Sometimes - It's a Spindle ....

Sometimes - It's a Spindle ....

Sometimes that is *the only thing* your mind & body can think about. Weird, I know.

I haven't been in the knitting frame of mind of late. Again, weird. Over the last several weeks, with Motu being ill, I had taken to bring a spindle with me outside when it was her potty time. It allowed me several very precious moments of creation & sanity.

While Motu was still with us, DH & I had been discussing the importance of 'moments'. Each one is so valuable - but most are dismissed without much thought or consideration. While seemingly important in bunches ... the single moment seems to have no purpose no rationale to our industrious minds. It's life span is brief ... but then again, so are ours.

Appreciating moments is work ... hard work. But, imagine all that we can do in a life time of moments! Imagine all that we can appreciate too.

While I freely admit to being a Wheel Girl - moments sometimes are best served by a spindle! Check out my Grenadilla wood Bossie!

And then again, sometimes our spindle-moments are best served when passed on to those in need .... if you have extra yarns you don't want - maybe you could take a moment and pass them on to Heavenly Angels in Need I did!

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

Yesterday, September 20, 2007 .... My Motu crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

My heart is broken. There is a huge sadness & emptiness that I am sure will diminish in time - but today, I am numb.

We shared our lives with her for over 12 years. To NOT see her this morning, waiting for her breakfast was nothing short of strange.

I miss you, Mo .... I love you too. And thank you for loving me ....

Looky what I did while listening to Gregorian Chants by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos .....They are called Move Heaven & Earth! Inspirations are boundless!

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

I debated on whether I should write about the fact that my Motu's last days of her journey on this planet are coming to an end. It is a sad reality that pet moms & dads face on a daily basis.

My friends have spread so much love around her - that I know her *next* journey will be made easy & comfortable. Thank you, dear friends.

But, nervous energy is abundant! It is actually a good thing to get so much done. Random spindles with fiber softly caressing their shafts - which had been long forgotten - have been resurrected: spun & plied!

Spindle spinning is perfect where mobility is a priority. If you are new to Spindles - or would just like to gain some insight - try NANnette's Spindler's List! It is a chock full, jammed packed list with SO MUCH info - your head will literally SPIN!

One of the little doo-dads I obtained when I first started spindling was a wee niddy-noddy. PERFECT for those full spindles I dare say!

This weekend - I also managed to finish my 'Classic T-Top' Sweater for charity. I want to mail my box to the reservation in a month ... hopefully, I will be able to put one or 2 more things inside!

Time to go hug Motu .... and Diesel & Kiwi. In times like these - hugs are even better than knitting or spinning! Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

Hearts are broken and enlightened everyday. Sometimes people break hearts - sometimes it is disasters. While neither situation is good - it is 'people' who can make things better.

I am blessed by many things. 'People' is one of them. Sometimes disasters occur & our 'people' can't save us from them.

My fiber artist friend, Ann, is incredible. She teaches. She creates. She spins. She weaves. A little known fact about FAF Ann: she rehabilitates squirrels.

Ann has 'people' too. Chris, Mike & Jessica Beatty run the Florida Wild Mammal Association. To rescue & assist animals like squirrels, foxes, raccoons - it all seems quite exotic to me. They, on the other hand, have made it their life work.

Unfortunately, their hearts broke when disaster struck in the form of a Fire. While their 'people' couldn't prevent the fire ... their 'people' are stepping up to the plate to help them.

Maybe 'we' could all become their 'people' too. Having 'people' is good ... having even more 'people' is better. Donation addys are listed on their website. Whether if you have $2 or $20 to send - I am sure that the Beatty's would be most appreciative.

As FAF Ann pointed out when she first broke the news of this disaster (and I for one will use myself as the example here ...) sometimes I mention stashes or projects lying in wait. Sometimes I mention the need to declutter the studio when it is jammed packed to the windows ... and sometimes I just love the fact that I have 20 - 30 fleeces waiting patiently to just become something. How weird to have absolutely nothing but the clothes on your back? That is food for thought ... but they lost that too. And the animal's food as well.

Please consider becoming one of the Beatty's 'people'. New sock yarn is nice ... but when you have nothing, having new socks is better!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

The Motu watch continues. I will admit that her wound is not healing - the location of it could not be worse. I do have hope but I am also realistic. I know she is failing. Last evening, while I had her outside, she noticed that DH was home before I did. She tried SO hard to run to greet him. Of course, since I walk her in a sling under her hind legs - she couldn't run, but - oh - how she wanted to.

I appreciate her zest and her non-complaining. When she tries to lie down, I assist so she will lay on the side that is best for her wound. I don't know what to expect when I take her to the vet this week .... good thoughts & energies appreciated.

Of course ... watching Motu means more knitting time. I finished one half of the Classic T-Top Sweater. The other half has already been started .... woo-whoo! I love the fact that someone in need will wear it this coming winter. Three cheers for wool!

Lucky for me today is gray & misty. A perfect day to snuggle with dogs & knit!
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For those of you on the "Motu" watch ... she is doing as well as can be expected. (For those of you new to "Motu" - she is my elder dog - the Grand Dame of the canine world in which I live.)

Her leg sore is still ever present. Part of that is due to it's location (she always lies on it & uses that particular portion of her leg to move, get up and /or walk. ) Her age is also making the healing process take that much longer. Suffice to say ... I have probably used at least 5 miles of tape & gauze.... it is a good thing those First Aid classes have paid off.

My Motu now wears a shoe on her paw constantly. While offering protection from the constant friction of walking & moving - it also provides a safe haven for her bandage. My Grand Dame likes to rip off her tape & gauze. This is no easy feat - although she does make quick work of it. Since the sore does need to breathe on occasion ... I have taken to putting a food container on her leg as a wee bit of protection.

It has helped a bit ... but just like a child, supervision is the key! So ... while I sit & knit on my latest charity endeavor ... The Classic T-Top Sweater - I will be knitting with one eye on my Motu.

(To prove she is a Grand Dame - don't think she will put on a 'lamp shade' without a fight! She is still feisty and - if it isn't a crown - she isn't wearing it!!)

Off I go! I must make sure her bandage is still in one piece. Send healing thoughts her way - or maybe just some bandages!
Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

Labor Day in the US has come & gone. To me, the unofficial start of Fall has begun. Soon, sweater weather will be beating upon my door and I, for one, will celebrate its arrival. Cooler temperatures mean more knitting, spinning, dyEing & carding!!

Three day weekends mean there is more time to be spent with folks you love. It also means that there are a few extra moments to reflect & take stock of current events, both in *the* world & in *your* world. I did both.

The internet has made me some wonderful, cherished friends. Friends so treasured, I would be lost without them. You all know who you are ... thanks for being there and picking up my head when I feel defeated & my heart when it has been shattered.
I also thank you for the kick in the knickers when my journey leads me astray. You guys are the BESTEST!

Three day weekends are also for creating ... I finished the Cashmere Baby Red Sox!
Cute, or what?

AND .... here is some REALLY great news!! .... I also opened up another Knotty Sheep! Of course ... it will be stocked with all sorts of fun stuff! What do you think of an Apricot Mango Margarita?? to kick off the Grand Opening??? WhEEEEEE .... Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

As an artist - it is hard to 'make a living' just doing what you love. I envy those who can sustain themselves with their art - no additional job necessary.
I admire the fact that their competitive edge has kept them one step ahead of their competition and their spunk has kept them in constant contact with their fans. I strive to be that type of artist.

What I don't admire or envy is someone that totally steals an idea. That individual is not an artist .... it is just someone who lacks imagination to create on their own. For that, I feel sorry for them.

In the scheme of things, maybe someone like that will be able to support themselves on stolen ideas. But, how does one sleep with a clear mind ........

I am proud to say, I am making an honest living with my art! It may be a tiny living - but it is all mine. Yes, my 'real job' starts up again next week ... heck, an honest paycheck is always a *good* thing! AND ... as of today, The Knotty Sheep has collected over $150 (taken from MY sales) to be donated to GREYhound Friends! For that I thank you - my customers - very, very much!

I thank you also for supporting my work ... and I hope you continue to do so! I truly love what I do. If you love my batts, fibers & yarns ... please pass the word to fellow fiber addicts! I would rather dye & card wool than cook dinner .... DH will totally understand! :)

On that note - I leave you with a photo of my Hanging Garden Shawl! I love it.

Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

It looks like the Hanging Garden Shawl just might be completed this weekend. I am so excited. After being on Ravelry for just a few short weeks - there are tons and tons of things I wish to create .... Much to the chagrin of my spinning wheels.

While conversing with Talullah Chris - I finally realized I hadn't spun anything in about a month. That is a long time for me. So, I found a few lonely
Kitchen Sinks in the studio & I took them for spin. There weren't that many ... but, I did have enough to produce some modest singles. Both bobbins are resting now - they will be plied very soon.

Creating is about balance. I have heard some people allow themselves 'knitting days' & 'spinning days' - but, I am not one to slot myself into a time schedule of sorts. I create on a whim ... and sometimes I have 15 minutes to complete a couple of rows of my project d'jour. Sometimes, it makes more sense to sit and enjoy the rhythm of the wheel. Yep - balance.

Suffice to say - take a peek at a bobbin of singles from 'Eunice', a finn x sheepie!
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Over the course of the next day or two - if you could toss some good vibes into The Big UNI for my Motu - I (we) would be most grateful!

Faithful readers know that Motu is in her Golden Years. She has a few age related bugga-boos that she takes on like the true Champion that she is. Now - a sore has developed on her leg that just won't heal. Scrappings were done today ... and we are all keeping our collective paws & toes crossed.

Well - since bad news dwindles in it's intensity when there is something 'fun to do' ... suffice to say .... "Methinks I am Going Batty!"" Join me??

I love to dye & card wool. I will admit that I usually don't participate in these endeavors as much in the summer as I do when the temperatures fall. There is just something about standing over a hot stove "cooking" wool soup that is unappealing.

Carding can be just as unsavory. I mean, standing and twirling wool around a drum carder is just 'eeewww' when it is hot.

Well, I have been fortunate these last 2 weeks - the temps have been hovering in the 80's. It makes life around wool a wee bit more bearable!

My wool soup:

Turned into:Sawyer

I am *really* looking forward to FALL!
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This is COOL! .... So very, very cool!

Melanie of Pink Lemon Twist fame has bestowed the title of Rockin' Girl Blogger upon my big, fat head. Wanna see my award?

WOW - I am speechless! (Which, to tell you the truth, doesn't happen all *that* often!)

Anywhoo .... part of the award is to pass it on those who inspire .... to those who ROCK! I therefore pass it on to my friend STASIA. While she currently is in a parallel orbit to what is called 'cyberspace' (think new farm, lots of animals and NO high speed internet .... )- she is a true champ & inspiration to me on a daily basis!

My other awardee: KRISTIN! She is such a Kreative!! She is a typical Muse who surrounds herself with color, family and animals! Did I mention color???? Love it!!

All of these women (Melanie, Stas & Kristin) share their talents & knowledge with the world. Thank you .... YOU ROCK!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

A few things of note today!

The first is Ravelry! Holey Moley!! I don't remember when I actually 'signed up' for this ... but - Gee, I am REALLY glad that I did!!

Next is I have found the best dog cookies EVER!! Motu & Diesel have given these babies "2 PAWS UP!" Natural ingredients, ( I mean 1 whole POUND of free range turkey!!) - and they are baked on request. Can we say " super, super, fresh?"

Stop by Rusted Designs and let Jennifer know Motu & Diesel sent you!! Buy & extra bag for your local shelter .... it is a win/win/win. (Your pups get wonderful cookies /shelter pups get wonderful cookies and you are helping to support a fellow artisan!!)

Must go work on the "Hanging Garden" ... fall is coming & projects need to be completed! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

I treated myself yesterday.

Yep - I really, *really* did. Now, it is "Game ON"! The "Hanging Garden Shawl" will be knit upon all day ... and all night. I managed to do about 20 rows after my 'treat', just in order to prepare for its arrival.

Did I *need* it? Nope. Did I *want* it? Obviously. Last week, Talullah Chris & I were discussing how we used to always wear black. All day - everyday. It was "in". Now, I am all about 'color' and I am trying to get different shades into my wardrobe.

Check out my 'treat" and yes - I purchased the color shown ...
Monet Lavender. Lucky, lucky me purchased the last lot too.

I can't wait until it arrives. Won't the "Garden Cardigan" be perfect for those chilly Autumn Evenings? .....Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Faithful readers and friends know how much I love dogs. Not only my dogs ... but all dogs. Not only do I love them - I respect them. They are unabashed personalities who flaunt their individuality on a daily basis. Kind of like a huge parade float making its way down a 'Main St.' which is a little narrow. I think that is neat.

Today - there are a few 'dog' things I would like to mention. First is this great T shirt from the Humane Society. Football season is almost here .... nothing like sitting on the side lines cheering for your team wearing this Retro Football Shirt! LOVE it!!

Second is
"Merle's Door" - a wonderful book / a really great read from author Ted Kerasote. All I can say is "WOW!"

Last but not least .... Ringo Needs a HOME! My Motu & Diesel just sponsored Ringo on PitBull Central. Please pass the word .... the internet makes this part EZ!!

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Yes - I have been knitting on "The Hanging Garden Shawl" ... no new pix. It is still in that 'wrinkled new baby' phase. I still have a wee bit over 4 pattern sections to complete - although I am now thinking I might add a fifth. Fickle, fickle me!

I did manage to play with the carder! Want to peek at "I Roasted His Chestnuts?" While the temps have been HOT & HUMID - I felt I needed to be creative with the title - I am TOTALLY thinking Winter! ;)

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YAY ... another charity vest has been completed!

This one was difficult to embellish. My intent: I wanted to create something 'boyish'. My mind was blank. I tried cars, trains, even an astronaut. Unfortunately, I couldn't get anything to work.

Flowers are EZ ... girl stuff is EZ .... boy stuff is a challenge. Call me a wimp - but a nice little pocket seemed to add a wee bit of flair!

Here is an interesting Tshirt design I found and I thought I would pass on as NFL Training Camps begin this week ... if you love both dogs & football .... you need one of these!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Hey America! ...... Small Farmers need YOU!

And they need you RIGHT NOW!!

"Last Wednesday the House Agriculture Committee voted to increase subsidies that mega-farms use to drive family farms off the land and out of business. Not only does this action further subsidize the demise of family farms, it diverts scarce dollars from vital programs that could benefit all of America. This Thursday, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin will bring an amendment to the House floor during debate on the Farm Bill that will reverse this move.

The House Agriculture Committee's 2007 Farm Bill proposal is NOT reform. Representative Ryan's amendment is true reform. It would close the loopholes in farm programs that allow a few extremely wealthy individuals to receive multi-million dollar subsidy checks. Rep. Ryan's amendment would restore integrity to farm programs."

The VOTE is tomorrow - 7/26/07. Please sign this petition to help preserve America's Small Farm! SIGN HERE! and pass the link on. 10,000 signatures are needed - BloGdom is huge - and so are the hearts of knitters, spinners & artists! Sign! Sign! Sign!! Thank you!

Kind of plain:

Kind of pretty:

Kind of detailed:

I made this child's vest to give away. It is knit & embroidered with Peace Fleece!

The free hand embroidery satisfied my Creative Muse! Now .... I need to make another vest more suitable for a wee boy! Isn't it amazing how a little detail & color brighten the day?
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Today is a hallmark day for me!

Today, I get to introduce my "Painted Ladies Lace Yarn"!

Lace is hot, sexy & totally IN!! I love knitting lace and many others do as well!

Nothing is better than creating a unique piece for yourself or as a
gift. But, as you know - I like to take that one step further - to
create something that no one else in the world will ever have!

That is why I paint yarn! I like to proclaim my individuality. Who wants to look like the masses when you can stand out above them??

Well .... here is Dragon Ladies & Dragon Knights! Approx 1600 yards of total "one of a kindness"!

I hope you like it!
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As an artist - there are times when I am at a loss.

I don't know what to create: Do I paint? Do I spin? Do I knit? Or do I cook a masterpiece in the kitchen?

I don't know if it is a matter of being lost or unsettled. Unfocused or unwilling. Life still goes on while people come & go. They enter & exit thru our revolving doors. They are passers-by on the streets of our lives.

Next time - when I struggle for focus - instead of listening to the inner critics of an artist's demise - I will reaffirm that talents were given so as they could be shared. If you feel blocked or are struggling - this artist will capture your attention. I hope
Kaziah Hancock rocks your world as much as she did mine!
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I can't believe that it has taken me ALL week to UPdate.

Vacations can be like that. While Mojitos and sunshine, family & friends mix well in the summer - it is the ALL the stuff that lies in waiting for your return.
Laundry, cleaning, mowing, gardening. I hear a Mojito calling my name in the distance......

This week, my computer access was spotty at best. And while I wish I could say that I did a tremendous amount of knitting/creating to offset the stress of 'the lack of internet' - it was just to dang hot.

The "Hanging Garden Shawl" still sits as I started a charity vest out of Peace Fleece. I seem to feel better when I knit for others. A small child's vest isn't so hot & heavy to hold on one's lap when the temps hover over the 90 degreee mark.

No crying in chilly libations for me! When the going gets tough - the tough find new loves! The first is Nickelback.
I really find their ballads totally unique as they are sung by a gravely throated rocker. Some of their other songs are well .... harsh. But, I doubt if I fit into their demographic. Seriously .... I am not a 16 year old who gets giggly at choice words and phrases. So ... it is all good. Although, if I HAD known that they were going to be in concert down the road from me tonight - I would have gone ... I can still rock with the best of them. Do you think I could have brought some knitting into the venue? ;)

The second is Raggedy Pageant. Robin's dolls are wonderful ... truly art pieces!! Here are mine ... are they NOT the cutest things EVER????

While DH & I have been married for a bit ... I just thought they would look lovely sitting on a basket of antique linens.

Well - I hope to get tons of stuff done now that all is well is ComputerLAND and the temps have stabled a bit.
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Well, it is official ... Mystery Stole #3 has begun!

I do have a tip for all you lacey shawl knitters! It is something that I started to do whilst working on the "Hanging Garden". I have taken to keeping the completed part of the shawl in an old pillow case. This way - I don't have to worry about snags of the delicate lace or dirt as it's length grows. EZ PZ!

Just thought I would share as MS #3 takes over the WORLD! WhEEEEE!
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The last few days have been HOT HOT HOT! I try my best to keep the dogs as comfortable as possible. My Motu *so* dislikes the heat ... she always has. Give her minus 15 degrees F and a blizzard and that is where she finds her bliss. (Well, in her younger days anyway!)


One image has invaded my thoughts over the course of our mini scorcher: Dogs who are chained. Dogs Deserve Better! don't you think??

But, there is someone in my household who LOVES LOVES LOVES the heat. My parrot Kiwi. In my normal day - I carry a basket around the house. It contains my cordless phone and cell phone. I have found this easier than always racing around trying to locate them when they ring, buzz, vibrate or shout. When I am at the computer in the studio - Kiwi has decided that he finds the wee basket placed on my desk is quite functional. (For obvious reasons, said phones have been removed from the basket.)

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

WOW - I can't believe that the summer is ZOOMing by so quickly. Pretty soon, we will be talking about the 4th of July in the past tense. Scary, scary stuff!

I am still plugging along on the "Hanging Garden Shawl". I really thought I would have this baby done in time for Mystery Stole #3 No such luck .... AND - I will admit to craving some nice thick worsted for a nice thick sweater. If you want to jump aboard the MS3 bandwagon like me (even though mine will be done after everyone else's) - do so soon as it closes sometime in July.

For the day ... I am a ROCK STAR ... thank you Talullah Chris for making my head swell to the size of a Guinness Book, record breaking, pumpkin! Holey Moley!!
But as reality sets in as I type ... I must go water the garden. There are no pumpkins - just tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers & eggplants at present. It is supposed to be well over 90 today - from rock star to farm girl .... all in a day's work!

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

Things were nutty this weekend.

An elderly dog - who isn't feeling quite up to snuff will do that to you. My Motu is in her twilight years. She is a gem that evolved from a beast. Got to love a girl with Spunk! So, the "Hanging Garden Shawl" was left in the knitting basket while Motu was given all my attention. I am delighted to report that she is doing much better! As I said, the girl has Spunk!

One thing I *did* do this weekend is read about
Mary Jane's Farm. I LOVE this book ... I love Mary Jane & the lifestyle she has created for herself & her family. I am totally in love with the fact that she is sharing her wisdom with the world.

If you didn't know ... I am a 'Wanna-Be-Farm Girl'!! Thanks to my friend,Stasia - who just settled on her farm, the TuppinZ - I can live vicariously thru her and now, Mary Jane. After all - Stas is the one who pointed me in MJ's direction!

While I am not *that* far into the book ... I mean, that baby is over 400 pages ... I have already learned that 'simpler is better' and 'Farm Girls don't whine - they "do"' and we should all take care of "Each Other". Love it! Gets back to the fact that Christmas is going totally 'homemade' this year - either by ME or another artist! WhEEE!
Off to reduce some clutter ... FreeCycle here I come! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Ok - I am really, really trying to get the "Hanging Garden" Shawl completed. I finished another pattern 'block' - only 7 more to go! MoMMa Mia. It never ends.

Lace can be frustrating for me. I think my mind wanders - and it really can't when *I* am knitting lace. Concentrating on the pattern, on the slippery needles and the cob web yarn requires the will of an Olympian. Lord knows, if there is one mistake - it can be devastating!

Thankfully, spinning calms the savage Lace Beast. I have been working in natural sheepie colors of late. Love the look! Love the feel!

I just completed a Bunch of Buck Naked skeins.

Aren't they pretty, au Naturale?

And - just so you know that I will be keeping sane while I finish the "HGS" ... look at "Nantahala" .... a beautifully, stunning tan Navajo Churro! She has the tiniest glint of red ... I am swooning!

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I am still plugging away on the "Hanging Garden Shawl". 30% is finis! Truth be told ... it will be a marathon to complete it.

Miss Melanie of Pink Lemon Twist fame has announced a "Mystery Stole #3. There is NO WAY I may have 2 lacey things on the needles. I can't! I won't! I will not even think about it .... well, maybe I will think about it a *wee* bit.

So here she is - in all her 30% Glory!

I was hoping to get her completed by July 4th ... wish me luck! As I said, it will be a marathon. Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Much to the chagrin of my friend Denise - I must announce today that there are "200 Days 'Til Christmas!"

I know what you are thinking - I am totally nuts!

In some respects - you are correct in your assumption. But, I digress ... Since my sabbatical began two weeks ago - moments have become memorable. As silly as it sounds - when you are stressed - it is hard to remember what you had for dinner the previous night. I can tell you what I have eaten all week! Today, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Yesterday - I took a few snaps of my peonies ... their fragrance is intoxicating!

The blueberries will be ready to pick in a few weeks ... in my haste of life, I had forgotten these babies in the freezer! Thankfully, they made 2 loaves of delicious breakfast bread!

With 200 Days left - I am determined to make most of my gifts this year - and if I am unable, I will purchase from artists & crafters. There are to many inferior goods out there and WAY to many unappreciated persons who create masterpieces on a daily basis.

This weekend - I hope to create a masterpiece or 2 and savor all the moments. I hope you do too!
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Today was a 2-pot O'Coffee Day! It was the kind of day where the snooze alarm gets hit 6 times before waking. It was the kind of day where you had to wear Wellingtons to get the mail. It was the kind of day that at High Noon - it was so dark, you thought it was 8 pm. All in all - it was awesome day.

I feel since you can't change the weather - you might as well enjoy it. I seriously think we collected about 2" of rainfall. Now - a heavy mist blankets us. I find that comforting. And the rain was truly needed.

This weekend, I made my first sketch in my new Moleskin. It was something that I just *had* to do. The fear was incredibly intense. Clean, crisp pages.... Actually, clean, crisp, BLANK pages can scare the most talented into bubbling mess.

Thanks to my artist friend HaLLa - we decided to motivate each other. Here is my the dabble of a very colorful couch. Suffice to say ... I even did a little spindle spinning! Heck, might as well go with the creative flow ..... The spindle was loving created by Miss HaLLa! Isn't it cool? Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

I have been working on the "Hanging Garden Shawl" by Sivia Harding.

The "Sunrise on the Bay" colorway is striking - and the photo doesn't do the subtle shading justice. I am both pleased and nervous. Love the pattern but - "what if I don't have enough yarn?"

I almost always feel this way when working on a project. Can I be the only knitter who feels anxious as soon as they start a pattern about yardage? In the photo, I have completed one pattern 'block' ... I have 11 more to go. In looking a the ball of yarn I am using - I must get 5 more pattern 'blocks' completed as the other skein will be for the remaining 6. Hmmmmm .... a hard call to make at this time.

Lucky for me that the lace work is very open & forgiving - this will be one fantastic piece to wear in the cool summer evenings. I mean, the colorway alone says 'summer'!

WhEEEE .... Can you tell I have vibrant-summer-colors on my mind? I will be *really* busy making batts next week!

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

Yesterday - I managed to do a couple of things .... planted my vegetable garden, made Spanokopita (Greek Spinach pie) for the first time, blocked the "Lotus Blossom" shawl and bent my new blocking wires.

All in a day's a work I say.

It is hard for me to believe that I bent the darn things. I don't remember wrestling with the shawl or even having any difficulty in the blocking process. They are just minimally bent, and will not pose a problem in future use. Suffice to say - one knitted shawl seems to have more strength than metal wires. Who would have thought?

Here is the finished "Lotus Blossom" along with the "Hanging Garden Stole" prior to commencement. Since I am on sabbatical - I feel the need to accomplish much! As of this post - I am 30 rows into the "HGS"! WhEEEE!

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This weekend marks the official start of summer. I am overly excited about this as yesterday was my last day of work for a while (please read - school ended - YAY!)

A summer sabbatical means more spinning, knitting, carding & creating time. I hope to really get down to basics with my art work - something that I have truly been neglecting. I also want to read, read, read and learn, learn, learn. The past few weeks have shown me that life is truly short and yet abundant if we only appreciate the small things daily.

Take for instance the comments by NANnette & Chris! Personally, I never thought about edible flowers decorating the container by the side door. Nifty idea - MERCI! ... I will plant some in the garden instead. (Truth be told - DH appreciates a big, honkin' cuke on his plate a wee bit more than pansies & nasturtiums. Sigh ... I will try to work on that this summer!)

The "Lotus Blossom" shawl should be finished either today or tomorrow. YiPpEE! The next project??? Sivia Harding's Hanging Garden Stole! I purchased it from the Earth Faire and I will be using Liisu Yarn in laceweight alpaca. Want to say "YUM" with me? The 'Sunrise on the Bay' colorway is lovely ... this is going to be fun!

Hope you have a safe & WONDERfull weekend. And bless those who have left us - may we never forget their love and light!

I always fancied myself to be a Creative. I remember always doing 'something' ... drawing, knitting, embroidery, writing and even gardening! Yep - as a kid - I loved to garden. I was my mother's helper. Needs weeds pulled? - "no problem"! Compost pile turned? ... "I'm your girl"! Recon of those nasty cut worms? ... "They don't call me Big Foot for nothing"!

With food costing tons ... and gas being nothing short of a college education - I am pulling out the stops this year with creative gardening. Case in point ... dearly departed Christmas Tree:

This little guy has sat next to our side door for over 2 years. For some reason - the little lad lost it's will to live this year. I waited a few weeks in the hopes a miracle (AKA a resurrection) would happen. It just wasn't meant to be. Today, this little dead tree became compost. :(

The question became what to do with the pot. The easy fix would be flowers. I do love flowers - the bright colors, the fragrance ... even the buzz of the bumble! Yet - something said I needed to be different.

Viola ... You may not be able to tell, but I planted cucumbers! Yes - I will still plant some in the vegetable garden - but I think it just might be fun to have some growing right next to the door that we use so very much.

Well - if for some reason this wonderful idea doesn't work - there is always flowers!

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Finally - a photo of the finished scarf! YiPpEE!

Dimensions are approximately 9" x 52". I thought about making it longer as I had plenty of yarn, but this type of scarf needs to drape effortlessly - in a breezy sort of way. Is this going to look great with jeans or what????
Thanks again for the wonderful pattern, Chris!

Did you know that today is Livestrong Day? Cancer touches each of us on a daily basis. Family members, co workers, neighbors ... today is a great day to stand up and WEAR YELLOW and fight back!

Each voice, each dollar does make a difference!
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Long time no post!

Life certainly has become both busy & challenging of late. No need to go into the details but suffice to say I am glad that I knit!

What an amazing stress reducer! Maybe it is because we focus on the project at hand. OR maybe it is because there is a rhythm all it's own that allows our minds to relax in an hypnotic daydream. Either way - I will take it.

The "Gift of Friendship" scarf is finis and blocking. What a fantastic design! Thanks again Chris! Of course - I had to find something ASAP, to keep my hands busy and my mind free from wandering!

Last night, I started the Fiddlesticks Lotus Blossom Shawl. I truly appreciate the way Ms. Dorothy writes/charts her designs. They are clear & concise. Her designs are intricately eye appealing but oh-so understandable! I love that!

Anywhoo ... will keep you up to date on it's progress .... I am working in a Fleece Artist "Country Silk" colorway .... Isn't it pretty?
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My "Knit Picks"
blocking wires arrived today. If you ask me, they arrived just in time!

I have been working on Tallulah Chris' Gift of Friendship Scarf. I love the pattern ... it is so simple - but yet so elegant. I am using my hand dyed lace weight in Sweet Sea Clouds. Both the design & colorway are perfect for blue jeans! YiPpEE!

If you are looking for a wonderful lace scarf pattern .... I highly recommend Chris' design! Thanks for sharing Chris!
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Can I tell you a secret? I am not into "American Idol".

I have put it on maybe 5 times since it first appeared on the tube. I know that I am in the minority and I am 'ok' with that. But, last night - I watched.

It started out innocently - the remote could find nothing that held my interest. When I happened upon "American Idol" - I noticed that they were doing something unique - something different - something worthwhile for all humanity.

I was hooked. "Idol Gives Back" was one of those shows that made me shed a tear and sob a bit. It made me stop and think how very, very lucky I am.

DH & I don't have kids. We have our dogs and the parrot that rules the roost but we try to always do the right thing. In my mind, if I ever get interviewed and someone asks what my 'one wish' is ... I would say "I wish we would learn to share."

We teach children to do it all the time, expect it even ... but, as we grow into adult hood we forget. Sure, we all throw a buck here & there to various interests ... but do we really share, from our hearts? Even before last night ... I had been thinking of this for a while.

Today, I want to share something with you. One of the charities who will benefit from the $30 million + raised last night is Save the Children. Their website goes into detail about sponsorships, donations, programs, where they work, etc. They do wonderful work! So, what is it that I want to share with you? "Shaina"! She is my sponsored 'child' & has been for a while.

We send letters and/or emails! I smile when I think of her AND I glow inside knowing that for a few skeins of yarn or a few bottles of wine a month - I am helping her, her family, her community & basically the whole planet.

Sharing - it is a good thing! Here is my beautiful "Shaina"!

I admire those fellow fiber artists who can create the most intricate of designs in seemingly effortless fashion. These are the people who can take a complex Nordic sweater or a lacey shawl and have it completed within a week.

Yes - I do admire them ... but I am also jealous.

I know my time management skills are a little, shall we say, nonexistent - but I tend to work around this fact by knitting my little heart out when need be.

Take make socks for instance: I had them completed in 10 days.

The Roses on My Pillow colorway is just perfect and the k3 x p1 rib showcases the yarn nicely.

Suffice to say ... I have already started a scarf. After that is done, I am thinking shawl or sweater. I have yet to try a Nordic Olympic design .... but I don't know if summer is a great time to start. (To uncomfortable to knit in the heat?) I must think on that.

Of course, I don't mind spinning in the warm weather. My 'Fraid Knot skeins are back. This is #4 in an on going series. I LOVE to Navajo pLy! Can you tell?

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

This post lies in between. :)

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

Camilla is quite captivating, yes?

And What A Pumpkin Head! just screams fun!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And yes - just because these collars last forever - what is so bad about changing them with the seasons? ggg
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