I’m busy today in the last stages of a submission for publication. I’m working on making sure the numbers are right for five different sizes of this sock.

I am also working on cleaning up a graph/chart for the sock, using Stitch Painter Gold. I don’t know, I teach computer programs but this one is really confusing me. Other people say it is intuitive, but it is not for me. I did use it for a good part of the chart but then I took it into PhotoShop, where I am comfortable, to do text labels.

While I do this work, I have one person checking my pattern for technical errors and inconsistencies in the text. I also have another person knitting my sample which will be used for photographs. I swore I never wanted to be a boss but here I sort of am. The difference is, the two women I’m working with are peers more than anything. And they are pros in every sense. I’m delighted to have this team going.

Anyway, I need to go back to my work so this will be short… but,

…a quick note: My father died 31 years ago today. This week I remembered something he used to say quite often. As we would prepare to leave the house, maybe to go visit a friend or attend an event, mom would say “be careful.” Of course, she did. That is what mothers everywhere seem to say.

But Daddio? He would follow Mom’s caution with a booming: “Be MEAN!!!”

I think he knew that I would tend to be afraid. And he knew darned well I would not actually be mean. But he was giving me permission to be bold. He was giving me permission to step out with confidence, and not concentrate on the scary stuff.

My Dad was quite a treasure. I’m glad I can remember him so well. Lucky me.