Stress?

Stress is a good thing because most of the time it compels us to make changes.  The "uncomfortableness" of our body in a stressful situation forces us to do something.  Options often include fleeing, handling the situation differently, seeking help, or a combination of actions seeking to be in a comfortable position again.

A few days ago I began a regular exercise program (again).  I had had a consistent one for several years, lost a lot of weight and then.... got lazy.  Last school year I gained most of it back.  It was a stressful year and I chose to eat my way through it :).

This year is beginning to be very challenging and I am already in an exercising routine.  I woke up this morning actually ready to tackle all of the big things on the list today.  Remarkable change.

Yarn is good therapy.  My lovely spouse says  the shop is cheaper than counseling sessions and meds.  He is right about that, but my treadmill is great therapy.  The hard things I have to do today are still there.  But I can do hard things.  Without french fries.

Changes, changes...

The name "The Painted Sheep" belongs officially to a very nice person in Connecticut somewhere.  She and I visited today.  She called to say that she officially owns the name "The Painted Sheep" and I would need to change the name of the shop.  For what could have been a terribly nasty encounter, all is well.  The paperwork will take a bit.  Changing the signage and the business forms will take a bit.  We may have to work a bit harder for a while.  But I did get something important out of this and I need to make sure it is recorded in "print".  In my real life, I work with what is politely called a lot of "challenging" people.  All of us have "challenging" people in our lives.  Once in a great while, when you commit a really serious wrong, it is possible to work things out without having a meltdown and going crazy.  This was one of those times.  Kudos to the original  "Painted Sheep".

We need something wonderful to call this place.  Most of you who frequent here call it "Julia's Shop" anyway and that is probably what it will remain unless someone in the week can come up with something else.
Send your ideas my way.

Baby Presents

Fleece yarn seems to be the "in" thing for edging baby blankets this summer and fall.  Crochet thread with fancy scallops is still popular but fleece is edging out the thread.  Pardon the pun.  Flannel baby blankets with a hand crafted edge are such a fun, fast and  easy project to give to expecting moms.  Babies certainly need a lot of them.  There are so many colors to put on the edges too.  It isn't just a blue and pink world out there.

Start a project for someone you love today.  Yarn is great therapy.

Crafty Classes

Classes filled with creative souls are energizing.  I love it when there is a group of fiber arts or budding enthusiasts trying out new things.  It takes some kind of crazy to step out of your comfort zone and do something new.  It takes some struggle with the unfamiliar.  But what I hear over and over again is, " I always wanted to try this but..."  It's so wonderful to hear a group of people wrestling with new skills.  They laugh.  They giggle.  They frustrate.  But in the end, they come away with a positive experience.

What do you want to learn to do?  What are you waiting for?