News From The Nest

Haunting Notes

I attended the Ohio Valley Indigenous Music Festival recently at a nearby park. Having loved the haunting music of the Native American flute for so long, I was thrilled to visit, see, and hear the artists in person. I took a class from Painted Raven's Holly Harris and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great to learn that there is a monthly Miami Valley Flute Circle that meets at SunWatch Indian Village / Archaeological Park. I hope to attend in October!!

Nine Years

Nine years ago today - not the date but the Saturday before Labor Day - I left my home state of Virginia with my car packed tight and three cats. I drove about nine plus hours with Gracie meowing all the way until she lost her voice and just went through the motions. The boys, Earl Gray and George, were thankfully quiet the whole way. 

I left Virginia that day crying - leaving my parents, increasing the distance between my sons and me, and the state I had known all my life. 

Little did I know that I would grow to love Ohio and the people I would meet there. 

Ohio is now home. We've redecorated the house - painting it inside and out making it ours. Mom and Daddy relocated here in 2013 so they are nearby. I have made knitting friends, rughooking friends, and soapmaking friends. Ohio is a state that greatly appreciates the arts and it seems there is a group for each and every interest I have. After attending the Ohio Valley Indigenous Music Festival last weekend, I'll soon to check out the Miami Valley Flute Circle! 

Sometimes it just takes a little shove to gain more in your life. 

Now, nine years later, I still miss my boys and their families but truly love Ohio. I am grateful that I landed in such a wonderful place full of activity, opportunity, and genuineness.  

Today is September 1. As in 2009, the annual Wool Gathering is in just a couple of weeks - September 15th and 16th. I thought this wool festival, just a short drive away, was a terrific way for Ohio to welcome me to the state. The Wool Gathering has grown each year and is such a fun weekend. Great vendors at the show along with a stop in Yellow Springs is always a great way to spend the day/weekend. 

Mom continues to improve and taking her to Cardiac Rehab three times each week provides me lots of knitting opportunity.

I recently completed Close to You - a terrific asymmetrical end-to-end shawl pattern that I have placed on my "Favorite Knits List". I knit this shawl for my travel roomie, Karen. She gifted me with a lovely turquoise shawl that she knit but felt was just too big for her. Lucky me! This one is just perfect for her and I hope she enjoys it.

October is fast approaching and with it Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To get ready, I have been knitting knockers! I will be teaching four classes at Wooly Bully Yarn Co. during the month. If you're in the area, please come join me and learn about this amazing organization and how to make Knitted Knockers. 

I can hardly believe it is September. That means that the holiday season is up next. I best get back in the soap pot! Stay tuned for soapy pictures!

Thanks for reading and hope you have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!