These Dog Days...

Good Morning Everyone!

I think it's safe to say, summer is here, we are officially 2 weeks in, go big or go home has taken on new meaning. Can you say humid? It's a challenge for my mindset when it's 71 degrees at 5:00 a.m. not a hint of a breeze and lots of thirsty mosquitoes. I do think back to those dark cold mornings as I layered up my clothes, put my headlamp on and trekked through the snow. I remember thinking how happy I'd be wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I knew I'd get my wish, so I should just embrace it, summer is short here. We're already past the 4th of July and Strawberry season, ugh. That said, you do know what this means? It's time to start your Christmas knitting! I know you hate to hear it, I certainly don't enjoy being the equivalent of that annoying mosquito disrupting your sanity, but, it's my civic duty, one I take seriously. It also doesn't hurt I'm already seeing those annoying Facebook posts indicating how many Fridays there are until Christmas (25 until Christmas Day, you're welcome). Did you see my post of the mitten? I selected appropriate music, Sleigh Ride, just to get you in the mood. If you need some ideas, stop by, I have new yarn from Baa Ram Ewe and Juniper Moon Farm to tempt you.

The Great Northern Yarn Haul is in full swing, I've had so many visitors, the shop has been busy! I hope you will take the opportunity to go explore the wonderful shops that continue to participate every year. I can't believe this has been ongoing for 11 years, it's incredible, really. What's more interesting is the number of shops that are still in business continuing to thrive. The fiber community is so special, the members make it a welcoming environment, I am truly blessed to be a part of it. I had a new "Hauler" in my shop who told me she was having a wonderful time, she'd been wanting to participate and just hadn't. She proceeded to tell me my shop had been recommended as a "must go to" from 4 other shop owners. After stopping by and meeting me, she understood why (not gonna lie, that felt great). I am coming up on my 15th year in business, there have been times I've wondered, should I keep going? Running a business is very stressful, the obstacles can be challenging, there are many variables that can either make or break my day, week, month and year. Most are completely out of my control, so navigating them successfully can be overwhelming. It continues to amaze me just how far a few kind words can go to make it all worthwhile, thank-you, Pat from Manchester, N.H.

It looks like another beautiful day is headed our way, I will be out on my glider as soon as this is written, Bernie will be hiding in the shrubs. I've been working on my Quiltstar Shawl, I doubt I'll have Clue #5 finished before #6 drops tomorrow. My mitten project has derailed my progress, I'm not even sure why I decided to pick it back up. Could it be I took my own advice? Wonders never cease to amaze me, lol. We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!

Katy