I miss green things

I miss having a bit of earth to play in, to plan for. But that doesn't stop me from trying. I've been reading lots of books about permaculture lately, leading to a lot of moping around (I'm not the kind of girl who enjoys window shopping, it's kind of heartbreaking when you get down to it) but also lots of ideas about how to maximize the scant growing space we have in the yard currently. Spirals, for one, are a genius idea! Some Ianto Evans style Polyculture will be a must this spring, given my love for arugula and Gerry's desire to pickle radish pods this year. Maybe I'll do some take on Three Sisters planting, too. Plus, I have a small stockpile of seeds to start in the next few weeks and worms to feed. So its not like I'm wanting for things to grow, I just wish there was room for some chickens, maybe a guard llama in there somewhere. Not to mention a few sheep for him to guard. Someday.

 

Manifest destiny

I'm not usually the type to set goals or come up with New Years resolutions or anything like that. But it wasn't very long ago that the thought of seriously considering myself a 'yarn artisan' seemed kind of far fetched, too. Back then I was daydreaming of hitting the road with my family and spinning wheel packed into some vintage RV, but kept my feet on the ground by telling myself it was more practical to get a teaching certification attached to my history degree. Pphfftt! After the prerequisite car crash I realized that there is no 'keeping one's feet on the ground'. The ground can disappear at any time. I have a sneaky suspicion that folks who come to take themselves that seriously make a habit of plan-making, as well. Therefore, in the interest of holding myself accountable and maybe bringing myself to attention of some passing wish-granting ( not so bitey) fairy, I'm going to up and tell you my plans and my goals for Eat Agar in this coming year. There are already exciting, exigent things brewing, but I also like the idea of having a record to come back to next year. especially one that I can't spill coffee on or lose in a move. These goals are still pretty basic, as I'm a plan it now & figure out the logistics later kind of person.

🐜 one major print ad

🐜 regular online sales stream

🐜 a dedicated dye garden & a fiber rabbit

🐜 an art shows worth of fiber art (beyond the usual yarn)

🐜 a small collection of pattern postcards (5-7)

🐜 1 regular summer market w/ a max. of 2 holiday markets

🐜 perfect custom order process online & at markets

That's it chickens. You know, besides all scouring, dyeing, spinning, photog, marketing, bookkeeping, etc...Any advice on how to accomplish any of the above or whacks on the noggin with a sparkly wand are welcome.

 

Second year columbines

Despite the move and just generally not knowing what the heck I'm doing, I managed to keep my Grandma Joan's columbines going for a second year now. I saved seeds last year and a few just volunteered-in places I had to leave behind. I went ahead and transplanted a few and they seem have recovered fairly well. I never know what color they'll end up. Some are the purple or blue you expect. This one has peach and yellow flowers.