A Little About Jules

Check My Blog or MySpace for the Current 'Scoop'

I was born and raised in a small Colorado town, in the mid-1950s . . . (Okay! Before we go any further, let me just point out -- I am not that old !! )

One summer ~ probably to keep me out of her raspberries ~ Grandma tried to teach me how to crochet. (The skinned knees and elbows ~ and broken nose ~ should have been a clue that I had zero coordination!) She made the most beautiful afghans and doilies; while I tangled yarn and thread.

Then, during my first pregnancy, (many, many years later!) I was put on bedrest. After 30 seconds, I was bored! and desperate for something to do.  Thus, began my earnest efforts to learn to crochet.  I started making booties and baby afghans, and the first few were, shall we say . . . interesting!? (Okay - they were hideous!)

Over the years, during spare hours and for relaxation, I practiced and practiced. Sometimes I HAD to crochet! It was self-preservation! (In Michigan, I had a cat that insisted on having the windows open year-round. Can you say "Brrrrr!!"? I knew ya could!)

Today, I live in Arizona with a wonderful man. (Yes! He's the 'Mark' in JMark Afghans, etc.) Love the winters!! Still getting used to 120 degree summers - whew, that's hot!!

Mark was diagnosed with End-Stage Liver Disease in 2003. Over the next several months, we spent hours in emergency rooms and, often, days at the hospital. (Luckily, crocheting travels anywhere!)

Shortly after Mark's transplant in 2004, his two youngest sons moved in with us.  (Well, it was a roomy one-bedroom apartment!) I'm still trying to decide if having teen-agers in the house keeps you young or ages you tenfold. After almost 3 years, I've determined that teenagers are the root cause of all grey hair!! (Pun intended!)

On 06-Mar-2006, we adopted a 2-month-old, mixed breed kitten - who lived with us for over a month before he finally acquired a name ~ "Paka" ~ which is Swahili for 'Cat'. I know that it's not exactly creative, naming a cat 'Cat'. But it was the only name I tried that he didn't ignore! Of course, you know that he's gotten over that and now ignores everything ~ except the sound of a can opening!!

I thought he was going to be a huge cat, but it turns out he's small in stature - he simply weighs 4 tons! There are lots of pictures in the Paka Album.

So, in my spare time, I create new afghan designs, crochet for my new family, edit at DMOZ, chase the new kitten around, and try to keep up with my older new 'baby' ~ JMark Afghans, etc.

We've added an Updates and Changes page. Be sure to visit often and see what's new and different. You just never know what you might find!

Current Personal Project:.  'Afghan in 3 Blues' ~~~ For Michael

Next Personal Project:.  'Heaven Only Knows?' ~~~ For Me?

Just~Waiting Project:.  Your Afghan Name Here! ~~~ For You!