Last night had a little more excitement than I had intended.  Drove into NYC for an event at a gallery in Manhattan (20th between 10th and 11th).  Took me 90 minutes just to get through the Lincoln Tunnel; I'd almost forgotten those days of daily driving hassles.  Parked at a well-lit outdoor garage just a block away.  The evening was sponsored by Jane Ubell (of Madison and Mulholland) and was her 10th Anniversary Gala for her wonderful Hampton Bag Giveaways.  Met lots of interesting people, talked up alpacas and our amazing yarn, of course . . . . and left about 830 to get my car.  Just moments before I arrived, there was an armed robbery at the parking garage.  Swarmed in minutes by New York's Finest, followed by the suit-clad detectives and then the CSI people to collect evidence.  Yellow crime scene tape everywhere.  Needless to say, it took me another hour to rescue my car.  Fortunately no one was hurt.  But I was very impressed by the professionalism of law enforcement in NYC.  They were even better than on tv!

Water Water Everywhere . . . .

It sounds like that is what we are going to have on the East Coast this weekend. It's difficult to know if Irene is really as powerful as the reports indicate, but I can tell you people are getting ready! The lines at the filling station were so long I had to wait to even enter the lot. Stores have people waiting for their next water delivery. Thank goodness I went to the store yesterday. We live on a rocky hill that in winter/ice/snow is less than pleasant -- but during times like these I am very thankful for that hill. What do I plan on doing? I'm skeining boxes and boxes of new huacaya yarn, have three knitting projects that all could use attention, and we're readying a new snail mailing about all the happenings in the store -- not the least of which is a new name. (Watch for updates here if you aren't on our mailing list!) Sometimes changes can be frightening, and my prayers go out to all the people who will be affected by these storms far more than will I, but a weekend at home is a welcome change for me. Having lived in the East for more than 30 years, I cannot remember them shutting down the NYC subway system or Atlantic City casinos. Stay home and stay safe.

What would I do if I ever had some spare time?

I'd almost forgotten what really drives my engine: What I love to do, to learn, to focus on, to revitalize me. This weekend I have been blessed to rediscover my creative roots. As a retail member of TNNA (The National NeedleArts Association) I have spent the weekend at their national convention. Not only have I been able to take classes in lace knitting and implement beading into their intricate designs, experience the ages-old technique of weaving on a small loom, and learn the Continental style of knitting -- I was able to meet and speak with so many of the women whose genius powers modern needlearts: Laura Nelkin, Lesley Solomon, Nicky Epstein, Liz Gipson, Paula Lishman, to name just a few, whose books and patterns and creativity have been an inspiration to so many of us. Wandering the aisles of vendor exhibits was like feeding my soul the best chocolates ever tasted. At the hotel each evening I have practiced new skills and poured over handouts and articles. I didn't have to sit at the edge of the pond and just dangle my toes -- I have been able to completely immerse myself in yarn, yarn, and more yarn. It would be difficult to put into words the emotional energy these experiences have generated and reignited for me. I've had a blast and can't wait to get back and nurture this rediscovered passion!