Sometimes I just can't believe how long it takes me in between posts! There are times when I type like wild-fire - other times, I am as slow as molasses flowing uphill. Don't you just love visuals??

This post lies in between. :)

I have been busy knitting a pair of sox (hopefully they will be finis this week ... as well as doing a wee bit of dyEing and carding! Check out the goodies!

Camilla is quite captivating, yes?

And What A Pumpkin Head! just screams fun!!

Who knows what I will be doing next .... all I know is that it will be FUN!
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It is pouring rain this afternoon. I am sure some folks are getting snow ... others thunder & lightning. It is a good day to stay huddled by the woodstove - knitting on my sox. (Yes ... it is *my* own hand painted yarn in the "Roses on My Pillow" colorway!)

I feel self indulgent knitting for myself. But, while the charity knitting is on the 'back burner' at the moment - I am grateful that there are other ways to help the world heal.

Every Easter - DH & I always host. It has been that way since we were married. Nothing is spared ... my dinners are complete with games & prizes! (How many BLACK jelly beans in the pot? The male / female who came closest won a fair isle hat & fair isle mittens as prizes!)

I take it upon myself to beg on this occasion. My family is pretty cool about it - they are used to bringing canned goods for the local food pantry OR dollars for a collection near and dear to my heart.

This year - it was the later and after the Easter Bonnet was passed funds raised are being sent to PittieLOVE! I have met these folks and some of their available Bullys - can you tell I am in love with this breed? It was thru "PittieLOVE" that I met a lab named "BO". And right now - he needs all of us. Read his info HERE.
Please make a donation to his FUNd and pass the word. Thanks and WOOF!
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I have finally decided what my next project will be: Sox for ME!

It has been a while since I have knit an adult pair - I wanted something relatively quick & painless. While I enjoy knitting socks - I will admit to not being overly persnickety over elaborate designs. That being said, in multicolored yarns, I like the yarn itself take control and do it's own kind of dance.

I found a pattern over at Spun Magazine that seemed to be perfect. A K3 x P1 rib. No 'slouchy' socks. No infamous 'ladders' that DPNs love to create. (Naturally, it is never the knitter's fault - 'ladders' are always caused by the DPNs!)

VOILA!! Basic Ribbed Socks! I only started them yesterday, I am hoping they only take me a week to complete as I see so many things that I crave to knit! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

I know that it has been a few days since I posted. The last 10 days have been a flash of knitting needles and a whirl wind of cleaning. DH & I hosted the Easter Holiday - therefore BIL's Christmas gift (the dubblemossa) just 'begged' to be completed.
I am happy to say that the hat is finis! (No photos though - truth be told, I was kind of sick of looking at it!)
But - it is completed ... I am thrilled! ... BIL is thrilled! And now, I feel like I am ready to do something/anything for me. I haven't decided what *IT* will be ... Sox? Shawl? Summery top? I don't know ... At this time - I am just estatic to declare myself UFO Free!

Now - I feel like I can catch up on stuff that I have 'let slide'. Nothing major you understand - just stuff that requires a wee bit of time and attention. Something like ordering new dog collars.

Dog collars are vital as they do contain pertinent information about the dog, it's vaccines & hopefully it's human parents. My dogs wear their collars all the time ... I would rather be safe, then sorry.

Given the fact that my dogs like to "look good" - I was so very grateful to my dear friend Stas when she informed me that "Hugs for Homeless Animals" get the proceeds whenever they sell "Lupine Collars/Leads". I love Lupine ... they last forever - are even guaranteed by the company AND come in "the best & brightest" prints ever!

Now that it is Spring .... it is time to fancy up your dog or cat. If you need a new collar - please purchase one that will help save a life!

Motu will be stylin' in "Doggie Dreams" - look how pretty the red is against that beautiful blue! Diesel will be looking mighty dapper in his new "Brooktrout!"

And yes - just because these collars last forever - what is so bad about changing them with the seasons? ggg
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As Creatives - at some point - each of us suffers from a Nemesis of some sort. It might be a UFO, or a commissioned project that doesn't sing to our soul. It might even be a deadline that was both long in reaching yet very short incoming. Ah ... the Nemesis!

Suffice to say - my current nemesis is the Dubblemossa. It isn't like it has just been started ... I only have 28 pattern rows left (and then, of course, the multi inch stockinette in steel grey for it's innards.)

Words of encouragement are appreciated ... as well as the proverbial kick in my knitted bloomers!
Wish me luck .... Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Spring was in the air today. I must admit - the fresh air smelled like heaven and the sunshine was a total delight.

While I love all the seasons - Spring is just energizing! Could be the longer days ... could be the fact that I can work out of doors comfortably ... could be that I love hanging laundry on the line and having it dry! The list goes on and on ... I like that.

I know Spring has greeted many over the last several weeks and while Easter is upon us - I can't help thinking that Summer isn't very far behind. That, scares me! I mean, when did it get to be the end of March?

(My mother was right - time flies as you get older ... but, I am not older .... YET!)

Yes - Spring is here ... and I thought I would share a wee bit of Springtime with you! Meet MayBelle! WhEEEE!

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I bet your dogs are as lucky as mine. If you don't have dogs - I am pretty confident that if you are reading ARTsy/knitting/spinning BloGs - any animal in your care is treated as a valued member of your family. YAY!

Over the course of the last week, I have been horrified by the way Pit Bull dogs are treated/handled/discriminated against. Actually - they are profiled. I know the horror stories too ... I find it unfair that we label a whole breed as 'bad' just because that is what the media wants us to believe. Sensationalism sells.

Well, this coming weekend - I am putting my $$ where my mouth is and I am going to meet a few. I just can't wait - seriously, I am overJOYed at the prospect! While we can not add to our present family (please read, Diesel doesn't want a sibling!) there will come a time when I would be honored if a pit bull would come to live with me!

Now Diesel being the 'good boy' that he his - does feel a wee bit upset at his inability to share his home ... so, he & his sister Motu are putting their $$ where their mouths are too - They are sponsoring "Maxwell Smart" - you can't tell me that this pup isn't the cutest thing EVER? Maxwell Smart is the top pup on the sponsorship page! Maybe he could come live with you?

While I have been enthralled with Pit Bull research - I am still getting some carding done! Take a look at Flying Cowgirl!

Giddy UP! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! AND - please try to adopt a pet before you buy ... there are so many that need forever homes. Comments, please!

Balance is such an important thing. I am working on ways to find 'better balance.' It sounds easy - it is proving to be a challenge.

I have to much stuff. To many dishes. To many Tshirts. To many spices that have been in the cupboard for years. And I won't even begin to tell you how many bars of hotel soap are in the linen closet.

So, while I am learning to appreciate the small moments in life - I am also learning to practice 'better balance'. No *new* tshirts can enter unless some older ones are either rehomed or made into cleaning cloths. No new dishes or glassware until some overly used ones are recycled. No more hotel soap ... I just can't use it all in one lifetime - I have actually banned it from entering the house.

Traveling the road of 'better balance' is good. Of course - one usually stumbles upon a road block here & there. Luckily, some road blocks are sweeter than others. Such is the case of "Sweet Pea", a beautiful jacob fleece

She can come to play with me as I am releasing some yarn into the Universe in the form of a hat, a pair of mittens and baby sox (the other soxlette is on the needles and will be completed tonight!) I just LOVE knitting for Charity!

Isn't *Balance* the best?
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Now that our clocks have changed - I feel like I am getting more completed. I do believe that it is all imaginary. I am not doing anything differently than I was last Tuesday, but I feel more energized.

That is good ... I will take it. More time is always a gift from the Heavens. Time is one thing I know I take for granted. I am working on this as I know all time is way to short. Do we really have enough time in the day to create? To knit? To love? To do chores? I suppose we do, if we manage it wisely and don't let the 'junk' creep
into our souls. (Sorry, I really don't care that Britney is bald or that Paris hasn't been in the news for a bit and why-o-why are we still speaking about Anna Nicole's sad demise? These tidbits belong in their lives & in the lives of those who love them.) But, I digress .... time is what we make of it and I am really sure that ALL time is meant to be enjoyed.

I have been busy knitting more charity goods as well as spinning and dyEing. I have discovered that I actually have more time than I ever thought I did. I can knit an EZ PZ ribbed hat at work in the brief snippets of time that become available. While others may be able to do a more difficult pattern, K2 P1 works for me as I work with kids and have my attention diverted frequently. I don't have to concentrate on the pattern - it just flows ... the kids like to look at what I am doing & they ask questions - which is great, and someone, somewhere will appreciate the hat's warmth! I love the fact that I am also keeping sheepies very busy - producing the beautiful wools that I use. HaPpY Kary - HaPpY Universe!

Did you want to have a peek at the dyEing? I think I have captured another sunset in Celeste
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Very rarely do I post on Sundays. Weekends for me are just that - the end of a work week ... it is time to relax, recharge and spend some well earned quality time with DH & the pet kids.

I know that I am *the* luckiest girl in the world to have such a wonderful family. I really, really am!

I also know that my pups are pretty lucky too. I am ever so honored that they were entrusted to me ... tonight, I send out the call to the Universe that "Bella" needs a forever home - RIGHT NOW. All the info is HERE!

If you could pass this info on ... maybe on your BloG or maybe to your email list ... the Universe will appreciate it. I will appreciate it. "Bella" will really, really appreciate it.

Only 28 more pattern rows left in the Dubblemossa! How very cool. Of course, in the scheme of things - I still have about 9" of stockinette left to do as well - but, that should fly by once started.

I find it amazing that my attention span can be so .... minimal. Who knew?

Anyway, one thing I am loving is knitting my charity hats. These 2 babies weigh in at 9.3 oz! Does a heart good knowing that someone somewhere will be a little warmer because of a few sticks, some wool and a little effort.

Remember the Navajo Plying? Well, the hat in the background is knit from that yarn. Fun stripes, yes?? I did combine it with a handspun milk chocolate blend as I knew I would not have enough of the NP yarn. Today, I will do recon of the patterns once again .... I am in the mood for more charity knitting this weekend. The Dubblemossa will have to wait until Monday!
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I have been both feverishly working on the Dubblemossa (yes - it was supposed to be a Christmas gift for BIL - it will now hopefully be an Easter gift instead!) and charity knitting projects.

Yesterday, when going thru my handspun stash - I came upon 2 skeins of Navajo plyed yarn. I make these skeins when I have stocked piled various colors of hand carded batts.

Navajo Plying is easy - although the concept itself can be a wee bit confusing when digesting the written word. If you can visualize "crocheting a chain" - there is the concept behind NP. It really is a great way to keep colors distinct. Because the final yarn has a 3-ply thickness - my yarn is usually classified as a 'bulky weight'.

Suffice to say - I began knitting a charity hat - breaks of color add such excitement & cool striping! I miss Navajo plying as it has been a while since I had extra batts lying around for *ME* to play with. Hmmmm .... I wonder how long I can wait on the Dubblemossa? Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

My fascination with overdyeing is still going strong. There is no rhyme or reason to it - it is just spontaneous & unpredictable. I like that.

Many times, I think that we lose our sense of fun & wonder as we grow older. Thing become stagnant, mundane. Sure - I can measure dye with the best of them - but right now - I am just having way to much fun being 'spontaneous & unpredictable'!

Color elicits such emotion & attitude. One person's favorite color is another person's 'ick'. Another person's red is another person's pink. Isn't it neat that something SO simple can create such passion?

Here is a skein I overdyEd still in the pot. It might become a charity knitting project as it is a worsted weight. (BTW - I finished my 10th hat this week - it will be headed to Dulaan..... YAY!) Isn't it pretty? Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

I have some good news to share: The Knotty Sheep thus far, has raised over $70 to be donated to GREYhound Friends! YiPpEE and thank EWE!

I know that it isn't a million bucks, it isn't even in the triple digits .... (yet!) - but I am tickled all the same. All dogs are my passion and rescue dogs have a special place in my heart.

If you are looking for a dog-friend, please check out your local shelters and rescue organizations. If you find yourself in Cape Cod and want so make someone's heart soar ... check out Blackie - he could really use a good, loving, forever home!

Please pass the word - with all the knitters & spinners out there - Blackie should be finding his forever home soon ... thanks and "Woof"!

I am the perfect homebody!

It doesn't take to much to keep me happy or entertained. I love staying by the woodstove - all cozy and warm. I delight with napping dogs at my feet and a glass of wine by my side. Now is a good time to tell you - I don't even have cable.

Winter is good for quiet relaxation & serious contemplation.

It is the perfect time for a little soul searching. As I sit and wait for some mind blowing revelation or lightbulb moment to ignite my brain waves - I have been doing a wee bit of dyEing & carding!



"Lovers in the Garden" is a totally artsy colorway! Those color bits just scream fun, don't they?

What about"It's Cocktail Hour Somewhere" - sassy colors are tres eye catching!

And last but not least - "Cheyenne" - who goesn't love the colors of sunset?

Ah winter .... did I mention it is the perfect season for wool (and a perfect time to cyber-shop?) :)
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I have been trying to think of "what I should do next." A nice charity project? A longish cardigan for me? A pair of fair isle mittens for next Christmas ...

Suffice to say - I have been doing "recon" of my patterns and stash - trying to find the right combination that will soothe the savage knitting beast within. As of this post - I am still empty handed - nothing has peeked my interest.

I have high hopes that something will jump out a me ... until then, my spinning wheel will keep me occupied.

Of course - 2 pampered dogs will keep me on my toes too. Look out when the 9 year old gets going ...more than once I have put myself in harms way to protect my wheel. Should I mention Diesel weighs over 100 pounds? But, isn't he the cutest thing ever? Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Another Valentine's Day has come & gone. Truth be told - I am not really 'into' it.

While the notion of romance is in the air - most of us see 'that' almost as much as we see a chubby cherub flying around shooting arrows thru the hearts of the unsuspecting. Even after a few cocktails - I have yet to see a winged baby with dangerous weapons!

Don't get me wrong - I am a romantic. I drool over hearts & lace. I get happily excited in seeing red & pink - everywhere! I love the nostalgia of long ago school-time Valentine's that were passed out amongst classmates. Tell me truthfully - didn't you always give the best card to the guy who made your heart flutter?

Ah romance .... !

Yesterday - I was happily surprised that DH actually celebrated the day! I love French music ... the accordians & robust lyrics! The tunes are filled with such passion that it is hard not to imagine yourself sipping wine at a sidewalk cafe! While some may scoff at the minimalistic nature of receiving a French music CD on Diamond studded-Rose scented holiday .... I say "Turn up the volume and pour another glass of wine ... it is time to dance with Cupid!" Thanks DH - you still make my heart flutter!
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I am in the midst of change. I am unsure if it has more to do with wanting to rid myself of 'stuff' OR finding 'simpler' stuff. Do collectibles go out the door so homemade cookies and old fashioned aprons may enter?

I am becoming more devoted to a slower paced life. I am yearning to appreciate the small steps that I take daily - whether if that means sending a card or letter to a friend, making a delicious home cooked meal, grooming one of my dogs or singing a silly duet with my parrot. It is the small steps that have a tendancy to get run over during the daily business called life.

If we give gratitude and thanks - we don't crash & burn. It is that simple.

Today, I found THE BEST hand lotion ever. Yes - I am grateful for this discovery! This lotion is wonderful. It is brillant. It is from France and it makes my hands as soft as a baby's bum!! I love the fact that is contains lavender ... my flowery alter ego!! I had never ventured into (OK - I admit it - I have never even heard of)
L'Occitane before ... but, WOW - they have a new favorite customer! Yes - it is that simple!

Don't you just love the plain tube-look?
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As most of us sit in front of our TVs or computer - we have a knack of complaining about the world. There are many stories that sicken us daily and even more that break our hearts. The really terrible thing about the situation is ... we have the power to change the world and to make a difference.

If all of us chime in ... with loud voices and dollars in hand (and yes - this does mean to respect the people, nature & inanimate things around us!)... the world will be happier and healthier.

Not to many of us will become the Dalai Lama or Mother Teresa. But each of us is a ripple on the ocean of humanity. When ripples join together - waves happen.

Two causes that come to mind: Wolves Lose ESA Protections! "The price to kill a wolf is cheaper than a large pizza: Idaho residents pay $9.75 to kill a wolf. (It costs more if you're from out-of-state.) " (Quote taken from The Petition Site.) Seems illogical and totally outrageous! Are these the people whom we have elected and pay their salaries? Makes you think, does it not? Sign this Petition and save a wolf!

Breast Cancer. It seems in this day and age - we all know someone who has been touched by this killer. As my friend Stasia says - "Pink scarves are easy!". A wonderful woman I work with has decided to participate in the 2 Day "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer"/ Boston. As she trains in 12 degree weather - I admire her focus and ability to remain upbeat in the wind chill. I cheer her on - with words of encouragement and fistfuls of dollars. For her to participate in the Walk, she must raise $1800. Of course, anything above and beyond is pure JOY for those who are doing the research to end this disease. Instead of a latte OR a new skein of yarn today - please consider a donation to her Walk! Imagine ... if everyone who read both mine & Stasia's BloG donated $5 to Denise's walk ... WOW!!

Please pass these two causes on to your friends & families. Celebrate your voice - celebrate your life by making a difference!
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Don't you just tingle when you absolutely love doing something? I know that I have mentioned that I am having a love affair with Navajo Churro wool - seriously - I am spinning it daily much to the chagrin of my knitting needles!

My poor wheel is tired ... but, I just can't stop. It spins so wonderfully - and I am loving the fact that by spinning this wool - I am supporting this rare breed. It will continue to thrive and prosper and little old me is assisting this cause! How very, very cool!

But, I digress - you must see the colors in which this fantastic fiber has been dyed. Can you tell that I have rug hooking on my mind?? Aren't they pretty?

I love the subtle shade differences. As an artist I will attest that shading brings out depth in any piece. It adds such professionalism to your work! They are available HERE. They are first come / first served. They are sold in 2 skein lots for some serious shading! I know that you will love them as much as I do!
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