Friday, November 30, 2012
When is the last time someone surprised you? Seems like the older I get, the harder it is for me to get surprised. I don't know if that's a bad thing or good thing but it happened!
Our ranch has such a beautiful entry way and brand new wrought iron entrance gates. Every year, I ask for Christmas lights to line the fence line. And every year, it doesn't happen. But this year - my wonderful husband decided to surprise me during one of his days off. His covert mission was to purchase lights and read more...
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Thursday, November 29, 2012
What a fun experience (and experiment) it was playing with some natural dyes! Taking some white alpaca yarn and seeing how it would take color sure sparked some excitement! We did three colors, one pot of turmeric, spinach, and red cabbage. The spinach did not produce nearly the shade I wanted but it was fun to see a pale green yarn produced. The turmeric was the most exciting and I had no idea how potent it was on yarn, my countertop, sink and clothes but it yielded the most brilliant golden hu read more...
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012
What is your why with alpacas? I challenged myself to articulate my “why” so when people ask me about alpacas, I can convey my true feelings.
Experts say that we all go back to something familiar from an earlier time in our lives. Perhaps to rekindle a fond memory, childhood experience or to rediscover a past hobby or passion. That could not be more true. Getting my first horse at the age of 14, my love of being outside – working, handling, and dreaming of winning in the show ring clicked t read more...
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Monday, November 5, 2012
We had the pleasure of hosting several out-of-state visitors to our farm this past weekend. It is always nice meeting people who are interested in learning more about alpacas and we admire them for visiting different farms before they take the plunge. It is particularly interesting to meet people in different stages of the buying cycle and what their business model looks like.
It sure makes me reflect on our initial business plan and how much it has evolved over the past five years, soon to b read more...
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Friday, October 26, 2012
Winning a Color Championship in front of your peers is a wonderful feeling -- but winning it with an animal that was doomed from the very start of it's life is truly a Cinderella story.
One year ago, we took Alpaquitas Peruvian Sorpresa to the elite Alpaca Breeders Invitational (ABI) show in Redmond, Oregon where she took a color championship above the "Who's Who" of all other grey females - as a yearling!
But it all started with love at first sight. My daughter and I found this girl, alon read more...
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Friday, October 12, 2012
It never dawned on me that folks new to alpaca yarn would have difficulty untangling the tangled web of yarn known as a skein. I have sold a BUNCH of yarn, and I assumed that everyone knew how to handle it once they got it home. Shame on me.....I should never assume.
One customer called and politely asked "ok, this is a tangled mess and how do I do this". I felt bad that I hadn't explained it at the time of purchase, so for all those of you reading this and don't know - this is for you!
As read more...
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Monday, October 8, 2012
This was our third year at Issaquah Salmon Days, being a Bronze Spawnsor (notice the play on words?)! Each year, we are thrilled to see the mobs of 180,000 people flock to our booth to learn more about alpacas. Folks from as far away as Morocco snap a bazillion photos and buy luxurious alpaca products and yarn.
With overwhelming pride, this was the first year to have two of our beautiful daughters and Jeff’s parents become a part of it! We are so happy they can see how alpacas have truly chan read more...
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Liberty's Antebellum
Why is it that my aches and pains disappear when I’m out with the alpacas? I’ve noticed that I feel better physically and mentally when I’m out with the herd. Sounds funny, I know. For some strange reason, the cold, fresh air or even hot, dry air takes me away from the everyday stress and strain of life. Maybe it's the oxygen. Maybe it's the soothing hums from the alpacas.
I could equate that feeling to “pasture counseling session”. How could being out there with the herd and having Commander read more...
Liberty's Amazing Grace
Liberty's Belle
Commander
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Monday, September 10, 2012
There is no better way to promote your farm, meet local people and gain sales opportunities by showcasing than at your local Farmer’s market! We hauled alpacas, catch pen, products and smiles to our local farmer’s market this past weekend. Sales were brisk, everyone LOVES alpacas! We were placed at the front of the entrance, so young and old had to walk past our booth and visit with us and the alpacas. A SUPER fun way to visit with folks and sell the alpaca lifestyle – and we are so happy to be read more...
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