Friday 9 July 2021

Let's catch up!

 Happy Friday, Lovelies!๐ŸŒธ

Before anything else...! I finally got my first Pfizer jab! It doesn't seem like such a big thing but for someone who has High anxiety ( with a capital "H" ) I had to overcome an international Gymkhana's worth of anxiety generated hurdles. If you're in the same basket of over-thinkers as I am, you'll know exactly what I mean. Endless spiralling, repetitive thoughts ( the OCD part of anxiety ), all the bells and whistles, trumpets and foghorns of imagination, on full blast. It's exhausting, right? Actually, I got sick and tired of my own fearfulness. Also, my youngest son insisted on accompanying me on this vax journey, even standing outside the window of the vaccination room ( only the vaxee and vaxer allowed ), pulling faces and waving to keep my morale from flagging. Also, this gentleman sitting next to me with a classic Scandinavian knitted beanie, exactly the day after I received my copy of 150 Scandinavian Knitting Designs by Mary Jane Mucklestone. A welcome sign of sorts?๐Ÿ˜†






Mr Hooks'nTales is really inspired when it comes to pampering...so afterwards there were chocolates, dinner in bed, a happy movie as well as a tiny cute plush bunny, as a reward you know? Mind you...I didn't feel so great...a REALLY sore arm and tiredness for about 24hrs, so it's not like I was taking advantage or anything, right? My second jab is coming up in August and I have my eye on an adorable vintage teddy bear.๐Ÿ˜‚


The weather has kept us all indoors most days but when the Sun peeps out for a few hours we head to the greenbelt for walks. or the beach! If you turn your sound up you can hear the wind whistling through the window gaps in my little studio! These days I'm a bit nervous about walking in the forest when there are high winds, especially after a falling branch missed me by inches a few weeks ago! 



So far, on our daily walk, we've been caught out with a random shower each time and ended up soaked through! The Dogs couldn't care less about rain. They LOVE the water...rivers, streams, ponds, the ocean...it's all a playground to those two. Because Mr Hooks'nTales and I are both working from home ( seeing as we're back to Level 4 Lockdown restrictions ) AND because walking in mud and pouring rain isn't our most favourite activity, we hired a dog-walker for the worst days. Makes us sound posh but no...we found an unbeatable "winter special". The dog walker, Carl, has a dog called Paul Anka...and our Girls are IN LOVE. Carl takes the three of them on a madcap trail 2 x a week ( he sends short video clips to the Dog moms and dads ). When he drops the Girls back home...they run after his car a little way! So much for loyalty towards the hands that feed them!




Ok, let's chat crochet! ๐Ÿ˜

I'm working on a brand new Throw design! It's all pretty much between me and the yarn at the moment but I'm hoping to have Part 1 ( The Block ) ready sometime in August! It's the most exciting thing ever, beginning a new design. It's really the only time I feel completely myself ...as if I have returned home. Everything in-between feels like a waiting room. Do you know what I mean? After Chrysalis, for a few days, I wondered where inspiration would come from for another Throw. Not in a worried way but more a curiosity. I never really plan things out. Between loading the washing machine, and preparing a meal I'll just suddenly sit down and begin. The process seems random but I was thinking that it's a bit like being a Surfer, I imagine? The way they sit on the beach, gazing out over the ocean towards the horizon, or on their board bobbing on the water, waiting, waiting, waiting patiently...and suddenly...SURF'S UP! 


The divine chaos



On our most recent visit to our favourite little beach, there was this. It did feel a bit like a sign to begin a new design. I mean, it was as if the Universe was sending me a colourway? ๐Ÿ˜† I'm one of those people who see signs everywhere.



As always, I like to end things off on a party note! Yep, another GIVEAWAY! So don't forget to leave your Ravelry name if you do decide to comment. You could be one of 5 Lovelies ( bi-monthly and randomly generated ), so please do check your notifications to see if you are a lucky recipient of our last GIVEAWAY? For the next draw, 5 Lovelies will get a copy of my latest block pattern ( it might not be exactly in two weeks time, but very close! ). I DO have a name for it, but for now, it's still under yarny wraps. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Wishing you a marvellous and magical Friday and Weekend with lots of self-care, a happy yarn basket and fun projects to hook. THANK YOU as always for all your lovely comments ( I read them all! ) as well as your ongoing kindness, encouragement and support.

Take care, please stay safe!
HUGS,
๐Ÿ’— Jen











70 comments:

  1. Lucky you to be pampered like that! Love that your son supported you...even through the window ... that will be a beautiful memory to share with the grands one day๐Ÿ’Ÿ
    Love the cold weather....coming from the Transvaal, this is like my grandma's "Vrystaat-poeding" at Christmas!๐Ÿ˜Š
    Take care and stay safe๐ŸŒท๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿงถ
    Cala
    Ravelry = nicamash

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  2. Congrats on getting your first vaccination. Understand the anxiety aspect tho. Hope you feel better soon.

    Your dog walker sounds marvelous. Beyond the exercise, the socialization is good for them.

    Really looking forward to the new design! My Ravelry name is Gnomesnow.

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  3. We have had a lot of wind too in the Netherlands, I do love it when I walk outside and all you hear is the wind in the trees.
    Enjoy your new creation, it sounds like a lot of fun!
    Greetings from Leiden!
    Ravelry name: Gealien

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  4. Hi Jen, love the videos of the pups running thru the bush. Thumbs up for getting your jab - more often then not ones fear is worse than the real thing. Lovely as always to read your chatablog (or chatterblog - if Shakespeare can make up words then so can I ๐Ÿ˜‹).
    Cheers Anya.
    Ravelry name is Needlenoses (named after my Greyhound Barry and my Whippet Keith)

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  5. So glad you got your first jab. I also had my first one...
    Super excited for the new project
    My name is Lianne50

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  6. I have a german shephard also.

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  7. Wow lucky you! When I had my vaccine, I had to come home and cook dinner LOL I so wish I lived closer to a beach, it's a good hours drive before we see the sea, and since covid started, not been there for nearly 2 years now :-( Ravelry name is Moondaemoness xx

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  8. Got my second vacination in February, just a sore arm. reverly name is: n2qbq

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  9. All your designs are so lovely. We’re lucky to have you.
    Julie
    Ravelry: PhragHag I grow orchids for a hobby, phragmapediums in particular. Hence the name PhragHag. LOL

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  10. Sometimes we have to get out of our own head in order to keep moving forward. What beautiful inspiration you had, it was simply kismet❤️! I can’t wait to see the newest lovely!!!! Ravelry: kimmi2u

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  11. Hej Jen, I like the Doggies, the Book is great, I have made a bunch of scandinavian Patterns still not knitted up yet , I have not Testknitters lol... but I will working further on these... there will come more in time on my ravelry account ;) If you wanna try to knit a pair of mine , give me a Hint xox Greatings from Darts Finland@ravelry

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  12. Thanks You Jen!! I love your work
    My name un raverly si nancygortiz

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  13. I always enjoy the little glimpses into your world. Yours is the only blog that I read regularly. I’m happy to hear you got your first vaccine. Things are moving right along in Canada on the vaccine front as well. Looking forward to seeing your new creation

    Ravelry name: lenaknits

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  14. Love your blog posts, stay warm and dry, it’s summer here in New Jersey USA, temps have been around 99 degrees, I’m not a heat person, looking forward to fall and winter.

    Pvergiza on Ravelry

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  15. Love reading your blog....always entertaining, you would make a great book author ��
    Ravelry name is scruffrat
    Thank you for the opportunity of your generous giveaway
    Take care of you and yours

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  16. Really interesting blog as always. Glad to hear you've had your first jab. I also had Pfizer and it felt like someone had punched me a 'lammie' for 3 days. Second jab wasn't too bad. While the Cape storms with wind and rain, the Spanish costs sizzle in temperatures of 38 - 45°C. The only thing to do is sit in the pool and have siesta. Still ryimg to crochet Waresa hexies but hoping the heat will allow me to start on the North Star soon. Oh that squeaky yarn!!! Have a good weekend and fingers ๐Ÿคžfor England in the Euro2020 final on Sunday ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜˜ over n out Cloughy77

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  17. What a lovely, inviting workspace.
    I cant wait to see your next design, it must be so fab, being able to come up with ideas that make so many people happy.
    My Ravelry name is Traceyleigh100.

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  18. So glad you got your vaccine!
    My Ravelry name is meezermeowmy

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  19. congrats on first shot. Cant wait to see new design. My ravelry name is terrismith1952. Thank you

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  20. Ravelry name is humblethingz.
    Love your work!

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  21. Happy days to you Jen and greetings from hot and dry Finland ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ๐Ÿ˜Š
    My ravelry name is caeshcl

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  22. Sore arm, me too. My Ravelry name is Apsalarknit.

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  23. Anxiety is exhausting isn't it? And OCD can be a bit of a pain too! But at least you've found your happy place. I bet you forget all about time when you're designing and being surrounded by colours is always wonderful. I see signs everywhere too and my daughter always sends me pictures of rainbows ....... so I have a feeling I'm going to love your new block/ throw. Have fun with it xx

    If I'm lucky enough to win it my Ravelry name is JoannaWarren

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  24. Really love your blogs, and the glimps into your world.
    Hopefully your arm feels ok now..

    Love Chantal
    Ravelryname: chantal zwart

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  25. Congratulations on your 1st jab, Jen! I got my 2nd Pfizer jab in February (but then, I'm a retired medical laboratory tech), and felt HUGE relief. I'm so glad to hear that you're working on a new design, 'cause I can look forward to making it! Keeping Calm as I Crochet On is one of my chief coping strategies.☺And thank you for the vids of your fur persons enjoying themselves on their walks with that very energetic young man. Fur persons are such a comfort as well as a delight, aren't they? Not to mention comic relief. After 2 years, my two young cats still have big startle reactions when I sneeze.๐Ÿ˜‚So silly! Oh, btw, as you've been settling into wuthering weather, we just survived a bizarre heat wave here in the Pacific Northwest of the US.๐Ÿ˜Definitely not my cup of tea.๐Ÿ‘ŽThank you so much for your lovely hooks 'n tales, which are so good to look forward to.
    Hugs,
    niamhor1

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  26. Be happy with your many blessings, a son and husband who support you, a magical way to get ideas and dogs who fall in love. So happy to read your hooks 'n tales.
    Just learning to crochet because I spotted your fabulous designs. Thanks for all the beautiful inspiration.
    Hugs from Florida, USA
    Lynn Greenberg -- Ravelry name is beachsidelynn

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  27. So nice to see a pic of your divine design space... and I love the colourway idea. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us. ♡
    nicolakretzschmar@yahoo.com (ravelry name)

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  28. Well done Jen for getting your jab. Hubby and I get ours on the 29th, with the 2nd one mid August. Excited to see your new block, those rainbow photo colours are really inspiring. Love, Francoise, all the way from New Zealand. My Ravelry name is FrancoiseHurt thanks xx

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  29. Mmmmm, but was it raining? Is it he runs with the dogs? XD It's good to hear the wind howl around your house, I know you love the winter. To snuggle up in your pyjama's, and crochet. Only the reason is less nice, another lockdown. I love to read the Jab pressies, and love. Are you sure you are not a High Sensitive Person? You should read about it, online, or in a book. All HSP here. Or as I call it, the Madhatter house of Perfectionist, who need to recharge with cuddles and being in nature, after running into normal human beings in society. Cat cuddles all the way. I am soooo curious how the new design will look.

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  30. Lovely to see your wonderful pups! Very excited about the new throw - can't wait to see it! My Ravelry name is the same :)

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  31. Sorry you had aches from your vaccination. My husband and I also had the Pfizer jab and neither of us had any problems.

    Love the little video of the dogs! We have a fur baby, too. He will be 14 in August.

    I think I have almost all of your patterns. You are a fabulous designer. I haven't made one yet as my crafting mojo ran away a long time ago. But when it finally comes home, I will have some wonderful designs to try.

    My Ravelry name is PepeLePew.

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  32. thank you, love your designs. ravelry name is lindabeaman

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  33. I had a sore arm with my first but had a small fever and lots of fatigue with the second, however, it cleared up within 12 hrs. Well worth it to know I'm helping keep myself and others safe! And I am so excited about the new throw! Ravelry name is indrabar

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  34. great effort conquering your fear. Ravelry heddy56

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  35. Jen, I understand your fear of the vaccine, our Son has a phobia of needles and he tries so hard to do what is neccessary but with all the questions and four Nurses trying to get him calm enough to have the injection all attempts failed. Now he has to go talk to someone in the hope they can calm him enough to do it. Unless you have these fears you can't really understand the wave of panic that grips you. I am so glad you were able to get yours done with the help of your young man. Thank you for sharing your journey and good luck with your second one. Ravelry name kathyverrier.

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  36. I’m lucky I have no issues with jabs. Need one every 8 weeks for Pernicious Anaemia. Have been doing it for 25 years at least. Looking forward to your new design. Just about finished my second chrysalis, this time with corners. Have all your patterns so now to choose the next one. I have bought the yarn. Cheers Helga

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  37. my user name is mareemaugeri61@hotmail.com



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  38. How lucky you are to get such pampering, and care from your hubby and son. We are very lucky in Western Australia, currently with no cases of Covid. At last the tyranny of distance from the rest of the country has become a huge blessing. I've had my two shots of Astrazenica, so feel good that I have done what I can for myself and community.
    Stay safe, and I hope that things can reach whatever is going to be our new 'normal' soon.
    My ravelry name is Chinalun.

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  39. Aww, that was so cute. You deserve a little pampering, Jen. I can understand about your anxiety because I feel that way too. But this vax is for the better. Curently waiting for my list. Hehe.
    Thank you so much for the post. I enjoy reading your stories so much. Take care and have a wonderful weekend, dear Jen❤

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  40. What a wonderful update! So glad you braved the jab. I always feel like you're my neighbor, not a world away๐Ÿ˜Š take care dear. My ravelry is chaniflynn

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  41. You knit too? Are you planning on creating knitting patterns? :D Ravelry name: amyjane1000

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  42. Ravelry name Craftysammy78 xxx

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  43. That's so nice to be pampered. And it adds to your mutual love. Stay blessed.
    I surely look forward to reading your little blogs and wish that someday I will be able to do so. Ameen.
    Salehawaseem @Ravelry

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  44. I wait for your blogs. Love reading them..Do take good care of yourself..stay safe.loads of love and prayers
    Ravelry name: nuzhatarif

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  45. Ravelry name: betsievdkaap. Love your designs so much!

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  46. I need to get a little black dog so I can name it Paul Anka. I can just hear him calling it, "Paul Anka, Paul Anka"!
    ravelry name tabrik

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  47. It’s wonderful to receive the kind of pampering that is like a hug for your heart. Enjoy it no matter how large or small the action is. Remember every little thing that they do, let’s you know that they love you xx

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  48. That gentleman’s hat is lovely, I must find a similar pattern!
    I was in bed for 36 hours after my first AZ jab, full on flu symptoms, not fun at all. Glad yours wasn’t as bad.

    Ravelry name -Bagginslover

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  49. Can't wait to see your secret pattern. My Ravelry name is beebee12

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  50. My first shot hurt too but my second one was a breezy hopefully you have the same luck.
    Can't wait to see the new design. Ravelry name: ajdez.

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  51. No vaccine for us. My cousin (in his 50s and healthy) just died from Covid. He was in ER the day after getting the vaccine. Hope yours works well for you. Always great to be looking for a new project from you!!
    RobWillson

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  52. Inspiration comes from random moments that speak to the soul. Glad yours is active!
    Ggeight

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  53. great blog as usual really looking forward to your new design, my pups 3 scnauzers are spoilt rotten but dont get much in the way of walks but they tear around our large farmhouse yard and have a ball two of them are litter mates and they have the best play fights, I have adiamond of a hubby as well have had him for 56 yrs and told him I need to go first as couldny do without him in my life. All the best to you and yours chtien (ravelry)

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  54. I’m so excited for the new pattern to come out... I am just amazed at how you come up with the beautiful designs... I enjoy your post.. I feel as if I go on a journey when reading them... stay safe and keep writing... we all need another adventure to go on... Suzi ( ladeda1959)

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  55. I'm going to see if I can find this book at the library or on Amazon. Thanks for the info and giveaway.

    My Ravelry ID is CraftyLittle1

    Thanks For The Opportunity!

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  56. Hii jen it's always good to hear from you ..I can imagine I'm living next door just reading your blog and posts I even felt the cold breeze when you talk about weather while it's about 40 Celsius here ���� ..it's good to know you had your vaccine I hope you get well and enjoy the "vaccination "benefits ������ .. I have a lovely cat..her name is roxana ..she is my crochet partner always laying on my projects filling them with hair and I,poor me, have to clean it every time I see it struggling with my allergy but what can I do I'm a cat person and I can't live without having a cat burring around ☺️�I hope your new book inspires and gives you a wonderful time..I love to knit for a change..stay safe keep connecting .. wishing you all health and wellness(mariamf.shenouda)

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    1. My ravelry name is mariamfshenouda

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    2. Hi Miriam, like you I too am allergic to Cats and Dogs...but I can't imagine not having those furballs around. Life would be so empty! They drive us crazy but we adore them and just put up with the consequences. Stay cool! I will admit a little sunshine would go a long way today...my feet are iceblocks! :D Take care! xox

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  57. Enjoy being pampered. Looking forward to the new block. My ravelry name is Mamaj415

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  58. Like you I have high anxiety ( bells , whistles, fog-horns and all ) hubby accompanied me as I needed support, literally! My legs were shaking so bad I could barely walk even after taking diazepam! I had Astra Zeneca. OMGoodness was I sick! 2 days of vomiting, fever, shaking, it took a week to get over it. Needless to say I refused the 2nd jab, my anxiety couldn't face that again! I don't think it will ever fully go away, so I'll just have to be careful x

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    1. Oh, Jane, I'm so sorry to hear you had that experience! I've heard that the second jab is a lot easier to deal with. Anxiety can be so incredibly debilitating! Sending you a huge warm hug. Stay safe! xox

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  59. Hi Jen, I enjoyed reading your blog. Hope you recover quickly from your shot! Love from the Netherlands! Ravelryname: EllenHofland

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    1. THanks, Ellen...all good now! I'll report back after the 2nd jab! :D xx

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  60. Jen, you share such amazing pictures. The rainbow colors are some of the deepest I've ever seen. And another new project on the way? Phenomenal! Every time you design something new it is fabulous. Pettigru Hooker on Ravelry

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    1. Thank you so much! And yes, that rainbow was amazing...I was saying to Mr H&T that you could see ALL the colours against that dark sky! Take care! xx

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  61. Hi Jen. Glad to hear you overcame your fear and are getting protected. I, too, have problems with shots, so I opted to get the J&J "one and done.
    cksteffen

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  62. glad you got your faucci ouchie. wish more people would

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  63. Hello Jen - just now discovering you - have one of your patterns and now finding out more about the artist! So glad you got your first shot - "arm" yourself with the second for full protection. Things are getting scary again. Good Luck!

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  64. So many beautiful pattern, so little time to do them all.
    Ravelry ID: MariaParrishOtt

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