I have become obsessed and sidelined with yet another new hobby... sewing and the bright and lovely fabrics that go along with it (a few of my first feeble projects are shown here). But before I get further into that, I have been musing about something else. Just what IS my medium? 
I know that to some, it appears that I flit from one thing to the next (this loco blog certainly isn't about any one thing!) At times, I'm cranking out the handknits (though I have big boxes of unfinished objects- UFO's). Then I'm talking about mixed media art, raising alpacas, digital scrapbooking, gardening, motherhood, felting, cooking, and now... sewing? Am I simply one of those craft-supply and book collectors? (Well, I am but I really DO use things, she says to justify it!) And how, you might ask, do I have time to run a farm, do all this crafting and be a parent and wife?
Becoming part of the "blogging community" has led me to reading about so many interesting people making and doing beautiful things, that I can't help but be inspired. It's only natural that reading about dynamic and creative people doing a variety of things would stimulate my own desire to learn those skills as well. Feeling inspired gives me the energy to do the things that are the major part of my life... having a family and running a farm.
So, I'm perfectly justified in wanting to be a sewer now since I have Anna Maria Horner's book, Seams to Me and Alicia Paulson's book, Stitched in Time. ... right? I was telling Mirian about how my mom tried so hard to get me to sew when I was young and even bought me a very nice used sewing machine, but I just wasn't interested (the same goes for cooking). As I encourage Miran, she now reminds me of that and says, "I'll do it when I'm ready, Mom", and I know she's right.Being a mom is number one on my list, but there is just too much personal stuff there to write much about here. On the other hand, I can gush about my other passions and I appreciate you coming along with me. I guess I don't have A medium- I am rediscovering just how good any kind of creating makes me feel.
I gathered up quite a few to give away or donate, and made room for the others in a much more accessible hutch. Although there are many that I use, I analyzed which are my very favorite ones that I turn to on a regular basis. These made the cut:
, by Sharon Thompson (just awesome recipes, especially for Jonathan's Hot Slaw)
(a great general cookbook)
, by Jamie Oliver (Maybe you've seen "The Naked Chef" on TV, this book has lots of wonderful artwork, photos, and garden information
As I gain cooking experience, its most satisfying of all to throw together ingredients together from time to time, based on what's available. This soup came together based on a recipe I saw in a magazine or heard about on the radio. It turned out great and although it's a pretty high-calorie comfort food, it does have lots of nutrients and all of us loved it!
I just finished the first non-fiction book I'd read in a while, Barbara Kingsolver's 
. I can honestly say that this was a life-changing book for me. Not only did I enjoy it to the point of laughter and even tears at the end, but I found it incredibly interesting, informative, and motivating.
Determined to raise many heirloom varieties of vegetables, we turned to 
There are signs of it around, though, and every little glimpse makes me feel so good! We have daffodils popping up everywhere.... 
Cheering me most of all are the seed trays with broccoli and tomatoes sprouting in my studio. More about our big garden plans later this week. I hope that wherever you are, you capture at least a glimpse of sunshine today.
Our dog, Munchie, has been such a wonderful addition to our home since arriving about a year and a half ago. We acquired him from my friend, Shari, who had rescued him as a stray who appeared to be about a year old and had been wandering around Bourbon Co. for about 3 weeks. She eventually found his owner who asked her to find a home for him since the woman had cancer and couldn't care for him properly. Shari was about to sign him over to Shitzu Rescue when Mirian and I met him, and the rest is history! 
I have owned many, many dogs over the years but Munchie is probably my favorite. All purebred dogs are bred for a job, and all are happiest when they have the opportunity to do that job or adapt to another similar purpose. I have had to rehome a beloved Border Collie and Australian Shepherd, as they couldn't be content unless they were herding something. Our Maremmas and Great Pyrenees are superb at their jobs of guarding livestock, though they do enjoy the company of people when we are feeding or working with the alpacas. They would be a nightmare in the house with their size, exuberance, and coat which sheds profusely in the summer! 
Munchie's job and what he was bred for is to be a good companion and lap dog. He quietly follows me from room to room, always ready to snuggle and eager to keep my feet warm on the bed each night. It is hilarious to watch as we move around the house, as he quickly scopes out the MOST comfortable spot in the room, usually perching on a pillow. Even when we are in a strange place, he surveys the area for the prime spot where he is cozy and can see what's going on! He is loyal and is a good sentry, though is an immediate friend to anyone who gives him a pat and speaks kindly. If I had the time, I'd consider training him as a therapy dog.
Munchie isn't the smartest dog I've owned, but has the natural curiosity and great sense of smell that leads him into trouble sometimes, just like any dog. Here, he's meeting my parent's swans- his non-threatening manner only brought out a hiss from the swans, who are typically much more aggressive toward newcomers.