Hello Reader, As a teacher, there is nothing more exciting and rewarding to me than that moment when a student grasps a new skill or concept. With my kids and homeschooling, the most spectacular of those moments was when we'd both realize that they were truly reading fluently. But there were other similar moments, like when they suddenly consistently started associating me with the word "Mama" or when one realized they were fully able to prepare a complete meal from start to finish. When you...
24 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, Greg and I have recently been enjoying a Netflix series called Chef's Table. If you're unfamiliar, each show is a deep dive into the story of someone who is either influential or interesting in the foodie world. Neither of us are especially knowledgeable about said foodie world. I've recognized exactly one name out of the maybe eight episodes we've watched. We're both passable cooks, and I'd say moderately adventurous eaters, but we're not really watching this show to learn...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, Greg and I got to spend a recent evening with some lovely people the other night at what is becoming a favorite local Italian restaurant. We had an incredible meal and enjoyed getting to know our companions, not least because Greg is gifted at asking people the kinds of questions that get them talking about themselves and the things that interest them. When asked what hobbies she enjoyed, our new friend told us about her love of sewing and spoke about making Raggedy Ann and Andy...
2 months ago • 6 min read
Hello Reader, f you are, like me, someone who enjoys creating handmade gifts for special occasions, perhaps you have shared the experience I had last weekend. This experience includes finishing the gift while traveling to the location where the gift will be given, maybe even finishing moments before arriving? Wrapping the gift minutes before passing it off to the recipient? Feeling like a champ for squeezing in a quick photo session of the finished object before wrapping? For me, it was a...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, What's Happening? It feels like the calm before the storm. Students of all ages are preparing for classes to start. The season is starting to show the first hints that change is coming. Greg and I are both in the beginning stages of planning some significant trips. A new baby (!) is about to arrive in the extended family. A flurry of activity is on the way, and I'm finding myself treasuring the calm moments here and there as they come: A catch-up session with a dear friend. A...
10 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, What’s Happening? I hit the road this week on a two-day drive to spend a few days with family. What a blessing to be able to do that when I need to, without worrying about taking paid time off from a 9 to 5 job. I really felt that benefit to owning our own business this week and know it’s one I won’t take for granted! As I mentioned in the most recent Yarn Shop Hop article, the timing could not have worked out any better had I planned it! While packing for this trip, I found the...
10 months ago • 4 min read
Hello Reader, What's Happening? This week has been full of looking back at some of the treasures of the past. No, I'm not talking about the photos of old hairstyles and clothing choices we confidently made a few decades ago. (We all have them, right?) Thankfully, I'm talking about some things that have endured the passage of time a little more successfully, and I'm actually excited to share! Old Class About 16 years ago, I had the privilege of teaching a class that I called Beast to Blanket...
11 months ago • 4 min read
