Update: LIFE!

Hello everyone,

It's been awhile since I last hopped on to update everyone. I would like to thank all of my supporters first and foremost. You have been the enablers for this journey, and I couldn't have done it without you!

I'd like to update you with everything that has been going on, and hope in turn that you will fill me in too!

Master Spinners: Currently I have finished level five, which most of you are aware of, and I'm planning on starting/completing the last level next Summer due to school commitments this year.... so YES.. the journey isn't finished yet!

School: I start my senior year this FALL, which I will be continuing at my dream college! I feel so honored and blessed to not only attend, but to be graduating (with HARD work of course).

Personal life: Do I have one anymore? Lately I been consumed with building a new business with doTERRA International (essential oils for health and wellness). I did not start out wanting to build a business, or even want anything else to do besides school...but LIFE happens, and who am I to stop it? I was introduced to the essential oils for my asthma. Yes, I've had asthma for more than five years, and along with that came 8-10 attacks a day. It was something that I struggled with years, and it stopped much of the physical activities I wanted to be involved with. Anyways, long story short... after the essential oils stopped my attacks and helped me heal from the damage done over the years, I knew that I could not keep quiet. It all grew from there. My dream is to be able to continue to work hard, and build it to the point that it will not only pay for my grad school education, but also allow me to start the dream non-profit organization that I've wanted to start for years. YES, that non-profit would be tied back into all that I learned and the skills I acquired throughout obtaining the Master Spinners program.

So I guess what I'm meaning to report is that it is all coming full circle back again!

I LOVE life and can't imagine not having these experiences. My life continues to change rapidly each day, and I'm always afraid that tomorrow will be so different, I won't be able to recognize my past.

Continue to keep in touch! You all continue to touch my life...much more than you know!

XOXO, Mallory

4 months worth of happenings!

These past few months have been super crazy, and all I can say is that I have learned a lot. Be prepared for a long post.....as I have tons to catch you up on.

Fiber Guild Idea - 

When our family first moved to Little Rock, we could not find any fiber artists living in the area. When we moved in with our alpacas, rare breed sheep, and other fiber producing animals, our neighbors thought we were going to lower their property values...so you can see that the whole idea of raising animals for a hobby was an entirely new concept. 

Almost seven years later, I thought it was time to give it a try again. After talking to ravelry members, students (I had found a few people who wanted to take spinning lessons), and local knitters groups who all expressed interest, we chose to host a fiber day at our local library. I was super excited, and could not wait to work on planning the whole event from start to finish! The day turned out almost perfect. Everyone brought a dessert to share and of course brought their fiber project. We were all excited about the possible opportunity of starting our very own fiber group.....finally, after years of traveling out of state to participate in fiber activities, we would have something in LITTLE ROCK. Everything went as perfect as it could possibly go, until the very end when almost all had gone home. My mother, sister and myself had an uncomfortable situation happen. We chose in order to address our concerns, and not to be mean to anyone that we would just not invite the individual to participate in our group. This all ended up blowing up with rumors, false accusations, and total gossip. No one asked what happened, instead they listen to the person making up all the rumors. We decided that the best possible thing to do was to just stay silent, as engaging anyone would only add fuel to the fire. Most of the spinners chose to start their own group, but I must say that through all of the ups and downs, I am grateful for the lesson I learned. Fiber arts (or any other hobby for that matter) are meant to be fun, a learning experience, and a wonderful way to meet new friends. However, I learned that in participating in hobbies, one must have more in common. I would rather give up the things that I enjoy, than lose my personal integrity or morals. 

Looking back (even if its only a few months) when it seemed like what mattered, I realized that it is SUPER important to always keep the "bigger picture" in mind. 

                               

Maine Coon Cat Dream Pet Idea - 

I was dreaming of the day when I would have my very own Maine Coon kitten. I had been asking or should I say begging my parents to allow me to adopt one...with the condition that they would take care of it once I moved out of state for school. They finally gave in and located (as a surprise) Morrie the white Maine Coon cat from a top Maine Coon breeder. He was 11 months old when we added him to our family, however things went south and he was terminally ill. We asked all of the appropriate questions about health, diet, if he had any special foods he liked and all of those important things to know. The breeder chose not to inform us of his major heath problems. Things seemed to go okay for the first three or so days, however he started getting really sick. It got to the point where he needed baths 2-3 times a week, he had diarrhea, and could not keep any food down. After several hours of research, I discovered that he had all of the symptoms of either IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or tritrichomonas foetus. We then talked back and forth with the breeder, and found out that a litter mate had been diagnosed with tritrichomonas foetus (not a bad self diagnosed). We gave him the treatment and after that he did not improve. Even though the breeder had not disclosed any of the information know, because of the contract signed we had to drive him back up to the breeder (10 hour plus drive). 

This was a painful way to learn....but I am grateful that I have learned from this experience. First, sometimes once you get what you want, you learn that you did not want it as bad as you had thought. Second, even if someone wrongs you...it's up to you to keep your personal integrity. This lesson was learned from my parents. I personally wanted to strangle the breeder for making my life miserable (instead of having joy from my parents gift) and giving me a full-time project, but they tried to show me what was the right thing to do. Although, when I think back....I can only think how good it would have felt to just let them know how I felt. Third, I have learned that I am finished with all animal projects. After being the care giver for the animals of our business and dealing with the typical experiences that come along with the project, I know that I am done. Forth, you can always find something positive. The one thing that I found was that I had the opportunity to learn about nutrition. 

Oodles of traveling-

One amazing bonus to this semester was the opportunity to travel! Not only was I able to keep up with my studies, but I also did not miss out on any of the fun. We have gone on almost a trip every month, which has been fabulous! Traveling for me is a way to relieve stress....you should try it. Below are some of the millions of photos we took on our trips......

Spring Greetings

This free digital scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

New Blog Facelift

Hi Fibery Friends!

So how do you like my new blog facelift? I thought it could use a change....or maybe I needed a change.

How have you all been? It seems like it has been awhile since I touched based with everyone and wanted to know how your lives have been going.

Life sure has been crazy here in Arkansas. Some days it feels as if I don't have enough minutes of the day to get everything done, however I know that I need to enjoy my college experience since it won't last forever. Don't you just wish that you could have control over your life's direction? Every time I think I have control, I learn that in deed I don't have any.

This semester has been packed with core classes, however as I am finding out some of the classes I am taking usually aren't taken until later in college careers. Oh well.... I just working on trying to enjoy them.

I will post again tomorrow about my latest fiber journeys, as it is getting really late.... so check back.

Thanks so much for your overwhelming support!
Mallory

2nd Annual "Why I Want A German Angora" Contest

Millennial Way Farm is sponsoring the 2nd annual "Why I Want A German Angora" contest.

This year we are looking for youtube video submissions. These videos can be filmed with your computer, cell phone or camera. If you don't know how to upload your videos, check out the tutorial videos on YouTube. You can find all of the specific details for the contest on the contest rules page.

This year contestants will be competing for the opportunity to win a 100% Full German Buck (adult rabbit). Meet the lucky guy on his own page "Meet Charles"!

We hope you consider entering our contest!

This year we are requesting that the video submissions be posted on YouTube. When making your video, we would like you to answer the following questions: Why do you want a German Angora specifically? What would you do with the fiber produced? Are you a fiber artist? If so, what inspiried you to work with fiber? Have you had any experience with raising Angoras? Do you have transportation from Arkansas to your location?

Steps for entering:

1. Start by making a video of yourself answering the questions above. This video can be made with your computer/laptop, cell phone or camera.

2. Once you have taken your video, please post it on YouTube. If you don't know how to upload check out the wonderful tutorial videos on YouTube.

3. Email us the link to your video along with your email address, phone number and where you are located (all of the personal information will be kept private).

4. Make sure to like Millennial Way Farm on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (if you have an account).

Contest Website: http://whyiwantagermanangora.moonfruit.com/

Contest YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANaiCvrbDgQ

Photography Update.....

The contest has closed and now they are choosing the finalists....I don't think I made it as I added my photos two days before the contest ended, so I didn't have the time to get enough votes....oh, well.

Thanks for everything you guys do for me! Every time I think of your wonderful support, I SMILE!

XOXO,
Mallory

Photography.....

Hi Friends and Followers!

Today I decided to enter a photo contest for Deseret Book's calendar featuring LDS temples! I need as many of you as possible to vote for my photos daily, so that they will be considered for the calendar!!!! Just click the links below to vote using your Facebook!

REMEMBER TO VOTE DAILY! Thanks so much for all you do for me! Hope you enjoy seeing some of my works of art....yes, it is yet another of my art mediums.

                                                                Palmyra, NY temple

                     
                                                               Salt Lake, UT temple

                                 
                                                                 Nauvoo, IL temple

                                                                  Nauvoo, IL temple #2

                                                               Nauvoo, IL temple #3

Salt Lake, UT temple

Thanks everyone for your support! 

Stats.... :)

Since the start of this blog (Fall 2009), we have had over 2000 blog hits. 

I am also please to announce that Russia is the top following country for this month!!!!! YEAH!

Just thought all of you would like to hear these fun facts. I also promise I will post an update about my project later this month! Take care! Happy Spinning!

Life! :)

It has been a while since I last wrote on this blog, and I thought it was about time to update everyone. 


Master Spinners Update - I am currently waiting for the grading results for level five.... I am still trying to figure out how to take a movie that I made on the iPhone and get it downloaded and sent to get graded. 


As far as life goes.... it always keeps me busy! :) Today we were running around town all day long working on a service project, so if my blog post does not totally make sense, please forgive me... I have had a long day. 


Enough about me... I want to hear how all of you are doing! Email me or post a comment when you get the time. 


XOXO, Mallory

Halcyon Yarn 40th Anniversary Homecoming Party!!!!

Halcyon @ Halcyon Yarn will be hosting their 40th Anniversary Homecoming Party in Bath, Maine on July 17th. 


Halcyon has planned a very fun day, and I would encourage all who can attend to do so!

I really wish I could make it up to Maine for this special event,  however my thoughts will be with all of you who go!