2 Bags Full - My adventures in travel, knitting, and the blessings of my every day life.

Sugar Snow ( a winter give away)

2012-01-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

"In the morning the house was warm from the stove,

but when Laura looked out of the window she saw

that the ground was covered with soft thick snow. All

along the branches of the trees the snow was piled like

feathers, and it lay in mounds all along the top of the rail

fence, and stood up in great, white balls on top of the gate

posts. Pa came in, shaking the soft snow from his shoulders

and stamping it from his boots, 'It's a sugar snow', he said."
LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS Laura Ingalls Wilder

The family farm has long been a vital image in the heritage of rural Kentucky. As the most noted structures of farms, barns evoke a sense of tradition, security, and of closeness to the land and the community of people who built them. Throughout American history, farmers have built barns to shelter their livestock and to store their harvest.

Just off any of the major roads in my area, you will find smaller, more rural roads, some of them dirt roads, leading to what we call "hollers". Along these roads and dotted all along the landscape of the farms, are these amazing barns, many of them barely shells of the once proud structures that stood so tall and were the symbol of a way of life that today - is no more.

Last winter, the Gardener and I took an entire afternoon on a blustery snowy day, to drive around the community so that we could capture these images. We drove down roads that we did not even know existed - stopping along the way so that I could climb the hills, cross the fences, and wade through the snow - in order to take these pictures. (at this particular stop - I truly took a tumble OVER the hill! I will do most anything to get a picture that I want!)

Old barns are one of my passions. I am intrigued by their style and the history that they have survived. In my mind, every barn exists to tell a story. I find them to be beautiful even in their state of decay and demise. If only these sagging, once proud architectural wonders could talk~~

I fell over this hill too!

This old church stands all alone beside the highway - a symbol of what was once a fine and active part of the soul of the community. In time, this church and many of the barns pictured here will no longer be able to bear the weight of the winter snows. One last snow, even that of a "sugar snow" will bring them to their final demise~~

Welcome to my first give away of the Year!

This stunningly beautiful cookbook has wonderful recipes that will warm your soul this winter.

In addition to the recipes, the cook book is filled with gorgeous photography.

The contest is open to any of my faithful readers or followers.

To enter simply leave a comment - making sure that you have an email address where I can reach you.

Does it matter where you live? Absolutely not- the contest is open to my friends from all over the world.

(Remember - I shipped a nest to a lucky winner in Russia one time!)

For a second chance to win - please post about this contest on your own blog. Then leave me another comment telling me that you have done so.

Are you one of my followers (who mean the world to me!!) If so - then leave me a third comment telling me so. That will be your third opportunity to enter.

I have shared with you but a few of the beautiful

photographs and recipes inside this

cookbook.

There are many, many more!

And there is more to come! ~~

Here is Maddy girl wearing a pretty Vera Bradley apron.

One of my lucky followers will win this Mocha Rouge design.

If you are one of my devoted followers - and have left me a comment telling me that you are a follower - then you will be entered in a separate contest to win this Vera apron.

Maddy girl will draw the winner for the cookbook and for the Vera apron on February 18. I will post the names right here - so be sure to check back!

~~~~

Coming up next - a little chance for you to get to know me better. Over the past year - I have met so many wonderful people through this incredible blogging experience. I have dutifully kept a diary of all the questions that folks have asked me. So now - I am going to answer them. (If you have a burning question - send it to me now - I will try to work it in to this post also) ~~~

Love,

Vicki

ps-
One More Thing~~

You welcomed my friends into your hearts and left them the most precious comments here on my blog. For all of you that said, "those guys need to get their own blog ---- they LOVED that idea so much that they did just that!! You can find them HERE.
Please give them a visit and show them some blogging LOVE!! Don't we all remember what it is like to be a newbie blogger!!

My friends Bob and Eric are welcoming you to their new blog with a giveaway of their very own! So give them a visit - enter their contest - and maybe join me on their follower page! (right now I am there all by myself. Don't leave me there all alone!)

You just know that these guys are going to have some serious fun with this blog~~!!
xoxo,
V.

Catching up with the Grand Babes

2012-01-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed to have 3 of the most precious little people in our lives~

Our Keri Beth will be 2 years old in April.

She loves her Papaw and runs to him the minute we walk in the door. She says "Papaw" all the time - she WILL NOT say "gb" at all :(

We all got the Pink memo for Maddy girl's birthday party.

I think it took 5 or 6 times to finally get a photo of her in this adorable snowman hat. Most of the takes looked like this!

Or like this! Such a squirmy butt!

A budding artist~

Tickle, tickle, I wish you could hear her giggle and laugh when they play like this!

She is fascinated by his beard~

Our Handsome little guy- Mason, will be 3 years old in August.

Mason told his Papaw that he wanted to go to the "museum for animals." So - we took him to the Atlanta zoo!

He is SO much fun to play with! He makes me laugh and laugh he is such a sweetie!

Petting Zoo's are the most fun places to visit with a toddler!

Mason absolutely LOVES trains. He could not wait to ride this little train at the Atlanta zoo. It was his most favorite thing that we did the whole day!

I think we could have just stayed on the train all day and he would have been happy! He likes to snuggle with his gb and we read Thomas the Train stories on my IPAD.

Mason also loves airplanes - (just like his Papaw). Don't have any photos here - but we always go to the playground at the airport so that he and his Papaw can watch the airplanes.

Mason's Christmas gift from his Papaw! The look on his face was priceless when he first saw this! It took him about 10 minutes to figure out how to drive it and then he was OFF! It goes 3 miles an hour~~

It's a guy thing~~

Our Christmas picture with our favorite little boy. I'm telling you it is SO hard to live 8 hours away from this little guy!

And -- our Maddy girl. Maddy was 3 years old just last week!

She is all about posing for pictures!

Maddy adores Keri Beth. She says, "baby Keri Beth is my cousin. I'm going to give her kisses and hugs!"

Remember when I couldn't get Maddy to hold still for a picture? She is ALL about the picture taking now!

Are these not the biggest smiles you ever saw?

Celebrating Maddy Girl's "Big 3" birthday party last week.

Smiling so big in her pretty little dress on Christmas Eve~

Maddy had the "tearing the paper off the packages" down to a fine art this year. (Keri Beth was not so sure about it all. She mostly liked to play with the empty boxes this year!)

Have you ever!!! Can you say PRISSY!!

She makes me laugh~

They BOTH make me laugh~

This is one of my favorite Christmas pictures taken at our Christmas Eve gathering. Both of the girls sitting on Keri Beth's Mommy's lap.

ALL my pretty girls~~

"Oh NO"! (Her gb taught her to say that!!)

Maddy's favorite toy this Christmas - was baby Keri Beth!

Remember ALL those Christmas cookies we had at our Christmas Eve dinner? Little fingers kept stealing them off the plates!

Aren't these shoes so funny! Maddy loves shoes just like her Auntie Vicki does! (I think they look like the ones that Dorothy wore in "The Wizard of Oz"!)

Yep- we stripped them down after the pictures ~~~!

~~~

Can you believe how big our babes are getting! Thanks for letting me brag a little bit about our precious little people.

~~~~~~~

Coming up next - my first give away of the year. Something to warm your soul for the winter's chill - (and a little bit of Vera too!)

I love you all!

Vicki

Teaching the Guys to Knit

2012-01-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

A simple ball of yarn,

a couple of knitting needles,

and every stitch you knit

brings you closer to that clear calm space
in the center of your soul~~

For me-
one of the greatest pleasures in my relationship with knitting
is the ability to pass that skill on to friends
who desire to learn to knit.

"Will you teach me to knit?"

is like music to the ears of a devoted knitter.
There is something about watching new fingers learning to hold the needles, awkwardly moving as instructed while trying to manipulate the yarn, knowing all the while that in time this will become like a second nature to them.

My friends Bobby and Eric invited the Gardener and me, along with my friend Marsha and her husband, to dinner at their beautiful "Just Be Farm". A knitting lesson was planned for after dinner that evening~~

Eric is a phenomenal cook! He made "from scratch" pie crust for the Turkey Pot Pie that they served for dinner.

Eric told me that his grandmother taught him to make pie crusts at an early age. He said that he was making pie crusts as a child when he was so little that he had to stand on a little stool to reach the kitchen cabinet.

This might just be THE best pie crust ever!

(Eric-you totally rock!)

While the pies were in the oven~ Bobby and Eric gave us a tour of their beautiful farm.


Our friends Bob and Eric

These are pygora goats. (A cross between pygmy and angora goats.) Eventually, the guys want to spin and knit the yarn from these adorable goats.

Meet Luna, Hermione, and Minerva
the cutest little goats ever!

Just like being at a petting zoo!!


Do you think the Gardener will let me have some baby goats?

They call this the "Chicken Palace".

Doesn't everybody have crystal chandeliers hanging in their barn? (I laugh every time I think about this!)

Such a beautiful winter evening sky.

Dinner is Served!

After the most wonderful dinner (I brought peach cobbler and home made vanilla cappuccino ice cream!)- we all adjourned to the living room for the knitting lessons~~

"~~ and you hold your needles like this -

Knitting can calm a busy mind with it's gentle repetitive rhythms.

It can busy idle hands, uplift your spirits,

and heal your soul~

Knitting keeps you company in sickness and in health,

in happiness and sadness,

in calm and concern~

I first learned to knit when I was 13 years old. The first thing I ever made was an ugly scarf for a project in my home economics class. I chose to learn to knit because I knew that my Mother was a knitter and I thought she would make the scarf for me. I was wrong- she wouldn't and I had to make it myself :(

When I was 13 - knitting was not the "in" thing to do. There was no publicity related to knitting - no knitting clubs, no pretty yarns, no reason really for this teenager to want to keep up with the skill - so I laid down my needles (after I made that ugly scarf!) and did not pick them up again for over 30 years~~

A few weeks before my Mother passed away, while I was caring for her - she asked me if I had ever started knitting again. I told her that I had not knitted in years, and did not think I remembered how. She asked me to bring her needles and yarn - and there on the side of her bed - just days before she passed away - my Mother taught me to knit - again. I have never stopped knitting since that day~~

Over the years, I have come to realize that knitting can bring more focus and calm into your life. Knitting calms not only the knitter, but also those around you. My knitting has helped me through times of both worry and despair. I have knitted both "prayers" and well- wishes" into gifts that I have made for others~~

My message to Bobby and Eric~~

"knitting is not just something that you do. To truly appreciate knitting you need to allow it to become a part of you. When you have come to fully appreciate what that means - (and you will) - I am asking you to do as I have done- teach someone else to knit. Pass those skills on to someone else who desires to learn."

"And~~ knit something for charity. Use your skills to make something that will benefit someone less fortunate."

When you have achieved success with your knitting~ (taught someone else to knit and knitted something for charity)- my gift to you both will be a pair of glass knitting needles - the ultimate in beautiful needles. Perhaps you might also want to pass this tradition along~~

(Thanks guys for THE most wonderful evening!)

~~~~~

I have been ~~crazy~~ CRAZY busy here in the Sacred Yarn Room!! I am about a third of the way through my "nesting" list. To those of you on this year's list - I so greatly appreciate your patience. I am steadily working, working, working~~

(for those of you on the list~if you are worried or want to know about your place on the list - you are welcome to email me!)

And - I am just now getting to sort through the photos that we took over the holidays. Coming up next will be some pictures of our grandbabes- just wait till you see how they have grown!!

Please be patient with me as I have not had the time to visit your blogs as often as I want to right now. I am making my rounds slowly, but surely~!!

Love,

Vicki

Where Treetops Glisten

2011-12-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

An eight minute ride on the Banff gondola will take you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb over 2,000 ft to an elevation of 7,500 ft at the top of the world~~

Earlier this year, the Gardener and I took a magnificent trip to the Canadian Rockies. (You can read about this trip in my earlier posts They can be accessed from my sidebar under the heading Our Rocky Mountain High.)

Somehow I got busy with lots of other blog postings and I never got around to doing this last post - the incredible views from the top of the mountain. It just didn't seem right to be looking at mountains covered with snow - while we were in the middle of summer! So- I saved these photos until now. It seems fitting to start out the new year from the top of the world~~

The gondola ride is only half the journey of this amazing experience. When you reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain you can exit the building and witness the breathtaking 360 degree views.

Below you, the Bow River Valley spreads out in a glorious vista of rushing water and jagged mountain peaks. The summit offers a new perspective on the peaks you've been straining your neck to gawk upward at; on Sulphur Mountain, you're at their level, so you can look not only straight at them but also beyond -- to more distant peaks and valleys in almost every direction.

Standing here on the Baniff skywalk - you can't help but feel that you really are on top of the world. Come along with me - let's walk along the one mile trail, stopping along the way to take photos and view the incredible scenery. (you don't need your coat or gloves - it is unbelievably warm up here!)

The summit boasts an unbelievable restaurant here on the top of this mountain! With astounding views from every table in the circular restaurant- this was THE most perfect place for our lunch on this afternoon trip.

Let's go back outside and walk along the skywalk some more~~

Doesn't everyone take their dog along on gondola rides to the top of the mountain?

Have you enjoyed the views from the top of the world? Did I tell you there was a Starbucks in the gondola terminal - and a gift shop? I'm headed there now!

~~~~~
Here we are at the start of a brand New Year. To me, the birth of a New Year is a time for reflection~ an opportunity for change, a chance to make a dream come true, a rare "one more chance" to develop a greater appreciation for what is really important in your life~

Whatever you wish for - whatever you desire in this New Year - I hope that you reach out and make it happen. Every day, every minute, every hour is a treasure. Make each one count~

Happy New Year!

xoxo,
Vicki

Visions of Sugarplums

2011-12-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

The Christmas rush has had me going around in circles here in our little part of the world. While I would love to say that I have spent hours in the kitchen making beautiful Christmas cookies - the fact is - I haven't ~~

Everyone on my Christmas list will still be getting beautiful cookies tucked inside their Christmas bags - thanks to the talented and wonderful Christmas cookie elves on ETSY. These little decorated trees will grace our Christmas eve dinner table.

These little candy cookies will be tucked inside treat bags for some of my co-workers.

A little something special for the mailman, and the lady at the post office who helps me mail all THOSE nests, and for the sweet lady at McDonald's who serves my 2 unsweetened ice teas every morning at 6 am as I go to work!

The most adorable reindeer cookies for the little ones at our family gathering on Christmas Eve~

And because I still have not come down off the "Partridge nest" high - the most perfect Pear cookies to share with my friend Mary who helped me to make those incredible nests.

Beautiful Christmas trees to share with some very special friends~

More special cookies for our Christmas Eve table~

and also for our Christmas Eve table~

~~~~

To all of my dear friends this Holiday Season~

I wish you every joy, every smile, every precious moment your heart can hold. I wish you love, and laughter, and hope for a bright New Year. I wish you love this Christmas and always~~

Vicki

ps - when I return just after the Holiday break - we will start out the New Year with a little traveling to the top of the world. I will take you to a beautiful place "where treetops glisten"~~

Biltmore at Christmas Time

2011-12-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

The historic estate built by George Vanderbilt was first introduced to family and friends on Christmas Eve in 1895~~

The Biltmore Mansion is the largest privately owned home in the United States. The house is 135,000 square feet and contains 250 rooms. Christmas at the Biltmore is an amazing spectacle of light and Christmas decor.

America's largest home is decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias, miles of evergreen garland, and thousands of beautiful Christmas ornaments. From the moment you enter the grounds, driving through the gingerbread style gate house - you know this is going to be a truly unforgettable experience.

The Biltmore lions have been greeting guests to this magnificent estate for over a century.

The arrival of the Christmas tree at the estate is the beginning of a Christmas celebration that will last well into the coming New Year.

With hundreds of people involved in the decorating of the estate grounds, inside the mansion, and the surrounding areas that are also part of the estate - the Winery, Antler Hill Village, the farm, and the beautiful shops inside the gate house and garden center.

Weeks of preparation will finally culminate when the house is aglow with the twinkle of thousands and thousands of lights~~

Inside the home - hundreds of poinsettias fill the winter garden while musicians, dancers, and carolers fill the great halls with music and the sounds of Christmas.

From the last of November through the first weeks of the New Year - the house is open in the evenings for the Christmas Candlelight tour. There is something magical about seeing this opulent mansion through the flickering glow of Christmas trees and fireplaces.

(the following candlelight photos are courtesy of the Biltmore estate.)

Outside - all around the estate - Christmas decorations are found everywhere you look. Here a beautiful wreath adorns the door to the Conservatory.

And at the farm - a regal Christmas tree is part of the decorations in the courtyard.

The shop at the Winery is splendid with lights and festive displays.

The Biltmore winery produces a special Christmas wine every year.

Visiting the Biltmore at Christmas time has become a tradition for us. We love the atmosphere, the beautiful decorations and the shopping.

This year we had a candle light dinner in the Stable cafe. You can click the photo for a closer look at the incredible menu.

The shops in the Stable House are beautifully decorated for the season. This photo was taken at the Candy shop :)

The Christmas shop was filled with toys and decorations - these Nutcrackers were especially tempting to me~~

The entrance to the wine cellars at the beautiful Antler Hill village.

Night time sparkles at the village~

The entrance to the ice cream and pastry shop in the village is adorned with this gingerbread tree.

Baby - it was cold outside!

The lights from the trees made the whole village sparkle.

A visit to the Biltmore at Christmas is an experience to be treasured forever.

Do you have visits to special places at Christmas time that have become a part of your holiday tradition? If you would like to learn more about the Biltmore Christmas experience, you can click here.

~~~

The Christmas rush has taken over everything at our house. We just returned from a visit to Atlanta where we visited with our adorable 3 year old grandson Mason. (I will have some new photos soon.) Right now, the Gardener is putting the Christmas tree up and we will decorate it later tonight. We still have Christmas shopping to do, and wrapping, and baking. Is your life as crazy as mine right now?

I'm sending you holiday wishes - hoping that the magic of Christmas fills your hearts and that you have enough hours in your day to finish your "to do" lists!!

xoxo,

Vicki

Thankfulness

2011-11-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a a special time to celebrate the love of family and to count your many blessings~

Our little grand daughter Keri Beth is 19 months old.

Our little great niece Maddy is almost 3 years old. We love her like our grand daughter.


We feel so blessed to have these babes in our life.

Keri Beth's sweet Mommy made this beautiful cake for our Thanksgiving table. (it was almost too pretty to cut - but we did - and it was wonderful!)

~~~

I try to count my blessings every day - not just at Thanksgiving - but today as we celebrate this day of thanks and thankfulness -I want to wish you all a wonderful and blessed start to the Holiday season.

There are blessings to be found in the quiet little corners of our lives - not just in the most obvious and outward places. My wish for you is that you find every little blessing and treasure it for the precious thing that it is~~

xoxo,

Vicki

The Partridge Nests are Here!

2011-11-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

On the First Day of Christmas~~

I am so excited to finally realize my dream of creating a very special Christmas nest. This little nest has been well over a year in the making~

The charitable portion of the proceeds from the sale of this nest will be donated to our local Ronald McDonald House. So many families can't be at home during the holidays because they have sick children in the hospital. These funds will be used to help make their Christmas a little brighter.

These last few days have been a blur of non- stop creating in my Sacred Yarn Room. Mary has been here with me and we have worked all day and into the night adding beautiful embellishments to these exquisite nests.

Each nest is unique - no two nests are totally alike - they each have their very own personality ~~

Each nest is adorned with little vintage millinery pears that we glitter dusted to give them a beautiful "bling" for these exquisite nests~

In the center of each nest - nestled into the softest of yarns- rests a beautiful glazed pottery pear that was specially created for these nests by my friend Susan Jenkins.

And~~ because these nests are SO very special - each nest will come with a beautiful partridge ornament that you can display as you wish alongside your nest. Susan created these adorable partridges specially for this Holiday nest.

Susan is an artist of incredible vision and talent. She is a painter, a sculptor, a creator of many art forms. Her work is highly praised and in demand. I am so grateful that she dedicated some of her special talents to help make my dream of this Partridge nest come true. You can visit Susan at her blog and also visit her ETSY shop where she sells her beautiful and imaginative creations. (Thank you dear Susan - I am so, so grateful for your willing heart and your gracious help in making the most precious little pears and partridges for this nest!)

Because she is a beading extraordinaire - Mary broke apart one of her beloved "Talbot's" necklaces just so that she could use the beautiful little yellow beads to embellish these Partridge ornaments. Is she dedicated to the cause or what? (Each little ornament will come with a gold hanger for you to use when you display your Partridge.)

Some of the embellishments for these nests are from a collection of vintage finds that I have been saving for almost 2 years. We've also added various unique adornments as well as some exquisite pieces of vintage jewelry.

My Mother once owned a florist and craft shop. After her passing, my sisters and I found a huge bag of floral decorations in her attic. Some of those have also been used in these very special nests.

Presentation is everything~~
My friend Sue Kosac is my ever constant creator of beautiful (drop dead gorgeous!!!) tags for my little nest packages. Your package will arrive wrapped in beautiful tissue that Sue specially created for this designer nest - and hanging on the outside of the package will be one of these fabulous little note cards.

Also - tucked into the package will be one of these little pear tags (in the upper right hand corner). Mary and I added a special little embellishment for those - a little surprise for each of you~
You can contact my friend Sue at her email address~ kosec@sbcglobal.net
(Thank you my sweet friend - you always, always make the most beautiful packaging for my nests. You know what I want - even when I don't! I love you to pieces!)

The response to these nests has totally taken me by surprise. From the minute I showed that first little sneak peak a few weeks ago- the number of emails that I have received has been overwhelming. So many of you have written to me expressing a desire to own one of these very special Designer nests ~~

Because so many of you asked to Reserve one of these nests~~ as this post goes live today~~ there are NO nests left for purchase - every single nest has been Reserved. While I am humbled that so many of you love and desire my specialty nests - I am honestly so very sad that some of you are going to be disappointed today. (Seriously - the knot in my stomach is THIS big!)

These nests have taken hours, and hours, and hours to design and create. If it were possible - I would make more - to ensure that each of you who desired one would be able to have one. But, I just can't. I know you understand that it is just not possible. I honestly did not expect this to happen. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would have so many requests for these little nests. I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions right now. Part of me is happy that they are so loved~ and another part of me is distraught that I have none left to sell. I feel as though I need to apologize - I am so so very sorry that this has happened so unexpectedly. I know that there are some of you who have waited till this appointed hour hoping to perhaps purchase a nest~~

Because of this unique situation - I am going to try extra hard next year to make more than usual of the upcoming Harvest Nest. I am going to bring in ~~the troops,~~ Mary (bless her heart!!) and we are going to make up to 40 of these special nests next year. (Right now - there are 24 names on the Harvest nest waiting list~ if your name is on the list - you will be guaranteed a nest. They will be priced similar to these Partridge nests. I cannot promise that there will be any extra - I will be doing good to make 40!) So please do email me if you desire to own one of these~~)

(and please, please, please~ don't hate me because these Christmas nest's sold out so quickly :(

This nest has been a dream of mine for such a long time. The making of a nest like this - for me- takes months - even years to create. I work on collecting the embellishments for a very long time - always looking when we travel, when I go to the flea markets, every where I go. The planning for a nest - and the actual creating of the nest is intense - I've neglected this house, the laundry, the shopping, ~~ my sweet Gardener (!!). Somewhere in this Sacred Yarn room full of nests, and boxes, and tissue and tags, and YARN - I've lost my "nesting" sketch book! (please pray that I find it before spring or we are all doomed!!)
~~
Although next year is designated as the year for that Harvest Nest - plans are ALREADY in the works for a new Holiday/Winter nest. Be watching (and waiting) for the new Shorebird Winter nest~~ (there - I said it!) (coming in the winter of 2013)

And lastly~~

Did you know that I was this goofy? We have had the most glorious fall Indian summer days of late - but not today - (not the day that I have had planned for weeks) to do the photos for the Partridge nest! Cold - rainy - freezing wind~~

No photos of Mary this time ~~ she flatly refused to wear this Monkey hat! Seriously - I could not, would not, won't ever~~ be doing a Designer nest without her amazing talents and creativity. Thank you my dear best friend in the whole world~~

Thank you all - for loving my nests, for always supporting me, and for your understanding of this totally unexpected situation. To those of you who purchased a nest - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to make Christmas a little more Merry for our families at the Ronald McDonald House.

~~~

Love, love, love

Vicki

November Nesting has begun!!! (and---important updates on the Harvest nest!!)

2011-11-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Nesting -

the art of spreading and tangling yarns all over your craft room until it looks like some kind of yarn bomb explosion. And~~ then somehow turning those yarns into something that some people are willing to wait almost a year for. Only crazy people do it~~ (that spreading, tangling, exploding, love to touch those gorgeous yarns thing~~~)

Is it November already? (scream!!!)

Seriously - I have spent the last year adding to my nesting yarn collection and I am absolutely giddy with excitement over the beautiful yarns that I will be using for my November nesting.

If you are on my November nesting list (and 35 of you are!!)-- you will be hearing from me over the next couple of months. You are welcome to email me at any time to see where you are on my list-- but rest assured that I will be emailing you when it is your turn for a beautiful nest.

These green nests are only made once a year - you won't ever find them in my ETSY shop for sale unless they are a reserved listing for folks on my "Nesting" list.

I am expecting this year's Nesting to take me about 4 months to complete. To those of you who have been patiently waiting - (some of you for almost a year)- I promise you that your nest will be absolutely exquisite.

This year's nests will once again be traveling all over the world~~

My little nests will travel all over the United States, as well as Canada, England, France, Scotland, Germany, and the Netherlands. (Seriously - can you even believe this!!)

I just spent an entire day organizing boxes, tissue papers, tags, and YARN~~ this is serious business!

Can you ever have too much beautiful Nesting yarn?

Each nest is completely handmade by me - and contains well over 200 different yarns in a variety of textures. Additionally, they contain bits of paper,lace,vintage ribbons, glass leaves, and string. (I incorporate those green string tags from Vera Bradley purses into each of my nests!) So - if you are a Vera Bradley collector - don't throw those green strings away!! Send them to me!!

Next year's Nesting will also begin in November (2012) -and that list starts ~~ NOW! If anyone is interested in going on the list for NEXT year - please email me for the info. My email address is on my sidebar.

~~~~

Now for some Nesting updates~~

Next year (2012) is THE year for the Harvest Nest. There have been so many requests for this nest that I am devoting an entire year to the creating and making of this exquisite design.

Here is a little preview of the yarns from the photo shoot that Mary and I did just a few days ago. You won't see these again until late next summer~~

The email response to the Harvest nest has been absolutely unbelievable. So many people have inquired and expressed desires to own one of these nests that I have been unsure as to how to handle this. Honestly - I have lost sleep over what to do to ensure that everyone can have one~ (I don't want anyone to be disappointed!) So~~ I am going to work very hard to make sure that everyone who seriously wants to own one of these nests~ will be able to do so - and- hopefully a few extra to sell. That's why I am devoting an entire year to this nest~~

If you have your heart set on owning one of the Harvest nests - please email me so that I can add you to the list now. I need a fair estimate as to how many to make~~

And finally ~~ your last little sneak peak of that gorgeous Partridge nest that is coming up soon. Mark your calenders for November 21 (around 11 am EST) for the debut of this beautiful new designer nest. (18 of these little nests want a new home for Christmas~)

The response to this nest has totally taken me by surprise. Already I have received so many emails. I am just overwhelmed with all of the admiration that I am getting for my little nests. (I feel so unworthy~)

~~~

It's just been totally crazy here in the Sacred Yarn room. Now you know why~~

xoxo,

Vicki

A Christmas Yarn Preview - (the newest Designer Nest is almost here!)

2011-10-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

A little preview of something coming up very soon - the newest in my designer nest series~~

Unlike anything that I have ever done before~~

In beautiful shades of red and green and gold~~

and tucked inside each nest- a beautiful handmade pear

specially created just for this nest.

(just you wait~~)!

(and another special surprise!)

Very limited~~ 18 of these little nests will be looking for Christmas homes~~

Of course I had help! I cant wait for you to meet the talented artist who created these adorable glazed pottery pears

and the special surprise~~

(This beautiful card was made by Teroldego & Tomatoes.)

The Photo Shoot

Mary - my faithful "nesting" companion! These designer nests have become such a huge undertaking - that honestly- I could not do it without her.

This is no easy task - this photo shoot business!

You should have seen Mary build this "mountain of yarn" display! It was so incredibly beautiful - I hated to break it down after the photo shoot!
(In our next life~We are going to be window designers for
Anthropologie stores!)

Mark your calenders for the debut on the morning of November 21.

(at 11 am EST)

Coming soon~~~

The Partridge Nest~

(I'm telling you - they are gorgeous!!)

xoxo,

Vicki

Outstanding in the Field Farm Dinner

2011-10-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure~~

From their website-

"Our mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it.

Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls. Since 1999 we have set the long table at farms or gardens, on mountain tops or in sea caves, on islands or at ranches. Occasionally the table is set indoors: a beautiful refurbished barn, a cool greenhouse or a stately museum. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table.

Ingredients for the meal are almost all local (sometimes sourced within inches of your seat at the table!) and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, we all settle in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans, and diners sharing the long table."

The Gardener and I recently attended our first "Outstanding in the Field" farm dinner. The dinner was held on the grounds of the beautiful, historic Woodland Farm in Goshen, KY (about a 3 hour drive for us). I've been "stalking" this group for a couple of years - trying to decide if I wanted to make a 5 (or more) hour drive to attend one of these dinners. When this years dates and locations presented with a rare visit to Kentucky - I jumped at the chance to purchase tickets and make plans to attend. (When the tickets go on sale - you have to buy them quickly! They can sell out in a matter of days - sometimes hours!) I had been eagerly waiting for months for this day to arrive~~

From their website-

"Woodland Farm, owned by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, is a working farm in Goshen, Kentucky with historical roots and a sustainable vision. The 1000-acre farm is home to many heritage breeds of livestock, including American Buffalo, and has several large gardens that use sustainable best practices."

"From raising bison on grass pastures to using best practices in the garden, sustainability is practiced farm-wide. The farm’s lumber is harvested from its own forests, and sustainable biofuel is used for farm implements. Gardeners at the farm use sustainable practices such as no-till growing methods and picking insects from plants by hand. As horticulturalist Stephanie Tittle says, “We don’t use any -ides. No pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides.” It’s slow, hard work, but once you taste a fresh-picked fruit or vegetable from Woodland, you’ll understand what the fuss is about."

Come along with the Gardener and me to this beautiful historic farm situated on the banks of the Ohio River. The reception starts promptly at 3 pm - so dress casually (I'm wearing jeans), and lets go see what all the buzz is about with these "Outstanding in the Field " dinners~~

The Reception

The View from the Front Yard

The amazing appetizers were prepared on the side porch of this civil war era house.

My favorite appetizer - the fried okra with malt vinegar mayo

The reception lasted for about 2 hours during which we were welcome to leisurely walk around and take photos. After the reception there was an informal tour of the farm - guests were invited to speak to some of the people who worked on the farm and learn more about the farms sustainable practices.

Come along with us on a leisurely farm tour~

My primary focus in attending this dinner was for one reason ~~ I wanted to see that famous TABLE!! Outstanding in the Field is famous for their L O N G tables that are set in unique places - like orchards, and riverbanks, and beaches - and cornfields. Are you hungry yet? Look closely - the table is at the top of this hill - right against the cornfield - come on lets go! (I want to take pictures before the crowd gets there!)

Here we are - and we beat the crowd- yea!! Lets go take some photos~

The tradition of the plates~~ one of the fun and interesting features of this farm dinner is that guests are ask to bring their own plates. The appearance of this long farm table set with different and colorful plates lends added character to this most unique dinner.

The Gardener had no idea what to expect when we set out to attend this dinner. He had never heard of this organization and knew nothing about what this experience would be like. He was so excited to see this amazing table!

Chef Michael Paley from the famed Louisville restaurant Proof on Main was the guest chef for the farm dinner. All ingredients were from local farms and the final portion of the meals were prepared on site~
(in this green tent at the end of the cornfield!)

From the Outstanding in the Field website-
"Ingredients for the meal are almost all local (sometimes sourced within inches of your seat at the table!) and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, we all settle in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans, and diners sharing the long table."

They just rang the dinner bell - we need to go get our own plates and take our seats at the table - it's almost time for dinner!

The wine (fabulous!!!) is from a local vineyard - the Horseshoe Bend Vineyard and Winery in Willisburg, Ky. They offered several different wines over the course of the evening, but I stayed with this one because it was so good - (Riesling 2010).

Our plates are from one of my vintage collections.

The Menu

The first course - "Last Summer Bean Salad". If they had served nothing else I would have been totally satisfied - it was the best salad ever! All the food is served family style - and the servings are plentiful~

Emily - our server for the evening. She took really good care of us!

Soon after our dinner started, the evening sun began to cast those wonderful golden glows. Can you see this beautiful reflection in my wine glass?

The second course - Milk Braised Duncan Farms Rabbit with Roman gnocchi, celery, nutmeg, and lemon. Absolutely to die for! The rabbit was supplied by the Sarah Duncan farm in Boston, Ky. I actually sat next to Sarah and her husband - nicest folks ever!

Can you see the beautiful glow on the river behind us? Is this just not a magnificent place for a farm dinner? (That's Sarah sitting next to me - she owns the rabbit farm.)

The last dinner course - Grilled beef short ribs, sweet potato ravioli with sage, mushrooms, and brown butter. The beef was raised on Woodland Farms. (I am going to be honest here and say that I could not get past the fabulous Sweet Potato ravioli - so I did not actually eat the beef. The Gardener however, thought it was wonderful!)

Sunset over the bend in the Ohio River. The evening view from our seat at the table was nothing short of magnificent~

Evening glow at the table just as the moon is starting to show~

Playing with our cameras - we captured the moon's reflection through the wine glass.

Dessert - apple toffee bread pudding with bourbon caramel whipped cream~~ (there are no words- it was unbelievable!)

The evening is soon drawing to a close~

Our last few minutes at the table of this totally amazing farm dinner. Have you enjoyed your trip here? Do I not take you to the best places?

If you are interested in attending your own Outstanding in the Field farm dinner - a word to the wise~~ Buy your tickets early - preferably the very day they go on sale - most venues sell out incredibly fast- sometimes within hours!

~~
Coming up next - a little yarn preview of the newest designer nest. You don't want to miss this! (It is going to be a few weeks before we get back to the National Parks tour - there is lots going on here in the Sacred Yarn Room right now- hint, hint!)

xoxo,
Vicki
ps - (sorry for the long post~)

My "Vera" Lovely Fall Giveaway - A special thank you to my Readers and Followers!

2011-10-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

Fall~~

that time of year when we all start to slow down a little~

when all about us nature begins to put on her

most glorious show in colors of

gold and red and orange~~

Autumn is also that time of year when we all begin to think about the coming holidays and the special things that we are all so grateful for~~

I'm so very grateful for those of you who visit me here and support both me and my humble little blog. Through this incredible experience I've been able to meet so many interesting people, traveled all over the world via your own amazing blogs - and made some friendships that are so dear to me~~

So~ this is just my little way of saying thank you to everyone who visits me here. I'm giving away this Vera Bradley Pleated Tote bag in one of this falls newest and most popular colors - Suzani. To enter simply leave a comment here on this post and Miss Maddy girl will draw a winner on November 4. I will post the winners right here on THIS post (at the bottom of the page) - so be sure to come back and see if YOU won!

If you would like to enter more than once - you can do so in the following ways:

1. I'd be grateful if you would share this contest with your readers by posting it on your blog - (not all of my readers and followers make their rounds regularly - so this will help get the word out to them.) If you post this on your blog - come back and leave me another comment telling me that you have done so.

Susan from the blog Days at Buttermilk Cottage is on a personal mission to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. She designed this adorable little lamb and is selling the knitted version, the PDF pattern, and also the kit containing the pattern and yarns to make your own Pinky.

2. For another entry to win the Vera Bradley purse - please post a photo of Pinky on your own blogs and link to Susan's blog. You can use the link above or the link that I have on my own sidebar. Breast Cancer is a devastating disease that affects us all. I am confident that each and every one of us has been touched in some way by this disease. If you post Pinky on your blog - please come back and leave another comment telling me that you have done so. I applaud Susan for her creative efforts to make a difference~~

**Susan has graciously donated one of her knitted Pinky lambs and also one of the Pinky kits for me to give away here. In addition to your entry for the purse ~~ anyone who posts Pinky on their blog will be entered into a separate contest to win your own adorable Pinky- handmade by Susan.

**I know that I have several readers and followers who, like me, are knitters. If you are one of my knitting friends - please just say - "I'm a knitter " in your comment so that I can enter all my knitting friends in a separate contest to win the Pinky kit which contains the pattern and yarns.

3. Your third chance to enter the contest for the Vera Bradley purse is to join my Facebook page. The link to my Facebook page is on my sidebar - just press the LIKE button when you get there - then leave me a comment Here telling me that you are one of the"gang" over there. You will be glad you did - here's why~~

For my Facebook members only -- I'm giving away this Vera Bradley Handbag in their very popular Breast Cancer Awareness pattern - Twirly Birds Pink. To enter - simply leave a comment on my Facebook page. Maddy girl will pick the winner and I will announce their name on November 4 - right there on my Facebook page.
~~~~~

UPDATE November 4

And the winners (according to Maddy girl!)are~~~
1. The Facebook giveaway of the Twirley bird purse - Jenny Wallace Ray
2. Pinky knitted sheep- Avery Hill (comment # 37)
3. Pinky kit to knit - Mosiac Magpie (comment # 24)
4. Vera Tote Purse - Poetess Wug (comment # 22)
Congrats to each of you. Please send me a private email with your home address!

Thanks to everyone who entered - to all of you who are so good to me and make me feel so loved. We will have another giveaway closer to the Holiday's~~
xo,
Vicki

~~~

Coming up next~~

The Gardener and I attended the most wonderful Farm Dinner - we toured a beautiful historic farm, attended a lovely reception on the banks of the Ohio River, and then enjoyed a magnificent Chef prepared dinner while sitting at this beautiful table- (right next to the cornfield.) It was the most incredible night ever!

I am going to delay the continuation of the National Park photos for just a bit so that I can show you the photos from the special evening that we had when we attended the "Outstanding in the Field" farm dinner. I can hardly wait to show you these pictures~~

xoxo,

Vicki

ps - these contests are open to ALL of my readers and followers - where ever you may live!

Our National Parks Adventure - Capitol Reef National Park

2011-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

The land of the "sleeping rainbow"~~

Capitol Reef National Park lies in Utah's south central desert and is an oasis of colorful sandstone cliffs, impressive domes and a maze of twisting canyons. The youngest in the National Park system - Capitol Reef was designated a National Park in 1971.

Capitol Reef has long been labeled one of Utah's best kept secrets. Those who visit this park will find it to be a place of serene beauty and remote serenity.

The park is named for a particularly colorful section where rounded Navajo sandstone forms capitol-like domes and sheer cliffs form a barrier to travel, often referred to as a "reef".

Among Utah's five National Parks, this park deserves special acclaim because it is less crowded, less commercial, and holds bragging rights to magnificent red rock scenery that rivals that of Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands and Zion. Rugged beyond belief, this National Park is a long narrow strip of stunning geology. The most distinctive feature of this 250,000 acre natural wonderland is a Waterpocket Fold; a 100 mile long "wrinkle" in the earth that creates much of the area's unique and distinctive landscape.

We spent a full day at Capitol Reef - doing an early morning hike to Hickman Bridge and then in the afternoon a hike on the Chimney Rock trail. This hike was my most favorite hike of our entire National Parks adventure! I loved it so much that I want to take you all along with me~~

You see that red sandstone pillar on the extreme right of this photo? That is the famous rock formation known as Chimney Rock. Now~~do you see the white sandstone mesa on the left of the photo? That is where we are going! It will take us just a little over 3 hours to get there~~

Go ahead and get your hiking shoes on. Be sure to bring LOTS of water - it is a hot day today! And pack some snacks - we might get hungry! Bring chocolate!! I'm waiting for you~~

Are you ready? Lets GO!!

Hiking on these trails with our dear friend Bob was the most wonderful experience. His geology knowledge enhanced our trips and made the sights that we saw so much more meaningful. (and~~ I just plain love him!)

From my journal- "We spent yesterday hiking the trails of Capitol Reef National Park. I am amazed at how different the national parks in this area can be- even though they are really only a few miles apart. The Chimney Rock trail is characterized by red rocks and boulders, desert like vistas, and the gnarly twisted remains of juniper trees- some of them hundreds of years old. I instantly fell in love with the whitewashed gnarly twisted trees- they have so much character~"

From my journal- "It was totally breathtaking - the views- everywhere I looked- almost surreal. I'm taking picture after picture - I am scared to death that they won't even begin to capture the unbelievable beauty - the colors - I'm thinking no way can can I take a picture of this~~"

From my journal-"In the afternoon we did a 3 mile hike to Chimney Rock. This incredible hike is my favorite so far. We hiked to the top of a beautiful Mesa- through a canyon filled with red boulders, across valleys filled with beautiful green juniper trees and also scattered with the twisted remains of trees long gone. The views were amazing. We were blessed with a cloudy afternoon and a welcome wonderful breeze- it saved us as this hike had little shade. We all came back with a windburn!"

We made it! We are at the top of the mesa and the view from here is simply amazing~~ (how are you doing? are you all still with me?)

Can you feel the wind blowing up here?

The sky is looking kind of ominous in the distance - and we have a long way to go back down this trail - so come on - we better start back down~~

Ahh - I'm getting kind of hungry and I already ate all of my cheetos~~ can I have some of yours? Do you have any chocolate left? I sort of ate mine already. I'll trade you one granola bar for some of your chocolate~~

We can just sit here and have a little picnic - (and eat the rest of your chocolate!)

I can't help it - I love to climb. (I think I am part monkey!)

From my journal - "As we headed back down the trail, we met up with two young guys who were on the Hidden Canyon hike from Zion. They remembered me (!) and stopped us to say that they watched me scale that cliff. One of the guys said- "you are so cool- my Mom would never have done that!". Ha ha- my adoring fan club!! The Gardener took a picture of me and the boys. Obviously there are people out there who remember my "moment of insanity"!!"

We did it! We made it to the end of the trail!! (You guys were great - you kept up the whole way!!)

Hiking stats for Capitol Reef:

1. Hickman Bridge trail - 2 miles

2. Chimney Rock Loop trail - 3.5 miles

3. Drive to scenic viewpoints and short hikes -

(Panorama Point and Goosenecks) - 1 mile hike
Total hiking distance covered - 6.5 miles

Some scenes as we left Capitol Reef National Park - driving towards our next destination~~

Thanks for coming along with me on my most favorite hike of the trip! Our next destination will take us to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

BUT~~~ before we head to the Grand Canyon - we are going to have a fall giveaway celebration. Look for that to be coming up next - my way of saying THANK YOU to my devoted Followers. (It's going to be good - that's all I'm saying~~)

xoxo,

Vicki

Our National Park Adventures - Bryce Canyon National Park

2011-09-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

A place where ancient songs whisper

and strange hoodoo's cast spells~~~

Hoodoo - a serious geological term meaning," we don't know what else to call them", and refers to bizarre shapes eroded from stone.

The second stop on our tour of National Parks was Bryce Canyon. Unlike any other place on this earth, this park is characterized by amazing topography and the awe impressing sights of those mystical hoodoos.

Excerpts from my travel journal~ "I find myself looking out at this amazing canyon with lands the color of jumbled terra cotta pots. Plateaus layered in creams, yellows, cinnamon, and maroon ~"

"Threatening thunderstorms in the distance kept us from hiking today- so we drove the loop around the park stopping at all the observation points. The sky was beautiful and magnified the gorgeous scenery- making for a perfect picture taking day! I think Bryce is one of those places where the sights are best seen as you look down into the valley - so we really were not disadvantaged by not hiking. ( after yesterday- my legs could use the rest!!)"

Our friend Bob is a geologist. His amazing insight into the development of the canyons and formations was the perfect compliment to the amazing scenery that we were all a part of. Traveling with Bob is like being on a National Geographic discovery adventure~~

Want to know how I got out here? Very carefully - very slowly - (crawled on my hands and knees!)

An 18 mile scenic drive winds along the rim of Bryce Canyon. There are 13 amazing viewpoints in which to gaze at the giant bowl of hoodoos and view the canyon's most famous formations. Come along with us as we drive the "canyon loop"~~

My friend Jan is such a good sport. I'm awarding her the "waits patiently while others hike" award!

From my journal~ "Most of the time, we can't see the ground beneath our feet. But here - on this Colorado plateau - bare rock dominates. Most of the canyons out west were formed by the massive powers of the Colorado River - but here at Bryce - it was a consistent series of freeze/thaw cycles that formed these intricate shapes. Millions of years ago - think about that - I can hardly imagine~~"

With names like Sunrise, Sunset and Inspiration Point - it is easy to see why the viewpoints along the canyon capture the intriguing shapes in the best light of the day.

From my journal, "our pictures can not begin to capture the magnitude of these views~~"

Bet you didn't know I liked to climb on stuff!!


This thunderstorm lingered the entire afternoon - always a threat in the distance. You can see why we chose NOT to hike today!

We spent the entire day driving the observation points. Some of the viewpoints had the opportunity for short hikes - (1/2 mile or so). The viewpoints we visited are:

Bryce Point
Paria View
Swamp Canyon
Fairview Point
Natural Bridge
Agua Canyon
Ponderosa Canyon
Black Birch Canyon
Rainbow Point
Yovimpa Point
Sunrise Point
Sunset Point
Inspiration Point

Total distance hiked today - 3 miles (kind of wimpy compared to yesterday!)

~~~~~

A few photos from our travels away from Bryce - heading to our next destination Capital Reef National Park~~

Well - if you are still hanging with me on this journey - my next post will share photos from my favorite hike in the ENTIRE trip. Our day spent in Capitol Reef National Park was unbelievable~~

A little update - after the photos of Capitol Reef - I'll be sharing with you all a little fall give away. (Your reward for suffering through all the National Park pictures!)
~~~

And - just in case you didn't know that all this "nesting" is serious business here~~ yesterday I spent the entire afternoon doing the yarn photo shoot for the 2012 Harvest nest!! You will be seeing those pictures next summer - just before the debut of the nest.
~~
We are having a glorious fall here - I hope you are all enjoying the last hurrah of summer~~
xoxo,
Vicki