Do you have a passion for making things entirely by hand or appreciate it in other people? In my teens and twenties, I got a thrill out of being my own mechanic on my old '75 Mustang. Yep, I've changed a few water pumps and brake pads. I have sewn every stitch of handmade rag dolls with a needle and thread (no machine stitching), and I prefer to cook from scratch. Isn't it much more rewarding to gather family and friends to put in fence posts, and raise barns? So naturally for me, prepping the fleece, learning to spin, and then making things from the alpacas' luscious fiber is my idea of happiness! -Kaylen

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Book and Alpaca Gift Giveaway

An update on "The Next Step".   A friend recommended Running Made Easy by Susie Whalley and Lisa Jackson as a place to start.  It is a ten week plan to transition from absolutely zero to walking/jogging for 40 minutes.  I am now in week two!  Little Man is my trainer.  He is 10 and doesn't remember me when I was hiking and snowshoeing, or during my time on the radio or on stage.  So he is thrilled.  He keeps hugging on me and smiling a lot.


Quite a few people are inspired to join me in a return to health, so I'm giving away a copy of this book, along with an item from my Etsy shop!  The winner gets to pick which item they'd like!  Here is what is currently in the shop:


The winner will get to pick from whatever is in the shop on Monday.  Just leave a comment here and you'll be included in the random drawing on Sunday.  The winner will be announced Monday, February 28th. 

Now, I will tell you this book is written for people in the UK, so weight is converted from kg or stones to lbs.  I have no idea how many "stones" I am, but I have not found this to be a problem for this program.  I love the book!  It has lots of tips, stories, and inspiration...weekly plans, charts, and celebrating.  It has been very well thought out to help people like me who are coming back from physical challenges, weight problems, or are just plain 'ol couch potatoes.  Spinning and knitting does keep us sitting a lot!

Today I started week two.  I run (haha which is more of a shuffle) for 60 seconds and walk for 2 minutes, then repeat 5 times on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  My basset, Lucy, has joined in.  Guess what I learned?  When female dogs get older, they have to stop and pee pee every few minutes, too!  :D

16 comments:

Andy and Deb said...

You do not need to count this as an entry! Just wanted to tell you to keep up the good work, your comment about your 10 year old not remembering what you used to be like....WOW...Keep up the good work, just remember we have a date to watch you in the ring with your alpacas

Kaylen said...

Thank you! and yes, you count! :D

Aunt Vicky said...

We are so proud of you and I know you can do this...We love you

Kaylen said...

Thank you Aunt Vicky!

Annette said...

You are such an inspiration, Kaylen. I can't wait to track your accomplishments! :D Yeah to Kenny for being your personal trainer. I love you, friend.

Kaylen said...

Thanks Annette! :)

Lindy and Paul said...

Go, Kaylen, Go! Sounds like you have an excellent coach (Kenny) and co-trainer (your pooch)!

Linda Briggs said...

As ever, Kaylen, you are truly amazing and an inspiration to all! Good luck with your running goal, and who knows, maybe you'll inspire me to run too! :)

Unknown said...

Go Kaylen, Go Kaylen, Go Kaylen! I think I will buy the book. I need some inspiration and coaching! GO US!!!!

Unknown said...

Hahaha GARY is ME....Kim Walden Middleton!

Unknown said...

I have really enjoyed visiting your blog, website and FB fan page. You will have to "tag" the alpacas in the photos! I can't run due to severe arthitis in both knees, but my granddaughter is a magnificent runner! I think the contest is a great idea, and right now I think I prefer to being weighed in stones vs. pounds!Too may gelatos in Italy! LOL Patti

Henry Allen said...

Ok, you inspired me! Put me in.

Hey, I just spent 10 days in Cabo with PETER JONES, his hubby and my folks. We reminisced fondly about the old days at the Schwaydah Theeaytah. Good times.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Kaylen, your advancing progress is so inspirational & I am so proud of you! What a fun & healthy activity/adventure for you & (Coach) Kenny to enjoy together too:). & oooh every time I visit your website, I find more stuff to buy, love it! Sending pounds & stones of support to power you onward... Kelly

Sopa Dodren said...

Kaylen it is so nice to keep up with you on FB. Congrats on the running/walking program. You are truly an inspiration.

(I have long suspected that underneath the padding, I have a hidden runner... maybe you'll be the person to bring her out?)...diane

Dianne Lutz said...

Count me in!

Linda Skinner Austin said...

Saw your post via mutual friend Diane Whitcomb ... I am a needle-felter, so love your products, also I am following Weight Watchers and would love some inspiration for my battles! Thanks for putting my name in.