Winter storm is coming our way

Just a few words here.
We are prepared to stay warm and I have stocked up on food, but in case we lose power and be offline over the weekend, then you will know why you don't receive an answer to emails or orders.
Did I already say that I hate winter?

Jamaica -- part 2

Without many words...it was all the cliches you would expect, breath taking landscapes, the blue-turquoise ocean, the white beach and the sunsets. It was just so much sweeter to see and feel it with my own eyes and capture it with my own little camera.
It was a typical tourist vacation, but for me it was my first island trip ever. I am sure there is so much more to Jamaica...

Overcast sunset, a very surreal beautiful sight.



Beach fun -- what a way to relax in January



Not a post card, but a "point and shoot" snapshot...



Not really a "back-packer" place -- amazing resort in Montego Bay, I am not the luxury type girl, but I can enjoy a beautiful place:)
Wearing a crochet tam that I bought from a fellow Jamaican crocheter:)




Balcony with ocean view, the aqua blue water and white beach were literally only yards away. Sid is enjoying a reggae cd.

Hearts For Haiti, a way to help

Not sure where to donate or how?
Hearts for Haiti, a charity authorized etsy shop makes it easy, donate or buy one of the donated items and the proceeds will go to
"doctors without borders".
I purchased 2 art prints. Their selection of offered goods is huge and I am sure you will find something as well.

Jamaica vacation part 1

The most memorable event during our 5 day stay (mainly vacationing):
the tour to the Indigenous Rastafari village.
This eco village has their own website and one of the spiritual leaders was kind enough to pose in pictures with visiting tourists.
http://www.rastavillage.com/

The "lightness of being" was overshadowed by the earthquake catastrophe in Haiti on our 3rd day of enjoying a ressort in Montego Bay. The tropical beauty of the Caribbean comes with the price of forceful destructive nature forces. And nothing is ever granted.

The Power of Doing

I believe in it.
And even though the power of positive thinking seems to be the rage these days, my focus is on the following action. Think as you please, if you don't do it, it is not happening.

I had time to realize a lot of the projects that I have always wanted to do:
Reorganize the craft room (not finished yet but 50% is done, it's still ugly but getting functional)
Try new patterns and some of the YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAArn (well, not all of it, but I have dug through my totes and found a lot of hidden treasures, the Colorways yarn in the pictures is one example, more to come)
I learned cable crochet
Joined 2 Etsy online teams
I ordered books on my list and I read them before sleepy time
Adding more teas to my collection and enjoying them every day
Finally cooking with Miso paste

Pretty much random, but very enjoyable to look back on "things done".
....................................
It's a start, a new beginning which looks very promising.

Fresh!

I have updated both my Etsy shop and website with new goodies!
Happy New Year from a nerd who chose to work on New Year's Day!
O well:)

Random Ramblings ...good bye 2009

Another year makes way for a new decade.
I am not the person to announce New Year's Resolutions, but for every new decade I have a vision. About new directions, goals.

Have my desires for change been more radical in the past I feel like I am in a good place now.
Instead of re-inventing, changes of patterns and minor adjustments are my goal for 2010.

And as a nice analogy I attempt the same for my craft.
Advancing, perfecting, diversify.

My newest project: hairpin lace for different garments and even hats.

New hats with structured patterns will be part of my focus in 1010.



My book library is growing thanks to this great site
BetterWorldBooks

Snowstorm in Oklahoma on Christmas Eve

Our daughter came all the way from Germany to be with us on Christmas. We were happy to have 3 of our 4 children home on Christmas Day.
Even though our activities were limited by the winter weather we enjoyed a good time together.

And Sherlock Holmes turned out to be a great movie.