Viva la Andas

(clicking a linked image above, will open its larger version in a separate window)

Hi, friends. I've missed being able to share all the yarny recovery goodness there is to be had. This recent hiatus has been useful though, for a couple of reasons. First, I've been rediscovering some techniques I haven't enjoyed since junior high, like Tunisian crochet. Yes, there's a neat project in the works, but it will have to wait for another entry. I will say however, that the finished throw is going to incorporate multiple skills including knitting, crochet and perhaps a touch of embroidery, using the basic Tunisian (aka afghan) stitch as a canvas.

This brings me to the gist of today's recovery tie-in, personal identification in the rooms. There's a curious creature referred to as an "anda" by some program folks. Popular opinion is that their behavior was conditioned by mixed messages they were subjected to in treatment facilities. They generally look like others in various stages of recovery - that is until they speak... "Hi, I'm (name), and I'm an addict anda alcoholic." Whoops! Tradition One, regardless of fellowship, deals specifically with conveying a strong focused message of recovery relevant to that fellowship by fostering a unified identity.

The First Tradition is not that confusing, really. After all, you wouldn't attend a meeting of say Vegetables Anonymous only to declare that you're a vegetable anda green bean, now would you? Why cling to the trifling ego trip of recovery uniqueness? That's the kind of mindset which benefits no one. Would a dead person differentiate him or herself as being both a stiff anda corpse? Well, dead people usually don't have to worry about such things. Still, mixed recovery messages can kill. Perhaps it won't kill the anda, but others who are unable to clearly identify with a fellowship's members and message, may not be as fortunate.

Today in one of my Facebook recovery groups there was a poll on the importance of singleness of purpose. The discussion following said poll neglected to address the very framework which outlines any 12-step recovery fellowship's ground rules necessary for its operation. Please pardon the self-quote...

Singleness of purpose within any group, regardless of fellowship, is reflected in how well its members uphold the traditions of that fellowship. Thanks to all the modern treatment center programs that frequently mangle the traditions of all our fellowships, it's no wonder that newcomers to our respective fellowships' meetings are subjected to mixed messages. Traditions One and Five are very clear on the need for unity, and how I personally identify myself in any fellowship is a direct reflection of upholding those unity-based traditions. If I qualify as a "______ AND A _____" then I have done a disservice to the integrity and focus of that program.

Ok, back to the yarn love. After all, this blog is about promoting the therapeutic benefits of knitting (or crocheting, etc.) as an enjoyable recovery tool. Yes, I am glad to be a knitter anda crocheter, plus a bunch of other things. Lately I've been finding (and adding) more yarn inspiration on Pinterest. If you're looking for new ideas, please feel free to check out my String Theory pinboard. It's full of wonderful projects, stitches, techniques to try, patterns and tutorials. Since so many folks are on increasingly strict budgets, I've been extra careful to make sure that the majority of patterns pinned to String Theory are free. Let me know what you think about singleness of purpose, knitting, crochet, or even how ridiculously expensive yarn is getting. Who's game for a discussion on making the most out of reclaimed or thrift store yarn? =)