tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87218435268081678032024-03-05T00:43:32.426-06:00Mariposa Farm AlpacasMariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-64112797062443592422011-07-19T15:41:00.000-05:002011-07-19T15:41:30.532-05:00Moving.....This blog is moving. The past year I've been taking classes in website design and now I'm working on getting the farm website up and running. There's not much on the site now but expect it to become populated in the next few weeks. Once it's up and running I'll be moving the blog to that site as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg1kX_Iiqa0DYQMZbbvIujrqaO1CJPnFtiKWlb1hzpye3eMtXyNQHZssszHXjoU5pnI7El4DOkZmW8nIMNsyQvw8bMWP6r4lJK0xDaD-LHVmyD4Q2EnF45EkpWNcoCfZBRzy0yCW_jg/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg1kX_Iiqa0DYQMZbbvIujrqaO1CJPnFtiKWlb1hzpye3eMtXyNQHZssszHXjoU5pnI7El4DOkZmW8nIMNsyQvw8bMWP6r4lJK0xDaD-LHVmyD4Q2EnF45EkpWNcoCfZBRzy0yCW_jg/s320/IMG_3450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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If you want to observe the progress the new site is <a href="http://www.mariposafarmalpacas.com/">www.mariposafarmalpacas.com</a>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-5708786151951728872011-01-30T22:08:00.000-06:002011-01-30T22:08:44.052-06:00Just How Strong is Alpaca Fiber?Alpaca fiber lore tells us that our alpacas have superior fleece compared to other fiber producing animals - but what does that mean? And are there numbers to back it up?<br />
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Well, <a href="http://www.alpacabytes.com/dutch-hollow-acres/" linkindex="115">Dutch Hollow Acres</a> has done their homework and has a well thought out <a href="http://www.alpacabytes.com/2011/01/28/fiber-arts-friday-%E2%80%93-alpaca-fiber-tensile-strength/" linkindex="116">post</a> on their blog about the strength of alpaca fiber. Check it out and let them know what you think!Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-55008418014979484042011-01-09T17:30:00.000-06:002011-01-09T17:38:07.871-06:00Business Dinner Plans<i>This post was originally written for <a href="http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/farmbusiness/2009/03/05/business-dinner-plans/" linkindex="126">Alpaca Farm Girl's</a> blog and first published on 5MAR2009.</i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">As alpaca owners we are often business owners.<span> </span>And as business owners we are expected to have a business plan.<span> </span>However, writing a business plan can be intimidating.<span> </span>To me, it can be compared to dinner.<span> </span>I’m going to assume that everyone reading this has eaten dinner numerous times through out their lives.<span> </span>So let’s assume that our overall goal is to eat dinner (or in the case of your business plan, to make money raising alpacas).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First we need to obtain raw materials (something edible):</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Grocery store</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Farmer’s market</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Your garden</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>The fridge</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Outsource to someone else</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dinner preparation:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Your stove</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Someone else’s stove</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Grill</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Microwave</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dinner delivery:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>On china</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>On a paper plate</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Eaten out of the pan while standing over the sink</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And don’t forget the financing:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Your wallet</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Someone else’s wallet</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Dine and dash (not recommended)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Much like there are many ways to have dinner, there are a variety of ways to run an alpaca business.<span> </span>A business plan specifies how <i>you</i> run your alpaca business now as well as your future goals and dreams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tGfoVMupoFKIJ86x8QYNjDPB0ec8Oib_d5ibylTjY4ErqkqfWQ2inweZ-nKySMz82MDWX_lPSRsps-OzPkIrPuknNByGMe0Tis7yremsbz1LNfwJuXpnQnJIjbDddI6l7Wfa_1zc9Q/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="127" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">To get started on your business plan you can find recipes <a href="http://www.alpacas.com/Resources/alpacabusinessplanner.pdf" linkindex="128">here</a> and <a href="http://www.gatewayalpacas.com/alpaca-farming/alpaca-farm-business-plan.htm" linkindex="128">here</a>.<span> </span>Fill in the ingredients you already have on hand (information you already know).<span> </span>Next make a visit to the <a href="http://www.alpacaacademy.com/" linkindex="129">Alpaca Academy</a> to start filling in the missing ingredients.<span> </span>If there’s still a few items missing simply mark as ‘to be determined’ or ‘I don’t know yet.’<span> </span>Substitutions are definitely allowed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Remember this is <i>your</i> business plan. Highlight what makes you stand out from other alpaca owners.<span> </span>Write it in first person and make it easy to understand.<span> </span>It’s okay to use bullet points and lists.<span> </span>In fact, someone outside of the alpaca industry should be able to understand why you’ve chosen to raise alpacas, how you’re going to make an income, and your goals for the future.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once a draft is written, it’s time for a taste test.<span> </span>Take your draft down to the <a href="http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html" linkindex="130">Small Business Administration.</a><span> </span>They’ll be able to provide valuable feedback.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writing a business plan takes some effort.<span> </span>Don’t let all that effort go to waste by putting it aside.<span> </span>The plan is a tool.<span> </span>It provides the actions needed to achieve your goals.<span> </span>Review the plan every six months or so.<span> </span>Does it still meet your needs?<span> </span>Does it need some more spice?<span> </span>Do you need to cut back on the fat and carbs?<span> </span>The plan doesn’t need to be rewritten.<span> </span>Just add a page with the date, changes made and why the changes were made.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Meals are so integrated into our lives that most of us probably don’t even think of all the options and choices that go into them.<span> </span>These same skills, which you already possess, can easily be adapted to creating your alpaca business plan.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Bon Appetit!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tGfoVMupoFKIJ86x8QYNjDPB0ec8Oib_d5ibylTjY4ErqkqfWQ2inweZ-nKySMz82MDWX_lPSRsps-OzPkIrPuknNByGMe0Tis7yremsbz1LNfwJuXpnQnJIjbDddI6l7Wfa_1zc9Q/s320/IMG_4844.JPG" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the menu: Sweetness & Warmth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-10956520253310159122011-01-09T17:01:00.000-06:002011-01-09T17:01:39.727-06:00ResolutionsFor many, this time is a time of year for reflection. Recently I've been reflecting on my absence from blogging in 2010. In late 2009 my car was totaled by a tractor trailer. While I walked away from the accident, it's taking some time to resolve my injuries and things are improving slowly. Blog writing just wasn't high on my priority list.<br />
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Recently, I received an email asking for advice about how to get started in the alpaca industry as an agistor. While composing my reply, I thought that perhaps I might write a series of posts on what it's like to board alpacas versus having a farm of your own. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. So, stay tuned!Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-78356243977581181172010-10-26T12:08:00.001-05:002010-10-26T12:24:24.518-05:00Alpaca Socks Giveaway!Check out Dutch Hollow Acres blog,<a href="http://www.alpacabytes.com/"> Alpaca Bytes</a>, and enter for a chance to win some alpaca socks. Contest ends 11/12/2010.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-85728488108911481302010-06-16T15:01:00.019-05:002010-06-16T15:15:55.217-05:00Mariposa's Minerva (aka Minnie)<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaNRm_ICx3Lv52lnQly9huJsa_PFW8Gyy10ImvKS2qrWV1_sAXFneV5jkAy8Opx2Sy06PiciibZP-liOnDkPJHtoASjzwrtIFukblqgpzmJecaHf3vGvciF7kx8dgba_zkq83KMdKKw/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaNRm_ICx3Lv52lnQly9huJsa_PFW8Gyy10ImvKS2qrWV1_sAXFneV5jkAy8Opx2Sy06PiciibZP-liOnDkPJHtoASjzwrtIFukblqgpzmJecaHf3vGvciF7kx8dgba_zkq83KMdKKw/s320/IMG_6108.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Minerva 1 week old</div><br />
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Meet Minerva, the newest addition to Mariposa Farm. Minerva arrived May 17th, 2010. Her dam is <a href="http://mariposafarm.blogspot.com/2008/10/phf-liberty.html">PHF Liberty </a>and her sire is <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/herdsires/03_viewherdsire.asp?name=32497">BRA Jesse James</a>. Minnie is a dark silver grey and I have to admit I'm pleased as punch to have her in my herd. We had to shear her at one week of age because she was overheating due to the density of her fleece. I've already had inquiries regarding her price and I'm in the process of getting her Alpacanation page set up. We'll be pairing Liberty and Jesse again for a 2011 cria. More pics coming soon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ld2DylK6FfW446ZM02euMXH9VklS01kMaXV-N91EQFrbhtAfpjv-ymJEtJi6T2gQ8SRap3MKKXVLB13FhSc8udkp7o148CSs90Yz0SyH0ROrTAOq1BgoyKmXt9W91wJM1woYHyVpcA/s1600/9229_1243468651122_1361523959_30713818_1313811_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ld2DylK6FfW446ZM02euMXH9VklS01kMaXV-N91EQFrbhtAfpjv-ymJEtJi6T2gQ8SRap3MKKXVLB13FhSc8udkp7o148CSs90Yz0SyH0ROrTAOq1BgoyKmXt9W91wJM1woYHyVpcA/s320/9229_1243468651122_1361523959_30713818_1313811_n.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her Sire, Jesse James</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-mlouF-mMI_5wVeu4AJJossqamg6sNX_jFuENwub2ADk2bX3SZrtp7ARUvpcpYaQCJfV_i1BUbUBfHqms0F5SPgEsxOT84rzW5QI1cj6hHx0WLRitmK3BoBJS8gxi5LYzFy4EB1SEQ/s1600/IMG_6083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-mlouF-mMI_5wVeu4AJJossqamg6sNX_jFuENwub2ADk2bX3SZrtp7ARUvpcpYaQCJfV_i1BUbUBfHqms0F5SPgEsxOT84rzW5QI1cj6hHx0WLRitmK3BoBJS8gxi5LYzFy4EB1SEQ/s320/IMG_6083.JPG" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a few hours old</div>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-87060306699425157892009-09-24T22:07:00.006-05:002009-09-24T22:23:11.785-05:00What are you doing for NAFD?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoguPs6gxAXoGsWY7rkDTo_DoF_D8OHHmr0vgnLc9T18rNJJmx3_X364jFKRuRnlpOf3z8U30jPEkB0-_LUsTraxhXoDqUw6KmoroBKgpGlimmpIS0qwbIvNAJjKBzO6xmHIN3wGrsUg/s1600-h/IMG_5394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoguPs6gxAXoGsWY7rkDTo_DoF_D8OHHmr0vgnLc9T18rNJJmx3_X364jFKRuRnlpOf3z8U30jPEkB0-_LUsTraxhXoDqUw6KmoroBKgpGlimmpIS0qwbIvNAJjKBzO6xmHIN3wGrsUg/s320/IMG_5394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385238070179457490" border="0" /></a>National Alpaca Farm Days is upon us. I've spent the last month or so getting the open house on various community calendars and sending out flyers to everyone I can think of. We're having the farm open both Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm - 4 pm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsGiz1AHlvwCDq1Qgr7fNgW6-DpCNBymgCVwKcV4z1e9J6dMKoFoeun0Qs83Ua1DE8PsSQQ1rAvsunE1sAyWYZd5vIe__28temVPkbWFPghdVm-Er7diEw4uTEOq3hrtwIdTbbI8sNQ/s1600-h/IMG_5398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsGiz1AHlvwCDq1Qgr7fNgW6-DpCNBymgCVwKcV4z1e9J6dMKoFoeun0Qs83Ua1DE8PsSQQ1rAvsunE1sAyWYZd5vIe__28temVPkbWFPghdVm-Er7diEw4uTEOq3hrtwIdTbbI8sNQ/s320/IMG_5398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385237908538076930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFoiasdU1hsz4A1I9rgnhzuDS_EPaJw9tpDkn14IDWEddEeKqgENSAGJYyenvuyKtpgLf6QG99RH7wFCoB_9zD57wZk9W5RblDGZ6ecD2zu0gCRM5t4YW7wrOQaJFZHNskq-oqdiPgg/s1600-h/IMG_5397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFoiasdU1hsz4A1I9rgnhzuDS_EPaJw9tpDkn14IDWEddEeKqgENSAGJYyenvuyKtpgLf6QG99RH7wFCoB_9zD57wZk9W5RblDGZ6ecD2zu0gCRM5t4YW7wrOQaJFZHNskq-oqdiPgg/s320/IMG_5397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385237733243714402" border="0" /></a>Some of my friends couldn't make it out this weekend so we started National Alpaca Farm Days just a wee bit early for them. Griffin and Ulysses helped train some new alpaca wranglers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlcvrNGRMsx-X3JMwRHuDw88IowtteOWN_kTHE1JMhD24RvBtHYEWQjk9tRSe5siZWIH6r6aCyb2wdJoEesH0a_SUjw5cP_NveB3_StcK2IkvyaJ1joTdjVh1Gt06mDRfAP6bAIdj0w/s1600-h/IMG_5401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlcvrNGRMsx-X3JMwRHuDw88IowtteOWN_kTHE1JMhD24RvBtHYEWQjk9tRSe5siZWIH6r6aCyb2wdJoEesH0a_SUjw5cP_NveB3_StcK2IkvyaJ1joTdjVh1Gt06mDRfAP6bAIdj0w/s320/IMG_5401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385236592720789666" border="0" /></a>These are felted alpaca cat toys. They're my newest project. I haven't quite perfected the process just yet. The cats enjoy them. Once the cats have had their fun, the dog enjoys ripping off the felted fleece for some multi-species entertainment. I will have these for sale at the open house this weekend.<br /><br />I invite all of you to come out and see the alpacas rain or shine this weekend.<br /><br />Here's the info:<br /><br />Dates: Saturday September 26 & Sunday September 27, 2009<br /><br />Time: Noon - 4 pm<br /><br />Location: <br />Big River Alpacas - Bob and Lisa Fererro<br /> 7820 Riverview Rd. <br /> Dittmer, MO 63023 <br /> House phone. (636) 452-3436 <br /><br />Driving Directions:<br /><br />Take Highway 30/Gravois Road West from 270.<br />Go Approximately 20 miles to Missouri Hwy B and turn Left<br />Go 5.2 miles and turn RIGHT on Missouri Hwy C<br /> Hwy C dead ends into Missouri Hwy Y after 4.7 miles<br />Turn Right on Hwy Y.<br />Go 0.2 miles and turn left on Browns Ford Road<br />Go 2 miles and bear left on Ware Lake Road<br />Go 0.5 miles and turn left on Riverview Rd - there's a big sign that says 'Riverview'<br /> House will be on the right.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-43198511704582862972009-08-24T11:10:00.012-05:002009-08-24T12:46:57.479-05:00Copy CatI work for a corporation. And sometimes when you work for a corporation someone else will steal/copy your work, ideas, and/or writing. We're having an open house for <a href="http://nationalalpacafarmdays.com/">National Alpaca Farm Days</a>. I wrote the advert. This was difficult for me as most of my writing experience is technical. I thought it was decent and apparently another alpaca owner did as well. Imagine my surprise when I saw my very own words used to advertise another farm's open house!<br /><br />Here's what I wrote (if you double click on the image will open up a larger version that's easier to read):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQA0mk4RWnsYZUYPm54fkxDexyrRbw-4lyCuMOKVzNu8pR61chLMd3WSt38bA_2C3UEfVLVxkwLTWrhUEHFbFniSPWA0Rd4kyYVI5GyPhyphenhyphennVvw1fn_UadU1ZuW-7ubQAWCEkNW8jGdw/s1600-h/mariposa+afd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQA0mk4RWnsYZUYPm54fkxDexyrRbw-4lyCuMOKVzNu8pR61chLMd3WSt38bA_2C3UEfVLVxkwLTWrhUEHFbFniSPWA0Rd4kyYVI5GyPhyphenhyphennVvw1fn_UadU1ZuW-7ubQAWCEkNW8jGdw/s320/mariposa+afd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373568290575110434" border="0" /></a>"<span style="font-style: italic;">In honor of National Alpaca Farm Days, Big River Alpacas along with Mariposa</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Farms will be holding an open house. You'll be able to get </span><yoono-highlight style="font-style: italic;" onmouseout="___yoonoLink.onYoonoOut(this)" onmouseover="___yoonoLink.onYoonoOver(event,this)" onclick="___yoonoLink.onYoonoClick(this)" keywords="up close and personal" class="yoono-link-hover yoono-link-active-link">up close and personal</yoono-highlight> <span style="font-style: italic;"> with our alpacas. You'll be able to pet and feed the alpacas, and we'll have</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> answers to all of your burning alpaca questions. Fleece & alpaca products will</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> be available for sale as well. There will be a spinning demo and free alpaca</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> beans if you need compost for your garden this fall. (please bring a container</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> if you'd like to take some with you)</span>"<br /><br />And here's what Copy Cat Alpaca Farm wrote:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlqldt-afVs2I_0OVhMYty5GFoFjXzUmZRogEooe0DdQDwTM4DGQ_neygIKW7zdys06YT5U2W16r92sZ1JX-2uXlmeki3MsW7ivBUBsDRaJynYfxCaGjt37lA6BjuusPOwEZKPm0aqQ/s1600-h/shady.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlqldt-afVs2I_0OVhMYty5GFoFjXzUmZRogEooe0DdQDwTM4DGQ_neygIKW7zdys06YT5U2W16r92sZ1JX-2uXlmeki3MsW7ivBUBsDRaJynYfxCaGjt37lA6BjuusPOwEZKPm0aqQ/s320/shady.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373567229873812146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"In honor of National Alpaca Farm Days, (Xxxxx Xxxxx) Farm will be holding an</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> open house on Saturday, September 26th from 9am-4pm. Get up close and</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> personal with our alpacas. You'll be able to pet and feed the alpacas, and</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> we'll have answers to all of your burning alpaca questions. There will be a</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> spinning demo and free alpaca beans if you need compost for your garden this</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> fall. Please bring a container if you'd like to take some with you. "</span><br /><br />What interesting is that Copy Cat Alpaca Farm has a copyright protection notice on their website so I'm pretty sure that they know plagiarism is a no-no. I've emailed this farm as well as left messages on their voicemail and I haven't received a response as to why they thought this was okay. According to the Copyright Website (notice how I give credit to the source as well as provide a link to the <a href="http://www.benedict.com/Info/Info.aspx">website</a>) "almost everything on the Net is protected by copyright law."<br /><br />I have to say that I am highly disappointed as this farm is located in Missouri and I will likely see them at seminars and shows.<br /><br />PS. If you like the advert and need one of you own, I'd be happy to write one for you.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtW_0qowKu8901YrH29WQIeMWQvfa2q3fj1z_vObCS-RNevgJmHvPJ9ernsbE0OFFQyUeaE5RaHZbRgN97JFG0XQel14Jiw0HDLf-pV9994U6tWMGkWlfq4TFWJ76j-qg1KgDLNicEQ/s1600-h/Flyer_Vert.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtW_0qowKu8901YrH29WQIeMWQvfa2q3fj1z_vObCS-RNevgJmHvPJ9ernsbE0OFFQyUeaE5RaHZbRgN97JFG0XQel14Jiw0HDLf-pV9994U6tWMGkWlfq4TFWJ76j-qg1KgDLNicEQ/s320/Flyer_Vert.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373573323953654978" border="0" /></a>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-21065542891905509372009-06-30T10:24:00.003-05:002009-06-30T10:28:25.051-05:00On HiatusReaders and Alpaca Fans,<br /><br />I'm going to be on hiatus for a bit. I recently slipped, fell and broke my right radius. Overall it's healing well but it will be some time before I'm back up to full speed. <br /><br />I board my alpacas and they are in good hands so that's one less thing to worry about. For now my focus is on getting well.<br /><br />Should anything overly exciting happen, I'll let you know. Otherwise, I'll be back once I'm healed.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-29716247897891593792009-06-07T22:48:00.010-05:002009-06-07T23:07:35.753-05:00Update on Autumm (and the rest of the herd)Things are progressing slowly with solving Autumm's mystery. An ultrasound revealed that she is not pregnant, even though her behavior indicates otherwise. She wants absolutely nothing to do with any of the boys. I am currently waiting for some feedback on the ultrasound. At this point it's getting too late for a spring breeding so I'm resigned to leaving her open until next fall. That should give us plenty of time to get her body back to normal.<br /><br /><a href="http://mariposafarm.blogspot.com/2008/11/mariposas-rose-marie.html">Mariposa's Rose Marie</a> has been successfully bred to <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/herdsires/03_viewherdsire.asp?name=32495">BRA Bocephus</a>. And my girl, <a href="http://mariposafarm.blogspot.com/2008/10/phf-liberty.html">Liberty</a>, gave us yet another alpaca surprise. I had chosen to breed Liberty to <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/herdsires/03_viewherdsire.asp?name=32499">Doc Holiday</a>. Doc was quite excited about this and was absolutely enthralled with Liberty. However, Doc apparently is NOT Liberty's type and she had no interest in him whatsoever. But she did find <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/herdsires/03_viewherdsire.asp?name=32497">BRA Jesse James</a> to her liking. Perhaps Liberty knows something I don't?<br /><br />Griffin and Morrighan are both weaned and eating well on their own. They got a halter lesson today. Both are very good at standing still and being touched. But walking around on the halter.....not so much.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMZ8WKcQgzt1UTp-xrg89cqRPy_Sy4Vx5gW9udJuA38rUyhLna6HoNcFnZoJG3Nx_C4-4AgOkCXfPqJKF-mC7bR4oT19qLKcfzXU0xqhRQl2PDTZEQsOXNyhqcOfPCFGqviArBHUcww/s1600-h/100_0893.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMZ8WKcQgzt1UTp-xrg89cqRPy_Sy4Vx5gW9udJuA38rUyhLna6HoNcFnZoJG3Nx_C4-4AgOkCXfPqJKF-mC7bR4oT19qLKcfzXU0xqhRQl2PDTZEQsOXNyhqcOfPCFGqviArBHUcww/s320/100_0893.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344802146716040930" border="0" /></a>Griffin poses for the camera during halter training while Baroness looks on (photo by Ellen Disseler).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVoaxqebN4_Zisi2Ud-ISY92pQxl8EUN-Z-cqNl3dswxE_iqdOXSOJyJtDisLpgLB98yfJi3zhW6mUpvVVPFIL7K9EaLr4dPEejQpTTGsWZjIduOqqkjCNMaheFOZz-l-tp6O-9ANOw/s1600-h/100_0876.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVoaxqebN4_Zisi2Ud-ISY92pQxl8EUN-Z-cqNl3dswxE_iqdOXSOJyJtDisLpgLB98yfJi3zhW6mUpvVVPFIL7K9EaLr4dPEejQpTTGsWZjIduOqqkjCNMaheFOZz-l-tp6O-9ANOw/s320/100_0876.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344802566748329938" border="0" /></a>Halter training Morrighan. Sometimes it helps to get on their level. Photo by Ellen Disseler.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-19854430073693317462009-06-07T22:38:00.008-05:002009-06-07T22:46:55.062-05:00Glass Paperweight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJE8tKDcWOkFwFXqUhFhyphenhyphenUhIucMtn0UcXQzrwCx7QCzQnBNQoaAV2yXBp1q-JJTsyZhAyYACbEX7cGpJnttbXZBJIUKunuc3gd1g5tnpn1QNsllFKetjqlwPt0LJG7qFFkQClDRd_Xg/s1600-h/IMG_5035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJE8tKDcWOkFwFXqUhFhyphenhyphenUhIucMtn0UcXQzrwCx7QCzQnBNQoaAV2yXBp1q-JJTsyZhAyYACbEX7cGpJnttbXZBJIUKunuc3gd1g5tnpn1QNsllFKetjqlwPt0LJG7qFFkQClDRd_Xg/s320/IMG_5035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344796399444629874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4ltAs-Pv_e7rJ3vMf5Yovwnzvi1YtK1xF6jU78Jklmp06Xe-8nb4RNi6_Otvq4eQgTq6UkZLAkN0EdReEOxxAd-lGJiriTY4JOzuLH5yturxONtcCkY0tpKmI2XepvLZEncSkzSIBQ/s1600-h/IMG_5042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4ltAs-Pv_e7rJ3vMf5Yovwnzvi1YtK1xF6jU78Jklmp06Xe-8nb4RNi6_Otvq4eQgTq6UkZLAkN0EdReEOxxAd-lGJiriTY4JOzuLH5yturxONtcCkY0tpKmI2XepvLZEncSkzSIBQ/s320/IMG_5042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344796275593259122" border="0" /></a>As much as I enjoy the alpacas and working with fiber. I'm always up for trying new things. The third Friday of every month, the <a href="http://www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com/">Third Degree Glass Factory</a> has an open house. I attended with a singles activities group I belong to and thought I'd try my hand at making a paperweight. It was really cool. The molten glass had a very interesting consistency both fluid and stiff at the same time. I was absolutely enthralled. The instructors were quite knowledgeable and patient. They let you work with the glass quite a bit. If you're reading this before the third Friday in June 2009, then you can see a picture of me in their<a href="http://www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com/ThirdFridayOpenHouse/tabid/63/Default.aspx"> slideshow</a> making the paperweight pictured above. And if you live in the St. Louis Area, I highly recommend you attend one of their 3rd Friday open houses. They're free and family friendly.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-70947439195517581302009-05-19T16:08:00.010-05:002009-05-28T14:32:32.387-05:00Mysterious Autumm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhB-5FClaCWmxfA-pkOzx9axXH7zHW1wMOEgZuhir9_byWcdNuE7nhyphenhyphenAEAJOZD6sOtPpTJA0C8bxF3JtwTOwAqO2w99lzLRBeiygiz6NIauyvlc1tE1mnFrV8IooyVVo_Kst3tQiotQ/s1600-h/IMG_3805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhB-5FClaCWmxfA-pkOzx9axXH7zHW1wMOEgZuhir9_byWcdNuE7nhyphenhyphenAEAJOZD6sOtPpTJA0C8bxF3JtwTOwAqO2w99lzLRBeiygiz6NIauyvlc1tE1mnFrV8IooyVVo_Kst3tQiotQ/s320/IMG_3805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337729745990416626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >As is often the case, things rarely go as planned. I purchased <a href="http://mariposafarm.blogspot.com/2008/11/autumm.html">Autumm</a> Spring 2008 so she's my newest purchase. Autumm is confusing me right now. Her behavior says she's pregnant. Her progesterone says she isn't. My first instinct is to have an ultrasound done, but our vet doesn't have an ultrasound machine.<br /><br />What to do? What to do?<br /><br />Possibilities include a retained CL (retained corpus luteum), ovarian cyst, uterine infection. Or she could really be pregnant. Her previous owners did not perform progesterone testing so I have no idea if her levels are 'normal' or not.<br /><br />Here's the data so far:<br /><br />DOB 10/19/1995<br />10/19/2008 – Full term, still born female cria<br />11/15/2008 – Bred to Cisco, 25 minutes<br />11/22/2008 – Half-hearted spit off<br />11/29/2008 - Bred to Cisco<br />12/5/2008 – Spit off<br />12/22/2008 - Progesterone = 0.08<br />May 2009 – Spits off every male<br />5/12/2009 – Progesterone = 1.01<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >I'm in the process of trying to find a vet with an ultrasound machine. In the meantime, I'd welcome any comments and thoughts you might have.</span>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-9552567181985167092009-04-19T18:34:00.003-05:002009-04-19T18:44:22.300-05:00Name that Sheep ContestAlpacas are not the only animals that get sheared. Like alpacas, sheep look quite different after being sheared. Homestead Wool is having a <a href="http://farmjournal.blogspot.com/2009/04/whos-that-naked-sheep.html">Name That Sheep Contest.</a> Go on over and take a look. There's lots of great pictures and a bio on each and every animal.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-83296010878858039382009-04-18T18:34:00.006-05:002009-04-18T18:49:42.882-05:00Shearing Day 2009We sheared the alpacas this week. 31 animals from four different farms. We had lots of helpers. So many that we had two shearing stations set up and even a photographer. We also trimmed nails and I was the <a href="http://mariposafarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/say-cheese.html">Queen of the Tooth-a-Matic</a><br /><br />Since we had a photographer there are lots of actions shots - way too many for a blog post so I made you a little slide show. Enjoy!<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fnospam4dlvn%2Falbumid%2F5325422950966381185%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="400" height="267"></embed>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-62118325426812704632009-03-31T22:40:00.024-05:002009-05-03T19:57:22.835-05:00MOPACA Invitational Alpaca Show 2009The MOPACA show was March 28 – 29. Before I get to the details, I’d like to say thank you to my coworker, Robyn, who very kindly let me borrow her Explorer Sport. Normally, I borrow it to haul alpacas, but this time I used it to transport the sponsor gifts to the show (It was like Christmas!) and spin off samples back to another farm on the way home.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEpJ3-jEAj7BG6NUK03zGTgp1_Hxxx4dBzZ42pYWdj6iFbtBw-cADgNV7C32IdUMbzAvCFWzTqQEsYibAUHl5eWxE3IwYvdfIQ_h4Q1ZXMqjQMTO7ppn7T0wd4J58lY2Babil7H3D4Q/s1600-h/IMG_4732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEpJ3-jEAj7BG6NUK03zGTgp1_Hxxx4dBzZ42pYWdj6iFbtBw-cADgNV7C32IdUMbzAvCFWzTqQEsYibAUHl5eWxE3IwYvdfIQ_h4Q1ZXMqjQMTO7ppn7T0wd4J58lY2Babil7H3D4Q/s320/IMG_4732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319564100820522290" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/farmsandbreeders/03_viewfarm.asp?name=12678">Big River Alpacas</a> ensured that Marie (and Ulysses) made it safely to the show.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’d also like to thank my friend, Ellen, without whom the weekend would have been very stressful. Ellen came along to learn about alpacas, help out a little and just get away for the weekend. She ended up learning how to color check, show animals, gate steward, and process the spin-off samples.<span style=""> </span>She contributed a lot to the show and they can’t wait for her to come back and volunteer in 2010.<span style=""> </span>In fact, Ellen got to show more animals than I did and her first time in the ring she took first place!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqoivgcsABKqgOwcInyKJAZWvTuAY2mw6emfo_RTSpO4qY2VRUAuKNxGrR6C6Ojc3F4sepQMgVazo1NA_B9_aZBoyF8ikuweQkULIRcXSVVpsq9gLQhWECJNVw-LhjG1uuYLBrwy0TA/s1600-h/IMG_4739.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqoivgcsABKqgOwcInyKJAZWvTuAY2mw6emfo_RTSpO4qY2VRUAuKNxGrR6C6Ojc3F4sepQMgVazo1NA_B9_aZBoyF8ikuweQkULIRcXSVVpsq9gLQhWECJNVw-LhjG1uuYLBrwy0TA/s320/IMG_4739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319564361035589506" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’d also like to thank my family for taking time to stop by - especially with the icy, snowy weather.<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.buffalobrandseed.com/">Sharp Bros. Seed</a>, my dad’s business, sponsored our Meet & Greet and hopefully picked up a few new customers.<span style=""> </span>My cousins brought my Grandma V down to the American Royal Sunday afternoon to see the animals.<span style=""> </span>Janae, my second cousin, enjoyed leading the alpacas around so much she asked me if it was okay for her to ‘borrow’ one.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ0dbG1vKLY0nDxFx9CustFTSHL2N7Wtq8l9VYPk5mxETmPoAbHCWsB3NMK5jC8IekD6b7Yr9S2hlLpceEIt0CFqpsBpQpNJs7lrIatSiMGkavtw5uyIJWtrEFO8IvTwSXo7VJL0JAw/s1600-h/IMG_4745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ0dbG1vKLY0nDxFx9CustFTSHL2N7Wtq8l9VYPk5mxETmPoAbHCWsB3NMK5jC8IekD6b7Yr9S2hlLpceEIt0CFqpsBpQpNJs7lrIatSiMGkavtw5uyIJWtrEFO8IvTwSXo7VJL0JAw/s320/IMG_4745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319565305382977138" border="0" /></a></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xTcABbkA0v2oLCQZ_QU5oIp4NucXmz-yBriuCuzIz_C3Y5m_GPVkP5UuOqWdhj1Lmy_Wv1Jr-8lltjSWaMeZnTB-_s0DbH84Birt034VFyMkiSoZL_dKc1Amx_8EG6wg2YRvazz9gQ/s1600-h/IMG_4748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xTcABbkA0v2oLCQZ_QU5oIp4NucXmz-yBriuCuzIz_C3Y5m_GPVkP5UuOqWdhj1Lmy_Wv1Jr-8lltjSWaMeZnTB-_s0DbH84Birt034VFyMkiSoZL_dKc1Amx_8EG6wg2YRvazz9gQ/s320/IMG_4748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319565569803319074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1azmbiJJ8FNtXRSKLIyB0ltGJEOV1XfP4VUHU6P5s1mBspOqteimvO8DrMLE85sTheHgen56Z9ulsdg9zL58g3S9e4V7H6t_aKX1ml9AeH9fjSusenTkKe77p3FHNs4SXe2DRLthAw/s1600-h/IMG_4758.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1azmbiJJ8FNtXRSKLIyB0ltGJEOV1XfP4VUHU6P5s1mBspOqteimvO8DrMLE85sTheHgen56Z9ulsdg9zL58g3S9e4V7H6t_aKX1ml9AeH9fjSusenTkKe77p3FHNs4SXe2DRLthAw/s320/IMG_4758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319565839593992002" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/alpacasforsale/03_viewalpaca.asp?name=68850">Marie</a>, being the photogenic alpaca that she is, made Friday's Kansas City Star before the show even started. She's the one in the middle and this is the 2nd time she's made the paper in less than a year.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8nHBjfwd73TcFqYUkEpoWdtpdVlEfqzA49XUiPojHkj0NKgkSlDZSlpQ1p2YKgEkbAByjc0JSVpVR4yKEwsZ1Y0HVs5xn62jM9jByIHoaZgVIMQBNENh_r8W0giIJLsV7NiI5jluTw/s1600-h/KC+Star+March+2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8nHBjfwd73TcFqYUkEpoWdtpdVlEfqzA49XUiPojHkj0NKgkSlDZSlpQ1p2YKgEkbAByjc0JSVpVR4yKEwsZ1Y0HVs5xn62jM9jByIHoaZgVIMQBNENh_r8W0giIJLsV7NiI5jluTw/s320/KC+Star+March+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319568176686458258" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Marie took 1<sup>st</sup> place in her halter class (hooray!).<span style=""> </span>However, it was a class of one.<span style=""> </span>This does not necessarily mean that you’ll get first place, though.<span style=""> </span>If the alpaca doesn’t meet the correct conformational and fleece standards, they’ll award a 2<sup>nd</sup> place ribbon instead.<span style=""> </span>In one case, there was a class of one and the alpaca was so unruly that she and her owner were dismissed from the ring with no ribbon whatsoever.<span style=""> </span>The judge was very pleased with Marie’s conformation and especially the density of her fleece.<span style=""> </span>She said it was a shame that I didn’t have any competition in the class.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRSEeD7PhHkQrNJKMt0I3CxyVHK1ZG5kV0Q7Np0z-HC1g6enQNKqpgYcInF3KUEprTkhm0y0hbeZ3nIeAsxgvpFFwWIYGRin72UWlCt1_xFUu2TsQPbbaQxMTSdNWkVsnqWATGhASNw/s1600-h/IMG_4764-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRSEeD7PhHkQrNJKMt0I3CxyVHK1ZG5kV0Q7Np0z-HC1g6enQNKqpgYcInF3KUEprTkhm0y0hbeZ3nIeAsxgvpFFwWIYGRin72UWlCt1_xFUu2TsQPbbaQxMTSdNWkVsnqWATGhASNw/s320/IMG_4764-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566049581911026" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Marie and Ulysses were both entered in the spin-off competition.<span style=""> </span>This is where 2 ounces of fiber is sent in ahead of time.<span style=""> </span>It is then handspun into yarn and judged.<span style=""> </span>This is a great way to get feed back on the fleece and to see how well it converts into yarn.<span style=""> </span>Both of them received 4<sup>th</sup> place ribbons and I’m very happy with my little handspun yarn samples.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbihRO2M5vxwmi_FYhtkgwhdNI9i1U2hFTjFxdVYwn105KP8YfehLE8otp_U62uwrK8OZCTIEd2hZpy2RXWDv7NfzRgDp8ljOOlVDheXohVrgDj6LW9dQwgaX1vupmojPO5XQ3baAlg/s1600-h/IMG_4793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbihRO2M5vxwmi_FYhtkgwhdNI9i1U2hFTjFxdVYwn105KP8YfehLE8otp_U62uwrK8OZCTIEd2hZpy2RXWDv7NfzRgDp8ljOOlVDheXohVrgDj6LW9dQwgaX1vupmojPO5XQ3baAlg/s320/IMG_4793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566575356186818" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYIV7A3WfufJQuw_xmdfMNE0XYdrASNzZuD6oOwUI8gRfTckeXnYWA9MIQjjZi54KveKp09gcnvlpzeAiKGtOzUSifdZacaNc2bD4UtPJYqhiQ9r5zdwImFLmWShuc0sPMFEJgdznwQ/s1600-h/IMG_4791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYIV7A3WfufJQuw_xmdfMNE0XYdrASNzZuD6oOwUI8gRfTckeXnYWA9MIQjjZi54KveKp09gcnvlpzeAiKGtOzUSifdZacaNc2bD4UtPJYqhiQ9r5zdwImFLmWShuc0sPMFEJgdznwQ/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566432422200018" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I picked up these little alpaca pins for my store and these wonderful pastel alpaca socks from <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/farmsandbreeders/03_viewfarm.asp?name=11004">Alpacas Midwest</a> for myself.<span style=""> </span>The socks come in assortment of Easter Egg shades just in time for spring.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1D0OqXF02ShowEIbWHwqDtjzv1RJxZ5nlML5sKNr7vDvv2j5j8cwlxS8HByZqL1iZ_-m6QO6gdXd7oqX1QDC50M3ITvzHc9EahIaWE20CMJoKeMl594KAk3FkzDgUi7HUfcqolGajrA/s1600-h/IMG_4788.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1D0OqXF02ShowEIbWHwqDtjzv1RJxZ5nlML5sKNr7vDvv2j5j8cwlxS8HByZqL1iZ_-m6QO6gdXd7oqX1QDC50M3ITvzHc9EahIaWE20CMJoKeMl594KAk3FkzDgUi7HUfcqolGajrA/s320/IMG_4788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566691236898162" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0O-Fg26vSXA9Qax01sBzbCFVqav3Dvno93lNx1e4bWQ0REqo7w8PjafA7cx357YH5X7KnS2Tfk3at0lFD49jXcE-sn2AuUSCP5JQkFcdncL-bYrgbvKBKcwVjUfDbBIvI25NBiaNCg/s1600-h/IMG_4789.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0O-Fg26vSXA9Qax01sBzbCFVqav3Dvno93lNx1e4bWQ0REqo7w8PjafA7cx357YH5X7KnS2Tfk3at0lFD49jXcE-sn2AuUSCP5JQkFcdncL-bYrgbvKBKcwVjUfDbBIvI25NBiaNCg/s320/IMG_4789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566305038477570" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUppV_pn_6-3Mq7dA6GTpJjeQVeVryFLZDnvr0yK5jg3XDa9BTgCmNiDbS95RDW2-Om7pK3KrI96ENY_U233ivEw-e-CO5h7MjAHtcO5xcjrZLANoLAsxVlCd8jp-5D_VnmSZA8odlw/s1600-h/IMG_4787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUppV_pn_6-3Mq7dA6GTpJjeQVeVryFLZDnvr0yK5jg3XDa9BTgCmNiDbS95RDW2-Om7pK3KrI96ENY_U233ivEw-e-CO5h7MjAHtcO5xcjrZLANoLAsxVlCd8jp-5D_VnmSZA8odlw/s320/IMG_4787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566204021577522" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">We returned home late Sunday and I was quite happy to see the kitties, Magic (thank you Amber & Kate) and sleep in my own bed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GOa9PQvp_Gb-1HEQwhLq2VjqbWSTqWWFnZO4EsRX_yvuZ-jPQdnoaICVMZiZrciFXNc_vDo6EzGDwjvGv-qnUHjjyQJg-OAnHTBhHGPAad6WcMwvOdE2XAxMuwvHTQokCMjI3remEQ/s1600-h/IMG_4755.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GOa9PQvp_Gb-1HEQwhLq2VjqbWSTqWWFnZO4EsRX_yvuZ-jPQdnoaICVMZiZrciFXNc_vDo6EzGDwjvGv-qnUHjjyQJg-OAnHTBhHGPAad6WcMwvOdE2XAxMuwvHTQokCMjI3remEQ/s320/IMG_4755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319566835066948450" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-5395686123872455422009-03-23T20:22:00.009-05:002009-03-23T21:25:55.105-05:00March Bit and Pieces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWPxG-bvhubXFhJ6lGNSiGbW4NHZeHy5jhi4WcWKjnb2MeBYw7Vz_5hURJNUNRua3R94hf8uJrhb2MG1ln0g3_aftZmEy8pQgpnVga_4oY_rL3CMbGu377dQ83Sm-StVpVVygyBErcw/s1600-h/IMG_4712.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWPxG-bvhubXFhJ6lGNSiGbW4NHZeHy5jhi4WcWKjnb2MeBYw7Vz_5hURJNUNRua3R94hf8uJrhb2MG1ln0g3_aftZmEy8pQgpnVga_4oY_rL3CMbGu377dQ83Sm-StVpVVygyBErcw/s320/IMG_4712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316559294379862658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwUaA9qHAX0dezc5kKzvP5LAE4V6MQARL_XhjVRH8SuGUGIEY-eH7bFunPCK7pPPn9mqQUmXe7U_Q5eWG7NJBHiUgwMAaKj3Dmq5dyd7L3ht_Kj72dQUBJHFKkMJlPnBxCXBVbY35Ng/s1600-h/IMG_4711.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwUaA9qHAX0dezc5kKzvP5LAE4V6MQARL_XhjVRH8SuGUGIEY-eH7bFunPCK7pPPn9mqQUmXe7U_Q5eWG7NJBHiUgwMAaKj3Dmq5dyd7L3ht_Kj72dQUBJHFKkMJlPnBxCXBVbY35Ng/s320/IMG_4711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316559100956798930" border="0" /></a><br />Several of my readers have asked how my hat knitting is going. I finished it about a week ago. I found making the brim a little difficult but overall I think it turned out well. My dog, Magic, was happy to model it for a treat ~_*<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTFS2J1JWerQA0rtltVODhEN0PkLV9oLhxrmoL98ejoZk5Cj_DdaISHCY6qq_i99p3CK2DnZk3ZD3SzkWFJkhZHBuw8n8CZGDEgINQwn46EOUgHzWKBIxthO2ACRwhJjwKXvOdKD6uA/s1600-h/IMG_4722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTFS2J1JWerQA0rtltVODhEN0PkLV9oLhxrmoL98ejoZk5Cj_DdaISHCY6qq_i99p3CK2DnZk3ZD3SzkWFJkhZHBuw8n8CZGDEgINQwn46EOUgHzWKBIxthO2ACRwhJjwKXvOdKD6uA/s320/IMG_4722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316564374876564194" border="0" /></a><br />I've started a new scarf. This yarn is 60% alpaca, 40% wool. The goal is to make a skinny, lacy looking scarf and so far, so good. I find the color pattern interesting.<br /><br />And in other knitting news, I've joined<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/MariposaFarm"> Ravelry</a>.<br />******************<br />In alpaca news, my friend, Ellen, and I will be heading to Kansas City, MO for the <a href="http://www.mopaca.org/showinfo.shtml">MOPACA Invitational Alpaca Show</a> on Friday. <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/alpacasforsale/03_viewalpaca.asp?name=68850">Mariposa's Rose Marie</a> will be competing as well as <a href="http://mariposafarm.blogspot.com/2008/11/mariposas-birch-ulysses.html">Mariposa's Birch Ulysses</a> (who now<a href="http://mariposafarm.blogspot.com/2009/01/sold.html"> belongs</a> to Big River Alpacas and Blue Feather Farm). They will be competing individually and together in a class called Produce of Dam which will give recognition to their dam (mom), Calliope's Isis.<br /><br />If you can't make the show in KC, I'll have a post about it sometime next week.<br /><br />Here's Ellen giving Griffin a halter training lesson. He's too young for the show but he's getting better at walking on the lead. Notice the bachelor herd watching in the background.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIjSkZLpx8Y86BYWF6ibztgKKUSOo9b3MXaGXaQZP3XQJRHHYpqJGM63up18kYr3hzdP_Of7QISOl-lo4PHBA-qqA37y84TYBrZlBukOgqTFAbwJFuNECLf0qCjQvsrFFuc30B04wew/s1600-h/IMG_4721.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIjSkZLpx8Y86BYWF6ibztgKKUSOo9b3MXaGXaQZP3XQJRHHYpqJGM63up18kYr3hzdP_Of7QISOl-lo4PHBA-qqA37y84TYBrZlBukOgqTFAbwJFuNECLf0qCjQvsrFFuc30B04wew/s320/IMG_4721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316570264539539890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />*******************<br />Shearing Day will be Tuesday, April 14th at the farm. If you're in the area, have the day off and would like to observe or help out, let me know. Extra hands are always welcome.<br />*******************<br />My shipment of<a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/alpaca-products/03_view_product.asp?name=110691"> socks </a>finally arrived and they are now available for sale. I've also added this purple scarf and some other items to the <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/alpaca-stores/03_viewstore.asp?name=14778">store</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ8LRCXvBwKokArF7xR5sNFFWS5cWki-XVmrh82XDUaHJ8kgiZhAuE2aHe0RMqu7Jf59xyzmXZTS1Tr95qo-Rh0kxRiLMOGlTB6sMRyWPP09LoWhbrttingU8cUbEQtOOv6Sluq4AIg/s1600-h/Purple+scarf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ8LRCXvBwKokArF7xR5sNFFWS5cWki-XVmrh82XDUaHJ8kgiZhAuE2aHe0RMqu7Jf59xyzmXZTS1Tr95qo-Rh0kxRiLMOGlTB6sMRyWPP09LoWhbrttingU8cUbEQtOOv6Sluq4AIg/s320/Purple+scarf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316572921636964930" border="0" /></a><br />I think that's all the tidbits I have for now. In the future there'll be posts about the show next weekend, shearing day, and perhaps a surprise.<br /><br />I'll end with this photo that has nothing to do with alpacas. But it is a <span style="font-style: italic;">mariposa</span> or butterfly. It was taken at the Butterfly house where it's <a href="http://www.butterflyhouse.org/events/calofevents.aspx#mania">March Morpho Mania.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFVXAb9wLA3VTmNB8HHWKO2MgOP6R0-yw0AXd6PJ1r4glFyhICATMGsfJCWmTqQYUaCDZOV8d2xY1iMX1lSN-yBMaDkn2xZoaGoTKeP8CB9eT-Xu4ZBIXBZncWYuEjzRqf_2xYd0cNw/s1600-h/IMG_4703.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFVXAb9wLA3VTmNB8HHWKO2MgOP6R0-yw0AXd6PJ1r4glFyhICATMGsfJCWmTqQYUaCDZOV8d2xY1iMX1lSN-yBMaDkn2xZoaGoTKeP8CB9eT-Xu4ZBIXBZncWYuEjzRqf_2xYd0cNw/s320/IMG_4703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316574223622388098" border="0" /></a>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-67282907329820541932009-03-16T09:23:00.012-05:002009-03-16T12:01:52.443-05:00Kreative Blogger Award<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OhbxDR9KAkkh6FqT2GktxG5CePVawfRO368tU_SCnzbB7O4hCKSZS7VcZNQB6pgBrlHh0ILy5oUe8eRFE-HomU6Q4ZM_zvrfjw3RdSonmKAicmAXt7G-5vG3GvM619mIF9ep9Pk2PQ/s1600-h/Kreative+Blogger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OhbxDR9KAkkh6FqT2GktxG5CePVawfRO368tU_SCnzbB7O4hCKSZS7VcZNQB6pgBrlHh0ILy5oUe8eRFE-HomU6Q4ZM_zvrfjw3RdSonmKAicmAXt7G-5vG3GvM619mIF9ep9Pk2PQ/s320/Kreative+Blogger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313791828888812082" border="0" /></a>I was pleasantly surprised to get this award from fellow St. Louisan, <a href="http://lenoxknits.blogspot.com/">Lenox Knits</a>. I especially admire her pledge to live <a href="http://lenoxknits.blogspot.com/2009/02/why-live-handmade.html">handmade</a>. She also has all sorts of wonderful knitted things in her<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5130814"> Etsy shop</a>. I encourage you to take a look.<br /><br />The rules for this award are straightforward. List 7 things I'm thankful for then pass the award on to 7 other bloggers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">7 Things for Which I'm Thankful<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: normal;">1. Indoor Plumbing<br />2. Electricity<br />3. My wonderful friends<br />4. Gainful employment<br />5. Books, books & more books<br />6. Flowers<br />7. My pets<br /><br />My picks for the Kreative Blogger award are diverse group. Each one brightens my day and inspires me.<br /><br />In no particular order.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ammusings.com/">Am...musings</a> - my college roommate and long time friend, who's incredibly creative<br /><a href="http://phatfiber.blogspot.com/">Phat Fiber</a> - promotes independent fiber artists. Who knew yarn could be so addictive?<br /><a href="http://fluffingtonfarms.blogspot.com/">Fluffington Farms </a>- Fiber Friend, Spinner, Raiser of Cute Bunnies<br /><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/isisthescientist/">On Becoming a Domestic and Laboratory Goddess</a> - Isis the Scientist balances Life and The Lab in smokin' hot shoes.<br /><a href="http://zenhabits.net/">Zen Habits</a> - The Power of Less<br /><a href="http://alpacalove.blogspot.com/">Alpaca Love</a> - The goings on at the Wisseler farm. Christa's writing makes you feel like you're there.<br /><a href="http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/">Alpaca Farm Girl</a> - I think that Wordless Wednesdays are my favorite.<br /></div></div>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-67504784436431276522009-03-10T12:56:00.003-05:002009-03-10T13:01:35.284-05:00Phat Fiber Sample Box: Desert Garden and *Giveaway*Phat Fiber has become one of my favorite blogs. They showcase independent fiber and yarn artisans. I don't know how to spin but when I look at this blog I want to learn.<br /><br />Phat Fiber also does giveaways. There's one every day this week. Today's giveaway is from Desert Garden.<br />Here's the link: <a href="http://phatfiber.blogspot.com/2009/03/desert-garden-and-giveaway.html">Phat Fiber Sample Box: Desert Garden and *Giveaway*</a><br /><br />I'm intrigued by the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20842341"> Sea Witch Coilspun Wool Yarn</a>. I love the colors and find the texture especially appealing.<br /><a href="http://phatfiber.blogspot.com/2009/03/desert-garden-and-giveaway.html"></a>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-65350021197028250022009-03-05T18:08:00.005-06:002009-03-10T10:29:14.421-05:00Guest AuthorAs many of you know I've been working hard on various ways of marketing the alpacas and myself. In doing so, I was asked to be a guest author on<a href="http://www.blogger.com/As%20many%20of%20you%20know%20I%27ve%20been%20working%20hard%20on%20various%20ways%20of%20marketing%20the%20alpacas%20and%20myself.%20%20In%20doing%20so,%20I%20was%20asked%20to%20be%20a%20guest%20author%20on%20Alpaca%20Farm%20Girl%27s%20blog.%20%20Most%20of%20my%20writing%20is%20quite%20technical%20so%20this%20gave%20me%20a%20chance%20to%20be%20a%20little%20more%20creative.%20%20Give%20it%20a%20read%20and%20let%20Katy%20know%20what%20you%20think.%20%20http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/farmbusiness/?p=755"></a> <a href="http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/">Alpaca Farm Girl's</a> blog. Most of my writing is quite technical so this gave me a chance to be a little more creative. Give it a read and let Katy know what you think.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/farmbusiness/?p=755">http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/farmbusiness/?p=755</a>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-31520735671868301482009-03-04T19:47:00.008-06:002009-03-04T20:22:17.893-06:00Hey Look, I Can Knit!About 7 years ago I took a knitting class which eventually led to me owning alpacas. I haven't done any knitting since. I found it difficult and then I had surgery on my dominant hand. Holding the knitting needles became painful.<br /><br />About a month back I saw a post on<a href="http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/2009/01/peg-weaving/"> peg weaving</a>. Then I saw someone at a <a href="http://mopaca.org/">MOPACA</a> meeting weaving with this<a href="http://stores.homestead.com/nicoleclark/Detail.bok?no=1"> circular thing</a>. I thought, 'hey, I could do that.'<br /><br />So I found myself a <a href="http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=knifty%20knitter&scl=looms&cat=&item=21-0105">loom</a> at Michael's and gave it a try. It was simple enough that I could teach myself how to weave/knit plus it didn't hurt my hands. In two weeks I'd made this scarf while watching The Daily Show and LOST. The yarn is 75% acrylic, 25% wool (I'm saving my hand dyed yarns and alpaca yarns until I'm better). I used almost a 200 yard skein of each color.<br /><br />I did have some 'help' with the scarf. My cat Cleo insists on sitting on my lap and she was not thrilled about having to share with the loom. My other cat, Spock is not quite three and he found the yarn quite tempting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxd44jlh3JuqJ5BEymjFKUC-oOEX2A2xdi72u6kzvHrOhw5FBvfgNDWvDyEQpq1cEkbX9oVqsdJMYBPN7-wkz08vWXtlRXaMze5v-9hIK22Lh-cRdpOwEbQo7PqKmb8HuYlyT__vyaeg/s1600-h/IMG_4596.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxd44jlh3JuqJ5BEymjFKUC-oOEX2A2xdi72u6kzvHrOhw5FBvfgNDWvDyEQpq1cEkbX9oVqsdJMYBPN7-wkz08vWXtlRXaMze5v-9hIK22Lh-cRdpOwEbQo7PqKmb8HuYlyT__vyaeg/s320/IMG_4596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309517560695559554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKFHbdqzOZQDFFu-cWDTY5aVKo4ua4xQigxEIlFmganKQYYVsfWJmZGm4K5k9yc_sFvrJU0i2BMCq5gDhAI8z5PeM-1JSflkXTj1q7qtX0JCN8Qpqth5eiZbrDxG1rN-ZiFPE60Z19A/s1600-h/IMG_4595.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKFHbdqzOZQDFFu-cWDTY5aVKo4ua4xQigxEIlFmganKQYYVsfWJmZGm4K5k9yc_sFvrJU0i2BMCq5gDhAI8z5PeM-1JSflkXTj1q7qtX0JCN8Qpqth5eiZbrDxG1rN-ZiFPE60Z19A/s320/IMG_4595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309517784109774626" border="0" /></a>Here's how it looks while still on the loom.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgk5l9aspj19G0IamgNcDR74mfU7Npf16E0V4eQOZq2obLgkgfEfEkFMKu82Y8gbMTv206B7S6aZL-k766HMqhnj3KDEHoONDq565frGRQ13zhh0_ZITTi6Cljs1rx6TKqQuGEBgyMQ/s1600-h/IMG_4618.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgk5l9aspj19G0IamgNcDR74mfU7Npf16E0V4eQOZq2obLgkgfEfEkFMKu82Y8gbMTv206B7S6aZL-k766HMqhnj3KDEHoONDq565frGRQ13zhh0_ZITTi6Cljs1rx6TKqQuGEBgyMQ/s320/IMG_4618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309518384573403538" border="0" /></a>Since Spock was so intrigued by the knitting process, I let him model the finished scarf.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA0cf8HQmWpST3FUAYbKSyM_Lk9LgJkv7n8yNHarmYbi5sqNjLFBhyphenhyphenvezCIpoumI8y1IpiuidiYr6G7s8c9Yu_-8X2-6BM-sJmjG437eha4u3lEo2wvjOINWQ8U5zkkxw6-Estw0mGQ/s1600-h/IMG_4647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA0cf8HQmWpST3FUAYbKSyM_Lk9LgJkv7n8yNHarmYbi5sqNjLFBhyphenhyphenvezCIpoumI8y1IpiuidiYr6G7s8c9Yu_-8X2-6BM-sJmjG437eha4u3lEo2wvjOINWQ8U5zkkxw6-Estw0mGQ/s320/IMG_4647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309519165115382242" border="0" /></a>Some day this will be a matching hat.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-46726538519541808612009-03-02T21:53:00.003-06:002009-03-02T21:58:19.150-06:00Lose the Winter Blues ContestFellow St. Louisan and blog follower, <a href="http://lenoxknits.blogspot.com/">Lenox Knits</a>, is having a giveaway.<br /><br />Prizes include:<br /><br />1. A lace knitted scarf in a blue hemp/cotton blend yarn with clay beads, worth $18.<br /><br />2. A knitted pouch in the blue hemp/cotton yarn with the same beads. It has a draw string closing with a long paper bead, worth $12.<br /><br />3. A matching headband in lace, worth, $7.<br /><br />4. A knitted wire wrist cuff with matching clay beads and some fun paper mache beads in matching colors, worth $11.<br /><br /><br />Entering is easy. Just click <a href="http://lenoxknits.blogspot.com/2009/02/lose-winter-blues-with-lenox-knits.html">here</a>.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-31907328954665364332009-03-01T17:56:00.011-06:002009-03-01T18:27:57.589-06:00Say Cheese!Today I had my first experience using the<a href="http://www.thealpacarosa.com/toothamatic.html"> Tooth-a-Matic</a>. Marie will be competing at the <a href="http://www.mopaca.org/showinfo.shtml">MOPACA show</a> the end of this month and her teeth needed to be trimmed. Trimming alpaca teeth is regular part of alpaca husbandry and until now I had only observed or held the alpaca's mouth open. But, since Marie is my alpaca, today I had the honors.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK5CkbHwv39CfqPj21ghnPasQg-gjeTTs46rn7lQ3kGXk3N6OdFT_BL14X6jZN2d_-ppg2Qxm3TGIgz157oMQELWr1jD5EBJpvwmgMnBZiFJEWPP4R3yQRVsFwF3rYucCx3RnczxaOA/s1600-h/IMG_4626.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK5CkbHwv39CfqPj21ghnPasQg-gjeTTs46rn7lQ3kGXk3N6OdFT_BL14X6jZN2d_-ppg2Qxm3TGIgz157oMQELWr1jD5EBJpvwmgMnBZiFJEWPP4R3yQRVsFwF3rYucCx3RnczxaOA/s320/IMG_4626.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308373221873282514" border="0" /></a>Here is Marie in the chute and ready to go. She was less than pleased at this point and I was prepared to be covered in spit.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iCExHjgkKLWw09BkHS1Q1qV35rg5SnlsDo3Pow1HQT27YzPYG4K9EwJlPdz5IfMNAPuVl2DdKvtM2V5rxfjiA0kVIz5vdWLvmn8guwzvPuYPgl42yCYFS-OzTa085osboexuUeimkA/s1600-h/IMG_4627.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iCExHjgkKLWw09BkHS1Q1qV35rg5SnlsDo3Pow1HQT27YzPYG4K9EwJlPdz5IfMNAPuVl2DdKvtM2V5rxfjiA0kVIz5vdWLvmn8guwzvPuYPgl42yCYFS-OzTa085osboexuUeimkA/s320/IMG_4627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308373846124720802" border="0" /></a>I'm using the Tooth-a-Matic in this photo - my photographer wasn't willing to get too close and I'm left handed so it's hard to see. It was much easier to use than expected. Also there were other alpaca owners visiting the farm so I had quite the audience for my first attempt at alpaca dentistry.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3IoB3cUbWwkPCBpu4AT56Xs2voRYR4mCO0Yv5YYvxrLa3jzutuTbLDUtLSA2rOQCgTwHTy2tco17BlPXQBIszWCha0QwmPsEbOAwGlmhqnzUK9xyCb-hkzYm_RzODeagdFglkfCSJA/s1600-h/IMG_4628.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3IoB3cUbWwkPCBpu4AT56Xs2voRYR4mCO0Yv5YYvxrLa3jzutuTbLDUtLSA2rOQCgTwHTy2tco17BlPXQBIszWCha0QwmPsEbOAwGlmhqnzUK9xyCb-hkzYm_RzODeagdFglkfCSJA/s320/IMG_4628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308374532401671506" border="0" /></a>Now I'm just smoothing her teeth out a bit with the Dremel.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEdH1zdmi1Foq0u6eiOPskLTymjDBsgXH5X4ko47JooC_ZwDI2JoE-2g_JFfGNfG9_pi9oCGVberloLqz1AAdFaqdozQ0tUe7sH1K1cNqo2MOtSPdWK1sjCrcUcyIGRALlmf7KoWyxQ/s1600-h/IMG_4631.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEdH1zdmi1Foq0u6eiOPskLTymjDBsgXH5X4ko47JooC_ZwDI2JoE-2g_JFfGNfG9_pi9oCGVberloLqz1AAdFaqdozQ0tUe7sH1K1cNqo2MOtSPdWK1sjCrcUcyIGRALlmf7KoWyxQ/s320/IMG_4631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308374911796444434" border="0" /></a>Here we both are afterwards, none the worse for wear. Marie was actually quite calm during the whole thing and there was no spitting. Yay!<br /><br />By the way, I'm told that I'll be doing teeth on Shearing Day, April 14th...um yay?<br /><br />We also did a couple of more halter training lessons with the crias: Griffin & Morrighan<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBBteQGs4wjCZWiycCSrA5uj9CSKsc2QfsTdkm6A9z1pwQSNgQjzdhC1dMXjVcc-7GdTGW2nr-aycfzV0mdeE8Ekfq6k5xpxxBuNwVcckvlooEOG91kLjiiDcsTSqBKyqkRMdfRGGGw/s1600-h/IMG_4634.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBBteQGs4wjCZWiycCSrA5uj9CSKsc2QfsTdkm6A9z1pwQSNgQjzdhC1dMXjVcc-7GdTGW2nr-aycfzV0mdeE8Ekfq6k5xpxxBuNwVcckvlooEOG91kLjiiDcsTSqBKyqkRMdfRGGGw/s320/IMG_4634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308375596330537778" border="0" /></a>Here I am working with Morrighan.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauRT07ET4y9P6_oQ2lLoFOidI1xTFVkLj5j-rXnHjSfO0WwyjwI5n0BxRsZqpEy1HwozH8D3hHUrdY98eTJ0mZWMCxoRBJ654bWJ8y3BnAl_FxwPRCOyAFtFcXN8nBffZHIgb-P67PA/s1600-h/IMG_4641.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauRT07ET4y9P6_oQ2lLoFOidI1xTFVkLj5j-rXnHjSfO0WwyjwI5n0BxRsZqpEy1HwozH8D3hHUrdY98eTJ0mZWMCxoRBJ654bWJ8y3BnAl_FxwPRCOyAFtFcXN8nBffZHIgb-P67PA/s320/IMG_4641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308375891432704994" border="0" /></a>Griffin went outside the pasture on the halter for the first time today. At first he wasn't very sure about it but then he saw Samantha and became quite curious. Even at a young age he LOVES the ladies.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-20646846570184202612009-02-21T21:07:00.003-06:002009-02-21T21:17:08.786-06:00Alpaca Photo Contest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtO7INXH9jsg_axZYEzdjoiWnX1JWr72KZBTZQ6Tw9bTVfAC5IyEoHnqq1bVrKOdwbklzvD4XxNdqZrDeCnHebyuIA3oRFZfUoVLPtaNkZ9vjdnKwfKPRA6BlUWwOuyCH5XdOyfKVJQ/s1600-h/MOPACAcolor-MIDWEST.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtO7INXH9jsg_axZYEzdjoiWnX1JWr72KZBTZQ6Tw9bTVfAC5IyEoHnqq1bVrKOdwbklzvD4XxNdqZrDeCnHebyuIA3oRFZfUoVLPtaNkZ9vjdnKwfKPRA6BlUWwOuyCH5XdOyfKVJQ/s320/MOPACAcolor-MIDWEST.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305453232588100626" border="0" /></a>The annual MOPACA Invitational Show is coming up the end of March. So dig out your best photos because this year there are cash prizes to go along with those ribbons!<br /><br />You can enter two photos in each of these categories (if you like):<br /><br />1. Cria—an individual cria caught at a special moment.<br /><br />2. Alpacas interacting—shows action between alpaca and alpaca, alpaca and other animal or alpaca and person.<br /><br />3. Farm scene—includes at least one alpaca.<br /><br />4. Black and white—these shots should show an alpaca, and have artistic merit.<br /><br />5. Computer enhanced—be creative—include one or more alpacas and artistically enhance the image of the alpaca.<br /><br />6. Junior class—any type of alpaca photo taken by a young person, age 15 or younger<br /><br />Entry form is <a href="http://www.mopaca.org/forms/PHOTOCONTESTFORM_CashPrize2.pdf">here</a>.Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-9285683273044224242009-02-15T13:39:00.012-06:002009-02-15T16:57:33.120-06:00Cute, Fluffy Valentine Goodness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwXioNZltWg6J926kcNjgvbJS0dwBCNPYNCR-5p-qBBrnj8d35nsAhRu2A_BOTBKIRedHhjQ41oIwpCO5er2J3tCTP30HlSDPO0eFfRnJa3V465nQ6ZmxkHUbwVaI2FNw6SR3MgfJCQ/s1600-h/IMG_4591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwXioNZltWg6J926kcNjgvbJS0dwBCNPYNCR-5p-qBBrnj8d35nsAhRu2A_BOTBKIRedHhjQ41oIwpCO5er2J3tCTP30HlSDPO0eFfRnJa3V465nQ6ZmxkHUbwVaI2FNw6SR3MgfJCQ/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303112474496295074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On Valentine's Day, I made a visit out to see the alpacas. Morrighan had her first halter lesson and Griffin chose to do his 'dead alpaca' imitation during his halter lesson.<br /><br />I also delivered some fleece and met the bunnies of <a href="http://fluffingtonfarms.blogspot.com/">Fluffington Farms.</a> Talk about some cute, fluffy goodness! I learned about the different types of Angora rabbits - English, French & Satin.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I also purchased some of Jordan's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20944965">home made fabric softener</a>. It smells divine and I'm almost excited about doing laundry!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8YXSLlmz43rdIR3z2bTp-_x0U1K6OrJtiA1u7nmye0ZxbKp5-vtgPql2SA3XpjYLM7804SKgP-mIzMQFou5GyhxxFfCS6l39QvqBjB4RLPb9GaGS5JfIxDrMfP3wgMMRamsmxeezJA/s1600-h/IMG_4563.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8YXSLlmz43rdIR3z2bTp-_x0U1K6OrJtiA1u7nmye0ZxbKp5-vtgPql2SA3XpjYLM7804SKgP-mIzMQFou5GyhxxFfCS6l39QvqBjB4RLPb9GaGS5JfIxDrMfP3wgMMRamsmxeezJA/s320/IMG_4563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303161905893546514" border="0" /></a>Griffin, 4 months old with his dam, Isis.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk6qbnOSZ-R1AZQOaN8EFZhNPtR4fTvcr-sxJxp1tuSWSInFsO4AvAueMVUVBZfPCbBOrDbOv1On8l6eDxNEJThrezmoXIk_ACQSrrZCObfDHRPq4SvhjBXHWnCO8XigdULCaHXupUA/s320/IMG_4573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303158531472212770" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;">Morrighan Noir, 2 1/2 months old<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciGId7xV2i7AIaw-4liQ19HjRJ8SylZMhsqOHPeKLtQ4Um77-omWQ4DO3WOVH3YEaErOAmP1cg2J8xG2VwpCEGtfJEcbVAeH60Pg_9coQbtnwI4_lXGsPFXpXUB1ydQADeuQGto43RQ/s1600-h/IMG_4587.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciGId7xV2i7AIaw-4liQ19HjRJ8SylZMhsqOHPeKLtQ4Um77-omWQ4DO3WOVH3YEaErOAmP1cg2J8xG2VwpCEGtfJEcbVAeH60Pg_9coQbtnwI4_lXGsPFXpXUB1ydQADeuQGto43RQ/s320/IMG_4587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303159386019519602" border="0" /></a>Cute Fluffy Goodness All for You!<br /></div>Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8721843526808167803.post-31718054324069757542009-02-11T22:36:00.003-06:002009-02-13T00:04:01.100-06:00An experiment of sorts - the RESULTS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fa5Zhdgyj5KIf0A0vDBHIMDUyqCHVsrLVF2CO2QF5Janj4wFHm9I5qaPalNA_i-LoWcJ144c3vQsoXtx1KrCTw5RN4OSaZ7vSnE1xnGvvcTrjPH2oqozFlhdhQhmUYkrZVZHcGBo6Q/s1600-h/IMG_1433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fa5Zhdgyj5KIf0A0vDBHIMDUyqCHVsrLVF2CO2QF5Janj4wFHm9I5qaPalNA_i-LoWcJ144c3vQsoXtx1KrCTw5RN4OSaZ7vSnE1xnGvvcTrjPH2oqozFlhdhQhmUYkrZVZHcGBo6Q/s400/IMG_1433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301766021134749714" border="0" /></a><br />On January 31st, I posted some of Autumm's fleece on my <a href="http://www.alpacanation.com/fiber/03_view_fiber.asp?name=15350">Alpacanation</a> site, <a href="http://stlouis.craigslist.org/art/1015575864.html">Craiglist</a>, <a href="http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/MissouriWools/">Missouri Wools Yahoo Group</a>, and <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M26348">Local Harvest</a> thinking I'd be lucky to sell it. After all, it wasn't even prime fiber. I had an immediate response from the Missouri Wools group. And I was very surprised to get a response from Craiglist. All in all I sold SEVEN pounds of fleece from four different animals when I had only listed 13 ounces for sale.<br /><br />Much thanks to my co-worker Robyn who suggested Craiglist. And thank you to my buyers: Debbie who is going to use the fleece for doll hair and <a href="http://fluffingtonfarms.blogspot.com/">Fluffington Farms</a> who will combine the alpaca fleece with fur from their angora rabbits.<br /><br />So, how & where do you sell your fleece?Mariposa Farm Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473577208710388491noreply@blogger.com1