Starting out and moving up

As promised, here are pictures of Tweed herding sheep.  I am thrilled with him on all levels.  He is the sweetest puppy and a joy to train, on and off sheep.  He will be turning 10 months very soon.  Hard to believe that time has flown by so fast.

Zeke and I will be moving to Pro-Novice for sheepdog trials here this winter.  I'm a little nervous but I know I'm not the first one to do this and most certainly not the last.   Pull up yer boot straps, it's time to make progress girlfriend!  I am a big fan of positive thinking (thanks mom & dad) I love looking forward to what the future holds.  You don't get anywhere by standing still. 

I read the Mental Management newsletter and really enjoyed the article on competition this month.  It's not about winning or losing, it's winning or learning.  How many times have each of us learned valuable life lessons from doing the task incorrectly.  I know I learned some VERY valuable lessons at the Lacamas Valley sheepdog trial.  Reward the the good, focus on the task at hand, and practice, practice, practice.  Their blog closed with a quote that I will keep close to my heart as step into the Pro-Novice class. 

"You never know who will be watching you as you compete for your dreams - so always act like a Champion, win or lose. Because at the end of the day, the people you meet and inspire will mean more than the trophies that gather dust on your mantle."   Posted to their blog by Lanny Basham

I couldn't agree more.

A little down time

Today I am relaxing and enjoying the day with my pups at home.  Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival is over for 2010, a huge amount of work for all volunteers involved but I believe that's what makes it a great festival.

I am starting a new knitting project.  I am very excited as I will be using my own handspun yarn.  I purchased the pattern from Michelle at Toots LeBlanc & Co.  http://www.tootsleblanc.com/   She was very helpful in picking out a pattern that would be complimentary for my handspun and for this sometimes easily confused knitter.  A Victorian Shoulderette by Sivia Harding Knit Design was what went home with me.  I am working on the 14th row and it's flying.  This is very exciting as my last knitting project could have been measured in years, not weeks.  The fiber I am using is our own mills creation.  Our lovely luxury batts.  Spun worsted and made of Merino, Alpaca, Mohair and Silk.  It was a dream to spin and it is fabulous to knit.

 Check out the cute knit markers I found at Salem's newest knit shop called Tangled Purls.  Aren't they the cutest!  The pattern called for a unique knit marker, I do believe this will do the trick.  I will also add the gals at Tangled Purls are very helpful with pattern reading.  Go check them out and support our local yarn shop!  tangledpurls.blogspot.com