Thursday 11 July 2013

Inspiration - Never too Late

Sometimes I think I must be nuts. What was I thinking...trying to make a mortgage and bill paying living as a craftsperson. After more than 20 years with a regular biweekly pay cheque it is a big switch to go to dribs and drabs of cash. But you'll never know if something you want to do will work unless you try so here I am.
So the reason I'm rambling here about my choices in life is that every once in a while you meet someone who proves crazy dreams can work out.
Last weekend I booked a couple for Some Good Market in Makinsons. He made fused glass jewellery and she was a travel writer. They travel all over Canada going to markets and having all sorts of adventures. Well, I was to learn that these few sentences were only a drop in the bucket. 
I met them in person when I went to set up SGM on Friday evening. I also got to meet their canine buddy named Pali (which is Romany for small). What's Romany for teeny-tiny cute? He's the size of a baby bunny and is a cross between Shitzu, Poodle and long-hair Chihuahua. I talk their ears off and then get to work.
A chance remark by Dave leads to a fused glass demonstration. He takes his kiln on his travels so he sets up and makes some jewellery during the day long process.
At the end of the day I ask Barb if she would like to barter...you know me and books...I want them but cash money always gets put towards bills. Thankfully she is game for a trade and signs all four books to boot!
Now I gotta tell ya...I really enjoyed all four...informational and fun. Each book details the Geriatric Gypsies travels and resulting successes and disasters.  I guess considering my lifestyle it was nice to know that other folks can live from market to market and be happy for the little things. I think whether you travel by RV or not, attend markets or not, are young or not so young you would do well to have a read of one or all of the series. I personally enjoy reading back to back...no waiting!
You can learn more about Barb and Dave's travels on her website www.write2dream.com

The books:
RV Canada on a Dime and a Dream
ISBN: 0-9736198-8-0
RV Canada With Boo the Menopausal Van
ISBN: 978-0-9811808-0-9
RV Canada's Far North on a Dream
ISBN: 9-780981-180816
RV Canada and the Polar Bear Dream
ISBN: 9-780981-180823

Oh and if you've read this far...something to think about...Barb was 57 and Dave was 60 when they started out...that was 10 years ago and they don't look to be stopping any time soon...so get off your arse and do whatever it is you want to be doing. No excuses.

Thursday 30 May 2013

Cotton Dishcloths

I had someone ask me the other day if I knew anyone who would be willing to knit cotton dishcloths for wholesale. Now it was actually more like consignment but still. I know plenty of people who probably would but let me just do some math for you.
I am a fast knitter. If you don't believe me go watch the Land & Sea episode "Wool Whisperers"...its online. Now it takes me almost 54 minutes to knit a regular dishcloth. I used a stopwatch. The cotton yarn to make a dishcloth can range in price from $1 to over $2. With the minimum wage in this province at $10 an hour a dishcloth should cost $10-11.
So when someone asks me if I know anyone willing to knit three for $7 (that works out to $1.48 an hour after buying the yarn) I am going to say no. Emphatically no. And you should too.
Please share this blog. Oh and if you need any dishcloths...I have some for sale. How much do you think my time is worth?

Wednesday 22 May 2013

A Tale of Three Roosters

Yes there are three. Rooster Prime is Nacho Grande aka Red aka King Henry VIII. His son is Onesie who just had his first birthday on May 12. Then there is CoCo's consort, Nut, who is a Silkie. Now before you ask...yes that's a couple more than needed.
So the boys have been getting along...mostly. There was a good bit of chasing but that was about it. That changed yesterday.
I let the flock out yesterday morning and Nacho didn't seem himself...now considering his age I thought might be on his last legs. Well, Onesie saw his chance to overthrow his father. They had words.
Onesie is now in segregation with a bloody wound to his head/comb. Nacho staggers like a young fella on George Street.  Nut was also put into lockdown today as he went after Nacho. So. Now I wait.  The big guy might not survive but he doesn't seem to be in distress so I'll see what happens. Might just have a concussion.  Keep your claws crossed.

Wednesday 3 April 2013

PETA has to go

Shocking Photos: PETA's Secret Slaughter of Kittens, Puppies - The Huffington Post

Now I didn't post this directly on FB because I hate seeing horrible pictures of animals in my feed BUT you should really really read  this.These are the people who condemn the seal hunt and meat eaters and pet owners. Donate your money somewhere else.

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Been Some Time

So its been months since I blogged. Not because I didn't want to be. There has been tons to be talking about. But my poor ole phone couldn't handle it after the excursion down the well. Don't get me wrong I'm happy it worked at all.
Headed into town yesterday evening to get a new phone...I had sort of wanted to hang on till the Galaxy 4 came out but it was not to be. Galaxy Note II instead and its fun fun fun.
Okay so lots of things have been fun lately.  Operation Homespun patterns were released.  I got to do a live radio interview on CBC. Some Good Market went to Town and is going back Big Time. Oh and there was Land & Sea. Holy bazoly it couldn't be better really.
So fair warning that I'll be back yammering about anything all the time..oh and happy first day of spring...whatever that means here in Newfoundland lol