Grow Your Blog Party 2015 and Energy Giveaway Now

Vicki, at 2 Bags Full, is hosting her third Grow Your Blog Party. Sign up is here and sign up deadline is Jan 17...hurry! It's a great way to be introduced to new to you bloggers and your participation can be as full or limited as you want/need. It's also a great way to introduce bloggers to your blog...hurry!

Okay, I've officially become my parents. What's the weather like where you're located? Here, it's enough to make grown men cry and women stay inside. Except there aren't any men, grown or otherwise, around here so I'm the one crying...while outside doing chores. Last night temps were well below zero with wind chills 15 to 20 below zero. When it's that cold there's no keeping the house anything other than warm with a few chilly spots.  Fortunately, oil was delivered last night so I cranked the thermostats up to 64 F. Most of the time, they're kept at 60 or 62 which is very comfortable. I also don't believe in keeping a hot house because, when I work outside, it's best to be better acclimated to the cold so there's no hot/cold, cold/hot from inside outside or reverse. It also keeps me healthier or has over the past 20 years.

Although, I'm beginning to consider wearing Depends, when doing chores, because...in this cold frigid weather, there's NO way I'm shucking my pants to take a quick wet when caught at the barn. (Is that TMI?) Besides, experience has taught me I'm too old to shuck quickly and my knees feel like shattered glass so there's not much quick getting to my feet again. I'm just telling you this as a public service announcement...if you're blessed, you'll get old some day. Seriously, I'm only being helpful here.

Prepping for winter is a huge job because it includes prepping the house, farm, outbuildings, barns, studio, sheds, water trough and all vehicles. When the job is done correctly, it takes weeks. This past autumn, I finished pointing the foundation...mortaring, meaning patching, the places where ever mortar has fallen out over the past one hundred plus years. It's not a hard job and, truth be told, I enjoyed it. Someone asked me (in a tone of voice that was, to my ear, more than a bit snippy and superior, "Well, did you use historically correct mortar?" I looked at this Simple Susan woman and replied, "You live in an apartment, don't you?" Immediately, she became indigent but it's the truth, isn't it? She doesn't have to worry about pipes freezing or mortaring the foundation or even replacing light bulbs in the hallway. All she has to do is call and complain which, I must say, isn't the least bit impressive. Not to me anyway. What is impressive (to me), is I taught myself how to mix mortar, apply it, how to take care of my vehicles...checking and topping off fluids...wrapping pipes and a myriad of other skills that make me proud of me and thankful to God.  Yes, I sometimes ask for help or for someone to teach me how to do something but my attitude is, I can at least try. If I foul up, I can always call in a professional.

One quick, easy, inexpensive energy fix is to use Duck Socket Sealer behind light outlets, switch plates and decorative plates. You would be *amazed* at the cold air that comes in around those switches and these little babies Stop. The. Cold. Wouldn't you know it...I only needed one or two and have most of the box left. If you'd like a chance to, randomly, win, leave a comment telling me how cold it is where you're living. And, if it's Florida (Rainey -  :)...), Hawaii or someplace else warm...don't tell me. I'd hate for something like that to come between our friendship.

KnowwhatImean?

  lol

So...let's see...we'll run this until Monday...'cause it's going to keep getting cold and if you need this enough to enter...YOU NEED THIS NOW! Monday, January 12 at 5 p.m. and, weather permitting, it'll be mailed Tuesday. So, you'll need to respond, quickly, to my request for your snail mail address. Now quick...comment!

Blessings ~ a fire in the wood stove, making the house warm as warm can be ~ easy, inexpensive fixes for energy savings ~ Duck Socket Sealers ~ skills ~ Vicki, 2 Bags Full ~ Grow Your Blog Party 2015 ~

Grow Your Blog

Welcome to Vicki's (2 Bags Full) Grow Your Blog Party; I'm so glad you're here! It's all pleasure to help Vicki with her party; she's a fantastic woman and has blessed my life greatly. On an update, Vicki said there are 596 bloggers participating, possibly more by now, so it's going to be a grand party...again, welcome to Grow Your Blog Party and Thistle Cove Farm.

~ some of my little flock ~

I'm Sandra and live at Thistle Cove Farm in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. Dave, my husband, and I renovated this old farm house and farm, bred and raised rare breed American Curly horses, rare breed Shetland sheep along with Merino and Romney sheep and now have alpacas. Dave passed away in November 2011 and the resulting time has been spent getting my bearings, learning about finances and remembering to breath. It's been an incredible learning experience, the curve has been enormously difficult but I think, perhaps, I'm doing better. Thank God. 

For a short period of time I stepped away but am now back to writing a book, click here to see the beginnings, explaining to others how best to prepare for their own, or a loved one's, demise. There's so much one can do now to lessen the burden on whomever is left behind. It's a book everyone can use - marrieds or singles, those with children, those without, because someone is going to have to deal with aftermath. Do you really want a government employee deciding where your toddler or child is going to live or, even worse in my opinion, having to go into foster care? Have you thought about where your pets will live? God forbid they be dumped at an "animal shelter"! There are many ways to decrease the financial impact at a time when money is, possibly, scarce because of huge burial bills. Yes, it's a subject perhaps most would rather deny, but taking care of business now ensures your loved ones will have fewer burdens later. 

~ my paca nation ~

With God's help, I've kept the farm going...horses, sheep, alpacas, dogs, cats, guinea's, dogs, cats and me. The work is hard but, every summer, neighbor "Daddy John" puts up my hay and I'm able to hire Andy in the summer to help with the stuff that needs a man's strength and more farmer's knowledge. The farm is going on the market late February and I'm hopeful God will bring a buyer who will love this place as much as Dave and I have loved it. 

~ American Curly horses ~

I enjoy knitting, spinning, quilting, baking, cooking and reading. Each day is begun with Bible devotions because it takes a lot of work for me to get nice grin. Dave and I loved to travel, and either with him or solo, I've either taught agri-tourism or visited as a tourist most of eastern Europe, Russia, a lot of the Caribbean, 3/5 of the United Kingdom and all of North America. 

Thistle Cove Farm is on the cover of the movie, Lassie Come Home and was filmed in this valley in 1994. Above, the farm can be seen between Lassie and the yellow sub-title.

I have two gifts to give away, one international and the other domestic, please leave a comment and a way for me to contact you should you win. The first domestic gift (photo later) is a Bagallini Bag which is great for travel. It can be used as a purse or as a carry-all and unfolds from a smaller bag into a larger. The color is brown, trimmed with red, and is unobtrusive...a decided plus while traveling, I think.

The second international gift is a Thomas Joseph coaster, purchased in Dublin, The Republic of Ireland. It's delightful (click on coaster) and shows a sheep, driving a cart pushed by a donkey in harness, with the caption, “Form-ewe-la One”..., it's a pun on car racing in the USA. I adore puns, don't you?

Winners will be announced 15 February at noon; please visit then to see the names of the two people who'll receive the gifts.

If you'd like to follow me, the button is at the bottom of this page and thank you for your kindness. Should you wish to send a note, my e-mail address is on the left sidebar, about four down.

Thanks to Vicki and her long, arduous hours of work to organize the 2014 GYBP and you, for visiting. You're welcome here any time so come back soon, ya hear?

Blessings ~ Vicki and her Grow Your Blog party ~ my animals ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ visitors...YOU! ~ 

Grow Your Blog Party!

Remember Vicki at 2 Bags Full? Earlier this year she had a Grow Your Blog Party and invited everyone! It was a ton of fun, especially at a time of year, January, that was fairly dismal, weather wise, for a lot of us. More than 400 international bloggers participated and yes, you do have to have a blog...it's called a Grow Your Blog Party smile.

She's doing it again...January 25 so to sign up, click here then carefully read the rules. You must go to this page and sign up; if you comment on any other post, it's not counted as signing up. It's nice of you to comment but in order to participate, you must sign up here.

~ Rules ~

~ You must have a blog and the party is open to all bloggers, around the world.
~ Share the badge on your blog. You'll find the html code on a sidebar here.
~ To give...or not to give...prizes. It's your choice...perhaps overseas prizes (no matter which direction they're going) could be magazines or other flat items while domestic prizes could be something a tad more elaborate. It's your choice.
~ If you do give prizes, please mail them by 15 February.
~ The evening of 24 January, put up your GROW YOUR BLOG post and focus on who you are as a blogger. If you're an artist, talk about your art and show pictures but this is not an opportunity to boost sales so let that be on your side bar. You must have a GYB post in order to participate; if you don't have a GYB post, your name/blog will be deleted from Vicki's participant's list.
~ Give your name, have a picture of yourself...hard one for me, I usually don't have photos of myself...but I will for Vicki!

Vicki has more information listed, click here, and please, if you're able, participate. It's tons of fun and yes, I'm participating and will give away prizes...to be listed on my GYB post on 24 January.

Blessings ~ Vicki ~ Grow Your Blog Party ~ Karen Valentine, Vicki's go to blog mensa ~ 

Gun Control, Party, Winners

~ it's freezing cold! ~

GUN CONTROL...it's already started!

There was a bit of confusion at the sporting goods store yesterday. 
I was standing at the counter, prepared to pay for my bullets and shells when the clerk said, "Strip down, facing me."

I stared at her, while making a mental note to contact my Senator and NRA reps to complain about the gun control whacko's running amuck, then did just as she instructed.

When the hysterical shrieking and alarms finished clamoring, I found out she'd been referring to my credit card! I have been asked to shop elsewhere in the future which surprises me because she could have been just a tad clearer, don't you think? Besides, I don't think I looked all that bad!         ~ROTFLMFO!~

Nancy, A Rural Journal, and Lisa, Two Bears Farm, are hosting their first Valentine's Day Boost My Blog Party. It's going to be fun so visit Nancy or Lisa to sign up and, hopefully, win some nice prizes.

My winners for Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party are
~ number 44 - Charlsey in Texas
~number 41 - Bernadett in Serbia
~number 33 - liniecat
~number 36 - Kathy H
~number 18 - Buttons in Canada
which is crazy because I used Random.org and those numbers don't look all that random. Then again, what do I know? -grin-

For My Saturday winners...the little pink hat, it's NanaNor and the pink headband it's Debbie Jones. No one wanted the size extra large yellow headband...any takers?

In sadness...Leontien passed away on 10 January 13, obit here, and is in a far better place of peace and gentleness. I first learned about her while I was covered up in grieving for Dave and, frankly, was overwhelmed by the thought of more grief and sadness. I didn't blog about her but did tuck her into prayer; please, remember her family.

"There are only two ways to live life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ winners ~ Nancy ~ Lisa ~ Leontien, a life well lived ~ grace ~ heaven ~ a beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine ~ heat ~ 

My Saturday

~ back porch woodpile ~

Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party is here; giving away five gifts too!
Above, is the woodpile or what's left of it. Although autumn lingered...and lingered and lingered...the only really cold weather we've had was the Halloween snowstorm and since Christmas. Winter has arrived with all the sound and fury of a scorned woman and makes her presence known with high winds, low temps, icy rain, snow and sleet. If that's not enough, the sun is trying mightily to let his face be shown through the gray clouds. I wish he'd try harder wry smile.

~ Ranger, loaded with wood ~

Using my Polaris Ranger, I went to the barn where wood is stored and loaded the bed. The dogs thought it was all fun and games until they realized I was serious about hauling in a couple loads of wood. You know the old saying, "it's warm until the furniture is gone." Well, taking advantage of a beautiful day, I loaded the Ranger twice and brought, maybe, two weeks worth of wood to the back porch. I'll save the furniture for an emergency! grin

~ back porch wood pile ~

It's not stacked very straight but it's as straight as it's going to get. From here on out, it's downhill anyway; hopefully, this will last me a couple of weeks and then I get to do it all over again.

I had some dribs and drabs of yarn left and wanted to make a throat cozy. Our, meaning the dogs and my, bedroom is Very Cold and even though we pile together like a litter of puppies, it's still COLD! A few weeks ago, the bedroom thermometer read 48 F above zero. Trust me, I enjoy cold weather but 48 F above zero isn't all that much above freezing...in every sense of the word! But, flannel lined nightgowns, wool socks and blankets almost keep me warm. What was needed was something around my throat. Anyone else have the problem of a cold throat means they have a sore throat in the morning? There were some mornings, I could barely swallow because my throat was so cold. I had some left over yarn from the pink hat ugh, I HATE pink! and thought I'd knit a throat cozy. The yellow was waaaaayyyy too large but makes a nice ear warmer head band; second from left is still too large so, using the rest of the left over pink as well as yellow yarn, I knit another throat cozy. This one is just right; fits over my big head but still small enough to encircle my throat without being too tight or too loose. So, if anyone wants a size large yellow head band...chirp. Likewise the smaller, child size pink headband and the pink hat. They're all up for grabs...leave me a comment and I'll randomly pick names on 1 Feb...same day as the other giveaways from Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party. When you comment, let me know which you want, please.
Now, I'm taking a glass of tea, a Vince Flynn book and going to the sun room where I'll spend the rest of the day, sitting on my blessed assurance. BTW, if any of you are familiar with the Mitch Rapp books written by Vince Flynn, it might interest you to know Bruce Willis will play Hurley in the upcoming movie. Mr. Flynn's website says they are still looking for someone to play Mitch Rapp. 

I've earned a rest, please agree with me! smile

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ two loads of firewood on the porch ~ flannel lined nightgowns ~ a well earned rest ~ another beautiful day ~ healthy animals ~ warm boots ~ dog sweaters ~ the good guys ~

Grow Your Blog Party!

Today is The Day! It's Vicki's, at 2 Bags Full, Grow Your Blog Party...WOOHOO! I'm excited, can you tell? What? You forgot to sign up? NO WAY, surely you didn't!? Oh gee, I am so sorry...   Please visit Vicki's blog to see all the participants and to leave a nice comment for Vicki...the hostess with the mostess...yeah, it's cheesy but hey! I'm in a party mood and, down on the farm, it's simple pleasures that please best.

Welcome to Thistle Cove Farm where it's beautiful one day and perfect the next. Yes, the header photo is the view from my window, photos change seasonally, and, yes, I am greatly blessed. Dave, my husband, and I bought and established Thistle Cove Farm in 1995. We've spent our time renovating the house, re-siding the barns with rough cut hemlock and, in early days, I bred and raised rare American Curly horses and Shetland, Merino, Romney and cross bred sheep. The Curly horse link is for information only.

Our lives took a turn when, in 2004, I had an opportunity to teach in Russia and that jump started our traveling adventures. Since then, I've taught in Armenia, Georgia, Morocco, at fiber festivals in the USA, at Concord University in Athens, WV and on the farm where I held workshops and conferences. I'm in process of putting together my curriculum in a book, Increasing Farm and Small Business Income, that teaches how to develop your farm or small business by using tourism and networking and partnering with other folks to increase profits. Essentially, it's a how-to manual to help you succeed.

In November, 2011, Dave passed away and the ensuing months have been spent on a very steep learning curve. He and I were going to sit down, me with a three-ring notebook, and I was going to compile "everything" he needed me to know. He died, very unexpectedly and quite suddenly, two days before. Since then, it's been a Very Steep Learning Curve and my hard earned and hard won experience is going into another book...Putting Your Affairs in Order ~ "death comes to us or for us, it's best to be prepared". I'm not trying to be morbid but there's a ton of stuff to know and it's best knowing it and preparing before you need to so you don't waste or lose so much money. Trust me, the only people who couldn't possible use this information are the Gates or Buffet families! -wry smile-

This blog is about life in general and, in particular, life at Thistle Cove Farm. I try to encourage and enable people to do their best work, live their best life and, whenever possible, prepare for the future. You'll find blog posts on how to DREAM LARGE, PDS or Pretty Darn Smart Goals, and, sometimes, You Just Need to Know where I push you in the direction of other folks who offer excellent advice or simply fun stuff worth knowing.
There are posts to your good health -Coconut Oil and Lower Back Pain Relief
and, every Sunday, there's Sabbath Keeping dedicated to the wise words of other folks and each Sabbath Keeping post ends with Prayer Keeping where we pray, one for another.
I am a practicing Christian and, even so, life is still hard; it's been a lot harder since Dave died. I'm just trying to lighten your load and help us both along life's path. I invite you to sign up on the follower's side bar on the right; you're very welcome here!

Okay, more good stuff...there are 5...FIVE...giveaways on this post! Yep, five people will have their choice of goodies starting with ...

~on the left, a skein of purple, blue, muted red Socka, 75 percent virgin wool with 25 percent polyamid yarn made in Austria! It's 30 meters and would make a lovely pair of baby socks, trim for a pair of adult socks or any number of beautiful things.

~on the right, a skein of red Sunbeam Aran Double Knitting Pure New Wool, made in the Republic of Ireland! There are approximately 1 and 3/4 ounces or 50 grams and it's vintage. It's enough yarn to make a small hat, neck cozy or add some color to a pair or socks or fingerless mitts. Then again, it's your choice as to how you use it.

Creating Keepsakes is a scrapbook magazine from May/June 1997; yep, another vintage prize! Along with great ideas for scrapbook projects, this issue still has the "FREE cut and Copy Insert from Design Originals". The magazine is intact, as far as I'm able to ascertain. 

~Summer Cottage magazine is from Summer 2011 and is lovely. The photographs are beautiful, the recipes are delightful...last week, I went to town to the library so I could copy the recipes...no tearing out of pages in this Special Collector's Issue! It's from the publishers of Southern Lady Presents Tea Time and Hoffman Media Publications. You will treasure this special treat!

~Quilters...attention, please...the last prize is a Collins Sneak Peek Preview of 5 Charm Shapes. "A charm quilt is traditionally made of pieces all cut from the same shape, and each cut from a different fabric." The Sneak Peek Preview may be used to design quilts by using as is or rotating designs for varied interest and impact. You may also make special effects with border prints, stripes and florals or develop your own patterns by alternating prints and solids or lights and darks. The templates include the following shapes: Tumbler, Hexagon, Diamond, Equilateral Triangle and an Apple Core. You'll have unending fun using this charming collection.

Winners will be notified on February 1 and chosen randomly. These prizes are open to everyone...domestic and internationally; you only have to leave a comment and a way for me to contact you. No anonymous comments and your e-address has to be linked with your name or in your comment. 
You're invited to follow my blog but it's not a requirement to win and your kind, thoughtful comments are most welcome.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein ~

Today's Miracles ~ Vicki, 2 Bags Full ~ you, a visitor ~ prizes ~ American Curly horses ~ my wooly sheep ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ 

YOU need to know...

~ Grow Your Blog party ~

Are you familiar with HomeGoods store? It's part of the TJMaxx and Marshall's chain and focuses strictly on goods for the home. It's a fun store and their website has a fun design personality test. I'm The Traveler with a Touch of Country. It says "The Traveler is curious about all the corners of the world, whether she's visited them or dreams of going. She welcomes stories into her home through the finds of hidden bazaars and curio counters the world over. She doesn't just look forward to her next trip; she lives abroad in her own home everyday." Click here to start your Stylescope design personality test.
Yep, that's how it is here on the farm; each room is filled with things Dave and I picked up all over the world. We didn't start traveling until 2008 but, since then, I've managed to visit twenty-nine or thirty countries. When the traveling bug bit, it bit hard smile.  

His Word is a Lamp Unto my Feet, Glenda Hancock's Pinterest page is a blessing. I don't know Glenda but appreciate the work of her hands and heart. 

Susan Branch, my, almost, daily dose of happy is found here. A visit with Susan always leaves me feeling happier and more cheerful.

A Bowl Full of Lemons is a site I recently found and the author is doing a incredible 8-week study on Emergency Preparedness. I don't live in an earthquake, tsunami, tornado or hurricane alley but I like being prepared. Lists interest me, being prepared interests me more and I highly suggest you check out her site for Emergency Preparedness as well as Home Organization, Budget and other fine articles. She's an advocate of a cash life and did an interview with 

Dave Ramsey. Dave was a millionaire before his 30th birthday and lost it all before his 30th birthday. He and his wife had two of their three children when he declared bankruptcy and since then, have built a multi-million dollar company. Late last year, I took Dave's Financial Peace University and those classes taught me so much. Some of you know Dave, my husband, died suddenly and unexpectedly, in November 2011. We knew he was sick but thought he had another six months to year to live so we thought we had time to prepare. We were going to sit down on a Monday, me with my three-ring binder and he was going to tell me where everything was, what I needed to know, etc. He died on Saturday morning and I spent 2012 learning about finances, budgeting, buying property, taking care of vehicles, animals, the farm, the house...doing it all! Without the good advice and wise counsel of people like my lawyer, CPA, financial consultant, friends and family, I surely would have sunk. I've been working on a book, compiling all those hard won lessons learned since and started a blog here. That first year, grief ruled my life and the blog wasn't kept up but the information is still good and can help save you time and money. "Death comes to us or for us; it's best to be prepared." My goal is to have the book ready by April and, I think, will e-publish first then see what happens.

For a free download of Dave's Guide to Budgeting, click here.
I cannot suggest strongly enough that you find and take a Financial Peace University series of classes; it will be one of the best things you could ever do for yourself and your family!

St. Paul's Church in Auckland, New Zealand has some fabulous videos that tell the Christmas story in a fresh new way. Click here for an Unexpected Christmas.

Women Reaching Women is a Gospel for Asia program. It sends women to minister to women in areas like South Asia where 50,000 female children are aborted each month!

Click here to visit the Innkeeper by John Piper.

Last, but certainly not least, please don't forget Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party which is happening 19 January. She's been working on this party since June...amazing!...and it promises to be the biggest thing this winter. 

Today's Miracles ~ great weather ~ strength to do the work God has set before me ~ a great night's sleep ~ healthy animals ~ Vicki at 2 Bags Full ~ Financial Peace University ~ A Bowl Full of Lemons ~ Pinterest ~

Grow Your Blog Party

Vicki, 2 Bags Full, has opened up the sign-up for her Grow Your Blog Party. The party is January 19, 2013 and sign up is here. I'm joining in and will give away three gifts...to be announced later.
Just thought you'd like to know -smile-!

Blessings ~ Vicki ~ Grow Your Blog Party ~ gifts ~ 

Instant Knitification

It's that time of year, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere to cozy up to something warm. I've a hankering to learn how to rug felt and would love to take a class from Nicole Chazaud Telaar at Festive Fibers...that woman rocks! One little big problem... she's in New Hampshire, I'm in southwest Virginia and there's a lotta asphalt in between. Her class schedule is here and, like I said, I'd love to make a felted rug or an ottoman. Taking one of her classes is on my "goals and dreams" list; does anyone know of a similar teacher in the south, preferably VA, NC, WV or SC? 

All year long, I knit, but this time of year, I'm churning out hats like heads depend upon my needles to keep warm this winter. By the way, is it just me or just anyone else find it mildly amusing that needles is spelled need les. So does that mean if one has knitting, one has enough? Or, one doesn't need to knit...nope, cannot mean that! Perhaps Maslow had it correct...food, shelter, clothing and knitting...ya think?! Hmmm, I look for hidden meanings far too much! smile

In process of going through the house and labeling things to sell, give away and keep, I've found several knitting projects that need some serious attention; as in, finish me now or frog me now or pay someone to finish me now. And, frog means to ripit, ripit, ripit...rip out the knitting...get it? No? Oh well, it's knitting lingo and a lot of knitters find it wildly amusing. 

These knitted and purchased goods were supposed to go to those folks taking shelter in the National Forest. That was last year and my intentions were good but the grief felled me so I just kept knitting and now have even more goodies to give away. I've asked a neighbor preacher to help find a contact person who takes supplies to those forest folks; hopefully, that will happen soon. If not, there are a lot of people locally for whom finances are tough and a small "God loves you" gift will warm them twice. No, I won't wait for Christmas, it's chilly now, especially for those living in their cars or tents.

These huge balls of wool yarn are going to be knitted into a shoulder cowl for me and I'll dye in a jewel color either before, or after, knitting; I'm not sure when. I rarely knit something for myself and have determined to change that. Each year, I'm going to knit something for me; this year it's going to be this cowl and I'll finish the scarf I started while Dave was in cancer treatment. Even though I've been knitting for donkey's years, I'm not an accomplished knitter, perhaps a middling one, at best. The nearest yarn shop  is more than fifty miles away and at the price of gasoline, I just don't jump in the car and go. With not much band width, the i-net is, for the most part, a foreign land to me as well. Pretty much, I'm a self-taught knitter and keep to the simple patterns. Simple patterns are best because I have to steal time from the farm, Dave's estate...still haven't finished that!..., the house and the community. We're all busy, crazy busy, and in order to get my knit fix, I keep it simple, sweetie.

Having said I rarely knit for myself, this mobieus was knit with acrylic wool yarn purchased in Budapest. Dave sent me to Eastern Europe the summer before he died in November, 2011. He wanted me to grow my wings, batten down the fear and not forget how to LIVE just because he wouldn't be around to catch me should I fall. Dave, I'm in process, Beloved and thank you.

Thus, the "instant knitifcation"...cute, eh? Yeah, I like quick, simple, easy projects that I can churn out in a day or even a few hours. Hats, scarves, hand arm warmers, throat cozies, shawls and socks fit that bill, although, I'm still...still...trying to learn how to turn a heel! It's insane! I'm relatively smart, have taught at University and lower levels, taught in Russia and Eastern Europe, navigated this first year without Dave, traveled by myself to foreign climes and I still cannot turn a heel. I'm flummoxed! If I had more time, I'd send out invitations to my pity party. Would you come? Note to self...change your self-talk...begin saying, "I knit wonderful, fabulous, fantastic socks with beautiful heels!"

This yarn needs to be dyed purple...fast! Again, last year, I gave the kit to Millie for a Christmas gift and told her I'd dye it for her. Good intentions...good grief...it's time to DYE! Perhaps I'll dye my white cowl yarn purple at the same time and use one dye pot; come on, good weather! Do you think purple and gold yarn might be nice together?

There's a fine line to walk when I visit knitting blogs of Very Accomplished Knitters. I want to ooohh and aahhh but not compare myself with folks like Vicki at 2 Bags Full. Vicki is one of those Very Accomplished Knitters who has a huge heart as well; visit her Sacred Yarn Room and then, sign up for her Grow Your Blog Party coming mid-January. 

The gas logs are lit, chairs and side table pulled front and center, cozy on a full tea pot, mug waiting, lamp at the ready. Now all that's needed is me and the knitting bag; there's a spare chair, care to join me?

Blessings ~ Dave ~ knitting ~ Millie ~ gas logs ~ Vicki ~ tea ~ good light ~ instant knitification ~

Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party

Vicki, 2 Bags Full, is having a Grow Your Blog party and wants you to come but only if you want your blog to gain more visitors and followers. Vicki is an amazing woman...kind, generous and talented; if she weren't so nice, she'd be intimidating as all get out! 
She has a Sacred Yarn Room...love it!...and makes these amazing, beautiful, wonderful nests she sells on etsy. 
She's also featured in Romantic Country Fall 2012 magazine; well deserved too! Fifi O'Neill is the editor of Romantic Country, as well as a slew of other eye candy publications, and a visit to her site is time well spent. Whenever I visit a big box book store, I can spend a few hours dreaming deep into her publications.
Vicki is a travel writer published in Living Better at 50. Her article, Tips for Cruising , is the best I've ever read and can be used for non-cruise travel as well. 
While you're visiting Vicki's article at Living Better at 50, plan on spending additional time perusing this fabulous e-mag site. 
I believe Vicki is taking some time off from her blog but plans the Grow Your Blog Party for January 2013. She has room for bloggers with fewer than 200 followers and more than 200 followers...Vicki's made room for everyone!
Thistle Cove Farm is included; how about you?

Blessings ~ Vicki ~ Grow Your Blog Party ~ participants ~ encouragement ~ encouragers ~