Yorkie Yarns Chat

Count Down!

2010-07-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, folks. The time has finally come. The STP is this weekend and I think I'm ready. I don't wanna get too cocky, butt my time on the bike seat has increased dramatically & I'm still feeling pretty good.

If you want to keep up with me & the gang join us on Facebook.
And be sure to look at the pictures. I'll be the one knitting on the back of the tandem. ...you think I'm kidding?

heh...heh....

2010-07-06T10:54:00.001-07:00

Chuckle of the day.

I LOVE "Last Comic Standing".
Here's my latest obsession.
Wanna smile a little bit?
Click on Jonathan's Thymius' link.
He's totally off the wall.
I'll fill you in on the STP update next week.

BUNS UPDATE

2010-06-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

STP UPDATE

I'm still pluggin' away. Glen purchased a couple pairs of women's biking shorts and a love seat sofa sized bike seat for me. Oooooooh. He shouldn't have done that. Heh...heh.
This just may work in the battle over my weary buns syndrome or I may wind up falling asleep for a power nap on the back of our peddle pusher.
I did see a bottle of booty cream on our bathroom vanity.
I'm sorry but I just can't go there....yet.

Did you know we've only 3 more weeks? Seriously, I need a LOT of seat time between now and then to even think about my goal.
Don't be surprised if you come to the shop and see me in my riding gear daily.
Promise me you won't laugh. :-)

As we continue...

2010-06-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

STP Update

We know we have to increase our mileage to even think about making it to Chehalis the 1st day of ride. So Glen gets this bright idea to ride to The Yarn Garden this past Sunday.
I'm thinking, "Phsssst! Piece-a-cake."

By the time we hit 32 miles I'm thinking, "I shouldn't have had the 2nd piece of birthday cake on Saturday."

All of a sudden I felt this nagging burn working it's way down my right thigh.
By the time we got back home and I sat on our nice soft couch I couldn't move for at least 1.5 hours.

Then Glen tells me bicycle booty cream and bike shorts.
Are you kidding me?!
His timing is impeccable, wouldn't you say?

By the way, we arrived too late.
The Yarn Garden was closed.

*sigh*
Anyhoo, we planned to ride to WWKIP this Saturday but rumor has it there may be some folks on the road who like to KWD. (knitting while driving)
Hmmm....keep an eye out for us.

No spin class tonight.
Heather's got her last band concert of the year...thank God.

I'm hurtin'

2010-06-04T09:55:00.001-07:00

STP Update

I've learned that a tandem can be a marriage breaker or builder. Glen & I are actually talking more as we ride. It seems like the only time our ships pass is when we get out and cycle.
If you decide to get one (and if you're a co-pilot) be sure NOT to feed the captain broccoli too soon before you hit the road.
Trust me on this one.

We're off to spin class tonight for a little cross training!
Stay tuned for more updates.

I must be nuts.

2010-06-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Okay. I've got something to tell you. I've been keeping a secret for quite some time now.
Have you heard of that big ole bike ride from Seattle to Portland (STP) involving 10 thousand riders and a whole lot of pain?
Well, I and my entire family are going to do it on
July 17th & 18th.
I know. I'm nuts. But it wasn't really my idea.
I was just making conversation one day.
The next thing I know Glen paid the entry fee. I was stuck.

When life gives you lemons ...well, you know the rest.

This is where you come in.
There's a big 'ol "Finish Line Festival" in Portland! If I'm still alive by then be there with your needles & hooks in hand!
Let's try and meet up with some of our buddies from the Portland area.

Check this out.
"Awaiting participants and their families, friends and supporters is the STP Finish Line Festival in Portland, OR. Live music on the main stage, food booths, exhibitor booths and beer garden are just some of the features of the two-day festival."

Finally, we're looking to collect donations for the Pediatric Interim Care Center. PICC is a program that provides specialized, 24-hour care for drug-exposed & medically fragile newborns. They have a wish list on line so you can see what they need. If you can possibly help out please bring your items to Yorkshire Yarns until July 18th.
To commemorate our successful bike ride to Portland the whole fam-damily will also ride to the PICC in Kent to deliver your donations.
By the way. We're riding a tandem. I plan to put my feet up quite a bit while my pilot flies the plane.

In honor of the 4 fallen officers in Lakewood

2009-12-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Yep. The recent murders of 4 brave police officers hits way too close to home.
You see, I know what’s it’s like to lose someone so suddenly & tragically to a violent crime.
I know what it’s like to grieve as a child.
I know what it’s like to be hit in the face with the horrible reality and finality of the sudden death of a loved one.

My older brother was killed by a single gunshot wound to the heart in 1969 when I was only 9 years old.

I got up Sunday morning with the idea of doing some knitting some and a lot of cleaning.
When I turned on the TV I was stunned to hear the news of the senseless slaying of 4 Lakewood police officers.

My heart aches for the families and especially for the children left behind.

Yes.
This is very close to home.
But given my painful past experience I know I can share with you some of the many ways the families (especially the children) need prayer.

Pray that the Lord Jesus will give the families peace that surpasses ALL understanding.

Pray the children will have someone there to listen.

Pray for healing tears.

Pray for the transition of the parents who now have to take on both roles of mom & dad.

And finally, pray the children do NOT live in fear and anger for the rest of their lives.

If you have the time please visit the memorial in front of the Lakewood Police Department. And let the folks in blue know you appreciate their service.

God bless you & yours.

I never thought I'd see the day.

2009-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

Wow. What a day it's been. Nope. I never thought I'd see the day we'd have any person of color as president, let alone a Black man.

Many have been asked what this all means to them. I've been asked as well. I guess this is the best place for me to express my feelings.

I was brought to tears when I viewed President Obama being sworn in. I noticed the flow of tears were greatest whenever I exhaled. It was a feeling of relief. I felt relieved that I could finally hope for ALL our children without just talking about it but actually seeing it.

I thought about some of the ugly things I'd experienced in my past that have helped shape who I am today. I don't tell you these things because of the pain. I'm too prideful for that. I just want you to know why I'm so cranky. heh....heh...

Seriously, I remember my mother coming home from what was supposed to be a leisurely lunch w/one of her girlfriends. There was something strangely different about her demeanor that day. Mom told me she had been asked to leave from a local Tacoma private club because they "...didn't serve Blacks there." I'll never ever forget her humiliation & pain nor the fog that covered me the rest of the day. That was my mom, the center of my universe. In my mind she was in a place of honor. At age 8 I figured everyone else saw her that way as well.

I remember my highschool music teacher closing the door behind him and telling me (in private) he would not allow Black kids on the same stage w/White ones. I wasn't welcomed to be included in our elite high school jazz choir. The tears spilled from my eyes like a broken backyard facet. His eyes were cold and lifeless. They told me clearly he didn't care. He didn't give a damn about pain he inflicted on a hopeful young mind. He thought he killed my dream.

Have I ever told you about the time my 10 year old son Tyler was pushed off a dock on a Lake by a mischievous teenage White boy? Tyler was terrified. At that time he was a poor swimmer. As Tyler struggled his way back to the dock the 14 year old said to Ty, "Oh, that's right! You can only kind-of swim because you're only half white."

When a person goes through a constant barrage of negativity you have a couple choices. You can either crumble or you find a way to deal with it and do more than survive. I did a little of both.

I knew I couldn't go through life allowing others to dictate my mood. And I haven't. But I must admit I NEVER thought I'd live to see today.

For those who know me well they understand I don't agree with the President on several issues but my heart is moved as I realize we live in a multi-cultural country that is willing and able to vote for a person judging by them by content of his character and not the color of his skin.

You go, America. You go.

2008-12-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
and have a Kwazy Kwanza
from the Acord Clan!

Again?!

2008-07-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

(Frankie the Tramp)

Good ole Frankie. She don't play. Girlfriend is serious about building her family. So, check this out. Let's make a long story short. Max, our 4 pound stud muffin, got into a scuffle w/our 16lb mutt, Ollie. These two have lived together in harmony for years.

(Max the killer Stud Muffin)

But about a month ago Max decides he's the imminent pack leader. Yep. He's 4 pounds of pure prowess. He decided to pick a fight with Ollie. By the end of this 10 second battle Max lost his left eye.

I was horrified when I received a frantic call at work from my daughter claiming Max's eye was hanging out of his head. Needles to say, I was sick....just sick. Max received emergency surgery at the Lakewood Vet Hospital. (Incidently, the folks at LVH are simply THE best.)

Max came home winking....permanently. We all walked and talked gingerly around poor Max. Well, he took advantage of our sympathy and while we weren't watching....BAM!!! Yep. Franchesca is knocked-up AGAIN!

Wanna know Tyler's response? "She gonna have a litter of one-eyed puppies."
He's all heart. *sigh*

Teenagers & Grey Hair

2008-06-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

I don't get it. Listen, I knew when the guys became teenagers things would change but this is ridiculous ! Can folks get any more dogmatic, indecisive and loving at the same time?

Often, I find myself daydreaming about yester-year when they could barely get around, needed their faces wiped and certainly couldn't talk. Things change. They have to change. I accept that.

So, here's the difficult part. I can no longer control their choices. I'm learning to take the good w/the bad. I have to admit I get beyond frustrated w/the bad stuff. I keep telling myself, "They'll see it clearly one day.....if I don't kill 'em first."

When things get hairy w/Sky I go after, well, his hair. Case in point. We decided years ago to stop fighting him about his long, curly locks. With everything we have to deal with we figure hair is looooow on the list of issues. Okay. It's all good. But PLEASE, comb that mess!

He refuses. He claims he wants dreads. Oh please. Somebody help. There's a difference between dreads and a disorganized disaster.

I'd had it. I decided to take action on his "Sampson" mop top. While Sky was asleep I cut a little piece of of hair off our dog's behind. (It's curly there.) With dog hair in hand, I woke-up Sky and showed it to him. As he struggled to focus in on my hand I said, "And more will come off if you don't comb that mess on your head!"

I didn't lie to him. I was serious. If Sky didn't comb his hair Frankie's behind would continue to become hairless. I just failed to explain the part about our dog Frankie.

The rest of the story? Sky combed his hair THAT DAY and Frankie's hunker hair grew back.

Stay tuned for Tyler tales shortly. This one's gonna kill ya.

Children aren't supposed to die before their parents.

2008-03-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Or so that's what we're lead to believe. Unfortunately, that's what happened a couple weeks ago with one of my very good friends. Holly's 21 year old daughter was killed in a car accident and was gone in an instant.

As Christians we believe our love ones go right into the hands of the Father after leaving this life. That understanding is what is helping Holly cope.

I attended the celebration service and was floored and awed by this mothers calming peace. Holly has accepted the harsh reality that yes, sometimes our children do die before we do. And in Holly's words, "It is well."

I'll miss Kela but I'm glad to still have her mother in my life as a wonderful example of a Christian mother who can endure the pain with the help & love of Christ.

Unplanned Pregnacy

2008-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Now, now. Calm down. I'm talking about our little dame, Francesca. Yep. Frankie gave birth to one little puppy about 10 days ago.

As a breeder it's good to give dames a break from breeding for a season or two. That was my plan when we discovered (too late) Frankie was hot to trot...again. Somehow, she & Max (our little wonder stud) hooked-up. All I remember is barely hearing Marvin Gaye playing in the back room. Sixty two days later BAM! Sergio was born.

I have to admit, it's so sweet to have a little new born around. Frankie & Serg sleep in a kennel right next to my bed. I hear the baby chirping every night dreaming of more milk & loving the fact that he's an only child. He's fat, black & happy. *sigh* Oh to be fat, black... doh!

I'll bring little boy wonder to Yorkie Yarns as soon as I think he can handle crowds. Be on the look-out for him & watch your step.

***The puppy pictured above is Sergio's 2 year old brother. They's a spitting image of one another. :-)

Merry Christmas....I think.

2007-12-18T22:27:00.000-08:00

I don't get it. What's all the fuss about Christmas? Why are folks trippin' because there are those of us who want to celebrate it's original intension? I mean, c'mon now! Christ is the 1st name in Christmas. Our belief in Christ Jesus & His resurrection is what differentiates us from other religions. We're not an exclusive club but one who is open to anyone who'd like to investigate & accept Him.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Lord & Savior. It is not required by law for all to join in on our thanks. Anyone can celebrate part, all or none of the festivities that go along with the holiday. Heck, one could even alter the meaning of Christmas to suit their own lifestyle and/or beliefs...right? And honey, people do. Now, here's the part I don't quite understand. Given the origin of the holiday why must we get rid of all reminders of Christ? Is He that offensive?

Personally, I have a lot more respect for people who simple do not celebrate the holiday rather than make it a personal campaign to stop others from doing so as well. For example, I said, "Merry Christmas" to someone today. She responded by saying, "Well, I don't celebrate Christmas but thank you for the greeting anyway." Point taken & no offense taken by either of us. Maybe I should have assumed differently and given her a Jewish, Kwanza or Jehovah's witness greeting instead. Nah. She was way too mature to ask me to alter who I am. Now, if the tables had been turned and she'd have greeted me with something other than the traditional Christmas salutation I would have been completely flattered. Imagine that....someone who likes me enough to throw some love my way their way.

I've heard many say it and it's true. We've become way too sensitive. Because of this many have jumped on the I-hate-PC wagon. Oh brother.

Years ago while attending WSU I was a waitress for Mr. Steak restaurant. A White gentleman was sitting alone in a booth in my section. As I approached his table and greeted him I asked him if he'd like a cup of coffee. He said yes. I asked him if he'd like cream. The poor guy stumbled as he tried desperately to tell me, "No. I'll take it bbb....uh...bblll...um...no cream." I didn't know whether to bust out laughing or cry for this poor guy. Good grief! What have we done to people?! As I've heard the beautiful and talented India Arie sing, we need to, "Come back to the middle." Okay. I'm giving you fair warning. If you see me this holiday season I will wish you a Merry Christmas with all sincerity. Please don't be offended but know I really want that for you. Do me a favor, will ya? Receive it. Reciprocate and rejoice.

Merry Christmas, baby. :-)

What a life.

2007-12-03T00:31:00.000-08:00

Glen got up early Saturday morning to get ready to go to Spokane. It was a race against time to see his beloved father one last time before Joseph Jones went home to be with Christ Jesus. It took Glen about 5.5 hours to arrive only to arrive 5 minutes after the death of his dad. It was meant to be.

Joe Jones was a model husband, father, grandfather & father in law. He will be greatly missed and always be loved.

What a life. What a man.

"Our prayers have all been answered. I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry. There's no schedule to keep.
We're all enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet.

If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now, I'm standing strong and whole.
If you could see me now, you'd know I've seen His face.
If you could see me now, you'd know the pain is erased.
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place,
If you could only see me now.

My light and temporary trials have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory when I misunderstood.
Though we've had our sorrows, they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us, no language can share.

You wouldn't want me to ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now
If you could see me now
If you could only see me now."

Kim Noblitt, (c) 1992 Integrity's Praise/BMI and Dad and Dann Music
Sung by Truth (Russ Lee, soloist) on "Something to Hold On To," 1992

"Say hello to my little friend!"

2007-11-26T21:59:00.001-08:00

Congratulations, Cougars for winning the
100th Apple Cup!

Miss Thing

2007-10-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ladies & gentlemen, here she is! Miss Thing is 11 years old and already knows what she wants to be when she retires. (She thinks she's already grown. Somebody help.)

She barreled her way into our lives during our stay in Lake Stevens. She was beautiful...absolutely stunning. Well, I thought so. I had had a couple friends who expressed concerns over her appearance at birth. I was able to look past this stork-bitten, cone-head, double-chinned creature and saw our beautiful little girl. She was just so sweet.

Just two weeks into her life I suffered a sever panic attack after dosing myself with Percocet. We were on our way to church early one Sunday morning. I couldn't wait to get there to show-off this stunning creature. Then all of a sudden it hit me like being t-boned in the middle of an intersection. I suddenly went into a dream state where I felt like I was fighting to wake-up. But I couldn't because I was already completely conscious. I was so scared I screamed out loud and scared Glen half to death. He turned the car around and took me home.

I tried walking it off. I tried napping. I paced. I rocked. Nothing could shake the horrible dream state. I was having a full-blown, 24 hour panic attack and I couldn't do a thing about it. I couldn't breath. I couldn't close my eyes without being afraid of the dark. Yet Glen had to cover all the windows of our bedroom to block out the sunlight. I was completely out of control. Now what?

After 72 hours and several failed medications Glen drove me in to see the doctor. I remember it being a beautiful, sunny day. I had to have a blanket over my head while riding in the car. The sun was too bright. Cars were moving too quickly around me. There was too much noise. I was paralyzed with irrational fear.

Dr. Karen Hart was an internist for the Everett Clinic at the time. I'll never forget her.....ever. After explaining what had been going on she looked at me and said, "We need to calm you down." I was ticked. I wanted to go to sleep, period. I surely wasn't ready to "calm down"! As it turned out, the lovely and brilliant Dr. Hart knew exactly what to do. All I remember is waking up the next morning crying with joy because I'd actually slept through the night.

I digress...sort of. I told you about my conscious nightmare because Miss Thing was the only thing I could focus on during my dark hour. Only while nursing her did I feel a moment of wakefulness and being back to normal. I dreaded putting MT back into her crib because I knew I'd miss her terribly and go back into a panic state. What a nightmare. I'm not kidding. I'm getting chicken skin writing about it.

What follows is my own diagnosis of what happened.

I believe I had been so anxious to finally touch and see our little girl that my system went into excitement overdrive. I couldn't shut it down. I couldn't down shift. I couldn't chill. The excitement just kept coming. It felt like adrenalin was being produced inside of my gut 24/7. For example, when I tried to lay down it felt like I was in an elevator that was descending much too quickly. My stomach would go into my chest like I was falling. Oh man....

After Dr. Hart (and most especially, the Lord) got my body under control I was able to look back on that crazy time and ask myself a few questions. Why would anyone want to go through pregnancy & birth? And why would anyone want to do it more than once? Was I nuts? How can anyone want to live through such horror, fear & shear panic? What could be so important to endure one of the scariest times in my life? Why?

Take one look at the picture above. That's my girl. And yes. I would suffer again and again and again and again. Every horrible, scary moment was worth the 11 years we've had her. And yes. I'm still excited.

You've Got A Friend

2007-10-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Friendship is to be cherished and honored at all times. I've heard it said it takes a LOT of time to build a true friendship and a millisecond to destroy it. I believe it. I've seen it done. I've done it.

Trust & truth are the building blocks for deep, inner-circle relationships. Because of this truth I really value friendships I have with very few people. I'm not one to have new best friend on a weekly basis. Nope. Not my style. A part of me admires people who can open up to others so quickly. Uh uh. Not I.

"People, let me tell ya 'bout m'best friend(s)."

In order of appearance I want to sing the praises of a few folks that have meant the world to me.

Anyone would be envious of the relationship I have with my sister. Lynnette & I have been best buds from the years of sharing a bedroom to several times living in separate states. It always saddens me to discover other women with sisters who don't have a relationship with them. For whatever reason they don't have the trust & knowledge of knowing no matter what, "I've got my sister". I'm not a yes person & neither is Lynnette. If I'm right about something she's definitely got my back. If I'm wrong she's definitely got my back but not without caveats. I can call her any time for any reason and she's never shocked nor appalled by anything I tell her. She's just there. Yes. We argue. The longest silence has lasted about 2 days. I will always need and love my sister. I truly trust her.

I always say I'm the weakest link in our marriage. Now, that doesn't mean Glen is perfect. Trust me. He's not. No. I'm serious. HE'S REALLY NOT. But he's one loyal, devoted friend. We are so opposite. When people see us together for the first time we can see the "huh?" in their eyes. After 20 years we just figure if they hang with us long enough they'll get it. :-)

So, here it goes. He's a man. I'm a woman. He's tall. I'm short. He's white. I'm black....jet black. He's good-lookin'. I'm better lookin'. He's soft spoken. I'm a bit....eh....explosive. He's brilliant. .....um....well....uh....I try. Nevertheless, it works. I admire good, solid, strong, healthy marriages but I'd want none other than the one we have. Glen's my macho man.

Heidi & I became friends right after my twins were born. She & her husband had not had kids yet but Heidi was chomping at the bit. One afternoon I asked her if she'd help me get a two hour break from the newborns. I'll never forget having the time of my life alone doing nothing. I remember smiling & thinking to myself, "What a Wonderful World". I drove around and stopped wherever I wanted for 5, maybe 10 minutes at each destination. I came back home with nothing but a big grin & a happy heart. Now here's the funny part. I don't remember Heidi even saying goodbye. She blew the doors off running out of the apartment. My husband had to fix the front door hinges when he got home from work. I CRACKED UP! Okay. This is a bit of an exaggeration but I'm tellin' ya....I'll never forget how hastily Heidi made ghost.

We've been friends ever since. Heidi is 9 years my junior and the 1st born of her family. She's a bossy thing with a bit of a temper. Perfect. I can deal with looking in the mirror just fine. *wink* Since our early encounter we've had more kids at about the same time, we've put on extra back, gone camping together, taken family trips and endured living on opposite ends of the US. We still talk but not as much as I like. The phone minutes have gone down drastically since opening Yorkshire Yarns. I hate that but it'll be a necessary evil for quite some time.

Now, Shannon...she's a bit of an enigma. She's as busy and twitterpated as I but she's always a clear thinker. I call Shannon when I just don't get it. No. I'm serious. She has a way of speaking clarity & truth in such a way that reveals Christ as her backbone. And she does it without being preachy and "religious". Okay...okay. She's the wife of a wonderful preacher man. That helps. But I've been around enough of my sisters in Christ to know when I run into the most secure, honest, real deal. Please understand this is not an ad for her but Shannon Woodward happens to be a published & talented writer and she's a mom to two of the most interesting kids I've known. Because we're both a bit busy when we do get a chance to see one another we have a ball. Somehow, we both get all our words in. And like my other homies, nothing shocks her & I can ring her phone any time.

Are you seeing a pattern here? Most of my closest, inner-circle friends stand on their own. They think for themselves. They're honest. Each one of them treats everyone with same respect & kindness they give me. We have unconditional love for one another. And each happens to be first-born. :-)

This may not fit everyone's profile for best buddies but it surely fits my needs. My friends & I don't talk daily but we know how to pick-up where we left off. (Yep. That includes Glen baby.)

Do you have a friend you love? If not, you should. There nothing more comforting than knowing when we have people in our lives that we can trust. Trust me on this one. :-)

Just call me No-eh-tah

2007-10-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a twin. I had twins. We have twins in every generation in our family. Did I mention my twin is a male? Sid & I barely look like brother & sister let alone being twins. While growing-up people would ask if we are identical. HUH? The last time I checked he went to a different bathroom than I did when we were at Red Robin.

Okay. So the Lord blessed us with twins. Obviously, He knew what He was doing and He has quite the sense of humor. BC (before children) I couldn't stand babies nor kids. I found them to be boring, obnoxious and messy. Well. There I was. I found myself 12 weeks pregnant with a couple of snips, snails and puppy dog tails. You could have stuck a fork in me. I was done.

I decided to take control of matters. After Skyler & Tyler were born on September 12, 1990 we took them home to our tiny apartment in Renton. My mom offered to help. Reluctantly, I accepted her offer for a week. I sent her packing after realizing "I got diss". Let me cut to the chase. I called her back within 4 days and begged for mercy. The boys spent half their baby/toddler lives over the river and through the woods.

I still don't have things under control. I've discovered I never will. I knew this to be true after I told one of the boys (when he was 3) he could play outdoors in his bathing suit without a Pull-up. He promised me he'd come inside to go potty should the urge strike. Sure enough. Only 10 minutes had passed when he came back inside and exclaimed, "Mommy! Someone pooped in my bathing suit!" Oh good grief. I asked him if he had any suspects. *rolling eyes"

*sigh* Life is good and the boys no longer have to wear Pull-ups. And if I had to do it all over again I would....twice.

Where'd ya get that name?

2007-10-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

I love dogs. I always have. As a matter of fact, I love animals. Dogs just happen to be my favorite. We came up with the name Yorkshire Yarns because I raise Yorkies. I have for 8 years. I know. It's a boring and uneventful explanation. The rumors and drama are more interesting though. You'd be surprised at how many people have walked into the shop expecting to see an English woman running the show. Sorry. Can't help ya there. :-) Or (and this one's my fav) I've had people wander in looking for dog products. If one were to visit the shop they'd see a sign similar to this:

yorkshire YARNS

Hmmmm... I wonder where folks get ideas about doggie toys and such. *scratching head*

Francesca is our dame and Maxwell sires. Generally, they have one or 2 litters a year. Right now we have a 2 month old boy who's up for grabs. Bubbah is cuuuuuuute but a bit bratty. Being an only child he understands the world to be his private and personal back yard. Like all our pups he's been given much attention by mom & dad and his at-home humans. I took his little furry booty to the shop a couple times. I found out he prefers cotton over all other fibers. Or was it because cotton was the closest play thing to the ground? (I could have killed him.) *grin*

Bubbah shares his crib with Ollie, Miko, Shaft, Kit Kat, Beetle & Sunshine, Zac, Skittles & Wilma and Tugman. That's 2 more dogs, a cat, 2 birds, 3 lizards and a turtle respectively. We've a regular wild kingdom up in here. So, while choosing a name for the yarn shop we had much to consider. Now do you understand how we came up with Yorkie Yarns? It's because "Wild Kindom Knits" just didn't work. But the rumors would have been juicy. :-)

There ya have it. The truth. Accept no substitutes. *wink*

Music used to be my life.

2007-10-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Some of you already know I have a 2nd job as a professional vocalist. I've tried to hang-up my mike several times but just can't seem to let go.

It all began while I was a kid. I picked up a ketchup bottle and had the audacity to believe I was as good as Diana Ross. The Supremes were my pet dog and cat. Their choreography was horrible. I didn't care. I was living a dream.

It wasn't until high school that I got serious. I auditioned and joined every school choir in existence except jazz. I preferred classical. I just couldn't stand the way the jazz choirs bobbed their heads and snap their fingers out of sync with the rest of the universe. Too many Diana's and not enough Supremes for me. Drove me nuts.

I sang in my 1st band while attending WSU. That's right. I'm a cougar, my friends. But that's another blog for another day.

Anyway, there I was covering all the popular cuts of brass soul bands like Tower of Power & Earth, Wind & Fire. We played for sororities, fraternities and other major events. I think it was fun. I can't remember. Most of it's a blur but every time I think about it I get hot flashes. I think I'm embarrassed or is that menopause? hmmm.....

After college, marriage & twin boys I began my Christian music ministry. We were able to produce 4 CD's that were fairly successful. I'm still singing when I can. My biggest issue is time. Right now I've committed to only one major appearance since opening the shop. I go to Raleigh-Durham every year in December to minister w/my friends from New Horizons Fellowship. We simply have a ball.

Last Sunday night I was honored to appear as a guest with local, popular saxophonist, Darren Motamedy. By the way, if you get a chance you must go and listen to this gentleman. He's dah bomb. Not only is he a killer saxophonist he's wonderfully kind to his audience and fans.

Most of the time I sing with a local dance band. Type A! is a funk, r&b & dance band that performs at LOTS of weddings, festivals and corporate events. I don't know how I've been able to do it but this has been a 2nd job for me that offers a nice break from my routine. I think it's all possible simply because I'm not in charge of this gig. I just go and punch in, do my job then go home.

I've had people ask me if I sing while at home. No. Not at all. I'm too busy enjoying the quiet while I can get it. Sometimes I listen to the radio but most times that's on NPR.

I used to say, "Music is my life". Not any more. It's funny. I never thought I'd not say that. I love music. It's a large part of enjoying life. I've not moved away from it. I've just now put it in it's proper place.

Brrrrrrrrr.......

2007-10-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

I've heard a friend call it Octoberrrrrrrrrr. And man! Is she right?! I'm sitting up in bed w/my electric blanket on high and my feet are STILL freezing. I can't sleep when my kitchen is dirty or my feet are cold. ...makes me cranky. It's rare I knit something for myself but I'm shivering and inspired to make some felted slippers.

Okay. I've got to get up. Heather is getting 2 cockatiels today and guess who has to go get 'em? *sigh* I signed-up to be a mom so I'm obligated....I guess. Here's the issue. We've got a cat. A BIG, aggressive cat. I say we get rid of her. Heather wants it all. The birds will be shut inside Miss Thing's room 24/7. But will she remember to close the door every day? I guess I have yet another job before I hit the pavement daily. What we don't do for our kids....laaaaaaawdhammersay.

I'll have to tell you about the rest of our zoo someday soon. In the meantime, let me know what you think about all this.

This is personal.

2007-10-02T07:18:00.002-07:00

Ya know...there are few things in life that can take me on a natural high. One of those things is simply existing, surviving and living exactly where I know the Lord wants me to be. There have been several places & spaces I've visited in this journey called life. Most have been life-changing. Opening Yorkshire Yarns is one of them.

When I officially opened the doors on the 8th of May this year I virtually knew no one in the area. Yarn lovers, like me, have come out of the woodwork. Needless to say, I've made several friends and a few enemies along the way. Oh well. Ya can't love 'em all. *wink*

This post is simply to say thank you to Christ Jesus for ALL the people He's placed in my path. I'm learning a ton from the good...the VERY good, the bad and most definitely, the U-G-L-Y. Also, I want to thank those who've supported me & the shop to become so successful in such a short amount of time. People have told me it's been their mission to make sure YY will be around for years to come. I believe them. Folks have stepped-up in a big way.

I'll keep talking and letting you know wazzup w/me and Yorkie Yarns. And I'll ask you to continue telling me what you'd like to see in your LYS. I'll do the best I can to accommodate. :-)