I am incredibly lucky to call two very talented gals my friends. And I am extremely proud of their good fortune lately making their dreams come true.

Cyndi and I met online. A friendship born from the love of yarn and trying to make a go out of crafting for a living.

She succeeded in that later effort a lot more than I did and is exceeding as well. Cyndi is the one woman show behind The Twisted Purl Handmade Yarn and she has been competing in a statewide contest called The Battle of the Brands. She’s been competing against full fledged corporations and moving through the brackets with her savvy social media and marketing know how. And she makes incredible, beautiful yarn.  And when I say “she makes it”, I mean she takes wool and spins it into yarn!  The Twisted Purl had made it to the top 4 in the competition. Please take the time to place a vote for an independent artisan.

I’ve known Jerusalem longer than we want to add up.

She has written a truly honest and inspiring book about faith motherhood and finding her rhythm in life (along with some fun crafting and tasty recipes).  A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting, and Coming Together.  I am so proud of her and the book even if she makes me cry while reading it. The book is beautiful to say the least thanks the her sister’s amazing photos. Admittedly there are a couple of shots of me and she even makes me look great while I’m stuffing my face with a big sandwich. Reading this book is like having a conversation with my best friend and while that is quite a literal experience for me, I know it will feel the same for you. You’ll be comforted by her prose and inspired by the recipes and crafts. Buy her book or stop by one of her bookings.

I love these girls because they put up with me.  We’ve shared good times and not so good times and the best of times.