She Works Hard For Her Comments

Wow! Last time I had 50 comments, I had to push out an eleven pound baby.

Birthing a likeness quiz is a *lot* easier. Woo baby!

Imaginary Friends No Longer

Thank you all so much for sending kind words and thoughts to my friends. They read my blog, so your words will reach them directly. They are amazing people, strong people, funny people — and wonderful parents. It was a privilege to attend the service and to get to spend time with the family. I crave the day when we live closer.

My trip wouldn't have been possible without the help of many. It took four people to cover my shifts as mom. No wonder I'm always tired! My sister picked up the necessary slack to make the largest shift do-able for my mom. My brother-in-law put in some good physical time, letting the big bro ride on his shoulders so he could do some slam dunks. And, my husband, who works six days a week, ten hours a day, made some delicious meals to fortify the team. Thank you, family!

And, then, there was that one special craft blogger, Steph from Ruby Crowned Kinglette, who answered my call out for a place to stay. People at her work thought she was crazy for letting someone she'd never met stay overnight — but we knew it was OK, we were already friends. Steph was working the day I got in, but, there was already potato salad and tabouleh in the fridge. She threw some chicken on the barbecue when she got home and gracefully served up courses as the crafty guests arrived through an open front door. We sat in the backyard on one of the most beautiful days of the summer and shared stories while nibbling on Padrons. Alcohol was consumed. The next day, Steph arranged her day on the fly as I gave her updates on where I was and what I needed. She was a sweet, grounding influence as I floated around in a dazed state. Thank you in big capital letters, Steph.

It's Steph's birthday today, so please go cheer my no-longer-imaginary friend on into old age. ;)

Berry Pickin'

It helps to have a professional photographer along with you when you go berry picking.

Thank you, jo ann! It was such a wonderful surprise.

Wool-Ease Web and Random

For the snap peas to grow up. I thought about Gudrun while I wove my tangled web. Now, I'm just trying to figure out how I can add it to Ravelry. It's almost crochet, sort of.

Thanks for the pants love. I can't wait to make another pair. Hopefully I'll be able to make a pattern of my alterations.

It was nice to see KnitSonya, Sadhita, BitterBetty, LittleLovelies, Melissa (I never got your blog) and a glimpse of the YarnHarlot, yesterday at the Maker Faire. I was wishing there was an organized craft blog get together. Maybe someone can organize one next year, Beth?

Ta da!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. It was swell, especially the goblet-sized lemon drops that my brother-in-law made — explains the silly grin, huh? Missed the hangover after my 21st birthday, saved it for my 40th. The orange chiffon cake was fab, too.

Made in 2007

My second online year is coming to a close and I want to thank you all for the inspiration, feedback, and motivation. I really enjoy sharing the narrative of your lives. I love this crafty community! I can't wait to learn new things, see pictures of the next batch of babies, and witness the strengths of you all.

Many years ago, my very inspirational high school art teacher, Katie, had us imagine what a calendar year looked liked. Every one had such different ideas. What does *your* year look like? Can you make a representation of it? Or, is it too abstract? I'd love to hear/see what your year looks like, even if it doesn't make it onto paper, or some other medium. I'll share my idea in the comments after awhile, so I can leave you with a blank canvas.

Cheers!
Michelle

Thanks

I never did write a Thanksgiving post. I barely get the requisite tasks accomplished for most holidays — posting about them in advance, or on time, usually doesn't happen. Here is the short list of my crafty-related thank yous.



A long, long overdue (like a whole year) thank you to the wonderful group of gals who participated in last year's ornament swap. I finally took photos! The ornaments truly stand out in creativity and craftsmanship. Best bi-product of that swap was the crafty camaraderie — I feel like I can give y'all a big hug if we ever meet up, probably talk your ear off, too. Beth, Kristin, Meg, Trish, Steph, Cassi, Alice & Rose — you rock my crafty world — thank you for participating with such gusto.



A very grateful thanks to my very first online customers: KnitSonya, OldRound, GreenJewls, and local gal, A+. You make me want to do more and try harder. I'm stoked. Next step is to make some good marketing materials: hang tags, packaging, an identity — the stuff that I used to do in my old life. The picture above is some impromptu packaging for the painting that A+ bought. Any feedback about how the packages shipped?

And, to the crafty blogging community, THANK YOU for being here to inspire me; for welcoming into the fold; for keeping me sane while I raise small children. Poppalina said it the best. Didn't she?