Friday, January 25, 2013

It's the Little Things

 When a bunch of the bloggers that I used to read stopped blogging and went to Facebook, I had to find some more reading material, because I like reading interesting blogs, I don't like reading facebook stuff, as you know. Somehow I stumbled on to Cindy's blog, Handstories and found it really interesting to read. She recently posted about some yarn she had spun and it was so beautiful I wanted some. The blogging world is so great. She sent it to me so I could check it out and if I liked it, I could pay her for it. It's beyond beautiful, I can't even explain how it feels it's so soft. The check is in the mail today Cindy, thanks!!
I have found that ordering hand made objects is not just getting a package in the mail. It can sometimes be an experience. Not only did Cindy send me some amazing yarn that she spun herself, she sent me
"a bit of the Northwest". These little shells and seaglass were tucked in a sweet little package with a note and it made getting this package in the mail all the more special. And her hangtag was handmade and lovely, and the whole thing just brightened my morning. I think it's the extra step, the little things that make getting something so special. I want to remember this gesture and take that extra step when I send out work that people order from me. If people are going to take the time to support handmade craft the least they deserve is a special treat!

As I am typing this, the snow has started to fall, Wesley is home from school, Gerry home with a cold. So it will be a day of hot soups and warm tea and maybe some weaving with my new yarn. Yesterday was a mental health day with my pal Susan. We went to see an art exhibit at the Horace Williams House that was interesting and thought provoking and then we had coffee at Cafe Driade. It was like a business meeting for artists. Lots of talk of what we have going on, what our future plans are, what has worked, what sucks. I am so lucky to have some really wonderful women artists in my life that support me, inspire me and give me great advise and I try to do the same with them. It's important to have these people in your life to walk with you through all the good and the bad and know they all have my back.
I haven't had the most productive week, but it was a good week of contemplation and planning. All necessary. And a bit of trying to heal this neck/arm thing.....
Hibernation comes to mind, I'm just a mama bear right now, ha!


27 comments:

Dennis Allen said...

Thinking and healing are productive enterprises.Good luck with the shoulder.

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks Dennis, I guess you know about pain and pottery don't you? How's your aches these days?
All better I hope!!!

Melissa Rohrer said...

Just read about your aches- I didn't know about pineapple juice for inflammation. A friend recommended black cherry fruit extract capsules for that purpose. I can't tolerate the usual o.t.c. inflammation meds and am trying to get past some wrist problems.

Lori Buff said...

That yarn looks soft and beautiful as well as inspiring. What are you going to make with it?

cookingwithgas said...

yes, it is the little things. I am taking the messy day as a sign not to work. How is that working for me...made me think I need to do the taxes... still work- need tea and soup...XXOO

Anna M. Branner said...

Hm. Neck arm thing? Pay attention to your position while weaving! Make sure you get up and walk around and stretch your arms and neck every 30 minutes AT LEAST. Don't know if this was the cause but concentrating hunched over a loom can do it. Hope you feel better soon, at least you have some yummy yarn to fondle in the mean time. :)

Susan Wells said...

You sure have a fancy bear cave too. Complete with sun-shiny deliveries, rainbow girl & sparkly man.

Tracey Broome said...

Hey Melissa, yeah I read about black cherry juice too, but I'm trying to use my juicer and don't think I want to deal with juicing black cherries although there might be some in the freezer section, hmmmm....

Tracey Broome said...

Lori, I have no idea, but I want to save it until I have a good plan for it, and yes, it is beyond soft!

Tracey Broome said...

Taxes, the worst kind of work, takes us days.... Tea and soup is a better option!

Tracey Broome said...

Hey Anna, this was going on way before I started weaving, I have no idea how it got started, I injured my back pretty bad back in my twenties, could be coming back to haunt me. I am watching how I sit to weave though and lots of stretching.... Thanks!

Tracey Broome said...

I do like my bear cave, you got one going on too with your sparkly peeps:)

Anna M. Branner said...

Definitely keep an eye on your posture. Lower back or upper back? Treadling can give you hip and lower back issues too....I'll email you with tips if you are interested. :)

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks, I get up about every thirty minutes and stretch, and I'm doing yoga every morning. Don't need another craft giving me aches and pains!
Please do email the tips :)

Anonymous said...

oh, Tracey, you're so sweet. I'm so glad you like it! Thank you again for wanting it and for your kind words here. You've made my night! Can't wait to see what you do with it. xo

Tracey Broome said...

Cindy the yarn is perfect, it will have to wait until I know exactly what I want to do with it though! Thanks again for the bits of the northwest, loved it all!

Drucilla said...

Cindy is the best, most talented spinner and dearest person! I'm so glad you found her!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tracey
what a lovely post!

Your name was pulled from my cauldron...

please email me your snail info:

planetboone@comcast.net

Thanks so much for playing along.

Your work and blog are delightful.

xox - eb.

Sherry said...

Just discovered your blog and what resounded with me was what you were saying about facebook...how so many have fled blogs for facebook. I just deactivated my facebook account for so many reasons and am dedicating myself to blogging...and like you, looking for new, absorbing reading material. And finding items online is so much more than buying something -- it is an experience. Couldn't agree more!

Tracey Broome said...

Hi Dru, I have heard so many great things about you through my pals Laura and Susan, hope to meet you one day, and yes, Cindy is the best!

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks Elizabeth, how exciting to win, I love your blog sooo much! I will be right over to email you.....

Tracey Broome said...

Hi Sherry, thanks for your comment, so nice to have some company in the no mans land of unfacebooking:) I heard a great story today about how Facebook ruined a teachers career by their privacy policy, not good. I think blogs are way more interesting, glad you agree:)

Amy said...

Where is Cafe Briade? Know of any good coffee places in Asheboro? I need to meet a friend there sometime. Gosh, I want to come and stop by your studio sometime... I so want and need to get back in the studio. beautiful photos and yarn too!

Tracey Broome said...

Amy, yes there is a great coffee shop in Asheboro down on the street where the antique mall is, can't remember the name of it though, let me see if I can find it.....my studio is way too cold right now, come in the spring!

Tracey Broome said...

The Coffee X Change on Sunset

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your win with E.B. she is a delightful woman and a good teacher!

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks so much, I was very surprised when I read her email, can't wait for my package to arrive!