Contemplating and Spiffing

Hellow (where did that come from?) Dear Readers. 

I only have a moment because I have procrastinated about posting this all morning.  And I've been knitting. And drinking some tea.  And reading (and commenting on!) some blogs.  Visiting my Bloglines list has been like going back to your home town after being away for ten years.  Things change.  People move.  And pass away.  And some are still there.  Some are divorced, some are still happily chugging along in the same place as they've always been as if you were never gone.  Its a strange experience.

 
Tazo tea, Earl Grey.  Monkey Socks in a very unobnoxious orangey color.  They've been on the needles a long time - apparently since September 2008 which is when I printed the pattern.  They'll be for me for a change.  Oh I have so many undocumented FOs.

Right this moment Lila Pearl has gotten a box of whole wheat penne pasta from the pantry and is asking me, "Mommy, have you ever painted with these?"  As if she doesn't recognize it as a food product.  ha

Soooo, as I was saying.  I've been pondering the appearance of my blog.  So I did some quick and dirty spiffing a while ago.  Needed a fresh look.  Not totally satisfied with it but its something new.  I want to be able to adjust the left sidebar to be narrower but this is a cookie cutter template from Typepad so you get what they give you.  Beggers can't be choosers, so to speak.

And I have been contemplating the fund raising.  I have had so many good suggestions (which I didn't actually ask for but am appreciating OH SO MUCH!) and I need to keep from getting overwhelmed by options and just take Action.  Pattern writing, while brilliant, takes more time than we really have.  I will have a PayPal button up very shortly.  And will be suggesting a few options for raffle objects.  One that I'm considering is my original Entrelac Scarf (yes, the one in the pattern photos).  Does anyone think that's weird, like uh, "we don't want your thing that you've been using for the past four years?"  So many people have admired it.  It was the first thing that came to my mind.

The second raffle object that came to mind was to knit a wee darling toy lamb like this one that I made for a little friend of mine who broke her elbow (!) and had sugery.  More than a few people asked if I would knit them one but balked at the price I would ask.  I'd much rather have a knitalong for it at the new shop.  :)

Another idea was to have a garage sale!  Cool!!  The next three weekends of my life, however, will involve driving to Oklahoma and swapping kids who are on spring break the week before during or after.  This Saturday is the start of that.

So, yes - I'm planning and organizing all of this in my head.  Dreading the stash dive I'm about to make and really thinking I don't have much that I am willing to part with.  Some of it truly is irreplaceable and most of it was gifted to me.  So that's a tough idea.  I'm more into the raffles.  And into dyeing new stuff.  Oh, yes, and another great idea was to offer special perks to donors at a certain level.  Coupons, discounts, pre-opening shopping party.  Ideas.... Ideas!!!  I like 'em. 

Be well and take care of every little thing.  I'll see ya right back here.  :)   XOXOXOXOX
  

Comments

[paula]

Nice to "see" you, Laura. Nice blog template! One day I plan to try my own photos, sigh

[Norma]

I love the new look, Laura!

[melissa]

let me know what you decide regarding raffles - i love a good raffle!
i'd also be happy to donate anything you might want to raffle off!

good luck! i know you can find these funds to make your dream come true!!

ps - i love the new banner - so fresh and SPRING!!

[Pat]

I LOVE the entrelac scarf! It's one of those things I want to learn but want the comfort of a teacher nearby! Of course, since you managed to get me through the pink ribbon sock when I had NO experience with cables and could barely read a pattern...you could probably teach me anything even long distance! I'd love to be a part of anything you want to do!

[Emily]

I know that lamb! I'm knitting one now. :D

Did I mention that I'm glad you're back? SO GLAD! I've missed you so much.

[Kyra]

If you still have that New Leaf I'll buy it!

[sharon]

I am so bidding on the entrelac scarf!! Mine!