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!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

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!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

I ask you to bear with me as I learned how to put 'watermarks' on photos this weekend. It has been interesting as my computer skills are not extensive. High tech and I have a love/hate relationship.

That being said ... I love adding watermarks!

While it took me a very, very long time to master this skill - I did manage to complete another Charity hat! This brings my total to 8. How gratifying to know that there will be 8 warmer heads in the world ... and I truly love the fact that I am using my handspun!

Spinning is something that I do pretty much daily. I love the way wool varies from breed to breed - and different sheepies within the same breed can vary greatly. The fleece of a particular sheep from year to year can even be quite different. One person's course wool is another person's 'merino'. I spin it all ... and pretty much wear it all.

I am currently on a Churro high! The Navajo-Churro sheep is listed as 'threatened' by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. I find this wool amazing and to be so closely tied to the Navajo makes my knees weak. Did I mention I was in AWE?

But check out pearl grey "Yazzie" on the left and "Kos" on the right! I just wanted to do a face plant into these Churros today!!

And "Katherine"? Well, this churro is already spun. Hmmm .... stay tuned to find out what happens next! WhEEEE!

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This weekend was chilly. I was in heaven. So were my dogs. I find it weird that they are unfazed by wind chill factors in the single digits. I am even pretty amazed that they are still eager to rush outside and gleefully romp in the frigid air.

I joined them for a bit. After all, I DO have warm wool sox, hats, scarves, mittens and sweaters! (Yes - the waiter at the French Bistro we visited said I looked just like I had skiied the Alps ... *got* to love a nice Dale of Norway sweater!) AND - I also figure I burn more calories in the COLD. Not such a bad thing.

But, it also reminds me that many of us do not have warm beds, warm houses, warm clothes. My friend Stasia (who has *the* cutest goaties ... ever!) recently told me that she 'appreciates' the cold as it makes her aware of what she (we) take for granted. How true ... thanks Stas! I will keep the needles going for Dulaan, CIC or whomever else needs knitted garments!

The chilliness also allowed me to do some decorating. I have placed my new watercolor created by Miss Paris Breakfasts herself, Carol Gillot, right on my Kitchen Counter. Got to love ART!

Remember to stay warm - and help someone else BE warm! Comments, please!

Being organized in not my strong suit. In the scheme of things ... not only is not my 'strong suit' - it isn't even my closet! Try as I might - yarn, wool, drawing/painting supplies - all get the best of me. When I am not looking, in the dark corners of night - they multiply. 2 bags of wool become 5. 5 skeins of yarn become 15 ... and the art supplies - we won't even go there as each particular genre has it's own nuance.

Needless to say ... the Kreative Muse begins to drown.

My friend Stasia sent me a wonderful article from Daily OM - do read it, especially if your Muse is drowning too. It is an eye-opener!

On that note - I destashed a wee bit today .... 10 Skeins of NORO - anyone?? Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Not to much happening on the drawing front! I purchased new Derwent Graphite pencils and I am awaiting their arrival. Seriously - I can't wait for them to come.

So - I have been soothing my soul by knitting. What wonderful recreation. I truly think if more people knit, crocheted, spun or wove - the world would be much happier.

I recently found a small snippet (somewhere) which had "5 Rules for Happiness". I saved them - and remind myself of their importance daily. Since I like to share - here they are:
Free your heart from hatred; Free your mind from worries; Live Simply; Give More;
Expect Less.

I recently took some wool I overdyed (more on that in another post - I LOVE overdyeing!) and 2 skeins of handspun and turned them into a couple of hats for Dulaan! I still have more so guess what?? Yep - I am still knitting for Dulaan!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART ... Remember to practice the 5 Rules for Happiness too !! Comments, please!

I received some lovely Moleskin sketch books this Christmas. Pretty, aren't they?

I feel it is imperative to draw as often as possible - not only will I grow as an artist - I will also re-learn how to SEE like an artist.

Well, my sketch books were at home - and I was at work. Working in a preschool does allow for some interesting subjects. This tiny sketch was done on copy paper and a "regular" #2 pencil. WhEEEE!

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HaPpY 2007! .... Seems over said as well as over stated - but here we are in a brand new year. I look forward to the Kreative Journey which I have begun to embark upon.

Yesterday was spent spinning wonderfully rich colors of wool!

Today, thus far, has been spent in the studio - organizing, tossing, rearranging ... all to stimulate and awaken the Muse.

I have been getting inspirations from "Everday Matters". Danny Gregory and his EDM group provides constant support and challenges!

But, as I sit with my cup of coffee in hand - typing away - I also realize that I am a wee bit intimidated. Am I fearful of the journey? Am I afraid of failure? Am I trying to do or be something I am not?

All of these are good Q's ... I guess any journey involves self discovery.

I leave you with a pastel I did a while ago. I am hoping it will give me courage.

Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

The New Year is upon us ... time to bid au revoir to the old and bienvenue the new. Times of change are so refreshing.

I typically do not make 'resolutions'. My past history dictates that I always lack the follow thru required to keep them. It is all good though, I know this is going to be one totally Kreative Year for me!

So - I will venture forth into 2007 with knitting needles, wool, paint brushes, sketch books and spinning wheels tucked under my arm. My goal is to Kreate and make my small corner of the planet just a wee bit better for all!

HaPpY New Year!
*** Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!!*** Comments, please!

Christmas 2006 is now behind me. I am sad that it is now a good, no - scratch that - I am sad that is now a GREAT memory. It seems that the build up goes on for 6 long weeks - only to implode in a matter of hours.

C'est la vie. Weddings are the same way.

At least I have figured out that Christmas 2007 is in 362 days! Ah .... something to soothe my Elfin Soul! My friend Denise says I have "OCED" ... Obsessive Complusive Elf Disorder. I must agree. Truthfully - I have made notes for the coming Christmas Holiday. I do better if I am prepared.

Santa was good to me and there was absolutely NO stress. Remember how I love the small moments? Well, this past weekend was filled to the brim with them! I hope you were able to savor yours.

As I look ahead to 2007 - I look forward to a year filled with microscopic memories and pixels of Kreativity! I hope you will join me. As I say on my side bar ... the Playground is FUN when there are more kids playing!!

Today, I dyEd and carded up a storm! I have totally "Gone Batty"! How about YOU?

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Santa is coming! Santa is coming!
A HUGE part of me still can not believe it is Christmas. I mean, wasn't I just typing not so long ago - that it was something like 200 degrees under a broiling summer sun?

Time flies - but I am enjoying the small moments. If one lives by small moments you can actually remember things like what you did, what you ate, and what you wore. In times which are frantic - these small, special moments are the one to savor.

As we head into 2007 - I am looking forward to an incredibly Kreative Year. One with twists and turns, curves and loop-D-loops, swirls and spirals. Embarking on a journey with straight lines seems a wee bit boring, yes?

One of the first things on being Kreative, is surrounding yourself with those who inspire. Take a look at paintings by Paris Breakfasts - AKA: Carol Gillot. Her work is inspirational and it truly makes you want to run to a local patisserie for a quick sugar buzz. Tres Beau!

My Dear friend, Stasia is very much the Muse. She made these wonderful things for me a while ago, and this past week, I wore them to DH's work Christmas Party. How can one not feel special when displaying such fine art pieces? The scarf was woven out of my "Mermaids Singing to Starfish" colorway and the jewels? WOW - so bling bling sparkly! Each charm has a special connection to my life.

Thanks again, Stas! You are such an inspiration!

Start the New Year Kreatively!! I will keep you posted on my journey!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Have I mentioned how much I am enjoying Christmas this year?

Yep ... I am feelin' the love and goodwill towards all! In the past, the intensity of the season has been overwhelming. Gifts! Bows! Cookies! Cleaning! Cards! .... you name it! I have tried to do it all in the hopes that I do not disappoint. Well, the only one who has been disappointed is me.

No more .... I love Christmas. Love the lights, love the music, love the surprises, and the closeness of family and friends. If you ask me - it is over way to soon.

This coming year - I have high hopes for a totally Kreative year! I also have high hopes to do more for those less fortunate.

So, sit, relax and enjoy all that you can. Instead of buying more gifts - BE a gift!! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Christmas will be here in 9 days. WOW!

That is pretty much all I can say. I still have packages that need to be placed in the post ... a few cards that need to be signed ... and a few things that need to be bought and placed under the tree. There is only one thing left to knit (Dubblemossa) .... and I am thinking that will become an "Epiphany" gift in January. Such is life outside of Whoville.

Two gifts are completed and await their turn at the wrap table ... nephew's St. Anton mittens and niece's lace scarf knit from alpaca. Got to love the fact that they are blocked too .... suffice to say, I have given damp woolies - fresh off the blocking pad in the past and the recipients, well .... they just didn't know what to say ....

In the spirit of the "9 Days left and counting down" - if you still need a quick gift for a fiber fanatic - I do know a place where you can get some Blueberry Moonshine .... Wink! Wink!
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I can remember making a promise to myself last year at this time - "Next Christmas - I will be ready!"

So much for promises. It isn't that I am totally befuddled in my gift making & purchasing. It is more like I have forgotten how to enjoy the Christmas Magic. More importantly - I am dismissing the notion of Christmas magic altogether.

Don't get me wrong - I am not "BAA-hum-bugging" it. I am quite taken with the sounds of Christmas music and the sparkle of Christmas lights. It is the notion of commercialism that beats negatively in my heart.

This week, I went to a "mall". It might as well have been another 4 letter word ending in "double L's". Most of the stores offered inferior merchandise with hefty price tags. UGH - no wonder I have lost the magic ... could I have bought into the media's feeding frenzy that Christmas is nothing more than inappropriate gifts inside non-recycable boxes & bags - tied with landfill choking ribbons and bows? I mean - should I really concern myself with what Britney Spears is purchasing this Christmas??

NO! NO! NO! NO!

Dove Knits has blogged in the past about knitting toys! Look at these fun booklets I bought ... just because Miss Dove inspired me so! (Suffice to say - you are only seeing the 'Christmas editions' .....gggg!) These toys will be fun to make and even more fun to give!

In the next few weeks - do support your small shopkeeper, local baker, and fellow artist! Shop at a local winery, artisan cheese shop and butcher!! These people BASK in the glory of happy customers!
Christmas is magic ... It is all about discovering it by candlelight not under the BAAzillion fluorescents at the mall.

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Never let it be said that I always wait for the last minute to do things! Dear nephew wanted Dale of Norway/St. Anton mittens for Christmas ... well, that is what dear nephew will get!

I started these babies on Monday ... and one is almost complete. (Just sans thumb!) YiPpEE!

I love doing fair isle and even though I was using my Norwegian thimble - my tension is tight. (I know you are screaming "gauge" ... I *do* hear you!)
While snug - it fits my hand ... thankfully - the boy is 10.

If I don't get this tension thing under control - I most likely will have to increase needle size when doing fair isle. Not the worse thing in the world - but it is a situation that I must address before attempting a FI sweater. Suffice to say - my next attempt will be swatched!

Guess I must practice more! O DARN!
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