Happy New Year to one and all!! It seems weird to think that this is the last day of the year 2002. Where is all the time going too?? It was a year marked, for me, with new beginnings and eventful ends to certain things in my life. I hope that 2003 is one filled with peace, love, health and some time management would be nice too. This last week has proven to be quite interesting - computer crashes really do create chaos!! I have missed NOT being on line and visiting with my cyber-friends. Which leads me to say that my cyber-friends have truly become part of my heart and I treasure them dearly! Now - since I was not up & running on Sunday - here is my fiber week in review! All these skeins are 2 ply. (I honestly don't think I would ever use a 1 ply hand spun - would you?) A lincoln / shetland skein, 111 yards; 'forgot' wool, 34 yards; white shetland, 21 yards; shetland/southdown X , 15 yards; and 'mystery' wool, 12 yards. These smaller, spindle spun skeins will be used for SIS's (matching) afghan for Christmas 2003. YAY!! I am tickled that she liked mine so much!! I also started a scarf for a secret Santa swap for work which will be held sometime in January. I am using an interesting stitch and I will go into more detail (with photo) when completed!! I hope that this message is the first of many ... I am fearful that ol' Betsey, my computer, is still not 100%!! Sigh ... I hope that 2003 serves you well!!! Stay safe & celebrate responsibly tonight!! TAG ME ... you are it!

Happy Day After Christmas!! I hope all those the celebrate the holiday - did indeed enjoy it! I also hope that Santa was good to you & yours!! Even though I wasn't in possession of the 315 million dollar Powerball ticket - I did perfectly fine!! Hazel Rose Looms!! A Bosworth spindle in grenadilla!! The Sock Calendar!! Soaps from Goodies Unlimited!! Bruins tickets!! HO! HO! HO! But - the fun didn't stop there - today I ordered a sock kit from Joslyn's Fiber Farm!! OK - I had asked for one - didn't get it - so in the patriotic spirit of things (buy! buy! buy!) - I did!! I ordered the basic sock kit in Sammy yarn / color 'Moonbeams". If I enjoy doing it - I think I must also have the colorway "Treebark"!! ~~ Christmas itself was spent with family! It was a grand time - in a good old fashioned, New England snowstorm! Kudos to the people of 'JEEP' for making remarkably durable vehicle!! Thank-you!! ~~My MOM also gifted me with 'THE AFGHAN'!! She crocheted this Granny Square afghan!! It has taken a year to complete. It is also totally hand spun by MOI!! Completely all natural sheepie colors - all but the border was drop spindled. The border - a BL / coopworth X named 'Heady" was wheel spun. It fits comfortably on a twin sized bed - but it will be used in the den when a chill is in the air! My SIS wants one next Christmas - same colors - I will just need to find a grey fleece for her border!! AND - I have already begun spinning for it!! Christmas 2003 - will NOT catch me unawares!! Check this out: Christmas Countdown Clock!! I will keep it as a link in the side bar ... just to keep ME on my toes!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

Only 3 day until Christmas - OK - 2 shopping days ... boy, time DOES fly when one is unprepared. I am not saying that I am a total lost cause - but I do vow to start thinking of Christmas 2003 on January 1, 2003! That should give me plenty of time to get things completed, wrapped and sent out in a timely manner. More importanly - I want to ENJOY the season. This is the most magical time of all and everyone around me is stressed, unfocused and uncentered. This disharmony spreads havoc & chaos like a disease. That is why I vow to manage my Christmas-EE 'self' better next year. I spun a great deal today - and will continue tonight as the Patriots play a must win game against the NY Jets. Go PATRIOTS!! Anywhoo - in my 'fibery confession' segment, I completed a 112 yard, 2 ply skein of "Heady" , a BL/ coopworth X for the now infamous and yet to be completed afghan; 68 yards, 2 ply merino which will be used in a pair of slipper for The Ships Project and last but not least, a 25 yard, 2 ply skein of coopworth which I spun on my hatchtown production. I love having these little skeins around!! I also painted my holiday KLAUDETTE studio pillow - which I hope will arrive at its destination before Tuesday. I hope that everyone is able to relax and enjoy the abundant miracles of the season!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

I have been very remiss about posting of late!! AND I feel as there is no particular cause of the 'blog hiatus". Sure, I can blame work or Christmas or illness or 101 other varied excuses. But, excuses are what they would be!! I *think* that I just needed a few mental health days to concentrate on ME & MY things. 'My things' are laundry & grocery shopping! House cleaning & dog time!! Christmas shopping & Klaudette drawing!! All take time & energy - and a few days here and there are definitely warranted!! I DID break my 'fiber hiatus'!! I made 30 days without buying fiber. I cracked when a fellow spindler started her own dYe shop! Alice's 'Wonderland dYeworks' is open for business and the BFL batts are just beautiful! .... my 2 colorways arrived today! "Just before Sunrise" and "Forest Rainbow". She doesn't have her website up yet - but I will post it when she does!! The batts feel heavenly / the colors to dYe for!! - and maybe I will play with them on the wheel tonight. We will see - I am not making plans just yet! I will post my fiber confessions THIS coming Sunday! There wasn't to much to post about last week - and unless I go gangbusters tonight & tomorrow - there won't be too much fiberness to discuss THIS Sunday either!! And Christmas is less than a week away!! Are YOU ready?? TAG ME .. you are it!!

Fibery 'Fession Time!! And I must say - I am not overly proud of my lack of production this week. I DID complete a KLAUDETTE, which sold in one day on eBay!! YAY!! I DID complete and mail my 8th pair of slippers for The Ships Project!! I absolutely LOVE making these things!! AND I am glad that some wonderful member of our military is able to keep their feet warm because of my handspun!!! I DID also finish a 2ply, 123 yard skein for the afghan my Mom is making. Last week I incorrectly stated that this afghan was a 2 year work in progess. It has actually just been a year!! Seems like it has been forever!! I *might* even suggest to my sister that Mom & I collaberate on another afghan for her family for NEXT Christmas!! Sigh .... projects! Projects and MORE Projects!! This week - I hope to do more. I still need to Christmas shop - but our tree is UP!! No small feat considering all the STUFF we had to move out of the way to get to the attic 'crawl space' door!! Did I mention this door is in my studio???? TAG ME .... you are it!

COLD! That is the best way to describe today ... I mean, this is like January COLD! What is a girl to do except laundry & shop! Hey, with Christmas just around the corner - I must start!! But, today was also a day of gifts!! In the mail, from my friend Stasia I received a wonderful box of goodies!! A statue of the Southeast Light on Block Island (how cool is that??), stickers, a spindle holder for my Klaudette bags!!, hand lotion , a little bit o'beach and a cookie mold in the shape of lighthouses! How could I be cold after remembering all the fun I had in the surf & sun just a mere 2 months ago?? Boy - does time fly. This box really & truly boosted by spirits. Thanks Stas!! BUT - I still HAD to shop. It was a retail therapy kind of day. Chuck, if you are reading this **STOP**!! warning Christmas gifts for me ahead ......... first, I ordered myself some new soaps!! Aubrey of Goodies Unlimited makes the best soap in the world. My favorite - the Stress Free, Green Tea soap. Those antioxidants work wonders!! I also ordered myself the new Sock Calendar . Doesn't it look like FUN?? AND - maybe, just maybe a spindle or 2 - but that remains to be seen!! Still - no fiber!! Today, I celebrate my 29th day! It has been hard - but things are looking good!! Hope your day was as wonderful as mine!! TAG ME ... you are it!

The long week end is over. I will be glad to slow down my life again - living at the speed of sound is not my cup of tea. For the next three weeks - it will be more of this hectic pace which utterly DRAINS me. My spirit weakens - my soul collapses. Then - I get cranky! It is cold here - and they are predicting colder weather for this week. Wood stove time!! Woo-WHOO! It is usually lit everynight to take the chill off the house and us. It warms the heart, soul & mind! It is truly one of my favorite things that I love about our home! It is confession time for me ... and I actually DID get a good amount of spinning accomplished!! Here goes .... (all are 2 ply skeins) greeen corridale, 91 yards; a finn X & alpaca blend 32 yards; a corridale & GCNI blend, 15 yards; a wool & angora blend, 15 yards; a coopworth, BL X , 93 yards; and shetland, 25 yards. You can pretty much tell what I did on a spindle! All of the natural colored skeins were given to my Mom as she is crocheting an afghan for us. This afghan has been in the works for 2 years. It would be nice to have it for THIS Christmas, but I don't thing it will happen. I can dream though!! What did accomplish this week? TAG ME ... you are it!

It was our first official snow storm today!! Sure - we have had flakes here and there ... but today it SNOWED!! When I first awoke at 4:35 am (thanks to one of the dogs who needed to 'go out') it was snowing. When I left work at 1 pm - it was still snowing! When I shoveled the driveway - it was STILL snowing!! YiPpEE!! Everything looks "OH! So PRETTY!" Tonight will be one of those incredible nights spent in front of the wood stove - contemplating life while spinning!! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving - I prefer to be Thank-FULL everyday!! I think it would be wise for all of us to stop and take stock of our daily blessings. Some blessings are small. Others are in-your-face-huge!! While still others are wrapped tightly - waiting to be opened & acknowleged. Each blessing needs to be 'thanked' for entering into our lives - for each blessing has a name & a reason. This year - I have become extremely aware of the blessing of CHOICE. So - tomorrow I will celebrate & be thank-FULL for all the choices I face each day. The right to choose between right & wrong. The right to choose good over evil. The right to choose between hope & despair. The right to choose between love & hate. Some choices are difficult to make - some choices are easy. But it is the PRIVILEGE of choice that deserves recognition! ..... It has finally stopped snowing - and the sun made a CHOICE to say "hello & goodnight" in a quick breath. I thought you might like to see his whisper! TAG ME ... you are it!

Once again, I am to confess my fibery soul to everyone! I will admit to it NOT being a very productive week for me. I have been cursed with many distractions that have also limited my drawing time. An UNproductive me translates to an UNcreative me. There are high hopes with the impending shortened work week and with today being FOOTBALL day & all - I anticipate a truckload of skeins in the near future! GO PATS!! Well - if I make it thru today without purchasing any fiber - I will be able to celebrate my 20th day of fiber sobriety! This is the day I was actually hoping for! YiPpEE! Now - confession time: I completed my 7th pair of slippers for The Ships Project. These will be mailed most likely on Tuesday! My spinning - I am sorry to say - has only produced (1) 2 ply, 126 yard skein of blue GCNI and (1) skein of 27 yards, 2 ply GCNI, spindle spun. Not too much to brag about here!! So - here is wishing you a fibery day today .... wherever you are! TAG ME ... you are it!

So - today is the day that I confess all my fibery happenings for the previous week. I think I was somewhat successful - although there always seem to be little tid bits of time that I could be taking a few spins or knitting a few rows. It is also day # 13 of the self imposed fiber hiatus. It is actually working well as I need to reduce this mountain of stash!! If I can make it until the end of the month - now THAT would be something!! So - here is my weekly tally: completed & mailed my 6th pair of slippers for The Ships Project!! YAY!! I am so proud to be involved in this wonderful charity!! I also plied & set the twists to 163 yards of a marsh romney sheepie named Debbie and 88 yards of colonial!! But - the pride & joy of the week goes to a needle felted baby dragon that I made for my Spinning Santa. Each year on Spindlers we celebrate the winter holidays with a small exchange. I created this sculpture after I discovered that she (my exchange partner) liked dragons!! I think I had a productive fibery week!! TAG ME ... you are it!

I have decided to itemize a summary of completed fibery festivities on each Sunday. That way - everyone can see progress made. Even if it is a skein completed - that reduces the fiber stash!! Speaking of fiber stash - I am on a self imposed fiber hiatus. I want to see how long it will last!! Today is day # 10. Seems like just a wee bit of time - but for a fiber junkie - it is light years. Especially when so many enabling friends are constantly bombarding you with great rovings! Rovings has some great choices. I immediately fell for the 'PARROTS' colorway. How could I not when I share my life with a very demanding parrot named Kiwi!??? But - I can't!! I am strong!! I have will power!! ( I am woman - hear me roar!!) ~~ I was informed by my sister that my brother in law is requesting hand made wool sox for Christmas. Remember, that was my initial plan, but his size 13 feet scared me?? Well, I have already woven some mug rugs for him, but I will see what I can do. I think I have some yarn in my stash that I can use. He needs them for bed sox so strength of yarn isn't a real issue. Wish me luck! ~~ My husband & I also decided to sponsor one more child. John-larri is our 4th & final. I truly think that for $24 dollars a month sponsoring thru Childreach gives the world that little extra bit of love needed on a day to day basis. (OK- now you see why the self imposed fiber hiatus!! ggg) Anywhoo - please meet our 13 year old sponsored child .... John-larri! Doesn't he have THE most infectious smile ever??
TAG ME .... you are it!!

Long time - no post!! Today was supposed to be in the high 60's / low 70's today with sunshine!! Quite a change from the below normal temperatures that we have been receiving! Well, it is warmer - but no sun to be had. I hung laundry outside this morning in the hopes that it would dry - now, I am not so sure it will. I think it will be out there long enough to get that great, fresh smell into everything. YAY!! It is hard for me to believe that it is now November and Christmas will be just around the corner. I haven't been very pro-active this year in my shopping. My sister is getting her hand spun / hand knit sox and my BIL is getting some woven mug rugs. Their children are getting drop spindles - but I have no idea what else. Since it is just my husband & I - we each buy our own gifts, wrap them and put them under the tree. On Christmas Day - I open his to see what "I" bought him and he opens mine to see what "He" got me. We also throw in several little gifts - just so there is some surprise. So - Chuck, if you are reading this STOP!! It contains gift info!! One the items I have purchased for myself is a Hazel Rose Loom. I chose the Quilt Weaver's set in cherry. I thought that size would be easily adaptable to so many different things. I look forward to receiving it as my friend Nancie is the one who turned me onto weaving. Not like I needed another hobby - but since I am purchasing fiber faster than any animal can produce it (what happened to my self imposed moratorium on fiber purchases????) - any way that I can use it is a blessing. Now - speaking of purchasing fiber - River's fleece arrived at my door. This wool is FANTABulous!! There is nary a VM speck in it!! If I DID process my own fleece - this wouldn't be hard as it is so clean! If you are interested in Linnet's fleeces - run, do not walk to her website!! I have Bernadette reserved in 2003, Krystol in 2004!! Nancie has reserved Dandy & Karen has reserved Maggie!! Just in case you would like a peek at how easy it washed - given this complete novice - just LOOK!!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

I LOVE chilly weekends!! It is perfect FIBER time - and if you throw a football game ( or 2) in there - well - that is just a little slice of heaven!! Yesterday, I set the twist in a 2 ply Tunis skein and spun 2 bobbins of a churro/mohair blend.( This was done while watching Boston College upset Notre Dame. DH is a BC alumni!! ) I plied it this morning. I find singles definitely need to rest overnight. I personally don't like to wait to long to ply as I start to wander in a new fibery direction if I am not timely. I would rather store plied, set skeins - than have many 'dressed' spindles & bobbins!! Today - I will take up my knitting once again for The Ships Project!! I am committed to making 2 pair of slippers a month for this worthy cause. It is a great way for me to concentrate on the The Patriots Game today. They will need all the good vibes and good energy that can be tossed into the Universe for them today!! I also will let you know that I have placed a deposit on another of Linnet's fleeces!! Krystol will come to play with me in 2004!! WOW!! I can't believe how these sheepies book up!! River should arrive on my door step this week! YAY! Hope you all have a fibery day - and GO PATRIOTS!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

One of the really neat things about being a spinner is that you not only meet the nicest people - but - enabling runs rampant! New fibers, spindles, dYes - they are more than retail therapy - they are an addiction!! I take it as a compliment that Karen chose to reserve a fleece from Redbud Wool Farm!! Afterall - someone posted on Spindler's how wonderful these fleeces were AND I just HAD to HAVE one!! (OK - two!!) Like I said, it is one of the neat things about being a spinner ... sharing a good source! It is below normal temperatures here today - and I am invigorated!! I wrote all 3 of my sponsored children today and sent them each a decoration that I made. I keep peeking at all the others who need sponsors at Childreach and I am thinking about sponsoring one more. I already introduced you to my 2 little girls Ana-cecilia and Jealousy. Now, I would like you to meet Cesar - my little boy!! I am hoping maybe I can enable ... again!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

One of my goals for this year was to reduce my fiber stash by one rubber maid bin! HA!! I laugh!! This weekend was a GREAT fiber weekend for me!! I spun ever so merrily!! Yarn was niddy-noddied!! Twists were set!! AND fleeces ordered?? Yep!! Fleeces were ordered!! How could I resist when someone on the Spindler's List posted of remarkably clean, wonderful fleeces from sheepies with such names as Bari, Diamond, River & Bernadette?? I had to peruse the Redbud Wool Farm web site as quick as I could! "River" is coming to live with me this year and "Bernadette" will be living with me next! WOO-WHOO! Do take a peek at Linnet's (she is the sheepie's human Mom) farm!! These fleeces look gorgeous and they come HIGHLY recommended by some very discriminating hand spinners! I will let you know when I meet "River" in person. Now, will I process this fleece myself?? Absolutely ... NOT!! "River" will be whisked away to visit Gail at The Ozark Carding Mill. She has bailed me out in the past when I realized processing fleece was not a talent I possess. I also feel the need to purchase some of Margrett's wonderful GCNI fiber again. Running Moon Farm has some of the best dYed fibers I have ever seen! Margrett is a true artist and the Gulf Coastal Native Improved batts are a marvel to spin. So much for losing one rubber maid bin!! But - what a way to go .......... TAG ME ... you are it!

Each day, something always happens that amazes me. I find both inspiration & consolation in that fact. Every night ( OK, not EVERY night!) I write in a Gratitude Journal. I list 5 things that I am grateful for on that particular day. It could be something as simple as putting my feet on the floor in the morning, a warm meal at night or something totally mezmerizing as a swift sale of my artwork or a new found fiber!! Being grateful came about from my friend Stasia. She is both an inspiration - look at her weaving!! AND a consolation as she consoles MY soul knowing that she is just an email away. So - yes!! Each day, something always amazes me. Today - I mailed out my 4th & 5th pair of slippers for The Ships Project. By the end of this month - they will have hoped to collect 25,000 items for our armed services since the Project's inception a year ago. 25,000 items! I am amazed!! AND consoled, knowing that there are so many people willing to help each other out!! Hmmm.... one of the things I am grateful for tonight is my woodstove. I love it and tonight, I am lucky enough to have a skein drying right near it. I thought I would share it with you - as it was a perfect fall day today AND there may be a hint of snow in the air tomorrow. Stas - this one is for you .... TAG ME ...you are it!!

Even though I started my day with good intentions - while I was spinning in the wee hours, I began to feel 'un-well'. Every once in a while I see squiggles in front of my eyes. Not to worry - my eyes have been tested, and an MRI done - the squiggles just upset me & my stomach enough to throw me off center for the rest of the day. (Theresa - remember what I said about the car wash thing!!) Sometimes I think it happens when I am not performing at 100%. Or when I try to take to much on. Although I am not diagnosed with any particular malady - I know me well enough to know that I can't push myself the way I used too. Such is age. I thought wisdom came with age - not squiggles! Sigh ... But, I have been thinking about my new sponsored children and children who are neglected. I have also been thinking about animals - those that are unloved. I ponder about what the world would be like if every child had food & hugs! And every animal had food & hugs! Then I ponder about why the world isn't like this. I have started visiting a site on Theresa's BloG (see her link on left). It feeds Animals. I can do that - feed animals in need with a click!! Thanks Theresa!! Then maybe there is a way to combine the two ideals. Enter The Heifer Project!! How cool to give a family a sheep!! Hey - if I can't have my very own sheepie .... :) We will see. Until then - this is a photo of my Love Muffin "Diesel". He is half rottiweiler - not sure what the other half is!! We rescued him from a shelter at 12 weeks of age - he is now 4, almost 5!! And yes!! He gets food & hugs everyday - and PLENTY of both!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

It was wild weather here in the Northeast today!! An offical "Nor'easter" decided to visit - complete with drenching rain & gale force winds! Ok - I don't know if they were really gale force - but that is what the TV said MAY happen. I am so thrilled to be sitting here in my shearling slippers with the wood stove crackling away. It isn't that it is cold out - just damp. It was a great day to post a new Klaudette!! This little sheep is my alter ego!! It brings such joy to my heart that others love her as much as I do!! I feel very fortunate that I can do what I love to do. Today is "World Food Day"!
Childreach sent this information to its sponsors today :"Currently, more than 800 million people do not have enough to eat. What can you do? Locally - donate to local food banks and shelters. A gallon of water makes a
difference. Food banks and shelters are always in need of food and financial donations. Globally - support initiatives that build wells and provide access to safe,clean water. Around the world, Plan makes access to water a top priority. " Makes me really realize how lucky I am!! On that note - the little girl from Malawi who has been calling my name since Monday became my second sponsored child! So - in one week's time - I am a sponsor-MOM to 2 little girls. I feel very fortunate that I can do what I love to do! Please meet: Jealousy! TAG ME ...you are it!

Today, I became a MOM! Now, there is an eye-opener! I did not give birth or adopt ... I became a 'sponsor' mom. Well, my husband & I became sponsor parents thru Childreach!! They are based in Rhode Island and I have actually visited & volunteered at their home office. This is not our first sponsored child, we have done it before and it is an exhilarating experience! In perusing the website - it is difficult to choose - I found myself wanting to sponsor all the children!! But - when I saw Ana-cecilia - I knew she was an 'old soul' who touched mine. Serendipity!! I LOVE it!! She is 10 years old and lives in Columbia! I also found this website today - Erika - has created this website so others will know more about sponsored children. If you have the means to involve yourself in the lives of others - I urge you to do it. You may never know how you have touched someone, but if it 'feels good' to you - imagine what the recipient of your deed feels!! INTOXICATING!!!! On a fibery note - I plied almost 200 yards of a pygora blend and set the twist. It almost dried under the most perfect fall day!! I *think* since we *might* get a frost - the wood stove needs to be lit and they will finish drying there! But - I am a MOM tonight and I thought I would share a photo of Ana-cecilia. I took it from a sheet of paper - so it isn't the best photo in the world, but who cares!! I am a PROUD NEW MOM!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

It was damp & rainy here today - and after completing morning errands - I sat down to spin!! I finished the second bobbin of the romney x / alpaca blend from Sheepy Thyme Farms. It begged to be left in its natural state .... maybe because I think that it is the closest thing I will ever spin to a cloud. It is such an incredibly soft roving! I will ply it tomorrow as I like the singles to set a bit. It seems to take the wind out of their sails! (Or the curl out of their tails!!) Of course, I will be watching football as I ply!! Now, the NE Patriots are playing the Green Bay Packers - I say go "PATS!" My dear friend Stasia will be routing for the Packers. I hope the PATS win - but it is nice to know that my friend will be watching the game too!! (Hey Nancie, is KC playing tomorrow??) I also tagged & 'skeined' my cvm yarn from The Bellwether. It is 2 ply, 14 wpi and a total yardage of 318. I have no plans for it as yet - but it will speak to me eventually! It has to!! The wool was provided by sheepies "Romeo, Betty, and Red # 0101". I think "Red # 101" speaks the loudest! Have a great weekend and "GO PATS!" TAG ME ... you are it!!!

The last few days have been extremely productive for me!! FINALLY!! I finished plying the "My Girls" CVM roving from The Bellwether. This is yummy stuff. I was hoping to snap a photo for you see the wonderful colors of these 2 skeins, but they are drying as I type. Maybe tomorrow. This was the first time I have spun pure CVM - got to love those springy fibers and the fact that these are rare breed sheep - well - that just makes it MORE special. I also have begun spinning an alpaca/romney X roving given to me by my friend Nancie. This is from Sheepy Thyme Farm. I have one bobbin of singles done and I hope to start my second bobbin tonight. PLUS - I have finished my 4th pair of slippers for The Ships Project. I encourage anyone who has a spare knitting/crocheting moment to help in this worthy cause. Seems like we need to be caring for those that are protecting us more than ever!! I am getting all these things accomplished because I am using "micro-movements" - the tiniest of baby steps! These "micro-movements" are courtesy of SARK. She is one of my all time favorite inspirational writers/artists. Should I mention here that I also drew my last 4 sketches and dropped clothes off at the Goodwill stop?? "MICRO-MOVEMENTS"!! One thing I forgot to do today was call for my yearly mammogram ... you know - to take care of "My Girls"! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month - so, please do what you have to - to take care of yourself!! NOW - here is a picture of my latest fiber acquistion. It is a 'chocolate' thel/alpaca/silk blend from The Lavender Fleece. I THINK this is what I will make my shawl from ... once, I spin it - then knit it ... hmm - "micro-movements" - Stay Tuned! TAG ME ... you are it!!

Today was a glorious fall day! The sun was shining, the leaves were falling, and I was knitting outside under the now barren cherry tree. OK, I wasn't directly underneath - but I was close. I am on my second slipper for The Ships Project. This will make my 4th pair and I must say - I am quite addicted to making these slippers. My wheel - spun yarn seems to 'fit' perfectly! On this slipper, I am using shetland (from a sheep named Ebony); romney (from a ram named Million); and some left over GCNI from MY socks!! It contrasts with the romney wonderfully!! Another NEW addiction I discovered is weaving on a Weave-ette. These little looms are EZ-PZ and so mobile!! I made my first really good square on vacation. I had tried several times previously - but the Fiber Gods hadn't chosen the 'right' time for me to learn until I was sitting by the ocean. Funny how that happens isn't it?? I used spindle spun 2 ply made from FREE fiber samples that I had received with orders placed from fiber vendors!! Now - instead of making socks for Christmas, I am thinking a least one set of mug rugs/ coasters. Lord knows I have enough fiber to choose from!! Hmm - I wonder what else I will be addicted too in the near future?? TAG ME ... you are it!

The last few days have left me technologically deprived. No computer, no phone, minimal TV. It was wonderful to enjoy the sounds of nature! To have 'real' conversations with people! To bask in the glory of my husband fishing! To meet up with friends I see twice a year! I think everyone needs to 'get away'. While I did manage to be 'away' from my home - I think it is more important to break the normal routines of day to day life. I know I get stagnant if I don't break free of the daily chains and challenge myself to new surroundings. No wonder my artwork took a beating in recent weeks!! I still have a comission project to complete and new ideas to get to paper - but I have been rejuvenated!! YAY!! I did get to spin and try my hand at weaving. I love it!! (Thanks Nancie!!) I made about 6 squares on the Weave-ette and I think I will join them and make a small pillow top. I also started another pair of slippers for The Ships Project which I hope to complete by weeks end! Tomorrow - is Football DAY!! Go Patriots!! Until then - TAG ME ... you are it!!

My chicken book arrived!! CLUCK-CLUCK!! I did not know there were so many different types of chickens in the world!! Some are truly striking while others .... suffice to say - are a tad 'unsual'. I have only begun to read it and if I have a 'light bulb moment' concerning raising these fine creatures, I will report in. I did take a spindle to an "Oktoberfest" last night. I received the usual looks, and the 'what are you doing'?, and the 'why don't you just buy yarn'? type of things. In some ways - it drives me nuts - in other ways, maybe if we spun more in public - it would not be so unusual for people to see it happening. It is something to ponder anyway!! I will be taking a few days to rejuvenate my creative juices. I need to re-charge my batteries - so - no distractions (tv, computer, etc.) for me. I look forward to catching up with you in a bit!! TAG ME ... you are it!

Thank you everyone for your kind wishes on my day of celebration! Stasia YOU are a wild woman!! Thanks for writing such a great story about my parents. I will admit that my parents are the coolest people I know. They are my inspirations - and I only hope that I may mirror their energy when I get to be their ages. That means - I have 4 decades to find this energy!! I fear that won't be enough time!! Currently - they are in Las Vegas - if you see them, (Dad might be wearing his Lester the Llama Tshirt) - stroll on over and say 'hi'!! I did treat myself to some goodies this birthday ... I think I may have lived on a farm somewhere in a previous life! Not only do I love sheep - I also have been fascinated with chickens. Not your standard, white feathered ones - but exotic, rare breeds!! When I saw Extraordinary Chickens I knew I HAD to have this book. I have placed my order and hopefully, I will be receive it soon. I also decided I needed to make a shawl for myself. I probably won't get this done for this winter season - but hopefully by spring! I ordered some icelandic thel/alpaca/silk rovings. While I have ordered from The Lavender Fleece before - this will be my first FIBER order with them. I do look forward to receiving it!! Do I feel a year older? - nope! Do I CARE that I am a year older?? - nope!! I am pleasantly blessed with the knowledge from all my previous mistakes... TAG ME ...you are it!!

This weekend - I decided that I was moody when it comes to fiber. There are certain times when my fingers just can't handle the fine stuff. This Saturday - it was merino. It wasn't the fiber or spindle - it was ME. While I was spinning - I knew it didn't 'feel right' - but I forced it. I thought that I could over come the feeling and MAKE it work. Valuable lesson - most times - you can't MAKE things work if it isn't "their" time in 'the Universe'. So - I ditched the whole thing. Normally, fiber ends up in my compost pile - but not Saturday - in the trash it went. I truly believed - 'out of sight / out of mind'. So much for that philosophy - here it is 2 days later and I am still thinking about it. SIGH.... Also - someone recently asked me how I started painting on canvas bags - truth be told - I started painting on canvas sneakers first. Since I work in a pre-school, it wasn't difficult for the kids to love my shoes - the bright colors! The different designs!! I take pride in knowing that some of my sneakers have been to Bermuda, Las Vegas, Thailand, and Bora Bora. I should mention Block Island too - but, then again - you would know those were mine! Enough of my ramblings for one day ... TAG ME ... you are it!!

Random Acts of Kindness totally fascinate me. These acts are heart driven and heart felt. Kindness could rule the earth if we allowed its wings to spread and fly into our hearts & souls. Sometimes we are SO side tracked with LIFE - that we miss the Kindess Angel's kiss caressing our cheek. Kindness doesn't have to be huge or heart-stopping. Just a whisper is all it takes to bring glad tidings of joy to those we love, those we could love and those we forget to love. I am blessed with SO many wonderful friends that I try to pass their examples of kindness on to others. To honor their lives with the practicing of good deeds. They say imitation is the best form of flattery - well, it is to YOU (and you all know who you are!!) that I strive to do MORE Random Acts of Kindess! Thank YOU for teaching me so much about Giving! Yesterday, I treated myself to an aroma jar from The Body Shop . I chose a Lavender Oil and I have had it 'on' while in the studio. The essence is heavenly and it makes me feel wonderful!! I love The Body Shop as they are very pro-environment and they do not use animal testing! We love that part!! I also finished my 3 pair of Slipper Sox for The Ships Project. They will be mailed tomorrow - and I am so excited to be sending them. Again - Random Acts of Kindess - just makes one's heart SING!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

What a gorgeous fall day today!! I actually wore my handspun / handknit GCNI socks with my Birks. It felt wonderful and I think I had a smile from ear to ear just because of my happy toes. I am tickled that I could wear my handspun! YiPpEE! Now - I am still on my second pair of Christmas GCNI socks as they have taken a back seat to my slippers for The Ships Project. I am in total awe of this project & I have decided to mail a box o' goodies out on the third Saturday of EVERY month! So - that way - whether if I have one project done or ten - the military will still get the warm woolies that they so richly deserve! On another note - I have a challenge for you!! I recently read in the local paper that the golden $1 COIN is not being used enough. This is sad - not only is it a great coin - but it is estimated that it would save us TAXpayers about $500 million (oh ... I hope my memory is serving me correctly on this sum!!) if we were to use this coin instead of the $1 paper bill. WOW!! My challenge - use at least 5 in the coming week. It is great fun to watch the looks on people's faces when you use these at payment. The gauntlet has been dropped - TAG ME ... you are it!

Hello everyone! Sometimes LIFE gets in the way of all the things you meant to do. Sometimes I just feel OVERwhelmed for no particular reason - other than being a creative soul - I think clutter can be an art form! I also hold onto things a little too long - and sometimes, whether you like it or not - it is just time to let go. This weekend my Church closed. This magnificient building was built in 1857. In my attempt to bring you my most favorite stained glass window - I ruined it. It was beautiful - and it is my dream to meet the angel pictured in the window one day. For now - being grounded is a day to day task for me. As an artist - I get extremely frustrated at the 'little things". My 'drawing' isn't on demand. I have to 'feel' it in order to 'do it' and - unfortunately - I haven't been 'feeling' like drawing/painting recently. This will pass. My friend Stasia recently posted about the Simple Abundance book. I purchased & began reading it today. I think this book will help me to sort out some issues I may have. I hope so anyway. Actually - I have already poured as glass of cabernet for myself in a GOOD glass!! This was in the first few pages of January!! Might as well start at the beginning!! I would also like to remind everyone that it is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This is important for our health. I hope you have a wonderful day ... I am sad that I ruined a picture I will never see again ... but I guess that is LIFE. TAG ME ... you are it!

I have decided that I need to write my BloGs earlier in the day. My time management skills seem to be lacking of late. I know it is because my morning time tables have to be adjusted to meet new time goals for both myself & my husband. No easy task to create a 'new' routine. We will get there though - it just takes time. Thanks for all the wonderful comments re: my noste winding!! I am finding this to be wonderfully relaxing. I even took a skein of wool to work today - just to 'noste' wind it! YAY!! . But - I need to start managing my computer time better. See? Time Management!! My artwork has suffered and I just received another commision!! YAY!! So - here are 2 of my completed projects - on the left is a pair of slipper sox from wool & llama. These are for The Ships Project I completed one whole sock watching a 9/11 documentary! On the right - is one pair of Christmas sox in GCNI. So - I have been busy - I just need to focus more!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

Today is a 'day of days'. It is extremely windy here - maybe it is a passing storm off the coast or maybe it is just because it is Wednesday - who knows?? But - the wind is enjoyable after the HOT weather we have been having. Tonight - for me - will be a time of reflection. And during this time - I will be working on some slippers for our brave soliders overseas. The Ships Project deserves to be mentioned once again on this day. I will be knitting feverishly while listening to the memorials/documentaries on TV. Today is also a day to celebrate friends & family! New friends! Old friends! Cyber friends! Thank you all for walking beside me in my journey thru life. I am who I am because of you. Now - would you take a look at my third noste attempt .... I think it is pretty darn good!! TAG ME .... you are it!

The HOT weather popped back into my life today. Much to the chagrin of myself and a ton of others who were in a backyard sweltering at an outdoor party. I melted! But - hey - my Weather Pixie still looks cheerful. As far as fibery projects - I am to the 'heel' portion of my plum GCNI sock #1. I hope to complete turning the heel tonight while relaxing either in the backyard or in front of the TV. I also wound a second ball of yarn around a nostepinde. This nostepinde was made from a branch of a red cedar tree - it is so smooth! I dare say - I am getting the hang of this thing as I accept it as a challenge to eventually make a stackable 'ball'. This llama / wool blend yarn was purchased a while ago - but I will add another strand to it to make slippers for The Ships Project. This will be an easy carry around project. What can I say?? - socks for me still require my undivided attention! So - check out my noste and apple-shaped 'ball' ... pretty cool, huh?? What are you working on?? TAG ME ... you are it!

It is Friday!! YiPpEE!! I love Fridays - but - then again - I love all the days of the week. I don't have a favorite as I feel each brings its own 'special - ness to my life'. Monday is made up of beginnings & 3 day weekends! Tuesday it is the day I usually grocery shop & make appointments. Wednesday is middle of the week - day. Thursday is a day off. Friday - well - it is payday. Saturday & Sunday - 'nuff said there! I am also realizing that if I look forward to a certain day or event - it makes the time go by slowly. Which isn't a bag thing - but- when the day / event arrives - it is almost a 'let down' when it is over. I am trying really hard to live in the moment. Each day is a day to be blessed - not a day to be taken for granted. Today - I received 2 new spindles in the mail. One from my friend Stasia - the other a gift from ME to ME. Both from Grafton Fibers!! Stasia gave me a POD swan. I gave me a camphor swan. Both are beautiful. I started with the camphor as I had some alpaca/silk waste rolags handy. It spins like a dream!!!! I also tried to use a 'noste'! This will take practice - as my stackable ball of yarn looks like any other ball of yarn!! AND - I started my plum GCNI socks! See - I am trying to live in the moment and not waste precious minutes!! I am also trying to focus on the activity/event at hand. To many times I do not pay attention as to how I got from point A to point B! Concentration is difficult when there are to many distractions. Now - if I could just figure out a way to spin & type at the same time!! TAG ME ... you are it!

I am fascinated with this Weather Pixie!! I chose this 'weather girl' (# 7 for those who are interested) since I felt she resembled me. The area to which she is forcasting the weather - Block Island!! Call me crazy, but I view this is an affirmation in my progression to actually living there one day. Now - if I need a 'pick me' up - I tab into my BloG - and there I am on Block Island. "Weather Girl' # 7 seems to like being there - doesn't she? I highly recommend these Weather Pixies - they are a great source of giggles! Tonight - I hope to finish my last bobbin of singles of the plum GCNI - and I hope to ply it too. Now- that I have increased my goals to include several items for The Ships Project every moment is more precious than ever. I even brought my spindle to work and got some spinning done at my break time. There is no time like the present to get all those things you want done accomplished ... we really do make a difference each day! Let's give everything we do - our best shot! TAG ME ... you are it!!

Today was kind of a 'catch up' day for me after the long weekend. Laundry, groceries, vaccuming - the mundane things that I sometimes take for granted. I am trying to focus more on each task. On every little thing that comes along - who knows when something might change! I think that is why I joined a new volunteer group today. The Ships Project is a grass roots campaign to ensure that our military has warm woolies to wear! I spin - I knit - I have a husband who doesn't like wool - so why not make sure that those who are far away from home - fighting for our freedoms - stay warm. I am inspired after the volunteer effort that transpired on Spindler's for the homeless vets. So many people need help on a daily basis - it is just a matter of choosing to assist. I don't think to many of us have the power to change the world completely - but, I do believe that small amounts of change help not only those in need - but help us to re-evaluate our own lives. So - in addition to my 4 pair of Christmas socks - I would also like to add 2 pair of slippers, a pair of socks and a scarf for The Ships Project! Yikes - I must start spinning - the cold weather is approaching our service men & women as I type!! (I did set the twist in my plum GCNI skein! YAY!! Hmmm - all those lovely natural colors of wool that I have in rubber maids will be perfect for this effort!! Didn't I say another one of my goals was to decrease my stash by one bin?? Serendipity - got to LOVE it!!) TAG ME ... you are it!!

As this three day weekend is winding down to a close - I am looking forward to the adventures that the Fall season will bring. Fall is my most favorite time of year! I love wearing wool sweaters & socks; scarves & mittens! l love spinning & knitting near the wood stove & on the warmer days using my drop spindle while sitting under the leaf-less cherry tree! Today - while others mourn the final days of summer - I rejoice & welcome the chillier nights & the frosty mornings! Since it rained all day today - I felt very productive!! I completed & posted a KLAUDETTE art piece as well as plying the plum GCNI wool that was on my wheel. Here is a peek at what will be a second pair of Christmas socks!

Although the twist still needs to be set - the particulars of this skein are 2 ply, 16 wpi, 128 yards. This week I hope to complete the second skein of this colorway as well as to begin knitting the socks. Speaking of socks - Saturday I wore socks that were hand knit by my friend Stasia ... my feet were wrapped in rainbows! Thanks Stas!! Yesterday - I wore the socks I hand spun & knit from some green GCNI! See - I am REALLY celebrating the Fall! TAG ME ... you are it!

My commissioned art work project is DONE !! .... YAY!! ... It was mailed this morning - and I am delighted that it is completed! I am very thankful that someone I never met contacted me and asked me to do their art work. But - as I have previously said, the 90+ degree heat did me in and it took a little longer than I had hoped. But - it is DONE! FINISHED! COMPLETED! Now, it is time to move on! A new beginning??? Hmmm .... I spun last night while watching the baseball game. I LOVE my DELUXE ROBIN WHEEL!! I feel a connection to this wheel as it was handmade just for me! Tonight - no spinning as we are off to celebrate the 3 day weekend. In a way - for me is it is blowing a kiss 'good-bye' to summer and greeting the fall with a hearty 'hello!' I hope you enjoy your weekend too!! TAG ME ... you are it!

Yesterday - I had one of those AHA! moments. At least - it was kind of like an AHA moment - but I think it was actually MORE! I was talking to God - wondering if I should follow certain dreams that I hold dear in my heart. Current situations in my life make this dream REALLY hard to imagine ever coming true. So - I asked for help and I asked if I should 'give up' on my dream - I was informed 'NO!' It was quite firm & quite loud! I was suprised that God spoke that loudly to me. HE kind of yelled - but then - I figured HE had been speaking to me all along and HE needed to use this tone so I would LISTEN. Well - yesterday I heard HIM loud & clear. I think maybe we should listen more than we do to everything in our lives. The hectic pace most of us face on a day to day basis makes this difficult. This is one of the reasons I like to spin. My mind can calm down and I can enjoy the tactile experience of feeling the fibers. Last night - I worked on more of the plum colored GCNI wool. RUNNING MOON FARM sells some of the most amazing fibers!! With a kiss of mohair - this is making exceptional sock yarn!! Tonight - I will spin more since the Red Sox are playing - YAY!! NO STRIKE!! And my dream ... this is where I would like to live! TAG ME! .... you are it!!!

I have been doing some soul searching of late: wondering if I am on the 'right' path; wondering if my dreams will come true; wondering if things will be "OK". I have been wondering about a lot of things that I have no control over. I suppose I should be saying 'worrying' as opposed to 'wondering' - but the interesting thing is - I believe that to worry is not to have faith in God. And - I do have faith in Him - it is me that I 'wonder' about. It is a day to day struggle. My head thinks! My heart aches! But - yesterday - things were put into perspective by a 6 year old boy - one that I have never met. His struggle was school - whether or not he wanted to attend. He took a moment to consult his Spirit. Then he found his answer. I commend that 6 year old boy for reminding me of MY spirit. Please visit Linda D's BloG !! Thank you Christopher! AND thank you Linda & Tom for giving him the gift of his OWN spirit!! Fiber?? I finished plying 'David' - the short stapled jacob. I spun it on my big Bossie and that Bossie did fine work of such a short staple. Maybe some more spinning of the GCNI for the Christmas socks - or maybe a quiet night - to celebrate MY spirit!! Hmm... I 'wonder' .... TAG ME ... you are it!!

I was on a roll today! Not only did I set the twist in my 2 ply, 18 wpi, 84 yard, wool & angora combo - I also completed sock #2 in the Hazy Mist GCNI!! ((YAY!! Pair #1 - Christmas socks are done!! YiPpEE! 3 pair left to go!! AND - I hooked Tracey onto GCNI!! Woo-HOO!!)) - I also started to spin some jacob lamb roving from a sheepie named David. The colors in this fiber are wonderful - but the staple is really short. I have been inchworming along which is ever so hard on hands that have already been pushed to the limit this week. I took many breaks while doing all this to stretch my hands & forearms! PLUS - I completed a new KLAUDETTE !! This is my first NEW design a quite sometime and I am rather proud of it. I needed to celebrate the portability of the spindle. I have been doing an endless amount of spindling since I embraced my first spindle over a year ago! Now - there is no turning back! And why would I want too!!?? I would also like you all to know - I actually have MORE than 7 bins of fiber. Well, physically I do have 7 - but I forgot to mention the bags & balls of roving that I have which is unable to fit in a bin! Hmm ... I must spin more!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

SInce I have sock #1 done (YAY!) - I have actually turned the heel on sock #2; spun & plied an angora & wool blend on my Stasia #33 spindle and started to spin a plum colored GCNI for another pair of Christmas socks on my wheel ! I haven't done the wpi of the angora/wool blend - that will be tomorrow as well as setting the twist. As you can see - I have been busy. My art work has been secondary the last few days - I am almost done with my commissioned project and it will be mailed to its owner at the end of the week. I will be glad when it is completed as I know my attention span gives way to new adventures rather easily. It is time for me to move on - and although I am thankful for the project - I wasn't thankful for the horrendously hot days that kept me out of the studio and made this project drag on a lot longer than neccessary. Maybe next year, I will think twice about the AC! ~~ 4 pair of Christmas socks is one of my goals - another is to reduce my stash by one HUGE rubbermaid bin. I am nervous about this goal as I find myself perusing various outlets for fiber, DAILY. OK - I admit - I become extremely attached to any fiber which comes with the animal's name. I am so connected to the fiber/ animal when this small tid bit of information is provided. Therefore, I find myself being protective of the fiber - I don't want it to leave me. But - how much can I really own?? It gets back to the simplicity issue ... how many Rubbermaid bins is 'normal'?? TAG ME ... you are it!!

The last several days have been interesting for me. Since I have been focusing on my goals - I have noticed that I haven't been wasting as much time as usual. If I have 5 mins - a few rows on my sock is perfect. (I will mention here - that I finished one sock for my Christmas gift giving & I started sock # 2!! ... YAY!! ) Tuesday - while waiting for hubby to get off the computer - I started a needle felted mini sculpture for a friend and finished it yesterday. AND - I am trying to de-clutter daily! Both my husband & I seem to hold on to everything - and when the Flylady says 'Boogie' - I do!! It is really amazing that with all the gadgets that we have in our lives - how intrusive those gadgets really are! I am beginning to think that living 'simply' is the way to go. But - with the media the way it is - it is hard not to have the "I want ITs!" I know that every fiber I see - I want it! New spindles?? I want them too!! They say a rich man/woman is not the one that has the most - but the man/woman who needs the least. I guess in retrospect - I am faring pretty well! How about you?? TAG ME ...you are it!

Goals. I have decided I need more goals in my life in order to complete certain items and to achieve success in certain areas. After leaving the 9 to 5 world a while ago - my organization and goal orientations were left behind too. At first this was extremely liberating. It was a freedom that was unknown to the majority ... now I understand that certain freedoms come with certain price tags. My friend Stasia has convinced me to start journaling again. I always used to - and last year - I had the ceremonial burning of my journals from college. (Ok - I admit college WAS a while ago - but I hold to stuff way to long!) My journals now will focus on my creative journey. Projects. Inspirations. Works of art. The journey will be incredible and I hope to capture the essence of this event with the enthusiasm of a rookie journalist. I need to purge the clutter and surround myself with blessings & moonbeams! Here is one of my goals - I have completed spinning & washing the second skein of GCNI/blue. The first skein is almost entirely knit into one sock. I will report on its completion. Remember - I am to complete 4 pair of socks for gifts. Mine are a simple pattern and go pretty quick. (Elaine - your socks are FaB!!) An artist colony on BI?? Hmm ... now there is an interesting occupation!! I AM still working on pictures to make this escapade in cyber-space a tad more interesting!! I hope they will be worth the wait! TAG ME ... you are it!

OK! I know I am supposed to have pictures ... but what is an HTML challenged person to do?? Magically they will appear one day - and I hope my pictures will make you gasp!! (That is a good thing!) The heat is still here - and I have sufficiently melted. Yesterday - I did manage to complete the moorit alpaca!! YAY!! I plied and set the twist too. Again, it was done on my Stacey spindle - to the tune of 18 2ply, wpi and I think 54 yards. Instead of starting the reddish - brown alpaca today - I opted to start a GCNI sock instead. I make the heat at least bearable thinking that Christmas will be here in 4 months! I am a tad KrabBY - being 'melty' and all - but I am constantly thinking of my most favorite place in the world - and trying to devise ways in which to live there permanently. I know I will succeed someday - but the interim is challenging. It is an artist haven and I do believe that my soul belongs there. It is such a comfortable place to be - such an artistic resource!! The 'energy' there is incredible!! Almost to the point of electric!! No one I know totally understands my love/fascination with this place ... all I know is that I was meant to be there! The place: Block Island, RI!! Wish me luck!! TAG ME ... you are it!!

Once again - we were in the 90's! So very hard to believe. Leaves are actually falling from our trees from lack of water. So - while reminiscent of fall - the temperatures tell a completely different tale. I did manage to count my wpi & set the twist in my first skein from Trade Day. This alpaca was a 'apricot' color prior to washing. After washing - it was more 'custard' color. This wonderful little skein is 2 ply, 18 wpi & 64 yards. Spun & plied on my Stacey spindle. As it was drying - I started to spin the moorit alpaca. While the staple length isn't as long as my previous venture - it is still buttery soft and oh - so - delightful! The color looks like a curl of smoke twisting upwards from a small beach fire. It is absolute lovely! And while I was thinking of the color - my mind raced a head to cooler nights - wearing thick wool sweaters & thick wool socks. How I wish those temperatures were here now! I hope to complete spinning this color tomorrow and possibly ply it too. Then - I move on to the magical reddish-brown alpaca ...YummY! Tomorrow evening - it is football!! A perfect backdrop for spinning my GCNI sock wool! TAG ME ... you are it!

The temperatures were more comfortable today than in recent days.... YAY! I think it is quite possible that it was the lack of humidity. I am really glad that is was a great day - one filled with family, smiles and a little alpaca! The wind was blowing with some pretty good gusts! Even 'boat anchors" would have been flying!! I ventured forth on my alpaca though - with my Stacey spindle in hand. The wind, on several ocassions, chopped right thru my delicate alpaca - sending nicely crimped fibers onto my neighbors pear tree. I hope the birds find a good use for such nice fiber in their nests! They don't need it for warmth - but maybe a nice cushion?? This alpaca is truly wonderful! I can't wait until it is completed so I may hear it tell me what it wants to be when it grows up. I must tell you - this fiber is so intricately delicate. It is a wisp of fibers- and - while spinning against a backdrop of clouds - I was wondering what it would be like the spin THEM. I wonder if they are soft & slippery like merino? OR maybe they are more like BFL? Either way - it is a nice notion! My goal for tomorrow is to finish up the cop I am working on - and then to ply it. If I started really early - maybe I can set the twist to it too. All of a sudden - I am feeling ambitious!! TAG ME ... you are it!

It is amazing to me - how one simple action can cause total & complete inspiration! Today - we hit triple digits. That alone is enough to send me into orbit! After my post on disliking the heat and being uncomfortable - I only need to hear the news to find there is NO relief in sight. (Well, I guess maybe next Monday it might be in the mid-80's!) - to start thinking that maybe a move to Antartic would be my only escape. But, isn't that where the ozone hole is?? Hmmm ... if I can't escape, I guess I must deal with it! So - while we were hitting triple digits today - I received a wonderful package in the mail containing alpaca fiber. This fiber was resultant from a "Trade Day" on Spindler's. (see left hand column for link). I started to spin & spin & spin. I almost have my Stacey spindle totally full. YAY!! Maybe inspiration isn't the correct word here - maybe it is motivation. I was up before dawn again working on the 'comission' - and to receive this wonderful box in the mail ...Wowie Zowie! I AM hoping for cooler weather soon - like weather that might spawn a snowflake or two. At least I could wear not only my GCNI socks - but THE most beautiful pair of socks in the world made by Stasia (see left hand column for link)!! (I know that there are some who can create click-able links - to me - HTML stands for "Horrendous Technical Mumbo-jumbo Language!) TAG ME ... you are it!!

I have decided that I am not good in the hot weather. I melt! I thought I was being kind to the environment when I asked my husband not to put the AC units into the windows. I thought that others might need the electricity from the energy grids more than us. Since I have always lived in New England - I thought that this summer would be bearable just like all the previous ones. I thought that the money saved from the higher electric bills could be put to good use ... more fiber, another spindle?? I thought wrong! My comissioned art work is being delayed as my studio is on the upper floor of my house. I can't seem to 'create' when sweat is dripping down my face & mixing in with my paints ... I will mention here that this is not supposed to be water colors! Or when I have a "sweat-stash". Or when I am crabby. Go figure ............ The fibery side of me is dealing with it. I hung a GCNI skein out in the sunshine today after I set the twist. This of course was after I made sure that the smell from the skunk who sprayed my dog last night was not lingering anywhere near my clothesline. Tonight - I hope to complete another bobbin of singles while I watch "Pearl Harbor". I will be sitting in front of the fan while I spin - thinking that realistically it is only 4 months til Christmas! TAG ME .... you are it!!

Weekends - they go by ALL to fast. At least football season is right around the corner! I did get to watch my favorite team this weekend and I spun some new GCNI for some socks. I got one bobbin of singles completed and I hope to finish the other today. Maybe plying too?? That might be a stretch - by hey! weirder things have happened! OHHHH!!! I received a compliment of compliments yesterday ..... a customer of my hand spun yarn sent me pictures of the completed socks she made with it! They came out wonderful!! AND I was so happy that she shared them with me. Don't you love it when things like that happen?? AND - my friend Stasia <> has been trying to help me with my skinny TAG board! She is a goddess that touches many lives on a daily basis ....... Did I mention that my hand spun yarns name was "Angel's Robe" ??? Gotta love the serendipity that LIFE brings to us everyday!! .......... TAG, you are it!!

Knitting, spinning - painting or even cooking for that matter involves time. I have been thinking a lot of time recently. How I use it - and more importantly - how I waste it. Time is really the one thing that we never get back and it is something that most of us take for granted. Drop spindling and sock knitting are great ways to maximize time that otherwise would be lost. My wheel spinning takes place when I listen to the TV at night. Knitting transpires under my cherry tree outside. Painting usually takes place right after sunrise before the world awakens and the smell of sleepy dreams still linger in the morning air. I am at my best in the midst of this earliness. Most of us who spend any amount of time creating never really get monetary reimbursement for our time. I guess for us - it is time well spent as long as we are creating something! I started spinning some more GCNI fiber for socks tonight. Hmm, with winter holidays are fast approaching - I hope I have enough time!....... TAG, you are it!!

There are times when I am overwhelmed with the beauty that is before me on a day to day basis! I try so hard to recreate the passion that I feel - but, alas, sometimes I am left with an ill-attempt at that recreation. Little things both me - and I have a 'thing' for noise! A HUGE disadvantage when you live on an extremely noisy street with a screaming bird! The good news is - I completed my socks today! The bad news is - I am still learning how to be able to show you my world! AH... the details of life. If you click on the Spindlers link on the left colum - that will introduce you into a world where I met my 2 best cyber friends: Stasia (check out her BloG!!) & NancieG! I think I have met both of them somewhere, sometime ago. If you click on 'The Knotty Sheep' - that will introduce you into my 'WHORL of art'!! AND - if the TAG board comes back ... TAG you are IT!

Today - was a beautiful day! Laundry was hung outside in the fresh air & sunshine! Tomatoes & cucumbers were picked fresh from the garden! And a heel was turned on a sock!! All this happenend in my backyard! One of my new loves has been knitting socks. It amazes me that something so 'simple' can bring so much joy. I am hesistant to use the word 'simple' as I found socks to be quite intimidating. But - in the search for a perfect word - 'simple' stands out. Maybe because a sock is small - yet complex. Maybe because it is a nice thing to have, but a debated necessity. Maybe because for the amount of work a sock actually takes - maybe it is easier just to buy one! Hmm.... maybe I am just glad that it brings me so much joy! Did I mention these socks were created from my own handspun?? TAG me! You are IT!

As an artist - I am always tempted to try new ideas & mediums! Sometimes - my muse engages my soul into trying these new tid bits. The results can be invigorating - cultivating an abundance of wonderful creativity. Such is what happened to me when I discovered spinning. After knitting for years - I decided - I needed and wanted to spin my own wool! I learned on a drop spindle and proceeded to get a wheel. It was this love of the fiber arts that encouraged me to express these feelings on canvas. My 'FIBER Optic' (pun intended here) cartoons developed. My collection of fiber critters are now all over the US, in Europe & Canada too!! So - I encourage you to explore your heart with your hands and see what develops!!
My next idea & medium = HTML - so I may begin to show you my world!
Thanks for visiting! TAG! You are it!!

Welcome!!

To my little corner of cyber space!! Here - I will post to family and friends journal of fun & frivolity as I explore this journey we call LIFE! If you happen to stumble across these pages in error - I hope you stay and visit for a while! Pull up your chair & pour a cup of chai (or a glass of red wine!) I will try to make this FUN!

A little bit about me ........ I am an artist who dabbles in both paints and fiber. I am a spinner and knitter who loves to make sweaters and socks! AND I am a human who sometimes feels more like a bean - than a being! So - leave a note if your muse strikes you! Come back and visit if you have a story to tell and even if you don't - I will let you share mine!

Powered by TagBoard Message Board

Name URL or Email Messages(smilies)