Welcome! To our newest Authors :-D

Well, I've finally managed to get into a place where I can sit and wax lyrical about some interesting people who have decided to join this blog page. Internet has been iffy for me these last few months, what with sailing about to deserted Islands, Atolls and Motus......not complaining mind you..but when we do get somewhere, where there is a connection i have such a back log of things to sort that time just flies by.

I have managed to upload the info on our newest Authors though and they are : La Antigua, Yasmintoo!, The African Diaspora, Vynns Ravelings and most recently B-Attitudes.

La Antigua makes some quilts, more bags but she also sells fantastic fabric imported from Africa....it''s beautiful stuff. Definitely a must see!
  
Yasmintoo! has gorgeous hand dyed silk and cotton fabrics for sale. She has also made some small works of fiber art . So tempt yourself and have a peek at her shop.

The African Diaspora hmmm well you just gotta see what these folks are making! Exciting tops and skirts and dresses..man the colours are just scintillating. Ever heard of the 'Mandella' shirt? well I saw a ladies version on their site...

Vynns Ravelings The Coolest Craziest jewelry ever seen. I just love the pale olive headdress featured in the ad down on the left side of this post. It's really something. I love her stuff! go on...yeah go on..have a look at it.

B-Attitudes Ahhh YES! This girl has the knack of creating the zaniest Sandals. She gets them in from Kibera, Africa. They are made for her by people she has gone over to meet personally and they have become friends. Yup! Check her shop out it's rather fascinating to see all the designs, and know that they are all carefully hand made.

Well there you have it :-) Items of beauty from far and wide available because of these lovely people.

I'm really looking forward to their posts.....I hope you are too :-D

Kibera!

People have asked my why I care so much about Kibera and so I thought I would share the story with you. Kibera is a slum in Nairobi, Kenya which is said to be 1 square mile big and estimated to be home to people between 400,000 to 1,000,000 dependent on who is reporting the information. I met a young man through facebook some time back and we built a good friendship and eventually started communicating through skype. I would always ask him to describe his home to me, the people, land, food, music etc. He seemed to be optimistic but had struggles there which he seldom told me about. One day after burdens became too much he asked the question: " I wonder if God still remembers we are here?" It was in that moment that I felt something come over me (holy spirit for those that don't know) and I knew that was my personal charge to do SOMETHING to help. What I decided to do was ask how I can help. What we decided to do was build a collaborative which will enable artisans in Kibera to bring there work to the American market. They are so grateful and hope has been restored to them. I care because of they are my friends. I care because I am able to do so and provide them hope. I care because that is the person that I am. I care because my friend Kevin should me how to. If you look at my profile picture it is a picture of the curious children there in Kibera. Despite there grave circumstances, they possess some of the biggest smiles I have ever seen. I care because of them. If we do not take care of them who will? I encourage you to learn more about Kibera and to make a friend with someone there or work with an organization that is reputable. There are SO MANY organizations that say they are helping but if you ask the people they will tell yo that they do not receive the benefits or it is so random they cannot rely on it. I hope I have peeked your interest in Kibera and you do take the time to learn more. It is a beautiful place. More to come...

Flowers and books

Well it seems that things have been quiet here on the blog for a while.....seems we've all been rushing around doing others stuff and ignoring all you wonderful readers...shame on us!!! As you probably know I've been sailing from Panama to the Marquises...actually we are in Tahiti now...and have finally found a cafe where you can buy a beer and then go online..up till now we have been paying between USD$5.00 and E 5.50 an hour for internet, so I think that my excuse for not blogging is a great one...still I'll try and be a bit more active.... :-

So when we were sailing across that huge expanse of water I managed to find the time (it was quite an exhausting trip) to actually get some painting done....I had posted either on here or my other blog called ...umm what is it now...oh yes, it's Quilters, Creative Art and Sewing... :-D, a picture of a rose I was thinking of painting...well after a few abortive attempts I finally managed a few different paintings...so I thought 'd post them for you all to see...and criticise.. :-D

Other than these I haven't done anything new....oh I lie...I've written a fun little book that helps a person provision their boat, van, 5th wheel, land rover, whatever, for long trips...along with tips on how to keep fruit and veg free of mould without a fridge....and also some nice simple easy recipes that absolutely anyone can follow and enjoy.

It's called...Feeding the Skipper! :-D

Cheers all, hope you enjoyed this one :-D