Since it is my Mama’s birthday, I’ve decided to stop disgracing her and get my thank-you notes out right here in public.
First of all, thank all of you for your kind words, positive thoughts and so many prayers. We have received so many cards, letters and emails. I happen to believe that every shepherd deserves a fan club, but I am the only one I know lucky enough to have one, along with a cheerleading squad. Your support has made what has been a rough few months so much more tolerable. Patrick, Erin and I are so very grateful to you.
We have also received some very generous checks from readers and shareholders who read about how we had to destroy all of our remaining hay, as it was the source of the listeriosis that killed Agnes, Chipotle and little Ophelia. I know that all of you are hard-working people and the fact that so you sent us what you could spare for hay touched me very deeply. Once we’re back on our feet again I intend to pay it forward every chance I get. Since I don’t know how each of you feels about being publicly acknowledged, I will just say thank you.
We also received a couple of little presents that I want to share with y’all. Paula sent us this beautiful votive candleholder in a color called lamb. It is far lovelier than my meager photography skills can capture.
Thank you, Paula, for thinking of us and for your kind words. I absolutely LOVE this and will think of you every time I light it.
Today’s mail brought a package from Mary Jane Moriarty, also known as Mudlarque of Madlarque Ceramics. Inside were these two STUNNING yarn bowls, and a note saying that one was for me and one for Erin.
They are both so beautiful that Erin and I couldn’t bear to chose just one for ourselves; we’re going to share them both. Mary Jane, I have been coveting your yarn bowls for ages and I don’t know what to say to such a lovely gift. Thank you!
I also got a great book in the mail this week from my friend Lisa. I’m reading it now in preparation for our trip Lisa, so get better please.
Speaking of giving, starting Friday, I am going to be doing a giveaway every day for seven days. I can’t tell you what were giving away yet but I’ll give you a hint: Rhinebeck.
Nope. That’s all you’re getting. My lips are sealed until tomorrow.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Hang in there Susan! We’re all behind you! You have everyone’s support – you keep us would-be shepherd’s dreams alive…trust me, even on your worst day you are an inspiration. You and Erin just keep doing the outstanding job that you do!
The yarn bowls are SO pretty! I googled Madlarque Ceramics but the only mention was from the blog you just wrote. How can I get in touch with Mary Jane to buy one of her creations?
I just caught up on the news for the past few weeks. Had to do some research to understand about it all, but that’s good for my brain. Not feeling happy about it, of course. You won’t recover from losing those charmers, but at least you found the cause and have been able to move on from there. Sigh!!
My mother turned 86 on Sunday. She left the house for the first time in years that wasn’t for the doctor — and went to my sister’s house to hold her great granddaughter, who is 2 months old today. We are celebrating this event in so many ways.(Yes, my great niece has lots of hand knits. My sister also does the hand crochets. Kayla is well provided for.) So now my parents have a great grandson (yes, they have seen him — he’s 3 and a half and has visited them twice now) and a great granddaughter (who lives closer so they will see more of her).
Happy birthday to your mother, too.
omg, how can you all of a sudden NEED something that you didn’t even know existed five minutes ago!? Love the yarn bowls.
i agree
i never heard of a yarn bowl
those are exquisite
how much cooler can something be???
wow…
another give away?
wow again
blessings and lots of love to you all
rona xo…
You truly touch and inspire people – how lovely that you have an opportunity to get some support back! Those bowls and votive are truly beautiful – enjoy!
She needs to let you post her website for those wonderful bowls! I looked at several websites featuring yarn bowls and there is nothing as beautiful as those, they are all very plain and disappointing.
Mary Jane ( mudlarque) doesn’t seem to have these incredible bowls for sale. But she had words of wisdom for me when I read her blog, where she wrote: “I have decided that I may not be around to enjoy my retirement so I am going to enjoy ……. I watched my parents postpone so many things for a future that never came. ..Since my house is on the neighborhood home tour I have been spending money like I had it.”( ON HER INCREDIBLE RENOVATION) “I have not added any debt…
Carpe diem.
Thank you for the kind comments about the yarn bowls. Susie is a great inspiration to me. She left a secure day job that was no longer satisfying to do what she wanted to do. My day job is a real soul-sucking downer, and I need to get up the courage to follow my bliss, even if it means being poor.
I pretty much just give my pots to friends and family, and maybe sell or barter with people I know. I do not have a tax id and dealing with the whole sales tax thing is something I need to invest some time in, and get organized for.
So anyone who is really interested in my pots – send me an email or comment on my blog with contact information. If I can stop knitting long enough to get a kiln load completed I can let you know.
mudlarque@gmail.com
Tell your Mom happy b-day and give yourself a hug from me. You are both some of the kindest giving people I’ve ever met!
Lovely bowls…but I couldn’t find a website for Madlarque Ceramics. Can you help me out? Thx!