Valentine weekend knitting

I bought this wonderful vibrant yarn in Ashevillle at the Knitting Diva yarn shop.  I wanted to make something special out of it.  I've wanted to make lace shawls but they are so fine and detailed I wouldn't even try a complex pattern.  But, I found a kindred spirit in ravelry who designs simple lace shawls with bulky yarns and more importantly easy to follow patterns.  I'm obsessed and will be making more shawls.  My first shawl I made is called 'My Valentine', I loved making it and it's full of self-love energy.

I finished the 'Purple Heart' shawl this morning.  It needs to be blocked in order to really have the leaves stand out.  I ran out of yarn, so two leaves are missing.  I love it too.  These shawl patterns were designed by Taiga Hillard designs on Ravelry.

Happy New Year

May all of your dreams and wishes come true!

Holiday prep

Christmas is almost here.  It's been a very warm month so far with lots of weird political and social issues in the news.  I am feeling a little agitated so my answer is to knit.  I've been knitting up several skinny scarves to wear.  I wanted to wear one to Jenn's 10th anniversary party but it was too hot outside.  Then I realized that I couldn't possibly wear all of them this winter so I decided to sell them at Blue Pelican Gallery.  If you are looking for any last minute Christmas gifts you can call the gallery.  I did finally get to wear one of my Christmas outfits from Clothes encounters clothing to the party.  It's been a long time since I dressed for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving

We have much to be grateful for here at Crafty Diva Cottage.

Exploring Asheville

After a nice trip I am now sitting peacefully in my colorful island cocoon.  A few weeks ago, after searching high and low (north, south, east & west) for the last 21 years, I finally found my 'Shangri La' in Asheville, NC.   I have been on a quest for a town that my heart and soul resonated with.  I experimented with Arizona, New Mexico & Colorado.  Looking for areas that were creative, artistic, spiritual, mountain living, Native American influence, culturally diverse, free thinking, environmental, wellness centers, hippie dippy, still elegant and sophisticated and a days drive to the ocean.  I'm an adventurer an explorer by nature.  Growing up as a military brat turned me into a restless modern day gypsy.  I've never felt grounded or at home anywhere.  I've had immediate connections to places, but not a sense of 'Ahhh!'  I'm now ready to explore the possibilities that Asheville could provide.  I'm not going to hop right in and make something happen.  I'm going to let God and my inner wise voice (my heart) guide me.  Not my head.  I'm in my second half of life and time is moving rapidly.  The moments are to be savored and enjoyed.   No longer plowing and trailblazing through life.  I don't have to plant the flowers, I can take time to smell the roses already there and finally enjoy the journey.  It doesn't have to be home, it could just be....

Independence Day

My baby's annual 4 th of July cupcakes.   

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

We had a nice, peaceful Christmas.  Many Blessings and wishing peace and harmony for the new year.

It takes a village

As most of you know I am a certified Dream Coach.  What does that mean?  It means I assist, encourage and inspire people who request the assistance in identifying, pursuing and manifesting their 

Dreams, goals and desires.  In order to be a champion of others dreams, you might ask how I have achieved my own dreams?  Well it takes inspiration, desire, design, mindfulness, creativity, faith and the assistance of a village.   What does a village mean in this day and time?  Well for me it means my community, friends, family, unknown supporters and the Angels (both in Heaven and on Earth).  I have manifested and am living out one of my long term dreams.  Living in a colorful beach cottage filled with handmade and artisan furnishings and accessories.  Today I am sending out a heartfelt THANK YOU to Laurell and Mitch James of  'This little Cottage.'  Laurell a kindred Spirit and her husband helped me walk out my creative dreams in my little beach cottage.  I would not have been able to realize this dream without them.  They helped me renovate the house, make the furniture and accessories, maintain the space and oversaw the transformation.  

I was suffering through a very debilitating illness at the time and it took a couple of years for me to really enjoy my 'Dream Cottage.'  While I was recovering and wading through the pain and confusion they along with the rest of my village helped 'hold the vision' for me.  For this I am forever grateful.

So, I advise and encourage you to remember it's not just 'You' who creates your dreams alone, but also the support of your village.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year may all of your Dreams come true!

Happy Holidays

I couldn't decide which one I liked the most so, I'm putting them both out there.