Birth of Wildflower Creek Farm

So,, exactly how did this all get started?
As, I've explained to many folks.... This project probably began in my early years. I am the youngest of four. My brother Ray is the oldest, then there are my two sisters,, and me. There was an 8 year difference between my sister and my birth. My parents had pretty much gone thru PTA, band, scouts,,and every other activity a child can do in the 60's and 70's. I was pretty much an only child after my brother enlisted in the Coast Guard and then my sisters married. Therefore, I was able to "easily convience" my parents when I wanted a pet or needed something to do. I was the "Ellie Mae" of the family. I had rabbits, pet fish, pet turtles (remember those little green turtles you could purchase at the store and keep at home? Cute story--I had one of those cute little green turtles. We ran out of food for it one weekend,, way back when the stores were not opened on Sundays. Well, at age 8,, I was afraid my beloved pet would die. I made the unfortunate decision to place that little green turtle in a tupperware container of bread until we could purchase pet food at Kresges. Well, one can only imagine the excitement created when my mother opened that container of bread at Sunday dinner. This story left lasting memories--and no more pet turtles in our home )... Thru the years I had several dogs, cats and horses. My two horses were a Palomino (Ginger) and a quarter horse (MyMy). Unfortunately, one day while in a full gallop on MyMy (and riding bareback without a saddle) I had a terrible fall. After that, my parents decided it was time to put an end to my equine hobby.
Then, came high school, college, and other life events, so I lost interest in animals for a while. Now, I'm making up for all those years I went without any pets!

I'm also forming this little fiber art business in honor of my mother. She was my great teacher, inspiration, and best friend. I lost her suddendly 5 years ago and it has been quite a void.
My mom was the "Martha Stewart" of the time. She could cook anything, grow the most amazing flowers/plants,,,, and very good at many crafty things (and do all of this in a dress covered with a flawless apron and wear high heels at the same time!). A few years ago,to fill some of that void left by the loss of my mom.... I finally learned to knit as a right handed person. Now, to most of the world that may not seem like a big accomplishment. You have to understand that I'm left handed and to learn a skill with the opposite side of the brain is a major feat!!! In addition, after learning to knit,I decided I wanted to knit something with my own yarn,, created by me. I ordered a book on spinning wheels... took a few classes (after taking 6 months to locate someone to teach me!) After extensive research, I decided to purchase an upright "modern" Schadt spinning wheel-an engineering marvel! I then needed a source of fiber to spin. So,, my "mini farm" was born!!! I choose angora and alpaca for their softness, blending capabilities and just darn cute animals!! Be warned!! The next time you decide to take up a new hobby, watch out!!! One thing can lead to something else........
I attended my first Fiber Arts Show in Indiana about 5 years ago,, and I was hooked. I now have two spinning wheels, 10 angora rabbits (black, brown and white) and recently added 3 Alpaca's to my flock. The best part of working with Angora and Alpaca is that it is all natural. The animals are not killed for their fiber,, the fiber is all natural and without chemicals or additives!
When I began selling Angora fiber to some other fiber art folks, my accountant suggested making it into a legit business... so here I am. Of course there are a few folks that think I may be in the early stages of dementia to start this now, at this point in life. One day while discussing the logistics with my accountant he assured me "Henry Ford didn't start the assembly line until he was in his mid 40's". So, I guess there is hope for me . At least it will give me something to talk about when I do make it to the old age home,,,, several years from now!!!