I bet we won’t get mail today, but that’s okay, because the past week has been VERY good to me. It started with a sock club kit last week, and goes through the three parcels I had to open yesterday, and you just have to see them. The photos aren’t great because the snow clouds had already moved in, and I wasn’t dressed to stand out in what natural light there was and snap photo after photo, but you’ll get the idea.
Those cuties are MY alpacas, made by Anita. She’s started making her signature clay animals as spinning wheel orifice hooks. (Last link will take you to her Etsy shop.)
I love the detail Anita puts into her creations. Isn’t that the cutest little clay alpaca? I’m not sure I can leave it hanging on my wheel, given Sissy’s latest path of destruction. Both girls recognize Auntie ‘Nita’s scent and go ape when she sends even a note, much less something she’s crafted with her own hands. Still, I have my own alpaca – two of ’em!
I’m so blessed to have talented friends. Do slip over to Episode 55 of Manic Purl’s podcast. Dear Jessi got a much-deserved rave review of her SpringValley Yarns. She’s famous!! I’m glad I have an inside track, because I almost always have something on the needles with one of her yarns.
On Tuesday, Amanda of NH Knitting Mama had a shop update. I scored a “seconds” version of Franconia for a steal. I MEAN A STEAL!!!!! Amanda offered it as a second because one ply of the base didn’t take dye the same way the others did, but I *LOVE* it. I also have a custom alpaca laceweight she dyed for me at the start of her dyeing career on the needles right now.
In keeping with the friends who dye theme, the most recent sock club kit from Dianne of Creatively Dyed Yarn. Each of my indie dyer friends has her own style and base yarns, and I really think I could tell them apart with my eyes closed even! I’ve never knitted socks with beads, but I’m going to have to with this kit. Check out the pattern page on Ravelry for Sivia Harding’s Emerald Forest Socks!
I know this is a painfully long post, but go grab a cuppa’ and a bite to eat because there’s still more!
A few days ago, Grace’s Master Blocker challenged her readers, and because he must think like the Knight, I won! I received the beautiful yarn above, and the extra goodies below. I can’t wait to wind it up and knit with it. I think it wants to be a shawl for me. What do you think?
Grace must keep notebooks on what her friends like, because she always sends the most thoughtful packages. I’m sipping the Mighty Leaf Chamomile Citrus now, and I think I’m in love. I’d never tried Mighty Leaf teas before, but I think another parcel will be on my porch about the time the mail carrier can get to us again. I’m also ridiculously fond of those highlighters with the built-in sticky flags and notebooks. The red dotted thing almost hidden is a little notebook, in case you didn’t put that together from my almost random comments.
I’ll just briefly note another Embrace the Lace package floated in this week too. I think there’s only one more to go, but I’m honestly not sure. Justice is grey, and that’s a shawl in the pattern. There are better photos in the Ravelry group, of course.
Last, but HARDLY least is a sneak peek at the Namaste Monroe that wandered to my house. I couldn’t help myself Monday evening. I love it, not that I’ll be using it for a few days, what with over a foot of snow on the ground and no signs of it stopping… It’s roughly the same size as my beloved Newport (same color too), with that coveted outside pocket, firm sides… I think my dream bag might have landed. (Disclaimer: My bad back and I do not strut around with these monster bags I carry. The bags go from the vehicle inside work, office, home. For shopping and other ambling experiences, I just carry a small bag with the Blackberry, wallet and keys.)
My fingers were too cold to peel off all the protective wraps, or to get all around photos, but after I load that baby up and tote it around for a few days, I’ll do better and tell you what I really think.
So, what are you doing this weekend? Evidently, I’ll be snowed in, knitting, spinning, reading, decluttering, baking…
Because I never pulled out my camera while we were together, I don’t have a photo of 
While I could go on all day, I’ll close by mentioning 
Grace
The Knight. He doesn’t get as much press as he should. I realized last week, one day when he was out sick, that he really does brighten my day, just like the fur-girls do. Neighbor Guy drives to our house and picks up the Knight’s work truck when the Knight is off, and last week, I happily said, “Oh, here comes my husband!” when I saw the truck pull in the lot, only to realize the Knight was at home sleeping…
The fur-girls, of course. I babble about their special abilities to make me happy regularly, but for a totally different spin, visit 
My girlfriends. They don’t get enough press either. Local or not, my friends keep me balanced. They know when I need to laugh, listen when I need to cry, inspire me, challenge me and just make me a better woman. It is truly an honor to call each of you my friend!
Family. If there’s a group I neglect here on my blog, family would get the blue ribbon. That’s not to say they aren’t important to me… It’s more a matter of privacy. They make me crazy and mad, but there’s a lot of joy there too.
The Outer Banks. I’ve also written tons about how that place soothes my soul, and there are so many different facets to happy. I like sheer joy, but I also treasure pure bliss and simple contentment. There’s a lot to be said for just being at peace.
Snow!! (Another BIG SNOW this weekend? Maybe?) I intentionally picked a photo that shows it SNOWING. I think I am happiest watching it snow, when the blanket of white is still undisturbed.
Tea. There’s just something about wrapping my hands around a warm cuppa’ that warms me from within, even before I take that first sip. (This special cup was a gift from 
Flowers, especially roses. The Knight just doesn’t get how happy cut flowers make me. They brighten the room and my mood! (These beauties also serve as reminders of a fun evening with friends. They were sent home with me after a fundraiser as a thank-you from the fundraising chair… )
I like silly fun too. I think one of the keys to happiness is never take yourself too seriously. (I should also note that I was a bit shocked at how many photos I have with tongues stuck out…)
Memories. My memories make me happy. Bittersweet is still happy for me, most of the time. 
Chan Knits 