Sanfra, do you have pictures online of the any of the items you make on the farm? Didn't see any on your site.

Knitted bracelets - I use 26 gauge wire and semi-precious stones or polished rocks. I string the stones or rocks on the wire and then begin casting on stitches. Every stitch I cast on, I bring "some" (meaning 2 or 3 or 4 or however many looks good) stones or rocks and then make that stitch. And so it goes until the last stitch; then I start casting off. Finish doing that and p-u-l-l the wire, very tauntly, as far as it can be stretched and then put on the lobster claw and the o ring. Wrap the ends of the wire neatly and viola! a knitted bracelet.

I don't have photos on the website. Right now I'm trying to get ready for an exhibition; also trying to get other Lost Arts Guild members ready for that same exhibition. I'm tyring to get exposure, sales, publicity, etc. for the Guild. Some of the members have no other means of making $$ and this is what puts meat on the table. Other members have day jobs and this is "fun" for them.

I'll have to get photos, sooner or later, of everyone and their work so will let you know when available on the website.

Part of my "ministry" is helping folks; that's why the Lost Arts Guild. I saw a lot of really talented people who aren't very sophisticated who were being taken for a total ride. You've seen situations where people would say, "oh, it's not worth all *that* much...I'll give you $25." I just had a guy offer me $25 for my old Victrola. When I told him I needed to research what it might be worth so it would be fair to both of us, he got very upset and started belittling me. "You know," he said, I don't *have* to offer you anything. I'm doing you a favor by taking it off your hands." Oh geeze...like Dave says, "now he's done it. He's gone and made you mad. May God have mercy on his soul." I've a real dark gift for cutting folks like that off at the knees and handing them their legs. That man talked to me like I was an idiot and a woman...two strikes against me in his book. When I pointed out to him I really didn't know if $25 was a fair price he told me it didn't matter because I didn't deserve even that much money. Apparently, I insulted him when I didn't say, "oh thank you Massa."

Now Sandra...repeat this several times...I am a *practicing* Christian. I am a *practicing* Christian.

Ah well...more than you wanted to know. Photos forthcoming.

I have a 10-mile long list of replies for rude people, all of which should be said with a dazzling smile. A recent one (that's right -- you don't know me yet -- I sell my hand-crafted jewelry at fairs): a woman said loudly to me "I can't believe people pay these prices", to which I launched a 2-minute lecture on prices and jewelry quality, and ended with "However, I understand that not everyone can afford my quality." Beaming smile, then back to work and totally ignored her.

I'm generally a very nice person, but have absolutely no compunctions about telling off rude people. I think of it as a public service.

A public service...I LOVE it! Thanks Meredithbead! BTW, I went to the photo album and looked at everyone's picture...you look SO familiar. I've either met you, or your twin, and recently but can't remember where. Have you been on the East Coast lately?

And Lillian...she reminds me of a southern woman author...three names...maybe King is one of the three names...really biting wit and thoroughly enjoyable author...Florence King! that's it! Florence King...okay, fine...whatever...so it's only two names but there are 3 syllables.

AGH!!!! my daily prayer is, Please God, let it be menopause and not Alzheimers.

Sandra, I'm originally from New York City, went to high school in Chicago and college at Ohio State in Columbus. Last visited family in NYC right before 9/11. I don't meet too many people who look like me, but everyone else seems to know someone who does.

Pick a country, any country, from Northern Europe to Southern Europe to the Middle East to Central Asia to North and South America, and someone has a sister-in-law/ neighbor/ 3rd cousin whom I resemble. Never met any of these gals, although I suspect some ancient progenitor screwed his/her way around the world haha.

MB, great comment. What a way to think.