I'm a loser baby...

That song was in my head all morning, at least until I saw this over at JenLa first thing - Cows with guns. It was a wonderful diversion and fun way to start the day. Thanks, La.

Anyhoo, yes I'm a big loser of the weight loss variety. I climbed back on program Jan. 1st, after a small set back, succeeded in losing all five pounds that I gained over the holidays and working on developing a healthier nutrition path as part of my mindful living plan. This WW article has some simple tips for those of us who are having a hard time getting back on track. I combine measuring with using the scales to gauge weight loss success. What I've learned is that I'm losing more from my upper body (except my forearms) than my lower body. I've gotta shake these hips and thighs so I'm changing the plan this week.

I also spent a great deal of time last week meditating on the things that I'm grateful for. The tragedy in Asia not only helped me appreciate life but also reminded me to pray for the well being of my fellow man daily. The process of focusing positive healing energy on the world truly does help me focus on life.

I've also found that spinning is wonderfully meditative. As I concentrate on the rhythmn of tredling, I'm also the facilitator of each tiny fiber's effort to bind into one twisted strand. What strength we have when we work together for a common cause, common goal. What could we accomplish if we applied these same values more often in our lives? Sorry for so much Zen this today but I'm feeling contemplative as of late.

There's been much more spinning than knitting in my life as I really get to know my new wheel. I decided to name her Arwen after watching Lord of the Rings Return of the King for the umteenth time on Friday. BTW, I have yet to tire of this trilogy and still cry each time the movie ends. The various interwoven stories of friendship, kinship and love get me every time. Sorry, I trailed off again.

Here's a side by side shot of my first two skeins of plied yarn.

The first born skeins 

The orangy pink is the Bartlett pencil roving spun on Arwen and the maroon is the merino silk spun on Brighid. I love my baby girls. Can't wait to figure out what to knit them into.

I've also finally finished knitting, plying, washing and drying my first skein of Romney. Here it is still on the bobbins...

Fresh spun Romney 

It's over 100 yds of worsted weight yarn. I still have about 5 oz. to finish spinning which I hope to conquer by week's end. I hope to order more so that I have enough for DH's sweater vest. Meanwhile, I came in contact with a lady who spins through our LYS. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we successfully hold our own little "spin in" at the library on Thursday.

The corgi hair stash is staggering. This was how much came off the last time I brushed Mavis...


Mountain o'Corgi fur 

How this dog still has any hair left is amazing. I think that I'll use the yarn that I spin from her fur in a feather and fan throw that I already have the yarn for (gotta bust that stash).

On the knitting front, I'm almost finished with a mini version of the Kittyville Hat from SNB. I happily bequeathed the Adult sized hat to my friend, E who came to visit me over the weekend. She saw it, squealed and begged to have it. How could I say no especially when people rarely react to my knitting that way? I decided that a matching hat for her daughter would be too cute and in no time I was able to whip one up. In the process, I decided that I had to learn how to do the "continental" and forced myself to practice. I'm getting better and this style is definitely faster. But the creature of habit that I am, its hard for me to convert. I figure that once I'm more comfy, I'll be ready for stranded knitting and the Latvian Mittens that still taunt me daily. I WILL conquer them SOON - mwah ha ha ha ha ha!

I leave you one of my new faves, Monkey.

You can find his adventures over at Buster N Me. Monkey was posted on KR last week and I'm still cracking up over the creative mind behind his antics. I LOVE monkeys! There's a cute free monkey pattern at Sullivans. I've also added the Knitted Toys pattern book to my Amazon wish list and can't wait to knit knit my own monkey. Have a fibery good week everyone!