Sheeply Musings

Today, for reasons unnecessary to explain, it is incumbent upon me to defend the much maligned intelligence of sheep. 

Having raised them for nearly 20 years, I have the benefit of some experience on my side. 

Sheep are not stupid.   

Just like humans, some sheep appear flighty and skittish. For the most part, they are gentle, intelligent and caring creatures.  My opinion is, the negative sheep-ly behaviors are motivated by fear and not stupidity.  A sheep only has a few means of self defense.  Both rams and ewes will; butt, face the threat head on, stomp a foot and even snort when afraid and sadly, that is where it ends.   Most of these defenses will not protect them from a predator.  

A good shepherd will provide a means of protection.  Most importantly, they’ll need a sturdy fence to keep sheep in and predators out!   A livestock guardian dog, even llamas and donkeys provide the rest of the necessary protection.  When the guardian animal is doing his job properly, he will place himself between the impending threat and his sheep.  Then he will defend accordingly.  The sheep will learn to stay behind their protector and keep a close watch on the situation.  Depending on the severity of the threat or attack, a flock might scatter while being chased.  Once the situation deteriorates to a chase, all they can do is run.  A frightened sheep most likely will not make good decisions about where it runs.  Most predators can outrun or tire a sheep very easily.  Then the attack is imminent. 

Watching and observing my flock over the years brought me great joy.  I have seen their behavior in so many different situations.  While a birth is occurring, they all seem to be aware of what is happening and maintain a respectful distance.  To a degree, they care for each others lambs by allowing them to remain close by-sometimes even resting on the ewes back while she’s laying down in the warm Spring sunshine. But when it comes to nursing, ewes are quick to send other ewe’s lambs back to their own mom.  Young lambs will play and romp with each other with wild abandon and this was undoubtedly, the most joyful thing to watch-ever.  

Sheep miss each other when one is removed from the flock for shearing, veterinary care or when a death occurs.  They will call and look for the missing sheep, to the point of exhaustion.  In the case of a death, they call and look again, exhaustively.  Once the realization settles in, they mourn.  I’ve seen this more than once.   While I can’t humanize this animal, they do certainly possess many human qualities. 

So, when I hear people speak of these animals in less than flattering tones, I don’t fight back the compulsion to correct their point of view…I kindly inform them that sheep are so much more than they might have ever realized.  

"Ruthie and Lulabelle", were my last two ewes.  They lived very long and happy lives on our farm. Both passed on some time ago. They were my beautiful wooly friends. :)

Springtime is for weddings!

Today, I began the process of making a pair of wool felted wedding birds.  I made the pair in the above photo for my niece.  She and her husband were married in 2008.  It's been quite a while since my first pair of birds.  I'm going to enjoy creating these again.  Eventually, they will be listed in my Etsy.com shop.  My niece's wedding was featured in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Chicago Brides Magazine.  It was a spectacular event!   I loved that her little feathered bride and groom cake topper made it into the article.

Great close up

The happy couple cutting the cake!

Chicago Brides Magazine article Spring/Summer 2009

I was encouraged to make these birds again and again actually.  I'm not sure why I've waited so long,  but here we go!

Left Handed Knitting

Oh so true!

I've been teaching a "Beginner Knitting" class on Tuesday nights.  Tonight will be the last official class.  One of my students is left handed.  When I developed this class, I never considered I might encounter a left handed student. 

Despite me, she is doing well!  When I am instructing, I feel so disconnected reversing the directions...  Sometimes, I knit directly facing her so she can see what needs to be done.  I hadn't considered asking her to knit in front of a mirror-or maybe it's me who needs to use the mirror!
When I watch her knit, it just doesn't compute in my own head!  But when I see what she has knitted, it's perfect.

Mirror Knitting

I'm wondering if you have any sage advice for my student or myself...  Have you ever instructed a left handed person? Are there any tips or tricks?  I'd like to make certain my student gets all she can from the class and not walk away feeling cheated.  

Happy Knitting!

Diversion

Let's go fly a kite!

The next time someone tells you to go fly a kite, I highly recommend doing so.  

It's been many years since I've done this. Most of my memories of kites consist of shredded Barbie and Sponge Bob kites tangled in the trees.  My upset, children would be standing underneath, plotting their rescue.

Over the weekend, my husband picked up this sweet little kite for our 11 year old son. He needed a little help getting it going...  After working with it for a few minutes, he came back in the house and announced the kite must be defective..."It won't fly." We both noticed the tail was still wound up and held together with a rubber band at the base of the kite.  He told us unfurling the tail wouldn't help... 

I put on my shoes and went out with him.  We have a big, open field right next to us.  It's a perfect place to fly a kite.  The breeze was blowing just right.  The sky and clouds were awesome.  Within minutes, his kite was up in the sky in all it's glory.  After giving Gabriel some pointers, he piloted his kite like a professional. He wanted everyone to come out and see how well he was doing.  That was as much fun for me as it was for him! 

When Gabriel was finished with Kite Flying 101, he handed it over to me and moved on to another sport.  I think it was whacking rocks with an aluminum bat... At any rate, I was left alone in this field. The wind was gently blowing, the sun was shining down on me and the birds were singing their April songs.  Our kite-colorful and animated, waggled and waved in the sky making me wonder what it would be like-to be like that kite-semi free, flying high above the ground, soaking in the glorious sunshine and without a care in the world.  Nice...

We can get so caught up in the everyday life around us. Writing this, I am amused with myself how a simple and childlike activity of flying a kite could allow me to make such a departure from things that would otherwise and unworthily occupy my mind.  I feel refreshed. 

So remember, if you ever want to tell me to "Go fly a kite..."  I'll go.  I might even skip.  ;)

A Introduction.

Late last year, I began selling some of my creations on Etsy.com.  It's been a fun and eye opening experience.  My shop currently has very a very sparse inventory.  The months preceding Christmas were a busy time for my little shop, so, I've been taking a breather!   But now I'm busy busy busy with plans and projects to fill it up.  :)

If you're not familiar, browse around! 

 Denise's Fleeces

Welcome!

Constants

The sun rises in the East and sets in the West.  I don’t necessarily get to see the sun rise, but am frequently enamored by the setting of the sun.  It’s the kiss goodnight from the day.  The sunset brings the moonrise that chases the path the setting sun has made.  Stars begin to emerge.  The air cools in the sun’s absence and night creatures sing their glorious songs.   My favorite time of the day has arrived.  Work usually ceases and lounging on the ‘veranda’ with my sweetheart and a beverage are a bonus.  

We have passed many evenings sitting on our porch listening, sipping wine and watching the first flight of the bats that call our place home-or do we call their place home...?  

I first moved to this part of the country, twenty three years ago.  The sounds of the insects, frogs and nighttime songbirds were somewhat disconcerting.  It reminded me of a jungle!  The only thing missing was the distant call of an ape!  The sheer volume of these creatures was enough to concern this former city girl.  So many years later now, I laugh to myself when I realize I can say I find these noises endearing and comforting.  They are the sounds of the sultry, summer nights in the south.  

Consistency in life is good. 

Organization...

Like so many fiber artists, I seem to accumulate more fiber and equipment than I can adequately store.  For several months, I've had a small mountain of various yarns, rovings, workshop equipment, and class supplies on the floor in front these shelves.  They're where I store other various yarns, rovings, workshop equipment.. etc.  I think you get the picture.  Just in case you don't, I have an actual picture!

It makes me shudder to look at that mess!  It was pretty awful.  However, it accumulated little by little-almost, so it almost wasn't noticed-by me.

In February,  I purchased a modular, storage cubby from a friend's store.  She was closing her shop and selling her inventory.  I daresay this purchase has led to the most cathartic event of my year so far.  It took me several days of sorting, and sadly yes-tossing, to make this catharsis happen.  This is the end result-

Ahh.  There is peace in the valley!  I was amazed by how this, well spent $25 brought organization and calm to my fiber art supplies and home.  I can locate supplies that had been lost in 'Fiber Mountain', and my books are organized.  I've found patterns for knitting and weaving projects that had been stowed away for later use.  Hmm, not so cathartic there.  That's just my procrastination factor rearing it's ugly head!  All in all, this is such a welcome change.  Now, when I walk by this area, I feel as if I'm passing a softly flowing stream...  Well, sort of.

The point is, I took power over something that overpowered me.

The payback was huge.  Try this yourself.  It needn't  pertain to organization and cleaning. Because at the end of the day, it's all about empowering yourself.  It give us the mental calories we need to move on to the next obstacle and conquer whatever it may be!

Happy Monday!

Ruby likes to be organized too!

Early Autumn

As is my habit, every morning, I feed our animals.  Chip is usually the last one to be fed.  He is one of the bright spots in my day.  Chip isn't very demonstrative of his love for me-what horse is?  But I know he loves me when I bring him his purple bucket full of tasty food.  This morning's fare was 1 part cracked corn, 1 part steamed crimped oats and 2 parts pelleted senior feed. Chip is the senior member of our animal world at approximately 23 years.  Every morning, as I am walking down to his pen with the purple bucket full of grainy goodness, I am thankful he is there, healthy and waiting for breakfast.  Then  I ask Chip "Where's my pretty boy?"  Sometimes, just sometimes, he slowly moves his front hooves out in front of him for a sweet good morning stretch.  I was not so lucky this morning.  He just stood in front of his pan, softly nickering at me as if to say "Can we please just get on with it and give me my breakfast..."  I think some mornings. he would roll his eyes if he could.  @@  Bless him!

Hungry Chip on a frosty morn.

It's of little matter to me when he doesn't perform.  Chip gives me so much to reflect upon as I go about his care. We are so fortunate to have this beautiful animal to love and care for.  The time I spend with him is invaluable.  Everything seems a little brighter.  The cold brisk mornings are a little sweeter.  When I get his "Pretty Boy" stretch..  He might as well have given me chocolate. 

Beautiful Morning Mums

It's days like these that inspire me to work with fiber and create.  I hope there's something in your life that inspires you to create and accomplish.  For without this, we trudge from one day to the next.  So, look up, around, and down.  Find the beauty in the simplest of things in your day and you too will be blessed. 

Finally. Tea Towel Progress!

I could look back in the blog to see when I started working on these towels...  But I won't.  It will suffice to say it's been quite a while.  But I finally motivated myself to sit down at the loom and start working.  I've been tied on for some time now.  The loom has been daring me come over and get down to business!  

But on days like these, distractions are many!

 

After three or four throws of the shuttle, I see a problem.  Really???  I had one thread that was extremely tight.  After investigating, I found I had, after threading it through the heddle, hooked it around several other pieces of yarn.  Ohhh!  I'm not sure how this little detail escaped me when I was double checking everything before I finished tying on, but it did!

So, now that's it's been corrected, I'll show you the little bit I have woven.   One of the best parts of weaving is when you finally begin to see your web emerge!  This is the payoff for all the other preparation you've gone through -whether you find it boring/tedious/even maddening or not!  ;)

Tea Towel in a twill pattern. 

I'm about to start a hem stitch in the above photo.  I've been weaving for close to 20 years.  It doesn't matter how many times I've done a hem stitch, I still really have to think about how it's done before I start.  I've even had to take it out a few times after I started.  Funny, it's just one of those things that sort of messes with my brain.  Some years ago, I would call a good friend to ask her how it was done.  Very patiently, she explained.  Each time.  Bless her, she has the patience of a saint. 

So the process has begun.  Happy Day!

A lot of shoes. A lot of rice. The groom was nervous, he answers twice...

One of my favorite old love songs.  "Makin' Whoopee". Last weekend our little family attended my niece's wedding.  Her new husband has been a wonderful fixture in our family for what seems many years.  I couldn't have been happier about her choice or the beautiful wedding that was tailored for them.

A stunningly beautiful bride and equally handsome groom after cutting the decoy cake...  It really wasn't a decoy cake at all.  The cake was prepared by my sister so the bride and groom would have something beautiful and yummy to 'cut' for the photos.  It was banana.  :)  There was no real wedding cake to speak of.. We had wedding pie!  All manner of fruit pies were served to the guests.  So many fun and unique elements made up this 'wedding of the year'. Food, drink, music and company were wonderful.  To sum it all up, it will suffice to say that if the bride, her sister and their mom went into the business of wedding planning.. they would be tremendously successful! 

My Dad, Dianne, Geoff, Me and Greg.  Happy Day

 

My hubby and beautiful daughter.  Were they dancing??

Goodness... He's so adorable!

Looks are deceiving.  He's really having a great time!

Lyrics to "Makin' Whoopee"

Another bride Another June
Another sunny honey moon
another season, another reason
for makin' whoopie

Alot of shoes, alot of rice
the groom is nervous. he answers twice
its so Killin that he's so willin'
To make whoopee

Picture a little love nest
down where the roses cling
picture the same sweet love nest
Think what a year can bring

He's washing dishes and baby cloths
He's so ambitious he even sews
but don't forget folks that's what you get folks
for makin whoopee

Another year or maybe less
what's this I hear? Well you can't you guess
She feels neglected and he's suspected
of makin' whoopee

She sits alone most every night
He doesn't phone her he doesn't write
he says he's busy but she say's "is he?"
He's makin' whoopee

He doesn't make much money
only five thousand per.
Some judge who thinks he's funny
says you'll pay six to her.

He says now judge suppose I fail?
The judge says 'Budge right into jail.'
You better keep her. I think it's cheaper
then making whoopee

You better keep her.
I know it's cheaper, than makin' whoopee

Another homeschool-less year.

I've had a huge pile of our homeschool books sitting in a corner for some time.  Our kids started public school last August.  I guess there was a reason I had delayed doing anything about these books. Today, I purchased 2 plastic storage tubs to get it all put away.  They have taken up this space too long now.


But, as I sifted through the books and papers, little snippets of our homeschooling days drifted in and out of my mind.  I miss most parts of those days terribly.  I never woke them up early and forced school upon them.  I allowed the luxury of waking up naturally-unless it was ridiculously late.  School came when they were well rested and fed.  I came across pages of vocabulary words, sentences, math quizzes, and artwork...like the one below.

 This kind of thing tugs at my heart.  Sometimes, I feel like we threw away their innocence.  The lump in my throat is proportionate to the amount of  books I packed away and drawings those precious little hands created.

 Then I ran across these two books.   Many were the days, when we were tired or the weather was rainy and gloomy and we didn't feel like doing the normal work.  We would simply read.  I read Rare Catholic Stories and many other books to them.  Sometimes they listened, sometimes squirmed, sometimes they just went to Bora Bora while I read...

And the Family Journal...I never put one mark in it.  I never had time. 

I know they have moved on to a different way of having school and they like it for the most part.  I enjoy seeing the complexity of things they're learning.  A tiny little part of me is glad I don't have to teach them math I haven't done in many years or listen to them bicker and watch them distract each other... But there will always be that part of me that cherishes every moment we spent together as a homeschooling family.

Sweet, sweet precious babes of mine.