Sicklyknitter

The danger of staying quiet

Tuesday the 27th of September, 2022

I was in my teens when I first became aware of the neo-Nazis in our town. They were terrifying with their bomber jackets, boots, and shaved heads as they marched along our main shopping street. Always in groups. I made sure never to make eye contact, staring at the ground as they walked past. My …

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On oublie notre histoire

Tuesday the 13th of September, 2022

September: the first autumn month and often the month of the Jewish New Year. Every four years, it’s also the month of three Swedish elections (general, regional, and municipal). Every election brings anguish and heartbreak for some. Resigning from my political engagements earlier this year has saved me from some of the agony. I haven’t …

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I want to live boldly

Friday the 11th of June, 2021

The sun’s been out for a while now, bringing everything and everyone to life, like a shower of energy. It makes me leap out of bed in the mornings, warms my skin, and soothes my soul. It fills me with hope! Yet, I’m in an odd place emotionally right now – probably because I’m a …

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Blaze of every breath

Monday the 31st of May, 2021

The sINgSPIRE Virtual Choir recorded a song earlier this year. I’d been really unwell for quite a while and didn’t have the breath to record it in one take. It left me a little despondent, but our choir leader is so supportive and spurred me on. Something I’m ever so grateful for, as I don’t …

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April is the cruellest month

Friday the 9th of April, 2021

I’m halfway through week three of intravenous antibiotics, and it’s taking its toll. I’m feeling quite worn down, and life is heavy. Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between the side effects of the drugs and the infection, and I can’t shake the fear that I’ll finish this course of IVs and still feel sick. This …

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The life in front of me

Monday the 4th of January, 2021

A while back, they spoke on radio about how the creation of one’s identity depends on our engagement within a social context. We only become ourselves in relation to others. The negotiations to establish the boundaries of the self occur only in collision with the surrounding world. Not dissimilar to Martin Buber’s theory about the …

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Knit me a river

Sunday the 23rd of August, 2020

One of my earliest memories as a child is being in the cellar at my Mormor’s while she wound yarns or sat at the loom weaving. I can still smell the unique combination of dust, wool, and the log burner. And I remember the clickety-clack of the treadles and the rhythmic beating of the batten. …

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Between me and the rest of it

Friday the 27th of March, 2020

I’ve been wanting to write this post for a while, but it’s been difficult for several reasons. One reason is my very conflicted feelings about this whole COVID-19 situation. I feel them all: annoyance, anxiety, fear, gratitude, calmness – often all at once. Just over two weeks ago, the WHO declared this outbreak a pandemic. …

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