Don't Prop Sorrow: A True Little Love Story (excerpt)

... Knitting and traveling and writing letters become past-times for this girl, and in Alaska one year on her way to a zip line course, she meets a fellow from the Caribbean island of Grenada. They fall in love and vow to stay together, but economy makes it tough.

Five weeks ago, girl visits an Anthropologie after Grenadian leaves because her dear friend can think of nothing else to cheer this lonely one up. Friend finds sad girl staring at a papier mache elephant head. She is inspired and sees it hanging on her home in the Caribbean. If only she could do something online which allows her freedom to be with her love permanently, and to be constantly inspired by the ocean. And banana leaves. And a grandmother who slaps her elbow from under her chin and says, “Quit propping sorrow. “ Girl thinks this brilliant. As brilliant as the layout of an Anthropologie catalog.

Girl goes home after Anthropologie visit and cannot stop thinking of the elephant head. She knits a hat and scarf that remind her of said elephant.

In the meantime, she sends letters, dreams big, knits only items that inspire her, and plans for island life. Worries about how to meld a cold-weather hobby involving wool with warm, humid temperatures.