Fun
Letter from Paris: Yarn Crawl of Terror
Dear friends,
I write to you from bed, in the fashion of Rossini or Mae West, propped up on a Mont Blanc of pillows.
I’m afraid I have very little to say about my knitting just now–there hasn’t been much of it. My resistance is low, and I came down with the hideous bug that flattened about half of the city. For two miserable weeks I produced more snot than stockinette.
Thank heavens I’m upright again, but only just. Chemotherapy (another three months) has recommenced. I am, please rest assured, in good spirits.
Speaking of spirits, we are of course in what has come to be known as Spooky Season. Or at least those of you in the United States are. Halloween is not much of a thing in France, where it is still mostly regarded as an American import.
Paris, however, is always eager for exotic novelties; so there was a neighborhood Zombie Walk in which two of my friends participated. Alas, in this neighborhood forty zombies shuffling down the street doesn’t merit much more than a shrug. Most people probably wrote it off as yet another protest march.
I’m rather a fan of Halloween, so I’ve been amusing myself by scribbling out plans for a new house of horrors, one tailored specially to press the shudder buttons of folks like you and me. Would you like to see it?
The faint of heart should consider themselves duly warned. You should probably set down your knitting.
Scenario: We are enjoying a pleasant walk in the woods, when out of nowhere the storm clouds gather and a tempest blows in. We fear being soaked to the skin! But what is that, in the clearing just beyond the trees? A yarn shop! What luck.
Let’s duck inside, where we can wait out the storm and do a bit of shopping.
Room One.
The front door is wide open. The lights are burning, if a bit low. No sign of the owner. Still, there are piles of pretty yarn everywhere. We might as well have a look around. Something flits past, just out of view, a tiny something, noiseless. Was that…a moth?
Surely not. A piece of fluff, a mote of dust, a shadow. That must be it. Not a moth. Or … was it?
Perhaps we should move along to the next room, just to be safe.
Room Two.
Shivering, distracted, we pick up a center-pull ball and tug at the end. The yarn begins to unfurl. Yet the more we pull, the more the end seems to elude us. We continue to pull. The ball of yarn unravels still more. Where has the end gone? We peer closely, and find we are no longer looking into the ball, we are in the ball, the ball surrounds us. When we pull the end, the end pulls us.
We drop the end, and run.
Room Three.
A dark and noiseless chamber holds the trapped souls of all our ancient works-in-progress. The one-sleeved sweaters. The baby blanket for the baby who has just received her MBA. The three-hundred-dollar afghan kit that is still balls of yarn in a shopping bag.
We have not finished them. So they have decided it is time to finish us.
We thrash and fumble. We want to scream, but our lips are sealed shut with a steek. And we didn’t listen when Franklin told us to just learn to cut steeks already because they’re no big deal, honestly. Who’s sorry now? Who’s sorry now?!
Room Four.
Wait–is that a hint of fresh air? A patch of sunlight? It is! We’ve found the way out!
But first …
… we must pass the Yarn Chicken.
And here, my friends, I leave you.
Good luck.
Cordialement,
Franklin
Come Shop With Us
I enjoy all the MDK posts, but my smile is even wider when I see “Letter from Paris” in my inbox. So sorry for your current bug, Franklin, and hoping Covid is not surging in Paris as it is here in New England. Best wishes on your resumed chemo; may you sail through the treatments with ease. Many thanks for this great Halloween post – loved it. Your amazing spirit helps to lift my own. Thanks for all you do.
All of these horrors resonated with me – twice I saw a fluttering something in my yarn attic before leaving for a month. Plan to do a thorough sort and inventory on my return! Maybe a moth will put that $300 afghan kit , or an Wip or 2, out of their misery.
Brilliant, as always!
I am so sorry to read of your diagnosis and treatment! Sending warmest wishes for health & well-being, energy & joie d’vivre. Habe enjoyed you quietly for years & years, but times like this, best to speak up. Warmest wishes, and thank you for the spooky story although that yarn chicken ❤️ Best, Lynne
I agree with everything Ginny says. When I skim my morning emails and see the word “Paris” I click on that email first. This yarn shop in the woods is truly a scene from a nightmare! Wishing you a speedy recovery from this recent bug and may you sail through chemo as gently as possible. Sending healing vibes your way.
I have to agree with others. When I see a post from Paris I scramble to read them. Always make me happy.
Funny – when I see “Letter from Paris” I read all the junk and other emails first so I can settle in and enjoy. Deferral of gratification is a thing for me.
I’m with you, Katherine. Nothing beats a Letter from Paris. “Save the best part for last” is my motto. (I clearly remember being a young child who carefully ate the cake away from its frosting so there would be all-frosting bites at the end. Yum!)
I’m with you on the cake and frosting, Another Nan, but when I see a Letter from Paris, it’s the first thing I read.
Ah, delightfully brilliant as usual! Thanks, and wishing you good health and a swift goodbye to all that ails you.
Love this story. You are my favorite ❤️
Not the yarn chicken!
Best Halloween story EVER! Merci, monsieur xx
Of all of the terrors you describe, the Yarn Chicken is the scariest. Get well soon! And thanks for writing.
Delightful!! Feel better soon Franklin, hugs.
I see more graphic stories in your future. Franklin Habit, you are a treasure!
Oh my. Your reach is far and lightens our day to face our fears. All the best to you.
Laugh out loud FUNNY! That yarn chicken. So great. Feel better Sir!
All too true! Thanks for the chuckle!
Bravo monsieur- moths, yarn balls, ghosts of WIPs past,
Steeeek, yarn chicken oh my.
As we are still finishing up our Halloween candy wish you
Speedy recovery and strength through the chemo. Good luck!!
You had me at moth. Continued healing prayers! Thank you for your spirit and imagination!
Thank you for the early morning chuckles. They were desperately needed! Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Loved it, thank you for a fun story with recognizable unfinished projects
Franklin, Thank you for sharing the story.it was Room Three, well you know how that goes. This year I will finish that blanket
Take good care as I wish you the very best.
Thank you for not including the worst horror of all: the phrase “yarn cake.” That would have sent me over the edge.
“Trapped souls of works in progress.” That explains why my children never spend a lot of time in the basement family room.
You’re always a huge treat. What can we do for you???? I have it! Just know this. We’re here waiting much like that long term knitting project stashed in a favorite basket until we can share in a visit with a favorite friend. Get better
Truly a Shop of Horror- the Room of UFOs!
Thank you, really great illustration.
That is truly a house of horrors, especially the final room. I have battled the yarn chicken more often than I would like—some wins and some losses—-and do not want to meet up with it again. The stuff of nightmares.
Best wishes for your recovery. I am undergoing treatment too and from the start knew it would be a difficult journey. Your humor and positive thoughts will help you along the way as you take one step at a time.
Yes, Room 3 had me shuddering. My UFOs are haunting me!
Yup… that sweater for that baby who is now a full-fledged walking adult. Yup.
Thank you
Blessings
Community love and hugs
Heal heal heal
So funny! Thank you.
All the best for your continued recovery. I really enjoy your musings particularly today, since I lost my beloved dog over the rainbow bridge three days ago. I actually forgot my sorrow while reading your letter, thank you and take care x.
Oh, Franklin! You made my very early morning begin with many chuckles! Hope your chemo goes well and does what it is supposed to, and that you also pick up your knitting to forge ahead without yarn chickens or tangled skeins!
Whoa, pretty scary!
Especially room 3!
Thank-you for your wonderful sense of humor!
Such wit! And written from bed, no less!
You are a clever boy. Please be well.
Monsieur Habit,
I believe there are nightmares about a giant chicken in my future
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Love this!
I enjoyed this so much! Thanks for sharing, glad you are in good spirits, sending healing MOJO your way
Franklin your lovely drawings and frightful Halloween imagery brightened my early morning read. It’s always a joy to find one of your posts! Hoping your strength and health are quickly and completely elevated and all treatments will soon be in your past along with that yarn chicken!! Sending healing vibes along with comfort and joy!
Thanks so much for the
Sounds just like my yarn room!
Hope you feel better soon
Hope you are well very soon. Franklin, oh how you bring smiles ! Please keep those “Paris” greetings coming.
Love your vivid imagination and that you share your imaginings with others. Wishing you well and knitting happy endings!
I adore your writing and sense of humor, made all the more precious by your grace amid difficult challenges. Please know that we are all pulling for you!
Un bon cauchemar – très drôle! Sentez-vous mieux, monsieur!
A new Halloween classic! Truly frightening in the most delicious way. Wishing you good health Franklin, with gratitude for all that you are.
Fabulous Franklin!!! I do love you!!!
Thank you for the giggle this morning!
Thank you, Franklin, for my first laugh of the morning! It’s going to be a good day!
You are a genius!! This was a perfection of the Halloween Haunted Yarn Shop!!
Sending you warm hugs and courage on your journey!!
I can’t say it better than Ginny and Lorrie. I always look forward to your Letters From Paris. Not too long ago Room Four was my nemesis and fortunately I Did win the battle with the the Yarn Chicken. I wish you well with your current treatment and pray for a speedy recovery. You are the best.
Franklin, I, too, love to read your letters and now your added sketches and story. My daughter and I shared three trips to your city and understand your love of living there and being a part of its beauty. As you soldier on with your treatments, be assured your sharing increases the prayers being sent your way for a full recovery. I hope the beautiful Paris sunshine warms you each day as you feel stronger and ready to return to your knitting and Parisian life. God bless!
Thank you for the update and the haunted yarn store, snorted my coffee when I read the “Zombie “protest .
praying your Chemo is working and that you will be feeling better.
I LOVE all the Letters From Paris, but I think this needs to become a proper book. Absolutely delightful! Feel better soon!!!!
I echo all the comments! You are always a delightful gift in my email box! Continue to improve and I look forward to your Christmas story.
That was hilarious! Thanks Franklin.
I always enjoy your posts but today’s gave me an extra smile and a few giggles. Hope you get over your bug and sending prayers for your continued chemo treatment. And keep sending your letters, they’re one of my favorite things about MDK!
Room Three ::shudders::
Thanks for all the horrors of knitting, I am still laughing. My expensive balls of Brooklyn Shelter Tweed languishing in a cupboard after my attempt at colour work continue to haunt me! And that monster Yarn Chicken gives me the willies! Hope you are well enough to enjoy Paris and your knitting very soon
Shelter deserves to be used. If color work is not in the cards, just do stripes or color blocks… you won’t regret using the yarn. It’s dreamy.
Ah, Franklin, you continue to amaze amuse, and delight. Best wishes for a peaceful recovery and a positive chemo outcome. thanks again for sharing your gifts.
Oh, such ridiculous fun! And somehow….so pertinent…..
What a wonderful gift — to amaze and encourage so many! Thanks for sharing and know that yet another knitter is cheering for you to regain your full healthy self.
Well now, wasn’t that fun! Franklin, if you can write like that while sick in bed, you’re just plain brilliant. Room 3 in this Halloween fantasy is where I spend more time of late, although from others’ comments, apparently I’m in good company. I do hope the next 3 months for you go quickly and successfully.
Love it. Steeked mouths! I know a couple of persons that could use those. Excellent, Franklin, excellent!
Yes, you hit all our fears, ending with the Yarn Chicken. I’d never personified (or chicken-ified?) that particular problem before—it was an inspired ending.
Love Letters from Paris! This was truly a nightmare for knitters. Loved it!
Just loved this!!! Hoping your bug is gone for good and that chemo isn’t too rough.
Fabulous fun!
Thank you for letting us know how you are doing! I look forward to your letters!! Take good care of yourself!
Wow !! I was getting downright anxious while reading this tale. I have often felt some similar feelings. But then, the Yarn Chicken?!? What a hoot!!
Take care, Franklin. Know you have friends who care about you all over the world.
I hate to sound like an old hen, but I am clucking away at your story!! Thank you, Franklin for keeping your sense of humor through it all!
Fabulous!!!
Franklin! Your columns are the best! You are the best example of someone who did the scary thing ( moving somewhere that I’m not fluent in the language terrifies me ) and you’re flourishing! Truly. Even if you don’t feel great right now. You can do all the hard things, which lets me know I can, too!
Franklin, I love you! Take good care of yourself.
Ditto! Sending you healing ❤️ vibes from across the sea…
How is it that you get more and more clever all the time? I have now finished cleaning up the coffee that was snorted inelegantly from my schnozz as I enjoyed this. Much love to you, o spinner of tales.
Hilarious!! But this will haunt me… don’t think I want to weather the dreams this might evoke. Yikes!
Let us know if you’d like us to send you a crate of tissues…
Lovely!
And sending virtual chicken soup.
This is indeed a book-in-the-making! Be well, Franklin.
You always brighten my morning and leave me smiling and laughing when I open my mailbox and see a “Letter from Paris!” Today was certainly no exception. Praying you breeze through this next round of chemo.
Dear Franklin,
You are the brother I have always longed for, especially at holiday dinners. You understand and put hilarity into our shared love of fiber!
Thank you very much for this perfect house of horrors and tales from your own life woven in.
Blessings of speedy healing and swift recovery.
You are at the top of my list for people I am thankful for! I will share this at Thanksgiving, when my husband groans as someone says, “Let’s all go around and safe what were grateful for….”
Say….(I’m so excited I forgot to edit, another horror!)
Thank you for the morning belly laugh!! Hope you feel better soon.
Thank you for your humorous letter. So very kind of you to share while so very ill. Brings to mind that sharing with each other is such a wonderful gift,
My best wishes.
My fantasy is to turn my fleece stash (which once tried to kill me) into a yarn stash, and the yarn stash into a shawl stash, hopefully before I die.
Franklin, thank you that in your own misery you thought to cheer everyone else up with your fabulous sense of humor. Prayers abound for successful chemo this time around.
If laughter is the best medicine, I hope this post was as healing for you as it was for me! “Their lips were sealed shut with a steek” – is that not a knitter’s nightmare?! And the moth – does anything get knitters out of their seats faster? (I was at a knit night once at my LYS, and someone thought they saw a moth. You’d have thought it was Big Foot, the way we all jumped up to find that thing! No one could relax after that, of course ) As a scary movie aficionado, I really think you’re on to something here Franklin 🙂
Your stories always brighten my day! Hope you get better soon.
Your tales and stories of Life In Paris clearly make many people’s mornings when we get to peek into your clever imagination and enjoy your illustrations. I have a feeling that you likely read every one of these comments, maybe not all at once, but surely you do, and I hope that they give you just the lift of spirits that you need. A number of “episodes” ago, you told us about the testing of your command of French in several steps, each one with an example in a yarn store. My favorite was the last one, and I have retold it so many times to knitters and non-knitters; you: I never knit a swatch (or something similar); the yarn shop owner: Get out of my shop! Oh, the laughs!
What a wonderful Halloween yarn spooky story!!! Every knitter’s nightmare rolled into one scare!!! Nice to know even when your head is full of snot you have the ability to be creative!!! Feel better soon!!!
I love your letters!
When I read a Post from Paris it’s time for a cup of tea and a settle in for something pure pleasure! Loved the story and the unfinished baby blanket for the kiddo getting their MBA! I have so many “Unfinished” crying in their bags wondering why this woman can’t get her act together and finish a project . My best wishes to feel better and get through these next three months of chemo easily and without a lot of side effects. Hugs❤️
As always, your funny bone does not disappoint! Hope your health is steadily improving. You are much loved.
Thanks for adding a smile to this morning
Thank you Franklin for a delightful read! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Love it! Wishing you well on your road to recovery.
Wonderful Franklin! Diane
As always, a smile on my face after reading your ‘note’. Chills went down my spine when the Unfinished Projects came to haunt us and I had to resist the urge to run screaming from the room. Best wishes and speedy recovery, thanks for the humor!
“the trapped souls of all our ancient works-in-progress.”
Oh the horrors!
Thanks for giving me a morning giggle today.
I moved from a shiver (moth) to a chuckle to a guffaw! Clearly chemo has not dulled Franklin’s wit one little bit!
Thanks. I needed that!
We adore and cherish you, Franklin! Wishing you a speedy recovery in all things.
Franklin, thank your lucky stars that you didn’t look in the yarn shop’s closet … or basement … or attic … or clearance bin! (Hope you feel better soonest.)
I absolutely love him!! I so hope that his health improves and his body experiences complete healing.
I wonder if he has any use for one and a half socks that I happen to have?? They’s yellow.
Magnifique! I’m still shuddering at the thought of yarn chicken! Glad you’re on the mend & sending good thoughts for your chemo sessions.
Ah, toss those cough drops from the bottom of your project bag at the floor by the chicken. Run!
Yes, that was a very spooky tour – thank you. Sending wellness wishes.
Franklin, I wish you much health and peace! And I am going to reread It Itches, again! You have made my day.
Franklin, I loved your House of Horrors. Your current health predicaments aside, your wit and genius storytelling is awesome.
Bonjour Franklin,
Moi aussi j’adore toutes vos chroniques. Celle-ci était vraiment divertissante et j’ai adoré vos croquis qui ont donné vie à vos mots. Je vous souhaite d’aller mieux sous peu et de traverser la chimio sachant que vous gagnerez toutes les parties.
Franklin, what a delightful piece you’ve written carrying us to heights and depths of Hallows, Saints, and souls… of yarn. You will be well.
Hi Frank,
You are in my prayers. I so enjoy your wonderful sense of adventure, humor, and writing. Hoping you can get back to knitting soon. Hugs !!
That is too funny! Truly a knitter’s house of horrors LOL!!
Auggghhh! Not the Yarn Chicken!!
~~runs quickly to the nearest cafe…surely it is a safe place…
love it
What a wonderful way to start my day. Thanks, Franklin. You’re a Gem!
I am not sure how you continue to entertain us when you are ill! This was too funny. I hope you are better soon.
Franklin,
It is great to hear from you again. Loved your Halloween story. Three months of Chemotherapy will fly by. Your strength and positivity will pull you through.
Take care, my friend. You continue to be in my prayers.
That’s hilarious! The nightmare of Yarnville!!!
Thank you for the laughs ❣️ perhaps there is a basement full of dropped stitches
Here I am joining the throng of readers clamoring for the latest letter from Paris. I needed this chuckle this morning as I try to divert my attention from all of the woes of the world. Tis the season of nasty bugs, and am glad that you’re on the better side of this one. Best of luck with the rest of your chemo and that you’ll be rewarded with good health. Eagerly awaiting your next letter from Paris……
Room 3 is my worst night terror, and a facsimile exists in my house!
“Trapped souls of unfinished projects.” That explains why Mt children never want to spend time in the basement family room.
Gorey! Edward Gorey
I LOVE THIS!!! Thank you for the thrills and chills and the wonderful illustrations. And yes, yarn chicken, the bane of my existence.
Dear Franklin- I was in Paris last week and hoped against hope that I might spot you at one of the yarn shops I visited. But alas, apparently you were flat out. I am terribly sorry about this nasty curve you’ve been thrown. I’m glad you’re keeping up your spirits and maybe when I return in June I’ll find you out and about.
Very best wishes, and thanks for the scare your haunted house truly evokes!!!
Thank you for this. I’ve been thinking about you, and send you warm, healing energy.
Fabulous Franklin! What a treat to read with my morning coffee. Hope you are up and at ‘em soon.
Thank you for this uplifting piece! Wishing you all the best in your health journey.
Franklin,
This masterpiece will surely win you a Pulitzer.
May you continue to gain strength as your journey to good health continues.
Ahhh – big smile – Letter from Paris! (when will the first guffaw hit?) HA. Zombie protesters <3. Every room gets better and better and loved the steek snark. (pay attention to Franklin and you know who you are) Really, your letters are like the Good Christmas presents, the ones you really wanted but thought no one was paying attention to your hints. Keep strong and loving thanks to the friends who are physically near and can offer help when needed.
Gorey! Edward Gorey
always a good chuckle. Thank you for that. Hope your treatment is going well, and ends soon. So you can get back to more creative endeavors.
Mr. Habit,
I hope you are feeling better very soon. Loved your Yarn Shop of Horrors. Praying the upcoming chemo is a complete success. (( big hug))
Fantastic, as always! I love your articles.
“We are in the ball, the ball surrounds us” “lips steeked shut” Thank you Franklin for brightening our day, even when yours is less so. Wishing you a speedy recovery from both the virus and the cancer.
Hilarious AND spooky. The best combination of hysterically giggling through a house of horrors. Well done!
Snort! Ha! The Yarn Chicken! This personage, with its drawing, joins The Great Veiled Bear for me. I have an old calendar, which I bring out every year after Thanksgiving, so I can display Edward Corey’s drawing of that Bear. Now I will always think of him cavorting with the Yarn Chicken!
Gorey! Edward Gorey
That was really spooky. And I’ll keep laughing until a piece of fluff (or a mote of dust?) comes my way. Get well soon!! And thanks for the laugh!
HA! I laugh in the face of the Yarn Chicken!
Some years ago I finished a pair of gloves made with souvenir (as in, not possible to find more within 2000 or so miles) qiviut with at least three inches of yarn left.
The rest of the horrors I do not wish to think of.
Fabulous! Thank you!
NOT THE YARN CHICKEN :0
Look at you, a latter-day Colette!
Love it! Take care of yourself!
Thank you!!!!!!!
I love your sense of humor. You make me laugh out loud.
Thank you!
I hope your chemo treatment goes well with minimal side effects
Hilarious, yet terrifying!
Thanks for the grins and wishing you good health and strength.
Thank you, Franklin! I’m glad you’re in good spirits. You always raise mine with a Letter From Paris. Your spooky yarn shop is a bit frightening, but that is the point of being spooky. A little, but not too much! Any of us who have had a little run in with moths, or yarn chicken, or UFOs probably feels the same.
This is now the official spooky season story….
Sorry to hear you’ve been down with a bug, Franklin. I hope you feel better and that your chemo flies by and does it’s work.
Meanwhile, your letters from Paris always brighten my day and this one was especially good. I know I should be scared out of my tree, but the yarn chicken made me laugh out loud.
On the other hand, the moth in Room 1 was genuinely scary!
Thank you for all the joy and beauty you bring.
Franklin you are so clever. This post made me laugh and cry. That’s a scary horror house! I hope that you will recover quickly and chemo is not too hard on you.
I truly love every article written by Franklin, and hope that his next round of chemo will do its job properly – and bring him back to full health!
He raises my sinking November spirits with his positivity and humour.
Thank you so much for the start of a fun story. Hope you are feeling better today and even better the next. Just finished a battle of Covid and now on the mend. Love all the letters from Paris ❤️
Not the Yarn Chicken!!!
“The baby blanket for the baby who has just received her MBA”–check. “The three-hundred-dollar afghan kit that is still balls of yarn in a shopping bag”–Franklin! No fair peeking in my MDK account!
Thank you for my laugh of the day! And those unfinished projects? Maybe they had better be discarded lest they haunt me.
A hahahaha!
Merci Franklin pour votre esprit cordial.
A very spooky tale indeed!
Love your writing
WHAT GREAT ENERGY IN THIS WRITING. I love reading anything re: yarn and if there’s a plot awesome.
thank you,
ME Garcia King
you should consider writing a book. This is the most entertaining story I’ve read today.
Bravo for lifting us up while you’ve got so much on your plate. Have an excellent recovery!
I was crocheting a witch hat to wear to the 4th grade knit/ yarn crafts club I lead (which meets on Tuesdays at recess and last Tuesday happened to be Halloween) when I lost at Yarn Chicken. The 2 extra skeins of the yarn I was using were in fact not at all the same. Eek! Horrors! (They were a blue-greyish stonewash rather than the grey with black speckles I was using. I obviously need better lighting in the deep stash yarn area.) Luckily I had a solid graphite that worked for the last two long rounds of the brim and I was able to successfully wear my costume- “Volunteer Mom who found a free pattern for a witch hat”.
Hope to see you out and about posting about your handmade zombie parade costume next year.
Bwah, ha, ha, ha! Some truly terrifying scenarios – lol!! Thanks for the Halloween laugh.
I loved Franklin’s letter this month. A great morning chuckle.
Oh my! I’ve had entire days like that, even out of “spooky season”. The center pull ball monster is my favorite. Thanks for such a delightful piece of knitting fantasy.
Thank you for another post that resonates with me and my yarn stash. Wishing you the speediest of recoveries and the easiest possible passage through this round of chemo. We are all rooting for you and wishing for your return to full health.
The yarn chicken – nooooooo!
Toujours une joie de vous lire. En retour, je vous plein de petites joies.
Laugh out loud hilarious and horrifying at the same time. Others have said it better, so I will just say I loved this. Sending my best wishes for your recovery and my thanks for lifting us up with your wit.
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nice : D. Just right job, cheers
Thank you for the laugh Franklin, no matter what you always entertain us. Hope you are feeling better by the time that you read this
Well, you DO seem to be in good spirits!
And now we are too.
Sending your letter about visiting the Louvre to a non-knitting friend who will be teaching drawing in Paris for a few months.
(Nice Colette reference there, Ms. Gardiner!)
I so look forward to Letters from Paris and this one does not disappoint… Room 3 is my nemesis! Well done Franklin for calling me out! I am impressed with how cavalier you are about your treatments and you well in your next round of chemo.
What a FANTASTIC, SPOOKY “yarn,” and SO SCARY how I can SO RELATE, and as I warily cast a quick glance at my many WIP’S, wondering if they are toying with the idea of retribution (armed with their sharp, attached needles,) for my neglecting them for far too long.
Thank you for chills and thrills of Franklin Woods. I only searched for my lifeline to allay the fears….
You are the reason I started to follow MDK, your writing is such fun. Thank you!
Thanks for this story SIR Franklin, I love it. And here no fear off steeks. Yaey.
Hope your chomo does its job and you will be oke soon. LOVE YOU, kind regards Joke from The Netherlands.
Absolutely brilliant. I am sick in bed with covid too fatigued to even pick up one of the many WIPS beside my bed and this absolutely made my day
Franklin, thank you for making me laugh (even as you suffer through your illness and more chemo). Sending positive thoughts, hugs (eewwe, is that snot on my shoulder?), and healing vibes your way.
As always – wishing you the best. Thanks for the chuckle with my morning tea. Take care!
I have the t-shirt and wear it to workouts when I need extra encougement.
My first experience with MDK and I don’t want it to be my last.
Please get well soon!
Moths are SO evil
I love this! Thanks for sharing this creative story.
I do hope your chemo is as eventless as possible. Healing thoughts coming your way….
A horror story indeed!!!
Sending much love to you Franklin. I hope you’re back on your feet soon and that chemo goes as well as it can do ❤️
Oh, Franklin, a giggle turned into laugh out louds. My dear, your wit and humor is intact and this is a DELIGHT! Happiest thoughts of healing for you … I’m one of your Patreon members, and am always on the lookout for your “stuff”. xo
That was so creative and funny!
I thoroughly enjoyed this and actually giggled while reading it. Thanks for sharing your clever thoughts. Get well soon.
You know how to really scare a knitter! As for the rest…bon courage.
A true shop of horrors that brought back memories of the yarn shop I once visited that was full of FLEAS.
Oh, I still itch to think about it.
I love reading your letters. My horror story involved being trapped in a yarn warehouse with NO NEEDLES. AKA twilight zone episode. Yes I have fingers but.
Thank you Franklin for this delightful burst of imagination and mirth!!!
Adore! So fun! Wishing you health, joy and creativity!!
Ah Franklin, you always make me laugh out loud literally. I can’t possibly explain what’s so funny since no one else in my house gets me. Thank you! If laughter is the best medicine, then you are sure to be healthy very soon.
Dear Franklin, I don’t know if you read all of the comments but I’m taking the chance that you do to mention something I found in an old Interweave Knits magazine from
Spring 2010. It’s an ad for addi. It says “Hello, my name is Franklin Habit. I am a knitter”. It’s a young Franklin in jeans, tee and leather jacket. You’re knitting what looks like a shawl or scarf. You have a small goatee and lovely bald head. It looks like you’re in the Skacel warehouse but I’m sure it’s just a set with yarn, trashcan, skid, and a huge package. I love this ad, it and you make me smile.
That was AWESOME. Well done, sir.
You always make laugh. Take care of yourself. <3
Love this letter from Paris! Brilliant. Always enjoy your humor, Franklin! I hope you are feeling better to knit soon. From this Oncology infusion nurse, I hope your next cycles of chemo bring about the best outcome possible.
I am so amused and still smiling at your wonderful imagination! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us! I loved it!!!
Incredibly creative…I especially loved ending with the yarn chicken blocking the door. Now how do I get that image out of my mind???
Wishing you ease as you transition through the healing process. ❤️
Wow Franklin, you must have been having some feverish nightmares during your recent bout of sickness!
YOU ARE SUCH A HOOT!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WIT,
❤️ Thank you and hopefully you are now over the ‘bu’ and will become stronger and better as chemo progresses. HUGS!!
What a delightful (and scary) trip. Many thanks to Franklin for super enjoyable posts, and I wish him good health soon.
I love reading your letters, Franklin. You have so many talents among them writing so well. Prayers for your health.
oh oh oh as things unfolded from the beginning I was thinking – oh Franklin is taking us down the Rocky Horror Picture Show journey! So much in common, alas, things changed so now I much find my DVD.
Thank you, Franklin. I especially love the yarn chicken!
Thank you for your letters. They are so wonderful. I especially enjoy the world of Foxe and Boxe. The bug you had sounds horrible, and I hope you are fully recovered. I’m sorry you have to have more chemotherapy, and I hope it totally does its job without making you very miserable. I think of you often as I’m sure do all of your many followers and fans. Be well, as my grandma always said.
As always, enjoy the witty stories by Franklin Habit. I think the ‘bug’ that flattened Paris was one that headed around the world. Seems lots in USA had something! Wishing him the strength to tolerate the 2nd round of chemo.
Loved your story!! Especially the ending. I needed the smile.
Funny AND scary. Thank you, Franklin. You are an amazing person. I wish you a speedy return to good health.
Be of good cheer dear Franklin, we are all pulling for you. Prayers for your recovery.
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Many thanks!
Franklin, I hope you continue to recuperate and recover from your “bug” (long over by now, with luck) and bravely continue your chemo. The story had me shaking in my slippers! Anytime I open my back door and see ANY flying beast (doesn’t even have to be a moth), I am on ALERT. Cover the wool! Kill the beast…or shoo it back outside! Thank you for the story!
Fantastic yarn horrors. Thank you.
Love your sense of humor, and willpray for your healing!
Another brilliant post, Franklin! Hope you have recovered from the bug and sail smoothly through your next round of chemo. Best wishes.
Hope you feel better soon.. Love your letters from Paris!
Fun fun funny!
The ending…such a plot twist!! Thanks as always for continuing to entertain us, despite what life throws your way. Know healing thoughts and prayers are being said for you!
Absolutely brilliant.
Hey, feel better, Franklin! Thank you for the best Halloween story of the season:)!
Chemo will go away and you will remain. Keep that thought.
Joan
So glad a friend sent us (a group of American yarn enthusiasts in Paris) the link to this post. I haven’t seen you on YouTube in such a long time, I wondered if you were still here. I’m happy to see you are. So, get well.
That’s a great short story! Made me smile AND laugh out loud. Merci to Franklin Habit for always coming through with amusing, entertaining reading material, in spite of whatever hardship is going on in his life and generally speaking. Bravo! May you continue on the path to recovery, Franklin.
Sincerely,
Alicia
I love this!!! Had me laughing so hard!! Blessings and good health to you Franklin!
Ha ha HA. Franklin can always be counted on to make me laugh (except when he is serious, but that seems rare). It makes me fervently want to go yarn shopping in Paris and twice fervently to have the chance to say hi to him and say thank you.
That is brilliant! Thank you!
A Letter from Paris….my fav!!! Sending wishes, thoughts and prayers for health and healing. As we approach Thanksgiving here in the US I’m thankful for your brilliant writing, it transforms my day. Be well!
YOU. ARE. WONDERFUL ❤️
Dear Franklin, I wish you a speedy recovery from your cancer and chemo journey.
I hope you are in good hands with the caregivers and hope for a good outcome.
I am a knitter visiting in Paris and have made some visits to the fabric shops in Montmartre and some of my favorite yarn shops. Be well, hang in there and keep us posted.