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The Knotty Knitters

Return of the Knitters

These past days were filled with exciting change and teary goodbyes.  After much thought and many prayers, I took a new job which led me back to old friends and my family. I packed my humble belongings (and bins of yarn) to move from downtown Cleveland to Pittsburgh. Taking a week off between jobs meant I had the chance to see my all-time favorite people: The Knotty Knitters.

knottyknitters
Wendy, Jean, Nancy, Gloria, Dolores, Marge, and me

If you’ll remember, I wrote about “my grandmas” before and they were the inspiration for the article that was published in Good Housekeeping last year.   Their spunk for life–“I love going to Mexico”–coupled with an adamant defiance of age–“I was watching the news and they said an elderly lady was stuck in a building. She was 61! If that’s elderly, I’m ancient at 78!”–led to laughs and shared stories around the table.

Tonight, as is common most nights, little knitting and crocheting actually took place, but we passed the minutes talking about ironic K-mart commercials, complaining about expensive bridal showers, and sharing pictures of grand-babies.  Even gone, time continued. It was energizing to be back with these ladies and I was so happy to see them doing well.

Monday, I’ll be fully moved into my apartment and will start my new corporate job. Tonight’s group was a reminder to me that one: there will be a time in life when the highlight of my week is attending knitting group at my local library and two: I hope to have a close group of friends when I’m in my 70’s to “shoot the breeze” with. One day… one day.

The Knotty Knitters

I’m Quoted in Good Housekeeping!

I received an unexpected surprise this week: I’m quoted in the February 2012 Edition of Good Housekeeping!

Here’s my section, in an article entitled, “The Two Friends Every Woman Should Have” by Lise Funderburg.  It’s on page 93 (click any image below to enlarge).  Or, you can read the article here: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/family/inspirational-people/long-lasting-friendships.  I’m on page 2, Item #4!

Jayna Grassel in Good Housekeeping

Jayna Grassel in Good Housekeeping

They made my quote the feature quote of the article (you know, the one they blow up and put in big font) and even made the page knitting-themed.  How cool!

You may be wondering how this came about.  Let me share with you:

1.  June 1 – I hear about HARO (Help A Reporter Out) where journalists post requests for help with articles they’re writing/ researching

2. June 13 – I come across an inquiry about inter-generational friendships.  I type out a response and send it in

3. Six months later (Dec) – I get an e-mail from a Good Housekeeper factchecker

4. February 2012 – Published in the February edition of Good Housekeeping!

So simple and so much fun!  I actually unsubscribed from HARO a few weeks after joining because, even though it’s free, getting their inquiries in my inbox every day was too much.

But yes – The Knotty Knitters have gone national, ha – too crazy!  Just thought I’d share 🙂