martaschmarta: Estes Park

I used to go to the Estes Park Wool Market every year. It was a huge infusion of creative energy. I've been busy and haven't made it the last couple or so. It's changed. I suppose everything changes.

The scenery from my room didn't change. It was as glorious as always.

The first friendly face belonged to a yak just opposite of the vendor barn.

In the vendor barn: I saw a lot more yarn, some of the vendors I loved and cherished while some were sadly missing, quite a bit of dyed roving and not nearly as raw fleece or eclectic artisans as I'd like. I also saw crochet...a lot of crochet. I'm not a crochet person. Not my thing. I didn't see anything supporting natural dyeing and very little demo of any kind. sigh. I realize things have probably changed because that's what most people want. I miss the funky, artist, truly fiber oriented feel. I did buy something - Traci Bunkers was there. I love her stuff and bought something I knew I wouldn't find anywhere else.

I got to see the dog demonstration. I *love* herding dogs and seeing them do their job. No matter how many times I see it, I'm amazed by what those animals can do with sheep, cattle or ducks. It takes my breath away.

Then I saw the most adorable angora goat kids. One sweetheart with luscious brown curly locks was giving me the most splendid lovins' and trying so hard to get me to take him/her home. Came close, too.

These kids were always moving, moving, moving. I manage to get a couple "not quite so blurry" shots. The photos do not show how truly sweet and loving they were.

Here were some of the adult angora goats. Gorgeous, aren't they?

This buck demanded to be heard!

I always have to see the bunnies. I've had nine angora rabbits. They were all wonderful and all had unique personalities. As I got busier, I gave them away to fiber people who would take good care of them. I held on to Fluffy Alice until her sudden and untimely death. It broke my heart. I feel drawn to these little fluffballs of joy but I don't think I'm quite ready to have another little family. Although, AL said he'd fix up the dog run in the back to be just like my old bun-run and kept saying "Are you sure? We could take one home..." He's pretty awesome just to be willing to consider it, I think, on such a whim. I might have to go back tomorrow. There was one buck named Jackson I really liked.

Think Fluffy Alice would approve?

Here she is communing with her feline friends. They were quite the family.

P.S. I did go back Sunday. I was thrilled to see all my buds who remarkably continue to be my buds even though I neglect them for years at a time. Here's Team Chutzpah!