Sisterhood

We have a sisterhood of hens. Latecomer Lucille is thoroughly incorporated into the flock now, and comes running with the others when I approach the coop. (That's her on the left in both photos.) The girls know I rarely come empty-handed, and I try not to disappoint.

On Friday MiniKat gave me an award for "creative sisterhood." I must admit, I don't feel very creative since becoming a mom; I've wondered sometimes if having a kid at 40 sucks all one's creative juices right out of a woman! But since getting Shetland sheep three years ago, I've gotten caught up in all kinds of fiber fun, so maybe those are taking the place of the fine art I used to do.

This award comes with the request to nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude, although like I said, MiniKat said she was passing the award on to those in the sisterhood of artists. I'm going to take my own liberties and pass the award on to those with whom I feel a particular sisterhood. As for passing it on, they can do it if they want to, or just accept it as my thanks for being in my life!

1) My SISTER, of course! She doesn't blog much and probably doesn't consider herself an "artist," but because of her I have experienced the unique and wonderful bond sisters can have.

2) Melanie, my "twin" out in New York. We have so much in common it's eerie sometimes!

3) Lois, my dear "big sister." She is so much gentler in spirit than I am, but we have a lot in common, too (like dressage and late motherhood). She has been a most appreciated mentor in shepherding Shetlands and in spinning.

4) Kathy, my "big sister" in Arizona, another spinning mentor (enabler?) and friend. We were actually living near Manhattan, KS at the same time years ago, but didn't get to meet then. Shucks!

5) Tammy, my sister in faith, shepherding and the love of horses and all animals. It was so neat to get to meet her and Allena (below) last summer when we were in MO!

6)Allena, a sister in homeschooling, shepherding, and spinning.

7) Sharrie, the "sister" who gets to live in the log house I've always wanted and babysit her son's bulldogs (who sometimes have puppies; be still my heart!) while watching lambs and calves frolic on their farm.

8) Sharon, I know you've been nominated for this already, but I have to nominate you, too, because of the kinship I feel with you!

9) Robbyn is a "sister" I've met in blogland who understands the blessings of the Sabbath, as well as the joys of growing your own food and eating healthfully.

10) Tammy, who I met at Black Sheep Gathering last year. Now she has a blog, her own beautiful flock of Shetlands (including Valentine, my favorite sheep of all time) along with the rest of her menagerie, and I have another friend and "sister" (and one of her chickens)!

That's it for now from . . .