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

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

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

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!