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From miniature golf, to temporary housing, to yarn alive fun

Welcome to the Yarn Alive Wednesday class.

Every other Wednesday, these ladies meet in one of the temporary houses which is now vacant and used as a community room.

These temporary houses are located in what use to be a miniature golf park.

Each one of the houses have either 1,2 or 3 tatami rooms, a small kitchen, shower area and toilet. The ladies meet in a 2 tatami room house.

So the Yarn Alive class starts off by everyone arriving and crowding into one of the rooms. They look excitedly at each other's new creations.

Over the next 2 hours, the ladies get settled and begin their projects. It is not unusual to see someone's project end up in another's hands as they all help one another.

The 2 hours seem to fly by, and before you know it, the midday bells are ringing.  The ladies gather their belongings and then pick out any yarn available to keep them going for the next 2 weeks.

But the fun doesn't stop there. Every week the vegetable man arrives at noon, providing fresh local vegetables. With a small truck with makeshift poles, cover and blinds, this entrepreneur is surrounded by the ladies!

With smiling faces and arms full of yarn and fresh vegetables, these ladies finally say their goodbyes and head home.

Profile of the Week: Reiko Suzuki

Full Name: Reiko Suzuki

Location: Shichigahama for the past 28 years.

Currently living: Temporary Housing (another location close to where Yarn Alive meets)

How was life affected by March 11, 2011: Reiko was in her house when the earthquake happened. With her husband, she quickly fled by car to a high hill. Unfortunately, they lost their home to the tsunami in Hanabuchihama.

First started coming to Yarn Alive: Autumn, last year (October)

Crochet or Knit? : BOTH

Favorite color to work with: Pink (likes to mix colors though)

Favorite project:  Small items (flowers, purses, scarfs, neck warmers, vests)

What she enjoys most about Yarn Alive: Meeting her friends and talking with one another

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YARN ALIVE

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of Yarn Alive. Little did we know that a simple idea, one year ago, would have such an impact in a small town ravaged by the March 11, 2011 tsunami.

Since June 2011, these women have met nearly every week in the community hall of the temporary housing to support one another, learn from one another, knit & crochet and simply have fun.

Today was no exception! Each lady was adorned with a yarn lei, courtesy of a volunteer Hawaiian group and a bag of beautiful yarn generously donated by Berroco.

With great food, conversations and laughter - it was indeed a day to celebrate!

Thanks to everyone for your generous donations over the past few months! These ladies loved reading all your notes and messages and photos (see photos with the ladies reading the books "Yarn Alive 2011-2012).  We can't thank you enough!

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