Verizon decided to 'wig-out' - so, at this time, I am pictureless. Seems kind of weird to look at those little red x's and know that they are hollow shells of what WAS there. Sigh ...

Well, I have counted ... as of this date - I have 10 fleeces coming this spring! YiPpEE! Haven't even used all my stock from LAST year, but that is ok. All in good time. Did I mention some "Paco-Vicuna" is coming to live with me?? YiPpEE, again!

My friend, Maitri, has created a Fiber Ministries BloG where you can reference all sorts of interesting tidbits! Do stop by - the world could use a "Woolen Hug" from you. Comments, please!

I have to say ... I am *SO* excited that The Patriots won their game this past Sunday!! Payton Manning?? Who *is* that?? (Of course, he is the NFL MVP - with a ton of nice stats & a huge paycheck to boot - but I ask you ... where is his Superbowl ring??? Hmmm???)

'Nuff said!

Been busy doing all sorts of fibery things! I mailed off 2 hats for "Afghans 4 Afghans" - spinning - dyEing - carding and knitting! Yes siree .... before Christmas I received 10 orders for my scarves. Three more just came in! (YiPpEE!!) So - here I would like to present "Hot Flashes"! Well ... what do you think?? Comments please!

I am going to do something wild & crazy in the "Shoppie" department this year: to satisfy said shoppies for myself and others by purchasing on eBay! I won't hold myself strictly accountable for ONLY purchasing on eBay - but, it is such an amazing GLOBAL retail force.

Since I have decided that my mantra for 2005 is to "Enjoy Every Moment" - I can best enjoy each moment if I don't deal with malls & mall traffic. I like shopping in my slippers! And the ideas that come from all the wonderful things I see .... MoMMa Mia!!! (Of course - I *do* sell on eBay too - but, that is a different story!)

Check out the Colinette I just bought (off eBay) ... doesn't it scream seaweed to you?? Comments .... please!

A belated "HaPpY New Year" to you!

With each passing year - the time flies by! MoM was right, the older you get, the faster it zooms. C'est la vie.

I hesitate to admit to any 'resolutions' - they are nothing more than unobtainable wishes. Instead - I commit to the philosophy of "Enjoy every moment"! Life is to short NOT to comprehend the nuances of each precious second ... especially since the devastation a world away.

I also commit to involving myself more with others. I need to get out of my own way - and out of my own head - and into the lives of others. It is only with sharing of ourselves that we truly receive the gift of humanity. With that - I have joined two lists which have evolved out of love for our sisters & brothers! Wanna join too??
All Crafts 4 Charity accepts a wide range of knitted/crocheted items. First on their agenda - woolies for "Afghans 4 Afghans"! I can *do* that!!

Artist Noreen Crone-Findlay has started recruiting fellow artisians to create dolls for sale with a portion of the proceeds being donated to various charities (ie: The Red Cross, Americares, etc) - I have never really made a doll before -but, I am willing to try!!

Be alive in 2005!!

OK ... I know it has been 100 years since I have posted! The Christmas Frenzy has been alive & well. As usual, THIS was the year that everything was supposed to be done. THIS was the year that cards were out in a timely manner! THIS was the year the individual presents were bought/made with the receiver in mind! Yes ... THIS was the year that MARTHA would be proud. Well, she is in jail and so goes my theories of THIS Christmas!

I *did* manage to finish 10 novelty scarves and one poncho. The poncho is for my niece. I used tidbits of left over novelty yarn to compliment the plain stockinette stitch. While you can't really see the crocheted flowers - they do add a nice touch! Merry Christmas!

YiKes! I can not believe that ThanksG is less than 2 days away. I am pretty prepared - we are hosting - and DH cooks the meal. So, my job is basically cleaning & grocery shopping. I feel like I have been doing THAT since Saturday. C'est la vie! Now that I am following FlyLady , there will be no more CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) for me!! Do try it!

I also came across this petiton to help save the Wolves . A noble undertaking to be sure.

This week, I bought this really nifty Mannikin!! I would like one of those fancy 'dress forms' one day ... preferably a nice antique. I thought it to be an interesting concept to treat my finished knits like the ARTwork they are!! Well, I haven't really found a form that suits my tastes or fits my budget - but finding this funky soul on eBay is pretty cool! Isn't it a hoot?? The sweater - in the spirit of ThanksG - will be given to MoM this Holiday. Hope you have a GREAT celebration where ever you are! Comments, please!

Today was a *good* mail day! I received my Llapaca order!! Yes ... this is fiber from a llama/alpaca x. And - to be even more specific ... it is from "Pearl"! She is a favorite furbaby of mine.

I might just have enough stashed away for a little lace goodie for me. The problem is time ... I do NOT have enough of it!! Ah well ... maybe in my next life!

If you would like to try some wonderful fiber - and if you are feeling shoppie ... visit

Fiber Jewels from Missouri. My friend Nancie raises STUNNING fiber, furbabies! TAG Me ... You are it!

I am just TICKLED that the Red Sox have won the World Series! How cool!! No more late nights .... for that I am both happy and sad!! The good news is - I can finally wash my BoSox sweatshirt. (Superstition does play into these types of events, you know!)

But, even with all the time in front of the tube - I managed to complete my Halloween 2004, "I FELT That" needle felted sculptures!! Yes - the lunar eclipse last night *did* have a tinge of RED and since the Universe was in phenomenal alignment - these sculptures quickly were a sell out! Woo-WHOO!!

Now, back to the Aran .... winter *is* coming! Tag ME ... You are it!

GO RED SOX !! Good luck in tonight's game # 7!!

Recently, while on holiday - I completed a needlefelted pumpkin. Yes - I know it was in the current issue of "Spin-Off" - but that really didn't have anything to do with my desire to make one. It *is* Halloween this month. Thought you might like to see my latest creation! TAG ME ... You are it!

YiPpEE! First FROST last night! I am just tickled about it! I wore a handmade sweater to work today - and it felt wonderful! There is something about being wrapped up in something that was handmade that makes my spirit soar!

Playing with wool this time of year is magically delicious! The trees are turning, the air is crisp & the woolens are out of their closets. A decadent slice of heaven.
My surroundings inspire ... Who can resist Punk Rock Pumpkins??

Hopefully, you are playing too. I have been working on the Aran. I have about 16" done (out of 26") on the back. Now that I have mastered the pattern - it is just flying by. Although life is ALWAYS busy - I try to do at least 8 rows a day. Keeps the pattern & symbols fresh in my mind. This is what it looks like, as of today ....

TAG Me ... You are it!

Well, for the next several days - I will be off line ... time to charge the BATT-eries!! Sometimes the recharging does better without high tech toys!

BIG news!! At this time, The Knotty Sheep has raised over $328 for Heifer International . Keep Shopping or scroll down, on the left, under the Tag Board, there is a clickable Paypal link!!

Keep Kreating!! And I will be back before you know it! TAG ME ... You are it!

After frogging the Aran 9 times (!) - you would think that frustration has set in and I would be done with it. Well, truth be told, it has set in - but I refuse to let 2 needles & some yarn crush me like a bug. Sure - it still mocks me, but day by day - row by row - it is becoming a pattern. Challenge can be a 'good thing' ... Just ask Martha.

I want to complete a few more rows - then I will post a picture. In all honesty, after working a lace shawl - I thought this would be EZ PZ! (I can hear it still mocking me from afar!)

My spinning has taken a back seat to all of this ... Hopefully, I will get some done this weekend, as well as some dyEing. I haven't been overly productive in those departments either.

Don't you hate it when one project consumes your very soul?? TAG Me ... You are it!

Well, after frogging the Aran 6 times, I thought I was good to go ... I had 8" done and was *this* close to posting a picture of my work here. Good thing I didn't ... I had done it wrong! So ... back to the Frog Pond it went. I have casted on and this weekend, I hope to start it anew.

Yesterday, I got the most incredible fiber from my friend Nancie (she of soon to be Prairie Point Llama & Alpaca fame!). Take a look, and meet my new friends!

Left to Right: "Pearl", "Bonnie", "Pumpkin" and "Anta".
Look what Anta got himself into!

I love this fiber ... great work Nancie! TAG ME ... you are it!

When are the Olympics over? Not that I am wishing for them to end - but, with all the 'one hundredth of a point' differences between medal winners and non-medal winners - I can't concentrate on my knitting. Truly, what was I thinking when I tried to start my Irish Aran last night whilst Paul Hamm was crashing into the Judge's table before his METEORIC rise to the Gold?? What was I thinking??

Actually 5, "not so bad" rows, were completed before the Frog Monster came. It wasn't Paul Hamm's fault ... it was DH's! I mean, with all the heart stopping events in the world - he has to pick a Coke commercial to make a ruckus over. The commercial showed a person giving 'a stranger' a Coke. I am assuming said stranger 'drank' it ... DH's philosophy ... "Would YOU drink Coke given to YOU by a stranger"? I see & can even appreciate his point ... but - to make a SUCH big deal of it when I am laboring over this pattern??? What was HE thinking? "Rip IT"!

Congrats to all the Olympians - obviously their concentration is better than mine!! Tag ME ... You are it!

Hip Hip HOORAY!! The humidity is finally GONE! There are many reasons why I dislike the humidity: flatter hair than normal, no AC in the studio, and especially - my wool doesn't dry.

I have had a beast of time working on wool this week - but 'they' say it will feel almost 'fall-like' this weekend ... another Hip Hip HOORAY!! I am keeping my sockless toes crossed ... I don't put to much stock into "Live Doppler Radar".

I did subscribe to a neat magazine today. Wild Fibers is based in Maine and seems to go where other fiber mags don't. How could I resist 'The Seaweed Sheep', as featured in the current issue?? Do join me in a subscription .... tell *Linda* Kary sent you!

As you know, I love incorporating doggie fur into woolen batts for spinning. I am currently working on a commission project for a lovely lady who is planning something special for her grandaughter. As you can see, the collie's fur is on the left - my batts, which include wool from "Abigail" & "Guy", some silk & angelina sparkle - are on the right. I still have a long way to go ... see the first paragraph ... doggie fur doesn't dry in the humidity either! TAG ME ... you are it!

Well, I changed the name of my BloG. "Sheep At The Beach" - is more *me* sounding. I love the whimsy it brings to mind: sheep surfing; sheep sunning; sheep drinking umbrella drinks. Now, I guess *I* will need to be more creative. :)

I just finished reading The Shop on Blossom Street . What a fabulous summer read. I recommend it highly - and hey, just because it is set around a knitting shop ... that didn't hurt it one little bit!

AND - while I have been melting here due to the high humidity (and no AC!) - I have been thinking about Fall. Now, I don't need another sweater to knit. I REALLY don't! I have 2 in the queue as I type but I love The Rogue Sweater. It seems it went around BloGdom earlier this year. Who knew?? We will see ... it reminds me of the Elsebeth Lavold designs.

Last night I finished carding some batts with Curly Horse! She Dances With Wools - was an inspiration gleened from Evelyn, my Adopted Native Elder . It is a very worthy charity - especially as some of the elders continue to weave traditional rugs!
What a great way for those of us in the fiber community to support others who are too! TAG ME ... You are IT!

I am always on the look out for good fleeces! I dare not think how many pounds of wool I actually purchased this year. But, I feel it is my Patriotic duty not only to keep the economy going - but also to support the small shepherd!

Yesterday, I found a wonderful finn/leicester x as well as a Barbados fleece! I love finn and the Barbados - well, that was a 'must have' purchase as I have never seen one before! But, if you are in the need for fleece - check out CHRISTEN's sheepies . I can't wait for both Ethel & Jason to arrive.

I have also tallied my list of "Reserved" fleeces for the year 2005 - as of this date - I am up to 5. Gee, I wonder how many more I will acquire??

Why the indulgence? Besides the patriotic duty, supporting the small shepherd, I just love fleece! Love creating with it! Love touching it! Love looking at it!! WhEEEE ... I am in fleece heaven! TAG ME ... You are it!

Gee - just when I said that I would post more .... sigh! My life will be taking a new direction as I strive to find a balance in my work, home life & health.  It will be a journey of twists & turns - but I am thinking it will be one of great adventure!    
  
The Knotty Sheep (please click on the  "Buy Me" link of the  left for my latest creations ... for some reason, I can't insert HTML in this post today!!)  has been growing by leaps & bounds!  YiPpEE!!  And due to my wonderful customers - so far over $182 has been pledged to buy sheep for a deserving family thru Heifer International!!  (Scroll down on this blog, left column for exact figure).   I think giving back is so important  ... The Universe needs to be balanced too.
 
This summer - I have fallen in love with my local library.  It isn't the most up to date or eye appealing edifice in the world - but the service it provides overwhelms me!   Please support your local library too .... One way I do is donate all my magazines to them instead of putting them in the recycle bin.  They still get recycled (to another reader - hopefully, they will still make it to 'the bin' one day!) and the library earns 25 cents!  Small things do add up!
 
I have 2 pair of sox on the needles ... hmmmm.... Maybe they are good project for the weekend!
 
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In my email today, I received this 'story/obit' from my mother in law. It says to pass it along ... I chose this BloG as my forum as I talk about "Common Sense" quite a bit & I feel that more people should honor its existence ... or respect its passing. I do not know the original author - if you do, please say "Well Done" from me. TAG ME ... after you read!

"Last week we mourned the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago
lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing
when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that
life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more
than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in
charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a
classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his
condition.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became
contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better
treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his
wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you
still know him pass this on, if not join the majority and do nothing."