of your family and friends.  Thank you for including us in that circle and thank you for all that you do for each of us.

posted by Lisa
Jan 20, 2010

Thinking of you…
Hugs,
Linda

posted by linda
Jan 20, 2010

Oh Tina, I am so sorry.  Your blog has been so full of the details of your business and your over the rainbow passion for what you do, and yet you are going through one of the toughest situations a person can experience.  I am happy to see all of your friends and fans reaching out to you.  Although we all know that you will get through this, we also know that it hurts like hell.  Take good care of yourself.

posted by Judith
Jan 20, 2010

tina, I feel for you deeply. Its not easy going through what you have the past year. Your fibery friends are here for you. Wrap yourself in some love and let yourself be for a while. Sometimes, its the only way to get through it. And we’ll be here whenever you need us!!

posted by Heidi
Jan 20, 2010

Tina - Please take time for yourself.  For the time being remeber to think of Tina and what is best for you before you think of us.  No matter how long it takes for you to get back to what is “Normal” for you, we will all be here waiting patiently.  I don’t have personal experience with divorce but I do know what it is like to loose someone/something you loved.  Allow yourself to grieve. Cry and scream if you need to.  In time you will realize you are moving on and this will just be a memory.

Hugs and prayers are coming your way.  Lil

posted by Lillian
Jan 20, 2010

Tina,

My heart pours out for you.  I’m so sorry you having to go through with this.  May you come through this storm and be stronger and better.  Know we are here for you.

posted by deniasha
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I am so sorry to your news. 
(((((((hugs)))))))

posted by Rika
Jan 20, 2010

More ((((hugs)))) from here. May you rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

posted by Cindy/blackmoondog
Jan 20, 2010

(((hugs))) You’re in my thoughts. 

posted by tammy
Jan 20, 2010

I do understand how you feel, although I was only married for 12 years when our separation happened. It’s almost like death, leaving a very hollow feeling in your heart, your self esteem goes out the window, and a heavy feeling comes over you like like a heavy cloud, weighing you down as you try to get through your life. In my case, this lasted for about a year. I hope you will be able to find your way out sooner than I did. Sometimes it really helps to talk to a professional at times like this, too. May God bless you.
Sue

posted by Suzanne Benson
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I’m so sorry! I too have been through a divorce and my heart goes out to you. My thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to you!

posted by Knitter Kitter
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, as so many people have said more eloquently...Thank you for sharing such personal news, and i am so sorry for your loss.

Although many of us only know you online, we feel as if we are connected to you because you share so much of yourself with us through your art of living & color.... so,any news that affects you (negatively or positively) is something we all care about. 

Through the ether, when you are ready to read our thoughts, i hope the words and sentiments shared by everyone here stand as a symbol for how many lives you touch, and how your well-being means mountains to people all over the globe.

Wishing you the best in this most trying time......sending love & light to you. 

Thank you for being.
You.
In our world.

- cricket

posted by cricket
Jan 20, 2010

Love and hugs, my dear. 
I hope you can go to the dyepots and lovely colors and your friends, as always.  I have no doubt that you will get through this valley of darker weather.

We are not so much about the color here in the Midwest right now, mostly, or at least it is pretty subtle whites and grays and browns.  But knowing that we share a love of photography (and color, needless to say?), I want to share with you a photo I took yesterday when we had an odd freezing fog that caused hoarfrost (it was 8 F when I went to work, and foggy).  Because I think you will like it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cathy-cate/4288936171/

(hope the blog lets me post a link; I promise I’m not spamming!)

I can’t wait to see you at Sock Camp…

Cathy

posted by Cathy-Cate
Jan 20, 2010

Hugs....

posted by Susan
Jan 20, 2010

You’re our rainbow so it’s sad to know that you are feeling gray.
Take care of yourself and much love to you!

posted by Aimee
Jan 20, 2010

I am so sorry. Sending you thoughts of healing.

posted by Punkin
Jan 20, 2010

I am sooo sorry. The clouds will pass and the sun will shine again.

~Nelly

posted by Nelly A ORTIZ
Jan 20, 2010

Bummer. Been there, done that. Sending supportive energy. Enjoy the kids, and the colors. It’s MUCH better on the other side of the divide . . . after a while.

posted by Deborah Robson
Jan 20, 2010

Tina, I hope that in the coming days that our love for you and Blue Moon will lift you up and give you strength as you go through this big change.  You’ve got my support and prayers all the way.

~ Kristina

posted by mollyrocket
Jan 21, 2010

Tina, you are right to share,divorce is a painful process.I have been there and done that. I was divorced in 95 after 28 years of marriage. It is the end of the dream of what you thought you wanted for you and your children. The first thing you need is a group of supportive friends, I believe you have that,the rest will work itself out. When you are finished with the process you will still have your children and you will create a new more wonderful future for all of you. Be of stout heart,you will be like the phoenix rising out of the ashes but in the meantime the process doesn’t exactly rock in a happy way. Art helps immensely as does having work to lose yourself in. I played” I will survive “, a million times and guess what? I did and you will too. Hang in there and keep looking at the beauty around you it won’t go away.

posted by linda
Jan 21, 2010

Oh, Tina, who difficult this must be!

I went through a divorce many years ago now, but I still recall the shattered feeling.  There was no question it was the right thing to do (and time has proven that to be true over and over again!), but still it is huge and challenging.

I took a leave of absence from work and did nothing much but yoga, therapy and kid care for about 3 months while I pulled myself together again.

I cannot believe how productive you’ve managed to be through all of this!!!

and, its’ true, the creative energy is sure to flow much more freely ... soon, very, very soon!

love and hugs,
Sage

posted by Sage
Jan 21, 2010

Dear Tina:
Ouch!  Please remember that lots of great new adventures await you to fill in the big fat hole left by such a big change!

posted by Cindy Cole
Jan 21, 2010

Under the weather is the perfect description. My dear, dear father passed away the day after Christmas and as I go through the paces putting our lives back together and putting his affairs in order there are many days I feel under the weather. Not quite sick, just heart-sick. We move through the paces and get from A to B, but not with the joy of life that will return someday. I live in Rock Creek- just off Cornelius Pass- stop by for a cup of tea…

posted by Judy
Jan 21, 2010

((((BIG HUG))))!!! I can’t imagine what you are going through, but know you are in my thoughts and sending love your way. I understand how hard it is to be creative when you are going through something as difficult as a divorce. It’s a new life path for you that hasn’t been smoothed away or treaded on yet, but I’m sure you will find the fun, exciting adventures along the way, exploring new wonderous things, making it a worth taking.

And the new Ravolympics-inspired colors are terrific! Looking forward to the next color update for sure!!

posted by Lou/happystasher
Jan 21, 2010

I also got divorced after 23 years of marriage and it was very hard. But, it gets better, day by day. Looking back after several years, I see how much happier and stronger my daughters and I are now. Don’t push yourself too hard, and be sure to give yourself time to be mad and sad. This, too, shall pass. My prayers are with you.

posted by Rebbie
Jan 21, 2010

There is such wisdom, and love, in this long list of comments. My wish for you is that you find peace. Wherever it may be in your New World.

posted by Mary Anne
Jan 21, 2010

When you come out on the other side, you will be stronger, and those who care for you will be waiting. You are in my thoughts.

posted by Susan
Jan 21, 2010

I’m going to second what Judy Becker said...it’s never going to be the same, and it won’t be what you might think it will be...and probably, just quite likely, it will be better.

Just breathe through it (Hmm..like childbirth?), be as open as you can to new possibilities; cry when you have to, laugh as much as you can...plan and get ready to change those plans. And remember that the sock knitters of this world adore you and are your sisters and we’re holding you tight!
((((hugs))))

posted by Knitnana
Jan 22, 2010

Been where you are, survived and thrived.  And work in it every day because I practice family law.  The only clients I ever met who said it wasn’t painful were lying. 

Every day gets a little better and eventually, it’s more better than bad.  Time heals and nothing else works.  If it’s any consolation, what you feel as a lack of creative mojo isn’t showing.

Take care.

posted by Karen
Jan 22, 2010

Tina
I am so sorry for the end of your marriage, and that you are going through a dark time in your life. I have been going through ending a long term marriage this past year. While our relationships are all different, I understand the process of mourning for what we thought we would have and the pain involved- regardless of the details.

When I signed up for the 2009 club- my first, I had no idea that my marriage would be ending this year. Your packages gave me such joy during a terribly dark year, and helped me to find some sense of normalcy in an otherwise surreal situation. I found that having routines to remind me to just put one foot in front of the other helped me to get through until I could finally pick myself up and dust myself off...Thank you for that lovely gift.

Please take care of yourself and accept help when it is offered. I was surprised at how wonderful it can feel to truly know love and kindness when you need it most.

BTW- The Rare Gems I received took my breath away- absolutely stunning!

posted by Diane
Jan 23, 2010

Tina,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss in your life (divorce is the death of a marriage, so we need to grieve it over time and know that we never get over it but learn to live with it, I was widowed in 2001 and am blessed to have remarried since then). All of your friends and customers are here for you and sending lots and lots of virtual hugs your way. When you need to vent or cry or scream, we are here, just let it out. The colorways will come when they are ready and we will wait for them to come. I just got out my Orion pattern and finally realized (you’ll love this!) it doesn’t call for the skein of ST-1 I bought at Canby! So now I have a wonderful excuse to go buy more STR yarn to make the pattern and I can find another pattern for the ST-1 skein. Hugs and kleenex to you!

Helen

posted by Helen
Jan 24, 2010

Oh, Tina. I’m so sorry you and your children have to go through this!

posted by Alison Hyde
Jan 29, 2010

Been there, done that, have the tee shirt.  Sophia said it best…
“It is a birth like any other - painful, spasmodic, scary, messy, and expensive, with lots of tears and sometimes yelling and then suddenly - surprisingly - laughter, relief, and a brand new beautiful beginning full of wonderful possibilities you would never have thought possible.”

I think those attending sock camp should give you a “divorce shower” (and with that crew the gag gifts WILL be priceless!!!).

Go at your own pace, don’t let anybody tell you what’s normal or what you should be doing and while you are shepherding your children through this time, don’t forget yourself.

posted by Betsy
Jan 30, 2010

I am obviously way behind on the blog.  I just saw your sad news and want to send you a virtual hug.  A 23-year marriage is a sad thing to let go, but if that’s the way it is, it’s the best thing.  It doesn’t make you feel any better or less empty but just know that, just like your real weather, the clouds will part, and things will look better.  Your life will have bright spots again also like your real surroundings--like those trees you see in the Portland area with bright pink blooms and the trunk bright green with moss.  Too surreal to be true, and yet it can happen to you Sending hugs and hope.  Tan

posted by Tan
Feb 1, 2010

tina, my heart goes out to you, your husband, and your lovely children. i hope, like some of the other commenters, that taking this so difficult step will start you on the path to a better place. you deserve some peace in 2010. i don’t know who we have to see about making it official, but it seems that 2009 was an annus horribilis for too many wonderful people.

posted by susie gardner
Feb 4, 2010

Tina my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. It’s so hard sometimes to keep a relationship going. People grow and change, and they don’t always do it together. My parents divorced after more than 20 years of marriage, and while it was hard on us kids at first, we soon realized that it was the very best thing for our parents. Just please take your time and allow yourself to grieve over the loss you are experiencing, because it really is like having a death in the family. I’m sure that eventually you will make it through this with flying colors (all puns intended) and your Dyeing Mojo will be back in full swing. Take care of yourself and I’m sending you happy rainbow colored dyeing energy!

posted by Dyepotgirl
Mar 11, 2010

I am just catching up on the blog, I am so incredibly sorry for what you are going through. I’m wishing you a joyful, creative future.

posted by jen coyle
Mar 12, 2010