To the Universe

Dear Universe,

You're scaring me.

Sometimes I don't really know what to think. Conspiracy? Destiny? Be careful what you wish for?

I know, I know. I asked to be directed to an inkle loom. But instead, you more or less threw one at me. Somewhat reminiscent of last year (just about this time) when you threw a table loom at me.

Okay, I realize that I didn't get the hint. The table loom has sat and I've done nothing with it other than weave a few feet on the warp that was already in place when it came home with me. I'm intimidated. But then the weaving thing came front and center once again and I just asked to be directed to the right inkle loom.

So you threw an inkle loom at me. I asked for it, you provided - I cannot complain. (Actually, I should be bowing at the feet of your agent in the matter but I figure she knows that I'm thankful.) But then, in the space of 24 hours it seems you lobbed two looms right at me.

Yes, I'm slow. When the first loom fell on me I thought I was lucky. Or had good friends. Or something. Now that I've uttered the merest 'peep' of interest in weaving again, you've come out with the big guns. I give. Its obvious to me that I have an obligation. One not of my choosing [are we getting mystical here?].

I know, I talk to spiders. When I see them on the deck I say hello. When I see them with their prey I congratulate them. I prefer to think that its You, Universe, providing the loom(s) rather than my little collection of spiderfolk that I nurture in my spare time. I've never been scared of spiders but the idea of those girls arranging falling looms is just a bit .... much.

But still, there's this sense of obligation. I want to weave, I read about it, I practically dream about it. I attach mystical feelings to the wearing of the one handwoven article of clothing that I own [a wrap-skirt from West Africa]. However, dear Universe, you've taken all of this and given me all that I could wish for in ..... equipment.

My buddy Juno told me yesterday that I'd really better listen to what You were trying to tell me. Because with the falling of looms upon me, and my lack of attentiveness, I'm just asking for more, a sign I cannot ignore. If the looms-that-fall keep getting bigger, I could get hurt. So I'd better just pay attention to the signs and get going on the weaving.

As I said, I'm slow. I've tried to negotiate my way out of this. "I'm a spinner. I'm a knitter. Who has time for more?" - none of this pseudo-reasoning seems to have saved me from the universe's - Your - plan.

I apologize. For my lack of motivation. For my inability to properly read the signs that are all around me. I'll try to do better. I'll do my best to make use of the gifts that have come (whether I like it or not) my way.

My dear Universe, please have some mercy on me. I live in a NYC apartment. I will start weaving as soon as possible. Please don't send anything more in my direction. I will attend to the matter at hand, I promise. There is only so much patience my family will have for the accumulation of looms. I realize that with gifts come obligations and I will fulfill my part.

Respectfully yours,
Cassie

Comments

[DebbieB]

The Universe is telling you to move to a sheep farm in the country. ;-)

[Stephanie]

I've been laughing for 10 minutes imagining the size of the final "sign". If I were you I'd weave something before a loom blocks the door to the bathroom.

[Rachel H]

Cool! Floor standing or table sized? The most recent book I bought on spinning wheels also has plans for making looms. :o)

[jpt]

Churro. Churro churro churro.

[Laurie]

Yeah, I think you should listen, and then stop asking the universe for things. It could get sticky.

[historicstitcher]

Be very careful what you give to the Universe to take care of for you! I once told the Universe I didn't like my car! It was totalled twice in three months through freak accidents before I replaced it (the insurance company doesn't listen to the Universe, and decided it needed repairing the first time.)

I also told the Universe I needed a new life, and within a few months I had a new job, house, a daycare, in a different state and it all fell into place without me doing anything, really.

The Universe is powerful. Larger and larger signs (read: looms) would not surprise me a bit!

[Rachel]

Honey, it is absolutely the spiders. They do amazing things. They sold an entire house for me once. Come to think of it, they were responsible for me buying it in the first place. They weave oh so much with their innocent little webs.

[lanea]

Like they say: we are the weavers, we are the web, we are the spiders, we are the thread. And when I say "they", I mean, like "I." Because I, being a dirt-worshipping heathen, know lots of weaving chants. And some waulking songs. And maybe a spinning wheel named Holda, because what else would one name a spinning wheel?

Um, universe, I want a warp-weighted loom. I sure do. Yes indeedy. If you were planning to give one to Cassandra and she doesn't have room for it, Universe, you have my address. I will make you really good canoli, Universe, and even bridies if you like. I don't make bridies and canoli for just anyone, Universe, and never in the same day before. But for you, I'd do it.

[Marcia]

Whoa. I forgot about the table loom! You've got to do what you've got to do...simple as that. Spooky.

[Juno]

You should always listen to me. That's the other lesson.

[Kellee]

Tee hee - so THAT'S what you meant when you said you were 'getting into plenty of trouble on your own'.

[Cordelia]

I'll take one if you have too many. ;-)

[Martha]

I'm still trying to figure out what an inkle loom is. It sounds like baby talk. But I wish I had that kind of pull with the universe!

[Sylvia]

Maybe it would appease Mme. Universe if you hang your first inkle-woven band where the spiders can see it?

Oh, and I just signed up for a fabric design workshop with Sharon Alderman next March and need a table loom (mine was stolen a few years ago). How do I complete the request to Mme. U?

[Beth S.]

Go weave something already, so we Muggles can see what you're so excited about! You say "loom" and I kind of draw a blank.

[Ellen]

If you've started dreaming about weaving, you're doomed. Nothing will take care of that except weaving. Go. Weave.

[Chriss]

It has to be a conspiracy and the universe has decided to share the wealth! I just got a phone call from work (it's my day off and I work in a wool store) that one of our customers had a brand new, never been used inkle loom she wanted to give away! Guess where it's new home is.

[Patti]

Ahem.

I'm really interested in getting married again, but to a really nice strong fella this time, who can do household repairs.

Pass it on, would you?

[Lee Ann]

Dude. Wake up and smell the coffee. I cannot recommend highly enough getting out of the way of anything that might possibly hit you in the head. Just trust me on this, okay?

And thank you and your idea of what a Universe should contain for your little bit of absolute perfection. I cherish it, and you.