There’s nothing like a gently snoring dog next to you on the couch to zap every bit of motivation to get up and do something. I have been working like a mad woman lately. I delivered 75 sets of buttons with geeky textile saying on them to the Shop at the Textile Center. They already need to be restocked. I sold half of my inventory of puppets in one morning there last week (all of the lions!) so I need to get to sewing more puppets. My final write-ups and samples for the book “One Yard Wonders” were due last week. I have 2 projects in the book which is scheduled to be published in late 2009. I still have to write a bio for them. My new baby nephew threw off my schedule for getting his room decor done and so I finished these for him:

This evening I should really try to convert the photo studio back in to a guest room so my inlaws have a place to sleep when they come visit very soon.

Doing his impression of a tree frog.

Daisy Cakes Soap is one of my favorite etsy shops. Try her Turkish Mocha, Kumquat, Almond Biscotti or Elements of Bamboo. It all smells heavenly.

Edit: (ARGH! Typos. The link works now)

I have 6 nephews, who are all super cool human beings. My oldest is 14 (is that right? how is that possible!) and the youngest is a week old. Because I have been doing a lot of looking around on etsy lately with the new one due, I thought I would show you some of my favorite gifts for the boys in your lives.

This printof a hugging bear family from zukzuk makes me smile.

Holly at grovecraft makes great cycling hats – something warm and cozy that fits under your bike helmet.

Want to knit something for your nephew? How about a monkey from fuzzymitten?

I have several CircularAccessories shirts. I think this one, called “The Hunt” is great fun!

How about a mountain biker ornament for your tree?

You know I love puppets. These from owlyshadow puppets are awesome.

Maybe not such practical gifts, but what are aunties for anyway?

Once in a while in my job I get to be a “fairy godmother”. Giving a scholarship, making a certificate for an award, even accepting a new class proposal sometimes feels like I am doing a little magic for someone. Yesterday I got to be a part of giving away three $5000 grants to artists. Sometimes Mondays are cool.

It has been a little quiet around here because I have been busy becoming a new auntie.

This is Erik. He’s new.

He is a little early. He decided that nobody had enough excitement for election day. Have much baby knitting to finish.