Slowing down, routines

Since this week has actually slowed down, I had a chance to work on some new spindles to go in my shop. I am going to try to spend more time working on spindles and items in my shop.
The first one I did today is a new design :
The Sweetness Spindle

I finished those, and decided to branch out to other flowers. The first one that came to mind was the Sweet Pea. Then I found the glitter tube, and fun ensued. Here is the result:
The Purple Sweet Pea

I decided that I will try to focus on my business part of each day. The mornings I will start by reading my favorite online news here:

Then I will work on spindles, or fibers.
I hope to get more up in the shop in the next few weeks.

Family, News, Updates

On May 8th, Rochelle's 6th grade class went to Washington Dc on a School Patrol trip. I got to go along as a chaperon. We took 2 buses. In one day we saw a lot of the sites. Due to time constraints, we did not tour the White House, but did get a group shot of all of them:

I was with these 3 gals all day. What a riot they are.
Haley, Rochelle and Megan.

I spent the next 4 days trying to recover while doing my normal running around to meetings, helping with some customers at the LYS my best friend Carla owns, and getting ready to pick up my BIL from airport on the 14.
Last weekend I was completely distracted by 4 men. My husband and his 3 brothers got together and what a fun time. I did manage to get some pictures of the 4 of them, first time in about 19 yrs! Sometimes men can be a bit frustrating. I have no idea why any of them are camera shy, they are all good looking. Of course I am biased some:

From Left: Roy, Rick, Rusty, & Rod.

Rusty flew home on Sunday, and Monday am I got a text from my baby sister. So now I was distracted by my side of the family, and the result was this:

I am an Auntie!!
Please meet Madeline Rose Bobby. Born Tuesday May 20th at 12:17 am. She is 5 lbs 11 oz and 19 inches long. Oh yes, she is a red head like her Mommy too. What a sweetie!

Finally I had time to work on a dress for my youngest child, Rochelle. She had her 6th grade recognition dinner and award presentation on Thursday this week. I managed to complete it, and she looked great as you can see as she stands beside her best friend Nate.

So between spending time with family, doing some spring cleaning, and working on knitting, sewing and general life. I have been totally busy.

But that is not all I have been busy with. I also recently was hired by Handmade News a New online publication full of great Craft and Handmade information.
Today I have another article in it, this one is on Lace. I encourage everyone to take some time and read it as you can. Its full of trends, information and lots of ideas! You can find me under the Craft Trends dept.

MD Sheep and Wool Hangover

This past weekend was Maryland Sheep & Wool festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds. While it was not the best weather for it, it was still a wonderful experience.
When I arrived at the fairgrounds on Friday at noon I was greeted with this site:

While the outside was a bit damp it did not stop the fleeces from being brought in for sale at the fleece tables.

Saturday morning everything was bright and ready for the crowds.

The fleece sale was busy as usual, and fleeces left fast from the piles. The fun of seeing all the different colors and breeds was almost overwhelming.

Couple that with a plateful of Ribbon Chips, and the day is bright despite the clouds and occasional rain.

The colors of the booths was truely a feast for the eyes, and was almost as filling as that plate of chips was.

Each one held more wonderful colors than the next. It was almost like walking into the colors of the Emerald City after the drab gray world outside.

Sunday the rains came back in full force, causing most to stay under the safety of the barns and tents. The main walkway at mid day looked almost empty.

By Sunday afternoon the skies opened up even more, but the crowds kept coming.

I however was soaked to the bone, and my head was swimming with all the sights, sounds and colors I had seen. Ideas of what to make, spin, and work on were running through my head.

So I said a sad goodbye to the fair grounds, and I leave you with this sweet little gal:

Till next year sweetie!

View more of my trip here.