GlassNut

Who Could Ask for a Better Time?

2010-09-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

My, where has the Summer gone?
I guess I enjoyed the out of doors so much that I forgot my blog. Oops! Let me catch you up a bit on what went on outside of Drain.

We made a deck on the front of our house...it has been a wonderful addition since the moment the stain dried.

We had visitors who came and enjoyed our new deck with us. This is my beautiful and talented Best Girl Karen..

She and her family came our way on their camping trip. they stayed a few days...
They brought us this wonderful birdhouse.

As we sat on the deck enjoying our coffee one morning we were surprised by...first a bunny, chased by a weasel, followed closely behind by a blue jay....
If I hadn't had witnesses I am not sure I would have believed this story.....and...there were no animals hurt during this adventure! Just Fun!

Here's the Grand Dog, Texas and his Momma during their visit....Another great time!

Our gardening really paid off this year with plenty of delicious bounty. I still have some pesto to put up as well as tomatoes. The herb garden made enough to keep us happy and spiced for the next year.

We had a lovely time at OFFF (Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival) this past weekend...And now we are preparing ourselves for the next adventure....Our annual trip to Rhinebeck New York.
I hope that you all had a great Summer and are ready for a great Fall. Enjoy it in all it's splendor...that's what I intend to do.

Summer is The Best!!

2010-08-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

I know, it's been way too long since I posted. I just couldn't until now. I love my blog.
I would go back to the blog...read things and have the best of intentions...but nothing would come through.
It's time do another blog post.

It's been a really Good Year! So Far, so Good.
The shows have been good to us. I feel great. We've been working on our place....and it's looking good. I say Thank you for Everything..I have no complaints what so ever.
Heck...I'm glad to be here!! Feeling Good!

Soon it will be time to go to Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival (OFFF)..But we have another month and a half before that arrives.

Right now I choose to enjoy our garden and the beings that inhabit the property with us.
We have a squirrel..named Earl. Many chipmunks...bunnies (they are very good at math).
Michael's garden is coming right along. I have planted a few things myself.
Last night we ate the first batch of green beans and boy were they tasty!
The tomatoes are coming right along. I am sure that we will be doing a lot of canning this season.

It's absolutely beautiful today....Oregon at it's brightest. I think I will go outside and pick blackberries. Perhaps a cobbler....yumm!

Boo Hoo Hoo!!

2010-01-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

It's raining and raining and raining....I hear that this is the truth many places on the West Coast and that there is loads of cold, cold and/or snow lots of other places.
It's only the end of January and I am already for a week in the SUN!
I know that I am grateful that I am not in Haiti cleaning up the problems that the earthquake there caused...my heart goes out to the beautiful people. I am so pleased to see the help that is coming through for the cause.
Thanks to all who have come to the rescue!!

But what about Me? Here's what the sky looks like at 8:50 am today. This sky does Not make me want to get up and get things done!
I know that most can relate to this nonsense..."it's winter"... but I am a Sun girl and I don't care for it. I should live in a place where it rains...hard even....for...hey, I'm up for 24 hours straight....and then it clears with blue skies and sun!

I mostly want to curl up into a ball..watch a lot of TV...knit socks...and of course eat loads of carbs...including chocolate.... Anything.
Really...the fact that I have not fallen into this is an amazing feat!
Even Buddah...though he's too cool to say it...is getting tired of the muck.

I don't want to go outside....
I don't want to do any of the inside work that I have to do....
My mind wanders off into the land of icky subjects and tries it's best to settle there....
I'm constantly trying to find my way out of the land of icky subjects.....

I would love to hear what you are doing during this gray time. If you are one of the lucky ones who live in the SUN....can I come visit?....Only joking...sort of.

We are off to Madrona Winter Retreat in a few weeks. It's always a lift..for many reasons!
We then are off to Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA....and a chance of seeing the SUN!!
If you are out there...please check in and say HI....You will brighten MY day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2010-01-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

So much to wish for on this first day of a new year...
It holds such promise.

May all of those I love know how much.
May I be forgiven my failings.
May I always feel loved.
May I exhibit the best parts of me.
May I be happy, secure and healthy.
May I be granted new, exciting and wonderful adventures.
May I allow the vision and direction of my life to be filled with Gratitude and Grace.
May I find peace, acceptance and understanding for myself and others.
May I enjoy each day of this new year....
And you as well.

I get pretty sentimental this time of the year. I miss those people who have left my life. I try my best to accept that it's for the best and a lot of the time I can...but I still miss them...the promise of what could have been. The time spent enjoying their company...
This song represents the longing I feel...

I close my eyes, ignore the video and listen to Mairi Campbell and my heart....
I hope that you too will enjoy this beautiful rendition of this lovely poem by Robert Burns....put to voice.

Happy Day....Happy Year!

OH JOY!

2009-12-10T18:05:00.001-08:00

Somehow it's time to start humming Christmas carols again...It truly is a wonderful time of the year.
I am usually uplifted when I change the calender to read December.

I Love all this.....

Birthdays...Friends and My Own at the beginning of the month.
Wonderful Customers who buy our work to gift to others for Hanukkah and Christmas....I love getting to be an elf.
Holiday cards from friends and family...Yes... even the sometimes bazaar letters inserted in them.
Friends and Family Get Togethers...My favorite part really.
The holidays themselves...Of course....And....
This year a few days after Christmas Michael and I will celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary....
Then on to another year ahead.... 2010....Quite something!
I send on Happiness and Love to each of you
I wish for PEACE for each of us on this beautiful planet!

Who knows what's just around the corner

2009-11-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

Oh My Where to Begin?
(This is what has kept me away from my blog for so long...well that and a lot of other things as well
I had been feeling rather lack luster....BUT...I seem to be getting my luster back...yahoo!)

We went back to Rhinebeck last month (ie NY Sheep and Wool Festival).
It was a treat....AGAIN...Sunday was rainy and rather cold and still great!

Amongst some of the friends that I hadn't met in person before was Annmarie. Lucky for us she was in the market for a Orifice Hook to go with her new spinning wheel.
(thanks for loan of the photo Annmarie...I hope your new wheel is home with you now)

They moved us to Building One this year...whenever you move at a show you feel a bit misplaced....not knowing if the space will be as happy place...we loved the loft that we were in last year. I am very pleased to say that we were well received in our new "home"

We were greeted with more room, new customers and customers from last year who were directed to us by the good folks of the show. Lovely.

Amongst the Many Fine Vendors was Tom and Diane Golding.
I am pleased to say that Tom bought one of my buttons and transformed it into this Drop Spindle....and then sent it to me to try out....what's not to like about that arrangement? Nada thing ;D

We are working on a collaboration....keep your fingers crossed...and I'll keep you posted!

Hey, I'm back!

2009-07-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Photography during the Summer time is so rewarding. For one thing, when the Sun is shining it makes the world light up...then I tend to want to check things out from a fairy's point of view.
Here's 2 of my favorites so far this season....

The one on the left is of a garlic flower...each one of these little bobbins would turn into a lovely garlic...beautiful and yummy too.

Petunias....ahh, what's not to like. They come in a great variety of colors, shapes and sizes... with just a little bit of care they go on and on...

These are our newest addition to Ernst Finely Crafted Glass Family....our Scarf Needles. They are 6 1/2 to 7 inches long (approximately). Truly unique...no 2 pairs will every be alike....similar, perhaps...like sisters from another mother, as different as night from day.
Just long enough, and light enough to make a scarf special...from start to finish.
I will be figuring out a way to place them on the site soon...just couldn't help showing them off.

Thanks to all who wrote in to say Hi! I am pleased to know that I will be seeing you at Sock Summit....coming right up now.
See you there ;)<

What's all the fuss about ;)< Trah lah....

2009-07-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

It's come to my attention that it's been...well lets just say...quite a while since I did a blog post.
I guess that once every 6 months...or so...isn't asking too much.
There is something to talk about too...

The Very First Sock Summit....It's Right here in Oregon.. Fortunate for me just a bit over 150 miles away from home!
If you are an avid sock knitter....I Am...this is the place to be.

I am VERY HAPPY to say that I have been using Ernst Glass Double Points to make socks this Summer in all sorts of yummy yarns....here's just a few, a background to the Sock Summit logo...isn't it cool!!

WE will have them in sizes 4 and 5
Come visit us in Booth #929...we will be with Tanglewood Fiber Creations.

Pat Fly of Angora Valley Fiber will be there with her new Cashmara yarn....so so Yummy (center sock): 80% SW Merino Wool/10% Cashmere/10% Nylon...Booths 219 and 318.

The Sky Brightens and the Sun Shines Through

2009-01-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? We have a Man that we can be honored to call Our President
Today I cried in Joy at having the Family that I wanted living in the White House.

This has been a long time coming and I am so thankful that I had the pleasure to see President
Obama sworn in...his wife by his side...Family with him....Ahhh.
I am very grateful that our country has a Leader that we can all have HOPE in....a 4 letter word that I can use daily doses of.

I felt the Honor and Pride that I have been missing for lo these many years....And I am Happy!
Thank You Mr. President!
We send our love and our best wishes for You, Your Family and Everyone that will Help You to make America a Better Home for All of us!
Obama....Obama....Obama.....Obama.....Obama.....Obama.....Obama......Obama.....

2008-10-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Fall in the East.....
What a Fantastic time we had!

We were blessed to get into the NY Sheep & Wool Festival....Happy we were about that!
It's a wonderful show & couldn't happen at a better time of the year!

We arrived in Baltimore in the evening.
Michael had rented a mini SUV...which I instantly fell in Love with.
If I could justify buying a NEW Vehicle...this would be Mine. It got great gas mileage, was Cute....& it held the whole kit and kaboodle for the show....Easily.
*Plus it was silver and matched my hair......*
I think it's the Perfect Sagittarius Vehicle!!

We slept at a very nice Hotel...got up in the morning & got to met up with our Great Friend Jackie. *She's the keeper of the East Coast Booth Supplies....Bless Her!*
It was a short visit...but we will take what we can!
We had a lovely brunch & loaded up the supplies.... headed North to the Hudson River Valley & all it's Beauty!

It took about 6 hours to get to our hotel in Poughkeepsie & every minute of it was Spectacular!

The pictures that I took does not do it justice. If you ever get the chance to see the East in the Fall...my advice would be to Jump on it!

The grounds for the Fair were expansive and beautiful.
This is a one room school house that is on the property. Everything was kept up so well that it was hard to believe that some of the buildings were over 100 years old.

Our Daughter Jennyrose came up on the train from NY City for the weekend....
What can I say.....IT WAS AWESOME ALL THE WAY AROUND!! Definitely looking Forward to Next Year ;)

Stealing Pictures.....

2008-09-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

I left our camera on our dresser.....so I am Very Glad that Barb swiftly sent out some beauties.

AND.....

Well yah know....Another FUN time at Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival (OFFF). CAN you tell?
A few of the crew escaped this picture...however...the Joy & Love that we all feel for one another is evident....just add in a few more faces!

We camped in the van....Autumn came too...guarding & tromping on us each night.
The trains came by and woke everyone up...*not me cause I sleep like a dead rock.....*

It was All Good!!...........
And.....Now in 2 weeks......Onward to NY Sheep & Wool..........Rhinebeck...NY!

Hey Peaches...

2008-08-22T17:39:00.001-07:00

I Love Summer!!

We had 3 days of Winter weather....it was Yuck!...Although the ground loved the rain...and it was nice to have a few cooler days.....but....
The temperature dropped 40 degrees during the same time....in 1 day....Yikkes!!

It was SO Swell to see the Sun & Blue skies today...I was beside myself with Joy & Glee....

On Wednesday Michael & I went into Eugene for shopping...you know Costco...the Trader's.....the staples of life.

We Also went out to past a small town called Junction City..just north of Eugene...to get French doors that we found on Craig's list....for our barn. It didn't rain on us during all the important parts of the trip...like when we were outside.....Great-fully ;)

After we got done taking the French doors apart and placing them into the van....we were driving back & I happened to see a sign that said....*Peaches*...I pulled right into the drive-way...couldn't help myself ;)

HEY...wanna come to our house for dessert?
Peach Cobbler Anyone?

When Angels Fly In

2008-08-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

We had a Wonderful visit from Beautiful Trish (of Tangelwood Fiber Creations). We got to have her for a Short...& Sweet visit....It's Never Long Enough!...I got to have her ALL to myself....What a Joy!
She's a Very Special Person.....& a Very Great Friend!!

AND LOOK.....on top of having her grace us with her presence (& I'm not just a whistling Dixie here)....she brought me a Present.
It's a skein of Handspun...Super-wash Merino in the "Northwest Winter" .....YUMMMM!

After much talk, a good dinner (*made by Michael*)...a much needed nights rest....breakfast (*lovely Scottish Oatmeal...brought & made by Trish*...again Yumm!)...more talking....& a photo session......in which I look like less than optimal...as you can see.....

It was time to kiss my Sweet Friend good-bye & send her on to her next *Fly By*...
But I know.....It is Always Grand to have My Angels Around!

Thanks Trish for taking the time to *Fly By* Me ;)

She's on her way to Petaluma.....hey...what is a Luma anyhoo?

Home Again...jiggity jig

2008-08-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

Every so often a Mother (namely Me) gets the chance to have her children home. This past week was such an Event!....I'm pleased to say!!

Jennyrose & Kate came for a visit!
Jennyrose all the way from Brooklyn, NY & Kate all the way from Eugene (which it seems is farther away than it use to be!).
We got to spend a day and a half with Kate, 4 blessed days with Jennyrose.
Filled me up with enough love to last me for a....little while.

Reminds me of how very Lucky I am to have experienced Motherhood...in all it's complexity.....I....for one, wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Not that I am done with it yet....or ever will be.
It all goes by so quickly.....Michael & I are home..& back to our regularly scheduled routine now...with promises of visits at Thanksgiving time....Something to look forward to!

They go on with their lives...as it should be....learning & growing at their own pace...As do We!

They are both my Roses.....
Such Beauties

My Heart overflows with Love for these Blessings in my life!

Thanks Women for Coming Home!!
Your Momma Loves You.

AOL

2008-07-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

My BAD!! Bad Blogger....Bad!!

Okay enough said on that subject! It's not like I haven't been up to anything! I've been enjoying the beeutifull weather that we have been graced with in the PNW!! Yippee & Yahoo!!
Taking full advantage of it...while it lasts!

Michael's garden is fully awesome....he's Really done it this time. Whenever Michael puts his mind to something it gets done in the best way possible.
I couldn't resist going out and taking pictures of the beauty that is his new passion!
This is a close-up of a leek ball........WOW!!

And this is the very center of a zucchini flower....isn't it magnificent....Mother Nature is the best artist I know....Hard to believe that it will soon be transformed into a long green veggie...and then zucchini bread....&/or stir fry....soup......Anyway.....Yumm & Ahhhh!

My list of accomplishments for this past while include:

1.Cleaning out the area behind our house....(finding all sorts of interesting things....some I have decided to gift to the Starvation Army....& some I have claimed back from the bowels, cleaned up and found a new home for in our house.)

2. Starting 4 pair of socks.....(I know, there are only 3 socks pictured here...but that's all that would easily fit in the picture ;)

3. Went through my stash of yarns, organized them....taking some to the Goodwill for someone else to enjoy.
Oh yes...I also took other things too! I love dropping things at with those lovely folks to recycle.

4. Painting an arbor for our climbing rose & clematis to grow on....they will have to share...& Yes it is RED! I figure that there is enough green in the PNW to handle it! It's not quite done yet....but I figure that tomorrow...when Daniel comes we can put it together and UP ;)
It's been a test of my painting endurance....loads of little nooks & crannys to paint 4 times each....this is only 1 of the 3 pieces it takes to make up the arbor.

5. I managed to photograph some of Michael's marbles & made a whole new web page for them.....It must have been the right way to spend my time as we received an order for 2 of them the very next day ;)

6. Getting ready for a visit from our daughter Jennyrose ;) She's coming to visit for a few days....& that means that our daughter Kate will be out here too!
So....for now...I will leave you with these 6 things to let you know what I have been up to....
No Lounge Lizardering here ;)
I do hope that you are enjoying your Summer & Thanks for reading My Doings!

Better Late than Never!

2008-06-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Alexandra of Alexandra's Crafts has come up with her *Lazy Kate Mini*. We were pleased to have them in our booth at Black Sheep.
They are SO beautiful...&...I think that Everyone should have one for their traveling wheel.
It folds up to fit right into most traveling cases.
You Won't Be Sorry....these lovely Kate's are made to last.

I am lucky enough to have 1 of her Minis & 1 of her Larger Kates ;)

Alexandra's website is under construction....but has a contact e-mail address! I know that she will be glad to help you....&....Please tell her I sent yah!

That should put a bee in your bonnet...but in case it doesn't here's a buzzy bee that Maggie (Jen's Lovely Daughter...& Jackie's Grand) drew for us....by request....to grace our refer!....Looks like a Pirate Bee to Me!!

Thanks So Much Maggie.....I will think of you...and the Lovely time that your Mom spent with us...Along with your Friend & Mine....Barb ;)

Too Much Fun.....Nah!!

2008-06-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Another successful Black Sheep Festival !

We are so Blessed to have a Wonderful show so close to Home!
The weekend came & went bringing with it Prosperity & Beautiful Memories!

Check out this Beyond Beautiful sweater that Joan Schrouder has created....I am pleased to be able to say that my buttons are an addition to it's beauty!....& we were very proud to have it adorn our booth....the whole weekend!

We had our same Great neighbors...Right next to us each year are 3 incredible women....Sweet Alicia....her Mom Leza...who raised this amazing girl....and Grand Mother (a real live wire)....her name is either Grandma or Mom....Not sure which. I really enjoy all of them...it's a pleasure to know that we will get a chance to see them each year.

I didn't get too crazy with pictures...No Animal shots....I was having too much fun with Jen & Barb....however I know that you can
check out their blogs in the next few days if you want to see the rest of the show.

We really loved getting the opportunity to have Jen & Barb here with us for the weekend.
I made the most of it as you can see ;)
In case you are wondering....this is one handed spinning...& although I look a bit demented...it's only because I was having a Super Great Time!!

Here we are all exhausted from having too much fun together!

Here's Michael wondering where the hell I have gone to & when I will be back!
He was a trooper & even let me stay home on Saturday morning so that I could PLAY with my friends....

There will be more postings later as I have MUCH more to say about this Exquisite time..............but for now....I'm gonna put my feet up and relax...........

Dang!!

2008-06-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm back from TNNA....it was a good show! Hectic but worth going all the way across the country...OK...only a little more than half way ;)
I took pictures on my old camera...but unfortunately didn't find out until I got back home that the soft ware isn't in our computer any more....Frick!

I had a great time with my booth mates...Nancy C from Chameleon Colorworks (also room mate there)....& Cookie A.
We had many visitors as well....Janel Laidman (later on this)...Melissa from Peace of Yarn....Shelli from Knitterly....as well as many wonderful customers!!

Saturday was a bustle of activity.....& gratefully loads of interested store owners. Sunday they came back and ordered!! Monday was *meet your neighbor* day...in other words...the store owners were pretty much on their way home.
We broke down the booth at 3pm...said our good-byes to friends and went back to the Hotel and packed up for our trips home.
Tuesday I was in transit for 11 hours & boy was I glad to be home again!! Tired and Happy!!

I am now the proud owner of a signed copy of Janel's new book..*The Eclectic Sole* thanks Janel!
It's definitely a keeper.
First of all...it's done beautifully!!
Lovely stories to start off each pattern....&.... I know the author...Wow!!
How lucky am I!!.........Very ;)

I also received a skein of yarn from Nancy C of Chameleon Colorworks.....it's "Bambino" in the colorway "Dirt"....YUM YUM....Thanks Nancy C....I'm lovin' the yarn!!
I decided to make a pair of socks from Janel's new book.

The pattern is called Jacaranda....and is quite fun & easy to do *both are good things for a person like me who's on the GO!

Here's both the picture from the book and the beginning of my sock! I love them both!

I am SO happy for Janel....knowing that writing is just what she's been wanting to do!
She's got a new one coming out soon as well.
Janel had the *twinkle* in her eye....& a smile on her face...ALL weekend!!
Good to see you Lady.....Congrats

On the trip I finished Michael's new socks.....They fit perfectly and Michael loves the color....the plants won't see him coming! Thanks again to Jackie for gifting us this sock yarn.

It's gonna be a very busy week for me......Next weekend is The Black Sheep Gathering.....YEAH!!
First of all it's close to Home.....Eugene Fairgrounds....
Second...Wonderful Friends are Coming!!
Third....it's close to Home!!!
I Definitely will be bringing my camera ;)
I wish you were all here.

Off to Columbus

2008-06-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

It's suppose to be Summer here...but it's not...at least not to my way of thinking!
It gets up to 60 degrees...if we are lucky...& that's only for about 10 minutes or so...Ick! The rest of the time it's rainy and gray!
But...what do I care? I'm off to Columbus for the TNNA wholesale show.

All My Bags are Packed...I'm Ready to go.....
This is the song that keeps going through my head

I leave tomorrow morning from Eugene at 6:30 AM. Michael is staying home to stuporvise the work on the barn....get glass work done for our upcoming Black Sheep Festival....in Eugene
& to make sure that the garden beasts stay away!

I will be in the Chameleon Colorworks booth with Nancy Colburn & Cookie A....how great is that! Nancy & I are rooming together as well...

I looked at the weather....it's suppose to be hot & muggy and I am almost looking forward to being too warm! Ofcourse we will be...for the most part...in a cool Convention Center ;)
I'll let you know all about the adventure when I get home! Keep good thoughts that the Buyers are there in swarms!!

BLESSINGS!

2008-05-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is truly Art!
I got a true love of Irises when I was a child going to Catholic boarding school. We went to Mass each morning at 6 am...every day!
It was St. Joseph's Academy in Prescott, AZ....high desert....there weren't a lot of flowers that bloomed in this area...then...But each Spring the church was packed with Irises.
I Loved the smell of them. I would breathe in that scent like it was candy!
I have my own Iris collection now and this is the most magnificent of them.

Today is our Kate's birthday. When she was little we called her Katie Rose...now she's Kat to some....Kate to others...but to me she will always be My Sweet Katie Rose.
Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

I now have another type of collection of roses....Tea roses are my favorite. Oregon is hell on roses. They like it a bit drier....but I keep on attempting to figure out how I can have them here.
They are so magnificently beautiful...just like our daughters!

Who knew that we had a bazillion little yellow finches just waiting to be fed thistle seed? Where were they hiding? We bought this little bird feeder and a bag of seed thinking that we would...maybe...have a few birds come to live on our property.
The other day I counted 30 of these beautiful beings flocking around the feeder...........they muscle each other out & have a grand time vying for the 6 perches. Michael has been filling the feeder up each day.
I told him that we were going to have to take a loan out on the house just to feed these birds. Their antics are quite entertaining!

We are starting quite a collection of tomatoes. They will have to live in pots on the deck until the weather warms up. Then some of them will go down to the garden area.
Here is one of the newbies....
I really enjoy watching them grow....not to mention the wonderful fruit that comes of it all. Nothing like a home grown tomato to munch on a hot Summer day ;)

Last...but certainly not least is my Sweet William.
This little guy is Hardy....he wintered over this year...looking sad and pathetic and them coming right back to be this beauty......who graces our deck!

Loads of *eye candy* around me these days...making me Happy....thought that I would share it with you ;)

I hope that you are enjoying your eye candy too!

Show & Tell

2008-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Again....it's a beeutiful Sunday morning here at Chez Ernst. I have been out giving guano to all the plants and boy are they happy....nothing like a little Bat juice to brighten somebody's day!

I hope that it's as lovely where you are....&....that you are out in your garden....or wherever...enjoying this May day!

I am invigorated whenever the sun shines!

I have been wanting to do a little show and tell for a while now and I think that this beautiful Sunday is just the time for me to do that. I have been spinning a little bit...when I have the chance. I am finding that spinning is quite an Art.
It takes patience, fortitude....& a lot of the same things that I need in order to do my glass.

I am enamored with the whole process of hand spinning. Knowing, when I hold a skein of hand spun yarn how easily the energy of the person who has spun it.....with love....comes through.
I didn't know just how much of an art it takes to do it....correctly!
I am starting to!!

Here are 2 skeins that I have turned out of my own hand spun. They both are from Lisa's roving. The one on the right she calls Deep Sea. The one on the left Sky Drama.

I get frustrated....don't know if I'm doing it too loose or too tight (always with me it's too loose though...I'm learning my way)....&...I can't wait for it to be done! When it is I am pleased...but also see where I have room for much improvement!
Progress Not Perfection!

When we left for MS&W I left my knitting in the van....YIKKES....no time to go back and get it before the flight.
I called Jackie when we got to Maryland (...in a panic) & when we got together she had an Emergency Knitting Bag with her (XOXOX). In it was several skeins of yarn and some pointy sticky things.....also called double points.
Now....I am a circular knitting needle kind of gal...that's what I learned to knit socks on...but I was desperately willing to give these a try.
Blessedly Jen sat down with me (XOXOX) & taught me how to cast on....getting me started on these socks for Michael.....not to mention saving my sanity.............as she would say...."Knitting for Sanity" (that's the name of her blog!). There's a funny picture on her blog...........me with the needles in my hand and a silly grin on my face!
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT OUR FRIENDS?.....Thanks again Dear Hearts!

OH NO....I've been MEMED!!

2008-05-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Alrightee then.....Yesterday I got a message from Lovely Melissa notifying me that she *memed* me....It's not like getting shingles so here goes:

The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Lets see, what year is this....Oh Yeah....
In 1998 I was living outside of Drain, OR with my husband and 2 of our 3 daughters.
We were doing Fine Art Craft Fairs at the time, making Glass Ink Pens...Jewelry...Beads....Glass Ornaments...you get the drift. We traveled the country selling our wares like Irish Gypsies.
The 2 youngest girls were home (13 & 15)...so there was alot of energy drifting around the place.
They were Home schooled & quite active in the Community.....lots of friends through the "Not Back to School" who came by to stay for extended periods of time.
I was just trying to keep up with them, the business & all that my busy life had to offer.
It was a Good Time.....albeit hectic.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):
.........1. Take the recycling into the recycling center....we do not have trash pick up out there on Hwy 38.
.........2. Go and get my teeth cleaned.
.........3. Wash the Dishes ;)
.........4. Make sure that all of the plants are watered as it's going to be over 100 degrees today.
.........5. Make Dinner....it's my turn.

3) Snacks I enjoy:
........Ben & Jerry's Phish Food
........Bananas
........Unsalted Sunflower Seeds
........Anything..pretty much...with chocolate in it.

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1......Work to get good...free health & dental care to all people.
2......Set up a fund for small businesses to succeed.
3......Buy my own broadcasting company that actually gave people good news and information about how to make their lives happier. Giving them the facts about what's going on in the world that were honest.
4......HELP!!
5......Pay back all the people who have helped me in my life.
6......Buy our daughters homes that they could love all their lives.
7......Help children who want to go to college be able to see that dream.
8......There's bunches more things but...................

5) All the places I have lived:
Las Vegas, NV
Prescott, AZ
Tarzana, CA
Burbank, CA.....Twice
North Hollywood, CA....my first apartment....cost $80.00 a month, furnished....including utilities.
Glendale, CA.....Twice
Carpinteria, CA
Topanga Canyon, CA
Los Osos, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Santa Margarita, CA
Drain, OR...........for the past 18 years....

6) Peeps I want to know more about:
Lisa
Trish
Kim
Jane
Sachi
Alison

It's Always good for me learn a little more about myself....& others!
This has made me take a look at the past and present of my life...and what I would like to be in my future.
This meme is open to anyone.....I am interested!

And....if anyone would care to try...here's the typing test.....

88 words

Speedtest

Fun At Jackie House!

2008-05-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

After MS$W Michael & I got to stay at Jackie's house for a few days....a little, much needed R&R!

We had a Very Good time!

Here's Jackie's new lap blanket..in progress. She's making it with Lisa's handspun cashmere...&...boy is it yummy!!

Jen had to high tail it home to Seattle on Monday but we did have a little time for show and tell! *This is an picture of Jen from Madrona.........&.........since I didn't get any pictures of her at MS$W I thought I'd put it in here......she's so Dang Beautiful!*

I wish that Jen could have spent a few more days with us....but she's got a family & they need her even more than we do.....besides...she flew all the way across the country to be with us at the show.....Just How Lucky Were We? *I could do a whole blog just on that one subject!*
We both consider ourselves Very Lucky to have Jen & her Family in our lives!!

We had a blast at Jackie's new house! It's on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We ate, talked, knitted & enjoyed Jackie's Awesome hospitality....None Better!!

Here's Jackie's socks *in progress*....isn't it gorgeous!! It's from Lisa's kit....Vintage Quilt Sock Kit
It's a lovely sock....and the Foxglove sock yarn is to dye for ;)

Soon enough ;(....it was time to leave Maryland & our wonderful friends and head back home....

We had a Lovely time.....A Great show....*we have already sent off the check for next year's show*....I miss our friends....& wonderful customers....but know that they live in my Heart...along with the memories of how much fun we had!

Thank you!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day....&.....WE'RE HOME ;)

2008-05-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!....I hope that all you Mom's out there are having the best of it! Hey, it's face it.....the Mom's that I know...Really Rock!!
Here's a Mom and her baby belonging to our Dear Friend Jackie...gifted to her by Sweet Jen...her loving daughter!

We are home from our adventures in Maryland. We had a lovely show at Maryland Sheep & Wool! The weather couldn't have been better....as well the wonderful people that we came in contact with both inside & outside the booth.

Our friend Carolyn won a Blue Ribbon for her masterfully done Bee Fields shawl....not to mention a few more ribbons for her yarns. Check out her blog for the details! It was more than a pleasure to see her & her lovely daughter Em!
We couldn't have been prouder of her and her accomplishments! I only wish that you could see this beauty in person! It's Amazing to say the least. She deserves the accolades! Congratulations Carolyn!

Here is a beautiful felted piece that I just loved...look at the detail in the face! Those eyes!!

I was lucky enough to get time to run off with Jen and Jackie at the show....although it was busy from the beginning of Saturday until the end of Sunday!
Jen & Jackie were our Lovely Helpers....and Damn Lucky we were to have them with us too!
Thanks to both of YOU for helping to make Maryland Sheep & Wool such a Great Show!

There were so many excellent Award winners, I just took pictures of a few of the ones that we saw.

Here's one of the yarns. It looks like hornets nests to me. Very nicely done.

I just loved this bear with his self caught dinner.........I could have looked at him for a long time!

I have loads more to show you from the trip....& I will do more blogs in the coming days....

But right now there are dishes to be done.....and Spinning....
So I will close...
I hope that you are enjoying your day....and Spring...which has finally come to Oregon. I am SO pleased to be home.....I missed you guys!

Go Figure ;)

2008-04-19T12:32:00.001-07:00

This morning we awoke to SNOW!

It's been interesting to say the least!
Isn't it almost May? It warmed up to 50 degrees from 34....& now it looks like it's snow again...
Ah well, what do I care? I've got a nice warm house & I've got lots to do! Keep good thoughts for the trees & plants...they were Not ready for this one.

I finished Michael's *Fuzzy Feet* socks...made from Pat Fly's wonderful bamboo sock yarn with mohair added into the foot, heels & toes. Well see if Mr. Sock Destructo..ie DH can destroy these in short order time. He loves them so far and had worn them full time since we took this picture ;)

I decided to take the dye into my own hands and see what I could do. I had some wool roving that I bought at Black Sheep 2 years ago....and some dye I purchased a while back.
With help from Dear Lisa I mixed up the meager colors that I had & went for it. The roving was pretty uggley and I was ready to toss it....but Lisa said, spin it up anyway and see what comes of it (or something to that effect)..........so I did...I was amazed that it turned out as well as it did.....And just to remember my first try at dyeing and spinning I made this sachet. It's filled with Home Grown Lavender and will live in my drawer to make it smell great.
See what can be accomplished with A Friend, some dye, Vicodin and Fortitude ;)
PS.....I am feeling a bit better & even have made a few buttons the last few days!!

This & That!

2008-04-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

I just love it when I get to see how our wonderful customers use our buttons on their beautiful art work. Carolyn sent me these 2 pieces to show you. The first is a Bolero pattern by Candace Eisner Strick...isn't it just gorgeous ;)
The second is a button that Michael made...it's on the White Lies Collette cardigan by Joan
McGowan-Michael.

Carolyn is an amazing knitter!! She can be found on Ravelry as carolynba....if you are on Ravelry check out her work...you won't be sorry!
Thanks Carolyn for sending these on to me!

I am feeling a bit better....although if I don't take the meds, it's a different story. I thought that I would try not to take them last night...unfortunately I woke up at 3:30 this morning in pain....so I had to take more meds than if I had just done it in the first place. Live and learn!!

Here's a picture of our new *Scarf Needles*....thanks to a lovely lady who ordered them at Knitterly. They are light...about 7" long & work great for knitting a lace scarf. You won't find them on the website....YET!

I did go into Eugene yesterday....all by myself....got my teeth cleaned and my new crown put on & some running around collecting food, vitamins & the ever important cat food run!

I was whipped by the time that I got back home!
BUT....I did manage to get this lovely new Tea Rose for myself...Hey....it's Secretary week...Don't forget to get Your Secretary something nice....I Did ;)

Reflection is good for the Soul!

2008-04-12T08:15:00.001-07:00

PAIN is an Awesome teacher...it's like an earthquake that rattles me to my bones, makes me hit my knees & promise the powers that be that....if I can only get out of it I will be Good!
When it's gone it's like it never was there....I have been reflecting on pain these past weeks...in all of it's power.
Also on good medicine....& how magical they are!
It's been an interesting journey so far.....& I want to Thank All of You who have sent me healing light! Pain has caused me to reflect on what a lucky person I am & how wonderful it is to have people who care about me! Your comments and caring have definitely helped me ;)

SHINGLES....and not on the house ;(

2008-04-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am SICK.....I have Shingles...one of the most painful things I've ever had!...and it goes on for at least 5 weeks.
I'm almost up to the beginning of week 3....
I was talking with a friend this last Monday. She made the mistake of asking how I was...so I told her the symptoms of what I had. She asked if I had had chicken pox when I was a child....well, Yes...didn't everyone in my generation?
She said, "OH MY GOD Sheila...you have Shingles...Google it"....and sure enough she was right.
It feels like a combination of a really bad sun burn...poison oak
with the nerve endings jumping around, zapping me. It's VERY painful and makes it almost impossible to get a nights sleep.

It is a band around my right side from my spine to my breast bone and covers about 6".
It only happens in people who have had chicken pox. It waits in the nerve endings and when someone get to be....well.....my age. Is stressed and then happens around a child with chicken pox it remembers and gets those puppies into full gear!

I went to the Dr (an incredible woman in Drain).....she asked me why I was there and I hiked up my sweater and she said, "Oh, I see". I have a pretty bad case of it....Yeah!
She gave me meds....ahhhh.....3 kinds...one is a nerve calming med (which for 5 days makes you act like you are drunk....after 20+ years of being sober that ought to be interesting)
one is an antiviral.....and then Vicodin for the pain.
I go to see her again in a week.
The meds are working already....the pain has lessened but I am a Zombie! DAMN!
I had to look up words like poison...and combination so I could write the blog. My brain is definitely on drugs!
I have been spinning...trying to learn how to do it right....getting help from my friend LisaSouza ! Thanks!
Today, not so much.............mostly I have been sleeping..........but I did do the dishes and threw in a load of wash....Hey that's progress for me!

A Quiz....wanna play?

2008-03-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

I think this is a fun thing to do.....Hope you enjoy it too! I'd love to know what yours says, if you want to share ;)....i borrowed it from Trisha's blog...

Just click on the image....

How Do Others Perceive You? Quiz

You scored a total of 44

The Lively Center of Attention

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

Changing of the Guard

2008-03-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first full day of Spring...Good Friday and a Full Moon....Yah! Spring!
I don't know about you but I welcome it with open arms!
It's still gray and dreary around Oregon....I WANT...NEED..... Sun!
I say....Let there be Light!!

A lovely lady visited us at the Madrona show and purchased a button to place on the child's jacket that she was making. Krista lives.....Way Up There...in Alaska. Where, yesterday it was -6 degrees...Yikkes.
She was kind enough to send me these images of the jacket....isn't it Cute!
As well as the new button that she is going to place on her sweater that's in the works.
Thanks Krista for bringing some light into my area!

She's Back ;)

2008-03-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

This sign pretty much says it All!!
Yep it's me! Two weeks on the road and all that is involved...not to mention a cat in tow....but....I'm finally caught up with sleep and ALL of the orders are coming along quite nicely....So I felt like it was more than time for me to sit down and write a bit on the blog.

Madrona Rocked!! What a Wonderful show! I got to visit with friends and $$ in the coffers...what more......Oh Yeah...
Stitches West...which also Rocked!!

Unfortunately (my bad ;().... I didn't take many pictures at either of the shows...too many other things to concentrate on...I hardly know where to start. So I will show you a FEW things that I *gathered* along the way....

This beautiful creation was gifted to me by the graceful and Extra Special Angel, Alison Jeppson Hyde
She wrote "Wrapped in Comfort"...knitted lace shawls. I truly do feel wrapped in comfort when I wear it...not to mention....now I have wings, the pattern is Blue Jay and is in her book ;) Thanks Alison!

Another Great Gal & Wonderful Friend gifted me with some new yarn that she had just rolled out her sleeve. Trish Andersen is such a talent and her new colorway...."Lavender Moon" is...well, you can see for yourself. I quickly knitted some *Neck Candy* ( a pattern made for Trish's yarn by Shelli at Knitterly)...for myself and placed some Triple Passion buttons for closure. YUMMM is all I can say about this project. Just right for the cool mornings that are still around.
Thanks Trish...and Shelli TOO!!

I also received from ANOTHER good friend...Pat Fly this bamboo/nylon/merino sock yarn. It is luscious to say the least. She doesn't have it on her site yet...but I called her and she said that she has been dyeing it all week in her different colorways and you can get it by contacting her off of her site. I promise you won't be sorry for getting some!

We were treated to a lovely dinner with Lisa and Rod Souza of Lisa Knitwear & Dyeworks!...which included friends Brenda Patipa (great patterns...see Lisa's site) & new friend Audrey ;)
Thanks to them we had sandwiches & *goodies* which included red vines...my favorites! Thanks so much for sharing!

We received yummy jams....hey, what can I say...We made out like BANDITS!!!!!

Just about the only purchase that I made was a skein of 100% Kid Mohair yarn from Brooks Farm. I am Wild about this yarn. It's called Primero & I buy myself a skein of it to make a scarf for myself each year. It's a dream to work up and a pleasure to wear.

AND....Thanks SO much to all of you that came to these two wonderful shows...those of you who came to give encouragement and to freely spend your money in our booth!! We appreciate you ALL more than words can say!

There are new ideas a brewing....and we will keep you in the loop!
Happy Daze!!

Valentine's Day...Madrona...&....Stitches West....OH MY!!

2008-02-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

It's been Very Busy around Chez Ernst this past while....to say the least!
We have been gearing up for 2 major shows this February...just 1 week apart.
First we leave for Seattle, this coming Tuesday and Madrona Fiber Arts!!
The show runs February 14-17, 2008.

Madrona is one of my favorites....for many reasons...........lovely people organize the show....great customers...& not the least of which is getting to see friends that I only see at Madrona! We are really looking forward to being there! Please come by and say Hi and see our new work!!

We break down the show on Sunday night....head down the road...home on Monday...do wash..adjust our heads...sleep in our own bed....THEN....Tuesday morning we are back on the road South to California & Stitches West
February 21-24, 2008.....are you keeping up with us?
Stitches West is another fabulous show....busy....& again Wonderful customers....& friends to see....& laugh with!
*A few more cups of coffee for me... (chai tea for Michael)*

Here's 2 new colorways that we have in the Designer Color Circulars.....Mahogany...and Caribbean Waters...to tempt you!

Getting ready for 1 show is hectic enough....but 2 is pretty much OVER the TOP!

I'm doing my best to keep up..............Here's my new *favorite button* that I made for the shows.

So...I will be off the computer for a while. Keep good thoughts for us & our adventures on the road!
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!
You are definitely in my HEART!!

Gotta Love the White Stuff!

2008-01-29T15:53:00.001-08:00

It's been an interesting Winter so far here in Oregon. Unpredictable and Utterly Beautiful!
Sometimes I feel like we've been transported to Finland....
It's been snowing daily for the past 4 days...Very unlike the area where we live.
It does snow here......seldom for more than a small amount & stays on the ground for a matter of hours, or a day (if you're lucky). This year has been the exception.
As you can see by our Buddah...it's been snowing A LOT!!
Of course....he Always keeps his Cool ;)

So, hey....Why not take advantage of all this snow....and build a Snow Woman to show off the new scarf that I made?......
This thought has been brewing for several days...Since both Madrona & Stitches West are coming up this next month..I pushed it to the "back burner"....Until today! It would No Longer Be Put Off!!
Here she is in all of her glory.....Trying like the rest of us to keep Warm!!

Birthday Man ;)

2008-01-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Michael's birthday.....A great reason to Celebrate!!
I have been privileged to know this man....& have him in my life for the past 26 years.
What a Lucky Woman am I!!

We had a Great Day.....did a little work...Jennyrose called.....as well as great friends...Michael loved that!!
Then we went off to play!

Since we met playing pool...and although we took many years off from that...we have been, recently doing a bit of it.....So I thought that I would buy him a pool cue for his birthday!...and he was UP for it....*it's difficult to find something that Michael gets jazzed about.....* I done good ;)

We went into town....got Michael's new cue...with case....
Ate dinner at Bepe & Gianni's Italian Restaurant.
Kate met us there to celebrate! Ice Cream at Prince Puckler's!
THEN.....off to *break in* Michael's new cue.

A Great Time was had by ALL!

Surprise & Thank You!!

2008-01-19T15:24:00.001-08:00

I received a special surprise today when I checked my email ;)

I was blessed with a special award from Rosemary.

Thanks you so much!!

I am now to pass it on to 10 other bloggers, according to the instructions: "Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times." And in no particular order:

1. Tilt-a-whirl
2. Kim Knits (and sometimes not)
3. Spin Dye Knit
4. Spinning Mom
5. Knit Me
6. Yin & Yarn
7. Intrepid Fiber Wizard
8. Feather & Fiber
9. Weebug Knits
10. Pleasant & Delightful

BUT....I must say thanks to all the bloggers that I read....those that are listed here...the ones that I didn't list..... as well as those I come upon through other people's blogs!! There is A LOT of work that goes into making a blog entry...and I appreciate all of the things that I have learned and gleaned from each and every one of them!
Thanks too to Rosemary and her wonderful blog....and the information that she so freely passes along!!

Should I Stay...Or....Should I Go?

2008-01-08T11:16:00.001-08:00

So What Do you Think.....
Got up this morning....all packed for my trip down to Long Beach to do the TNNA show.....this is the view of the road going over the Siskiyous....Pretty Scarey!!
Also, there was a big comment...which said..."Do Not Travel...& if you do, take a Winter Survival Kit (whatever that is) with you"....AHH....No Thank You!
So, I'm staying put....Drain is looking better & Better!!
I should go....I wanna go....I'm Not Going ;(
But I will miss my friends....and wholesale customers....

I was really starting to get Bummed!!
When.....Just in the nick of time....I received a lovely package from Melissa.......3 skeins of Peace of Fleece Yarns.....you see, she had a drawing and I was one of 2 people who was lucky enough to win a prize...Was I excited!! The last time I won anything I was 21...a few decades ago...
Thanks so much Melissa...you made My Day....quite a bit brighter ;) !!

What shall I make? Got any ideas? It seems I have a little time on my hands....

I have a few projects on the needles to keep me busy as well...............

What have you all been up to?

AH.....A New Year....Welcome 2008

2008-01-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well, here we all are in a Brand New Year!! I'm still whirling from the thought of it.
Where did 2007 go...and where was I?
Guess I'd better get over it...and quick!!....otherwise I will be wondering where 2008 went. Need to be present is the lesson here....I think!

A few things to finish up on.....Here's our lovely daughter Kate in her scarf that I made her for Christmas...& YES she has been watching *America's Next Top Model*....does it show?
Who knew that the pile of octopus arms would turn into this scarf in the end....it was definitely a test of my endurance getting this together....BUT Kate loves it, didn't take it off for days ;)

Here's 2 wonderful things that I got in 2007....The first being my new torch Lynxie...She's going to make my life easier and hotter!! I have been wanting this torch for several years now and *Michael* made it happen.....there's one for him as well!

The second little gem is my new Bot....iRobot actually. She's a little work horse that helps to clean up...and actually gets me into the mood to do a bit of cleaning. If you haven't seen the iRobot yet...you should take a look.....It's a wonder!!
I feel just like Jane Jetson ;)....I'm in Love!!

Autumn decided on New Years Eve that it was time for the Christmas tree to come down...Michael had to get up several times in the night to rescue the ornaments.....Today the tree will go outside...the ornaments wrapped and placed in their boxes....and Christmas 2007 will be a memory...much cherished!

And I....Well First of All....Next week I'm off to the TNNA show in Long Beach California....I have requested Sun for the whole trip....good orders and a great get togethers with friends all along the way!
HAPPY NEW YEAR....MAY IT BE BETTER THAN OUR FONDEST DREAMS!!!!

TOO Much Fun!

2007-12-27T10:31:00.001-08:00

Ahhhhh! It was a Dream Christmas....much Gaiety and Fun! Good food...loads of Goodies.... Music on the player...warm fire....Lots of Presents!! The Best of which was having our daughter Kate home....&...she brought her amazing friend Rosie with her!!

These 2 are a Hoot!!....as you can probably tell...
Kate and Rosie have been friends for the past 10 years and their friendship has grown into being more like Sisters! It was such a Special treat to have Rosie with us this Christmas!!

They arrive at around 4pm on Christmas eve...we made pizza and then went to Drain to shoot pool and visit with our friend Dan....
It was a Good time ;)

Home again to await the sound of tiny hooves on the roof.....and bed!

I guess that we all must have been good this past year...because, sure enough Santa came and blessed us with beautiful presents under the tree.

Christmas day went by in a blur of tea and food and talking about everything under the sun...phone calls from loved ones that weren't with us...& a lot of LOVE being passed around!

Everyone adored all of their presents...........hey what can I say it was a good time!!

We watched the Simpson's movie....which Kate gifted us for Christmas....and soon enough it was time for bed again....I must say, My body was ready but my Spirit wanted to keep going...not wanting this amazing day to end.

But....little did I know what awaited us the next morning......................... SNOW!!
AMAZING!!

Before I knew it we were all outside, freezing our....well...noses....playing in the SNOW!!.....*Notice the Women in their new Christmas scarves*
What can I say......it was a Perfect Christmas Memory!!

The Book Game

2007-12-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here are the rules:
1. Grab the nearest book
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it. Just grab what is closest!

Check it out.....it's really Fun!
Hope that you are all having a Great Day!!

Here's the results from my book: This means your energy level is much higher than before. Barriers are breaking down. Maybe you're making a little progress after all.

One can only hope ;)....or my $.02!

Thanks for your Presence!!

2007-12-05T10:02:00.001-08:00

What a Fantastic Birthday!!

Thanks SO much for All your Good Wishes & Lovely Presents!! They are appreciated more than you will know!!

Here's the Stash....WOW!!....
What a Lucky Woman Am I ;)

When I was a child & had a birthday in December, I only got one present...which included birthday & Christmas.....little did I know that as my life went along this would be changing.....now....really, who needs more?.....
OK......well maybe just a few more things.....for Christmas ;)

What a long.....strange trip it's been

2007-12-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today is My Birthday....Happy Birthday to Me.....

Just for fun I thought I would post the Sevens in My life...Thanks to each and every one of them for getting me to where I am Now!!

Here's Seven days!

My Seventh birthday!

Seventeen!!

Twenty-Seven!!

Thirty-Seven!!!

Forty-Frickin Seven!!!!

AND.....as if that Wasn't Enough ............................57!!!!!!!!!
Ah youth, ah lips, ah estrogen, ah Well!!
Life is Grand & I am happy to be here!! *Wonder what the cruise director has in store for me & the rest of the ride*...I'll keep you posted!!

BurrrrrP !!

2007-11-23T16:05:00.001-08:00

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!! Are you all stuffed to the gills? We are!!
This was the view out our kitchen window this morning at crack of dawn....That white stuff is frost. Needless to say, it got rather cold here last night....brrrrr. Pretty though!

Our Thanksgiving day feast was Great!! Everyone pitched in to help make the day Fun and Festive!
Kate showed up about 1:30 and again we had a very nice visit...knitting and eating and grouped around the fire. Telling tales of our lives now and remembering the years gone past.
Jennyrose called to visit with everyone....which made the day as perfect as could be.....wish she was here with us as well...maybe next year!...*I hope, I hope*.....

This is a hint as to what I am now looking forward to....can you venture a guess as to what that will be?
In a little more than a month we will again be together! This time Kate will bring her good friend Rosie with her to grace our home......

Meanwhile it's back to the norm for us....getting orders out and trying to get back on the straight and narrow around our food consumption....devil get thee behind me!

Hoping that you all had a fabulous yesterday....at least as grand as ours....!!
Time to hit the exercycle for me!
Happy Days ;)

The Wild Turkey Day Approaches

2007-11-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

Rain, rain...go away...come again some other day! Yea, like in two weeks from now...I mean, wouldn't it be grand to have a bright and sunny Thanksgiving? "Dream on Mc Duff!" (this is what my Mom would say to me when I was wanting something unreal to happen). I mean, after all, it's Oregon...in November!

My Japanese Maple is still hanging in there with a few errant dazzling leaves on her......
My Deck Buddah reminds me that "this too shall pass"..... Peace baby!!.....

So I hunker down, inside....Many things to do and many things to think about doing!

First, of course, comes the Cozy fire!! The Fire Angel...reminds me to count my blessings....like all the wood that Michael cut up this Fall ;)
The noise of the fire calms me!! Damn I love Fire....and it's possible because it's cool & rainy outside!

I look over at Autumn sleeping on her couch!! She's got the right idea.....this is....after all....the time to rest and rejuvenate....Thank Goodness I have this sweet little being to remind me of that!

So I sit down on the couch and try to convince myself that the pile of blue/green octopus arms is someday going to turn into the Christmas scarf I have chosen to make Kate.....

Round & round she goes..and where she stops...No one Knows....Yep, that's ME ;)

I happen to glance over and low and behold Our Thanksgiving cactus is getting ready to bloom!!
That reminds me that in just 4 short days....it's going to be Thanksgiving!!
How Grand is that!!
I wish for all of you a lovely Turkey day!!....although we will be having our annual Thanksgiving day feast....home made enchiladas, rice and beans...plus cranberries, deviled eggs...pumpkin pie (for Kate) & pecan pie for us!!...Gobble gobble!! ;)

Coming Home!

2007-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

We had a surprise visit from our youngest daughter this weekend....how sweet is that? AND.....yes...she did bring home her laundry!!
Call me a weirdo but I just love that...Our College girl bringing home her laundry ;)

As you can probably tell from this picture....I adore her...what an honor it is to have such a bright star in our sky!!

We had a lovely time of it....I made spaghetti dinner...and scones...we babbled for hours...watched TV while Kate worked on her art project....and harassed Autumn..."Sisters" you know!!

She adores her Dad....I mean, what's not to like...plus he took her to see BB King while I was in Baltimore.....she knows which side her toast is buttered on! Smart Woman!!
Just having her in the house is enough for me!!
Thanks Kate....I hope that Coming Home is as much fun for you as it is for us!.....and Thanksgiving is just around the corner ;)

Fall Colours ;)

2007-11-05T18:25:00.001-08:00

My Japanese Maple warms my days!! Yumm!!
It's definitely Fall here at Chez Ernst!
One of my Very Favorite times of year....mostly because of the color scheme that Mother Earth provides!
These felted pumpkins are from Decadent Fibers. These terrific women were next to us at Stitches East. Their products, both kits and finished pieces are just wonderful! Not to mention how lovely they both are!

The harvest of the Summer's plantings....canning and hunkering down for the Winter ahead!
It has been causing me to reflect on the past 10 months and all the good that has come my way!

The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.

*Thank you Emily Dickinson!!

AND.....
I would like to say thank you to all those that have been with me...both in Physical Presence and in Spirit! It's been an Awesome year!!....gotta go put a trinket on now!! Enjoy your Fall!!

Continuing Down the Road

2007-11-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

So, where was I.....Oh yes, back in the Baltimore area...... at Jackie's house... ;)
We decided to go into Annapolis on Tuesday. I had never been to this historic town. I am in love with old buildings, roads & the ability to bridge time by being in the same place as our ancestors.
We had a great lunch by the water & a great *walkabout* in town.

The streets were narrow and I could almost see ladies walking with their baskets over their arms and bonnets on.
This is "Shiplap House"....built in the 1700s...use to be an old tavern....where our Forefather's ate, drank and told jokes.

Here I am at the MD state house...where George Washington held council....pretty cool huh!! It's the oldest state capitol still in use....and quite beautiful. I love that it was built using only wooden pegs!! Imagine.
The lightening rod was designed by Benjamin Franklin.....Woo...history!

Then Jackie took me down a passage way that lead from one street to the next....If these bricks could talk...
Or....If I could look this good after 400 years ;)

Soon enough it was time to head back to Jackie's house & to get ready for the next morning's 6am flight.

I had an amazing trip back East!!
I will look forward to next year and more adventures....but for now, it's out to the workshop for me....Orders Await....Gratefully!
Check out these Sweet Peas...and pea pods....Jack in the Beanstalk....for sure!!

Playing Catch Up

2007-10-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

Where on Earth does the time go?
Pretend that this is just a day after the last post that I did....'K...
After the Stitches show was packed up...over & done...Jackie and I had a few days to bum around...It was A lot of fun!! I finally got to see Jackie & Ron's new Home...here it is in all it's glory...well, not quite...since this photo it's gotten grass & a beautiful tree! The inside is magnificent. They won't get to move in for a few weeks yet...but it's all moving right along.

Here's their tennis court...pretty swanky huh!!
They have an indoor and outdoor pool...TOO!
Can't wait for our next visit ;)

Sooner than I could say New York City I was off to visit Jennyrose and the crew at her house. We had a great time at MOMA (Metropolitan Museum of Art). We ate at Ben Ash's Deli...YUMM!!
We went to the movies....ate at more great restaurants...Visited...and marched around Brooklyn and Manhattan.
I got to visit with our Grand Cats...Chunk and Violet....

Jennyrose..... as you can see..... loves her new cashmere scarf. It was 75 degrees and she still wore it....AHHH!!

Then....all too soon...it was time to get back on the train and head back to Baltimore.
I am off to the DDS this morning.....SO....I will continue this again tomorrow....Root Canal Finish Ups Won't Wait!!

2007-10-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Spent 13 hours yesterday coming back from Baltimore.....with stops in Atlanta, Georgia.....and LA...I think it was LA...couldn't quite tell with all of the smoke....I was quite glad to fly out of there and return to My home in Oregon!! Flew in to Rain and Green!!

Hold on...I'm jumping the gun and need to tell you about the happenings while I was away.....at Stitches East 2007...and beyond!!

This was our view while waiting to load into the Convention Center, downtown Baltimore! We waited in line for what seemed like an hour before we got the chance to do our load-in.

Jackie was my Lovely (!!) Assistant and Guardian Angel at the show. WOW how lucky was I!!....*I really must have done something special in a former life to be that blessed!!*

Plus she's the fastest woman on the planet when she gets things done!!

Across from us was the duo of Lisa & Rod Souza....we had many hugs and then got to work. It was great getting to look across and see their smiling faces during the 4 days of the Stitches show. Watching Lisa blow up her new mannikins was a barrel of fun!!

The show was decent and the people who came were great!!
We had awesome neighbors and it was super to have friends (both old and new) surrounding us!!

I missed my Michael but each night I got to go home with Jackie and be the visitor in the bedroom! Sure made it a lot easier to get up and do it all over again the next day!!
I truly thank my Lucky Stars!!....and Ofcourse....well you know ;).....thanks Jackie XOX

Shuffling Off to Baltimore ;)

2007-10-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Yep!! Going to Baltimore.....Tuesday morning at crack of crack of Dawn....not looking forward to the crack part...but to everything else.....VERY Excited....and Prepared!!
I really enjoy the Stitches East/Baltimore show!!

Flying across the country is a lovely adventure..especially when there is sock knitting involved!! AND...when there is a beautiful Friend waiting on the other side of the baggage claim area with a big smile on her face!!
Can't wait to see Jackie ;)

At the show......right across the isle are Lisa & Rod Souza ;) *We called that one in by asking to be next to each other....smart huh!!*
Not that we will be doing much chit chatting....but we can smile and wave!!

The workshop has been all a twitter with activity....there's bunches of new circulars on the way....shawl closures....bamboo knitting needles....buttons......ah a full larder!!

I finished Jennyrose's scarf....thanks Lisa for the help in blocking it....you Rock for so Many Reasons!!
I will be taking it to her in NY after the Stitches East show!
I love that I will be able to spend a few days with our Sweet Girl ;)
And, Of Course I will be filling you...Dear Blog Readers...in on all of my adventures ;)

Since it's Fall I thought I would tell you a tale about our Darling Autumn....Mouser Extrodinaire.......Last night Her Nibs caught...not 1....not 2....but 3 little mousies!
Now.....I'll give you that they were small....but does that lessen the fact that she caught them....NO, I say.....Plus she got Michael into it.....because...in her words, she's into catch and release!!!
So Michael was down on the floor with Autumn chasing the mousies around the room.... once Michael had the little devil in his hand...was walking toward the door.....and Autumn batted it out......they are going to have fun while I'm gone ;)

You all too I hope.....some of you I will be lucky enough to see at the Stitches show....Can't Wait!!
REALLY ;)

Not Cracked But a little OFFF! ;)

2007-09-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

We are home after a marvelous weekend at the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival.
Another lovely Fall weekend in Canby Oregon. It was quite crowded on Saturday...this is what the Spinner's Circle looked like most of the time. The appreciation of spinning is growing and bringing quite a community together!

GREAT friends, good food, animals, learning around the camp fire....GOOD Times!
Barb & Tina, Jen & Sam set up camp and made everyone that came their way.... feel at home and welcome....ahh....what can I say about a safe haven to come to?...BUT..Thanks Ladies ;)
And come we all did!

I must admit..... that you could find me, if you looked, visiting with my friends out at the camp site....talking, eating hot dogs, home grown corn...yumm... and having an absolutely enjoyable time!

Lori (Lo to her friends) & David came down to share in the fun...bringing laughter, a wonderful son & guitars....Michael had a blast playing with David & Thaddeus around the camp Saturday night!!

Anthony, who helped Sam and Jen set up their tent was a welcome visitor.....he's quite a knitter! "No spinning for him", said he....I said, "hang around this crowd long enough and that will change...for sure!

Alexandra & Mataniu, as well as brother Tucker came to OFFF and they ended up enveloped as well on Saturday night.
*Alexandra makes the most awesome lazy kates ever made...check them out!
*Mataniu is a Goddess of the highest form!
*Tucker helped us get our PC working.....thanks for that!

Unfortunately I didn't get snaps of our other most welcome friends & patrons that came to the show....but you know who you are and how much I enjoyed getting to visit with you!!

Here's a few of my favorite things that also showed up around camp....the perfect ears of corn...with fresh made butter...thanks to Barb's folks....& Barb......
AND....

The perfect ball of yarn...center pull...ofcourse....that came right off of Sam's Sweet and talented hands.....She's Amazing!

On Saturday night....in the dark....Barb & I made my first bit of dyed yarn.....in a pot.....on top of the camp stove.....ta da......Beginner's Magic....Colorway #1!

I wish that you all could have been there with us too...in more than Spirit!
I bask in the sheer Joy that I feel!

Now.....Onward to Stitches East!!

Off to OFFF

2007-09-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

I Know, I know...it's been a while since I've written on my blog.....
I have been thinking about all of you and how much I appreciate you being in my world!!

What's been keeping you in the dark?...Me out of blog commission?
I have been working on the website....it's tedious....and Very TIME consuming!....AND, when I get something to work...ferret it out....It's Bloody Amazing!!

Our Double Points Page and Ordering is UP now....*I get to check this long awaited project to be done....OFF My List...... ;)...See Me Smile!!*

Oh yes....speaking of OFF......OFFF (Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival)....we will be vending at this Fun and Lovely event this coming weekend.....Please, if you get a chance, drop on by!

I Promise that I will write a good blog when I get home from the show ;)....Bye for Now.

Exciting News

2007-09-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you for writing in about my "Isn't she Beautiful" blog post! I just love reading your comments!

Recently I had been asked by Chris de Longpre from Knitting At KNoon Designs to participate with Janel of Chameleon Colorworks in a collaboration for one of her new designs....Wee-one Welcome Set
It was my pleasure as both of these women are amazing artists. I thought that you would like to see what became of it.

And...then....I also wanted to show you what a beautiful ring Deb made from one of my cabochen/buttons she purchased at the Madrona Fiber Arts Show 2007. Isn't it cool!! Hey, I want one of my very own!!

Here are the buttons that I sent to Vogue....they are going to do an article on buttons in the upcoming Vogue Knitting (my understanding is that it will be the holiday issue)...but I was told that it will be coming out in October......more later on this one

We also sent them Bamboo Knitting Needles...and a few Crochet Hooks for the Knit 1 issue coming out December 4th (My birthday ;)...nice present..don't you think!

Meanwhile we have up dated our Circular Knitting Needle page, with new colors on the Designer Circulars....The Double Point Page is in process and will be...hopefully...up shortly!

Now for some silliness!!
On our recent trip back home we stopped by our old *stomping grounds*...ie San Luis Obispo California...to visit with friends and take a little break. Michael & I strolled around SLO...as the locals call it...this is Gum Alley where bazillions of students & just plain folks have come to deposit their gum....yep....gum!! Since I was just recovering from my tooth problems I had to make an offering to the great Jaw Goddess....tee hee ;)
Have a great day...y'all!

Isn't She Beautiful!!

2007-08-29T09:04:00.002-07:00

Night before last we got to experience the full moon in eclipse.
Our daughter Kate came to visit that evening...what a blessing ;)
*we had an
She & her Dad got up and watched the moon in it's full splendor!!

Michael took pictures that are awesome and I wanted to share them with you!

I am in awe and admiration of the Moon. I have great respect for the beauty of her and the power she commands in our lives!

The Moon represents our emotions and how important it is that we honor ourselves and our feelings.
The eclipse allows us to release certain aspects in our lives that are no longer necessary.....To Let Go of those things that no longer serve us....that....perhaps....we have been holding on to!
It's also a time of personal reflection....it's an opportunity for us to shed and then grow! Not perhaps the easiest thing to do...but necessary!!
I hope that each of us will take a few minutes to check into our lives and do what the Moon just showed us how to do.....go inside, cover up, check for wounds....release...and then come out Shining!!

Consumate Eye Candy!!

2007-08-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Do I have a treat for you!!
My good friend Pat Fly of Angora Valley Fibers asked me if I would like to take a very special treat with me to The Fabulous Fiber Festival.....Ofcourse I said YES Indeedy!! What's up, pray tell?

Pat's lovely Daughter Liz has been dyeing this incredible yarn...but wait, not just dyeing it...knitting it up on their sock machine, then dyeing it, frogging it and skeining it up....and Boy oh Boy is it beeeutiful!! Needless to say, Each one is a "one of a kind" treasure!!
The people at Fab Fiber couldn't keep their hands off of them I am pleased to say!
AND.....
I do have some skeins left and I wanted to offer them to you before I merrily take them off to be sold at Oregon Flock & Fiber coming up here in a few weeks (September 22-23) in Canby Oregon.

NO ONE will ever have another pair of socks just like the ones that can be made from this yarn. There's 4.5 oz in each skein...it's Sock Weight Merino Wool..."Machine wash cold, dry in the dryer"....7-8 stitches per 1".

The price is $24.99 (plus shipping, around $3.00 for 1 skein).....a steal!
You can email me at smernst@juno.com to order!

This young woman has a beautiful color sense, as you can see.....gets that gene from her Mom I suspect!
Unfortunately my photography of the yarn doesn't show how wonderfully rich the colors are....So you will be even happier when you receive your yarn!

Thanks to all who wrote in about my tooth adventure in Santa Monica! Your kindness lifted my Spirits and warmed my Heart ;)

I will have another post in the next day or two to tell you all about our trip home.

Keep good thoughts....I go off to get lovingly tortured by our sweet dentist tomorrow afternoon!

Accounts of a Wayward Traveler

2007-08-24T18:08:00.001-07:00

We have returned from our venture to Santa Monica & The Fabulous Fiber Festival of 2007.
The show was lovely...loads of wonderful people who came by the booth sharing with us their time & we were blessed with profits for the hungry bank account. Thankfully!!
Here's our booth lay out...with Michael pontificating to two interested customers.....wonder what he's saying?? Any guesses?

Our booth was positioned right next to Lisa & Rod of Lisa Souza Knitwear & Dyeworks....our good Buds!
That was quite a blessing for many reasons!

The set-up went well and we were happy with our efforts as we left on Thursday night....ate at Poncho's Tacos on Lincoln.....one of our very favorite haunts when in Santa Monica.
Our Hotel was great and we settled in to channel surf on the television.....falling fast, fast asleep.

Friday went well....here's a view from the booth of the beginnings of the show on Friday....lots of people came & I even got to help some of them feel comfortable about knitting "their own way". I knit Combination Knitting which is rather different from the way a lot of people knit & I loved being able to pass some information on.
By the time that closing came we were all whipped! Michael & I went back to the Hotel...Michael got us Sushi at Chez Ralph's Market...yumm!!

Saturday was difficult! I awoke with the left side of my mouth swollen and was in a bit of pain....having been a dental assistant..in a long ago life....I knew that I had an abscess and was "in trouble".
Michael held down the fort at the show and I held my cheek...downing ibuprofen until I could no longer take the pain.....I called our dentist at home in Eugene....angels sang and the heavens opened with joy when she said that she would call in a prescription of penicillin and vicodin...can you say AHHHHHHHHH ;)....I went back to the Hotel with pills in hand and flopped down on the bed! Lisa & Rod kindly bringing Michael home to me.

Sunday I held court in the van....Michael again held down the booth once again...no one *believe me* wanted to see my swollen face and droopy eyes!! I had visitors...thanks Ladies.....both of my children called me...out of the blue....and I happily knitted in my vicodin stupor...sleeping along the way. It was really quite pleasant...under the circumstances.
When it was time to break-down I helped as I felt good enough to do it!

So, My Dears, that's my story...and I'm gonna stick by it!
Thanks for sticking by Me!!
*I'm much better now & I have an appointment on Monday to see our Angel Dentist Molly*

Stay tuned for the trip home ;)

The Fabulous Fiber Festival Cometh

2007-08-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Michael and I leave for the Fabulous Fiber Fest in Santa Monica, CA...my old stomping grounds!

This is a lovely show! Last year we enjoyed it Very Much!

I LOVE Santa Monica!! I know where the good places to eat are, it's warm and sunny most of the times & I am getting to be with marvelous friends!

Lisa Souza and her husband Rod....with her beautiful yarns!!

Melissa from Peace of Yarn but only to visit!!

Carolina Homespun and their wonderful crew!!

To Name only a few....if I had more time I'd name them all!

But you will have to come by and see for yourself....if you are in the area...and if not, I will write about it when we get home.

Oh yeah....AND there will be a few tricks up our Ernst sleeves as well!! We have been working hard these past few days to get things together for a great showing!

* Thanks to all of you who have sent good thoughts to us about Tim and his family...our family...we truly appreciate them*

Ernst's Wild Ride

2007-08-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

It's quiet now but this past few days have been anything but!!
On Tuesday Michael, Jennyrose & I went up to have a visit with our Oldest daughter, Rebecca & our Grand daughter, Siobhan.
It was a nice trip up to Portland, on a beautiful sunny day.
Michael & I haven't seen Siobhan or Rebecca for a year....for Jennyrose..it's been much longer....five to be exact.

Rebecca went into labor the day of Jennyrose's 16th birthday...and our little Lambie was born the day after.....so....I *knew* that they would get along like two Bulls in a china shop...being Taurus & all....and that they did!! Never more than 3 feet away from each other ;)

We had 2 Award Winning days!!!!!

We went to the park, had a picnic & played for hours on the swing, jungle gyms,
slides and where-with-all.

Siobhan is a person of many faces. She is a total JOY 100% of the time!

We got a Hotel room with a Pool....so after the park fun wore thin we jetted on over to the Hotel...Jennyrose and Siobhan spent an hour in the pool & then there was fun and games (provided by Grandma & Jennyrose) in the Hotel room.
Siobhan organized all of her clothes in the drawers, hung up her clothes...& put all of her toiletries out in the bathroom...reminding me that this was only behavior that was necessary for her in a Hotel room.
We ate pizza for dinner, played with paper dolls and pop beads and had a good time just being there together. Looking forward to more fun the next day.....more pool, more park!!

Behind the scenes was a very difficult situation.....Rebecca's long time mate, Tim....was dying.
He had had major surgery the week before and was to be recovering....BUT....that's not what happened. There were complications with the procedure that were too extensive to detail & during the time that we had Siobhan he left the Earth.
Rebecca was with many close mutual friends during his passing.

We feel honored to have been able to take care of Siobhan...buffering the pain until Rebecca was ready.
Bitter Sweet!

2007-08-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Jennyrose is home for a 10 day visit....& we got the added bonus of having Kate come for brunch this past Thursday. For me this is pure Love at it's finest.
Yeah...yeah....I'm a Softy for these young women...I know....but just look at them...what Beauties!!

These are the flowers that Kate brought home with her....they are pretty spectacular too!

Five Amazing Women!!

2007-07-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

I am a very lucky person indeed....
Amongst the many reasons I say this....are My Friends!
I am most grateful for them all...I spent a few years yearning for some wonderful women to come into my life...and they are here!!

Here is a story about the collaboration of 5.

It started a while ago meeting Lisa Souza at a Craft Fair called King's Mountain.
It's a lovely show nestled in the redwoods, south and west of the San Francisco bay area.
Lisa purchased buttons from me....egged on by another lovely woman, Phyllis Champ (thanks Phyllis!!)
Lisa and I began a friendly relationship that bloomed into each of us having a bestest friend to share our lives with!

Through the years I got sightings of Alison Hyde at Lisa's booth....we smiled at each other and exchanged pleasantries & I knew that this lady was Special!! I wanted her too!!

Well, now I have her....in book and story.....I recently received this amazing book. Alison wrote it...knitting her way through the pages....telling stories about each one of the designs and knitted lace shawls and scarves....She's an Awesome story teller!.....A Lovely Lady....and now a friend!
She keeps telling me that I too can knit lace....Thanks Alison!!

So, since I wanted to make something from Alison's book....I called my good friend Lisa and asked if she had some cashmere that she could send me....she said, "sure I do, I will put it in the mail today".....love yah Lisa!!

Little did I know, until it arrived what magic would be coming my way!!....I mean...duh...but still....
This is Lisa's handspun cashmere!!
This is so yummy that it's hard to put the knitting down to do other things!!

I asked Lisa, when I called to rave about how wonderful the yarn was....."Did you get the roving to make this from Melissa of Peace of Yarn?" Lisa said "Yes"....it's the best.....
Enter....another good friend & incredible woman!....Sweet Melissa!!

I had picked out a scarf to do out of Alison's book....called the Opera Scarf. Here is a picture of Alison's version of the scarf. Hoping that Alison was right....that I, too could do lace....I picked out a set of our glass circulars to use for the project.

I already knew who it would be going to when completed.....our daughter Jennyrose!
Jennyrose is coming in a week to visit for 10 days.
I am very proud of this beautiful and talented daughter of ours.....she's a keeper!!

How special it is to make this for Jennyrose....to incorporate the love and experiences of each one of these special people into this scarf.

Oh yes....I AM counting myself in the 5.....since I'm knitting it.....I'm a lace knitter You Know ;)

Fun at the Fair!!

2007-07-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday my friends and I went to Country Fair....we had a BLAST (to use a phrase from my youth)....here we are in the parking lot....the Motley Crew....On the right is my friend Nancy...she's an amazing friend, healer, intuitive....then Beautiful Cynthia...a Reiki Master, intuitve, business woman, and all around fun person!! Her lovely daughter Annie and her fella Zach.
We were greeted by this beautiful painting in the parking lot....She's around 30' long and quite impressive! The black hole in her body is a stage.....awesome!!

One of my favorites at the Fair are the Giants...they are people who are quite adept at walking on stilts...different each year & have the most amazing costumes!! Here's the Butterfly Lady...and the Diva with her pet Bear.

I was SO happy to be there and being who I am I just hugged the first tree that came my way.....yep, I'm a tree hugger! I mean, who could resist?

The Giant Mask came by to get me back in line....and before we knew it we were inside the Fair....

Unfortunately the Giant Mesqueetos were around and attacking....Here's one trying to suck out Cynthia's brain...luckily we swatted him off and ran for the hills....narrowly escaping ;)

Michael & I...and our girls...did Country Fair for 5 years....it's home to me...a very special place to leave the outside world behind. We have loads of friends & always make more every time we venture in!!

Nancy, Cynthia & I took a belly dancing lesson...and afterwards got to see how it's really done.

The young woman dancing here (Inanna).....Grace Lewellyn, was our daughter's instructor & mentor during their Unschooling years. She wrote a book that changed our lives, for the better....called The Teenage Liberation Handbook....a must have for "Nature" minded homeschoolers.....& as you can see...a hell of a great belly dancer! We aren't as good right now, but I'm gonna practice!
Who knows I may be up on the Gypsy Stage one day myself ;)

We decided to take a rest...hang out amongst the trees...listen to some great music and people watch.....
It was a Perfect Oregon day!

Just as we were settling in.....Along Came A Parade.....Freaks & Fairies
Music & Merriment........Great Fun!

This is our Old friend Peter Ames...He's an incredible wood worker! And a lovely man! Peter and I spent many years at Holiday Market in Eugene selling our wares....in booths across from each other. It was excellent to see him...it's been a while.
He gave us one of his wood rattles...like you see on the table here! We will cherish it...as we have Peter's friendship!

Walking along the path...I never know who I'm going to run in to.....So when I saw our daughter Kate and her friend Jen I was happily surprised!!
We hugged, told each other what fun we were having and went on our merry way ;)

Soon enough it was time to venture back into the real world....Yikkes...reality sets in.
Such a wonderful day...and SO MUCH FUN!!

What, pray tell have You been UP to?

2007-07-06T10:51:00.001-07:00

My years of collecting bowling balls for our bowling ball garden has paid off....so, of course I have to show it off!
Bless you Dan!!
AND...since I have been spinning this beautiful roving in the same colorway as my Chinese maple I thought I'd show that off toooo!!
It was gifted to me by my *Sister/Friend* at Maryland Sheep & Wool and will become a Fall stole for Me ;) Thanks Jackie....see, I'm doing it!

The Summer clean up of our yard is continuing even though Dan isn't here to supervise...it's hot and sunny ;) now so most of it is done in the early morning or later in the day...

which leaves time for a bit of knitting.

Here's what I have been working on..... a Feather & Fan stole using some beautiful yarn that I got from Interlacement at the Black Sheep Gathering.

It's a rayon and is just a dream to knit up..... also cool and not hard to knit on....even in the hot part of the day.
The pattern is so simple that even I can mess it up....I rip out a lot...but in the words of the....ever so wise Eugene Bugler..."if you aren't willing to rip out then don't knit!!"

I hope that you all are enjoying your
Summer!!.........
That you have little "Pansy Faces" to keep you Happy....& a "Deck Buddah" to remind you to be Peaceful!

Thanks for visiting my neck of the Garden!

Dan's the Man!!

2007-07-01T16:18:00.001-07:00

Waiting has been my game with the Chez Ernst garden for a long.....long....long....long time! Then came the Mighty Dan....He the Man!!

Sometimes waiting for Angels to show up is difficult....for me at least.....Sometimes they show up in the oddest of places....&.... just when I think that they won't show up at all.....they fly into my world...wings spread open to swoop in and HELP me do that which I can see in my heart.

Of course Michael found Dan...at of all places...our little video store in Drain. Michael has a way of finding Angels...it's rather his forte'....and boy am I, as always, grateful!!
Dan has whipped me and our grounds into something that I am proud of....now we aren't done yet, but I just want to say....out here in the blog-o-sphere....THANKS DAN...you are Definitely the Man!!

To Help a Friend!!

2007-06-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

While reading Janel's blog today I found out that we all have an amazing opportunity to help a friend. We are all so lucky to have this amazing community of Fiber Friends...to support one another and help when it's needed! And...it's needed now!

Annie Modesitt is well known in the knitting world as a designer of beauty!
Her husband Gerry has a health issue that you can read about on her site.

She is asking for donations to help the family during this time....& in exchange we also can benefit...not only from feeling good about helping One of Ours...she is gifting Us with this beautiful pattern...how lovely.

Please take the time to check into this and be generous. Remember whatever we put out there comes back to us ten fold.

Thanks My Friends ;)

More...more...I'm Very satisfied!!

2007-06-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

We were blessed with many visitors at BSG....
I thought that I would share a few of their content, happy faces with you.
On your left we have Sweet Laura who is a joy to be around!! We got to talk a bit....mostly she was spinning & shopping.....as it should be!
On the right is Sachi & her good buddy..."M"...another set of happy people gathering together at the event! Do they look like they are happy to be there...OR what!!

Our daughter Kate came by on both Friday and Saturday. It was a pleasure to see her.
I handed her my NEW camera & she took some wonderful "art pictures" with it.
One of Barb spinning...and her spinning wheel with the "Woolee Winder" flying around. Beautiful yarn don't you think!

Here's Jen in front of the Spinners Circle on Sunday...quite a line-up of amazing spinners & wheels!
This is some of Jen's spinning that she did during the Gathering. She spun it up....she plyed it...she's amazing!!

This is Mr. Brown.
He was my Favorite Sheep of the show. He was mellow & had the most amazing fleece....Not that I know that much about sheep....but as they say, I know what I like...I could have taken him home with me........"me and Mr. Brown...have a thing going on".....

AND then, as quickly as it began, it was at THE END of Black Sheep Gathering for this year. I do hope that some of you that couldn't be with us this year will make it for the next adventure....as it is always a great time!!

Thanks to all of you lovely people who write in to my blog and leave a comment...and to those who read but don't comment! I appreciate each and every one of you and I always enjoy reading what you have to say

Baah...baah....back from Black Sheep!

2007-06-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

What a lovely weekend!!

It was a whirlwind of activity....with the show, great visits with friends & all of the happenings...it was over almost before it began!
It's interesting to look forward to an event....all of the planning that goes into it.....all of the expectations....& then it happens & then it's even better than I could have even imagined!!
Here's Michael showing off Trish Anderson of Tanglewood Fiber Creations new Orifice Hook & Trish's reaction to it!
Egging her on is Alexandra...our wonderful friend who makes amazing lazy kate's...which I now am the proud owner of one ;)

As a vendor Black Sheep is a dream! The location is at the Fairgrounds in Eugene with easy access to load-in and load-out. Our booth, always in the same space, is basically right inside the side door....lovely!
Then there's all of our vendor friends waiting to greet us at set-up.....hey, lets face it...it's home ;)
The atmosphere is laid-back Oregon style and it makes the show, for both sides of the event Awesome!!

Add this to having the most wonderful friends who come to visit you & as they say....We were very happy campers!
AND that is Just the beginning......
Barb & Jen came all the way from Seattle to grace us with their presence at Chez Ernst for the weekend.
Thanks you two for making this year's Black Sheep so special!! Coming home with you and Michael at night took my tiredness away ;)

What would a Black Sheep be without this amazing man....I'm in love with Eugene Bugler...can you tell?....what a man!!
Gene does the most wonderful things with tiny tiny yarn and tiny tiny needles.....he's a lace God!!

It was a wild weekend of spinning....the Spinner's circle was in full swing on a constant basis.
Men, Women & Children all having their way with spinning wheels.

Not only was there spinning inside but people were spinning outside as well. After all, it was a truly beautiful Oregon Summer
weekend.
It was a wonder and a joy to see so many people loving their craft and sharing it so freely with each other.

The animals were, as always a true viewing pleasure! Here's some favorites from the crew!
Time for my nap...I will write more tomorrow!!

Next Pigeon....I mean Sheep ;)

2007-06-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend, June 22-24th is the Black Sheep Gathering.
It is located in Eugene at the Fairgrounds. It's a lovely show!
A mini Maryland Sheep & Wool.

We love it because:
a. good friends gather!
b. they have animals to see and pet!
c. it's close to home...about a 45 minute drive!

I hope that you are coming...if so please stop by our booth and say Howdy!! If you're not.....there's always next year!!
I will do my best to chronicle the gathering through pictures and, of course, my own slightly biased viewpoint!
Got to get to work now and make goodies for the show!

Tag...you're it

2007-06-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

Welp I got tagged by ChickenChum & normally I don't do this type of thing but since the person who tagged me is such a lovey what can I do?
7 Random Facts about myself:

I am a carbohydrate freak!! Give me two pieces of toast (with butter) when I'm at your house & like a cat I will stay forever!!
I love to paint! It doesn't matter if it's walls or on canvas, it relieves stress and makes me feel like I'm accomplishing a great deal.
My family is what's most important to me of anything in the world.
I am extremely sentimental.
I have a great memory for things that other people seem to have forgotten.
I love comedy, especially sappy sentimental ones!
I am very squeemish when bats are flying around.

GOOD-BYE COLUMBUS

2007-06-06T13:55:00.001-07:00

Got home late last night from Columbus & a lovely time at our first TNNA experience.
Sharing a booth with Two Fine Ladies!

We had booked a 8'x10' booth for the show thinking that that would be plenty of room for the three strong women....when we got there we realized that 8x10 looks a lot bigger on paper.
At that moment a TNNA Angel flew by...stating that the people next to us had to miss the show...& "would we like to use that booth as well"...Damn I love Angels!!.....WELL YAH!!
So we spread out with Janel's* Chameleon Colorworks in the middle, Cookie A * on one side and our glass work on the other....Perfect!

This was like the Academy Awards of the Fiber industry. There were more Fiber Stars here than anyone could possibly imagine. Very nice people....and I had a chance to visit with folks that I had only heard about. Unfortunately pictures were at a premium as TNNA has a rather strict policy about snapping photos. *Check out Janel and Cookie A's blogs above for more.....

Janel, Cookie and I had a super fun dinner at a local Japanese steak house, right across from the Convention Center on Friday night...then we met up with a group of folks at The Big Bar inside the Hilton Hotel attached to the convention center.
Here is Janel, Erika Kuntz and Margaret Fisher enjoying! Among the crowd was Chris de Longpre of Knitting at Knoon. Truly one of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet! She was so welcoming at my first TNNA show in January.

I got to meet the wonderful Cat Bordhi. I had a lovely conversation with her and plan to take one of her workshops in the next year or so.
Lucy Neatby was just down the row from us. She is an amazing talent & a very nice lady. I plan on buying some of her knitting dvds in the near future.
Eunny Jang came by for a visit....and is sweet and wonderful! I can see why she is so highly spoken of!
And on and on it went!!

Across the isle on my side were a lovely couple.....Pino and Ann from Unicorn Fibre Wash. They make Earth Friendly-Biodegradable fibre wash & rinse that makes it EASY to care for raw and finished fibre.
I so enjoyed visiting with Ann on Monday.
She loved our needles and buttons and said that although she hadn't knitted in years she would like to do it again. I got to help her remember the love of knitting.

As I watched these beautiful clouds fly by on my way home I thought of all the blessings that this weekend in Columbus provided for me. It was a good show....both as a vendor and as a person.
I brought home orders & wonderful memories & gratitude!!

ALSO.......
I am pleased to be home!!

Onward to Columbus...

2007-05-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well, here I GO again. I am off to catch the plane to Columbus and our first TNNA show.

Here are the two guard cats that will take care of things...with Michael's help while I am gone. Autumn gave me this wave good-bye...and Coal gave me her fiercest cat eye stare.
Pretty scary huh!

Thanks for all your well wishes for my travels and the show.
I will be in Janel's Chameleon Colorworks booth...with she and Cookie A. Cool Huh!!
It will be great to see them both again.
I plan on taking pictures to show you how it goes at a wholesale show. Hope it's exciting for everyone!!