So just what ARE the dog days you might ask? Here are a few answers. Many folks think it means that the days of summer get so hot and unbearable that it's not even fit for a dog. It really refers to a celestial event. The Greeks and Romans determined that the dog days occurred around the day when Sirius appeared to rise just before the sun, in late July and continuing til August 11. "They referred to these times as the hottest time of the year, a period that could bring fever, or even catastrophe." as per National Geographic. Well, that seems ominous. Around here, it's a bit more lighthearted! Moe and I have managed the weather just fine as we are blessed to live in the cool mountains of Western North Carolina. We get by with sitting in front of the oscillating fan, or finding a spot of shade under a big tree, and on special days literally jumping in the lake!
Many times when I displayed my work at a summer art show, customers languidly strolled by commenting it was just too hot to think about wearing a shawl. My now famous comeback was always, "yes it's hot out here, but when you go back into the air conditioning you'll be thinking about one of these lightweight cotton shawls!" Sure enough as we are in the South, this resonated with everybody and encouraged many to come take a look at my "summer shawls" great for ocean breezes, cool mountain evenings and air-conditioned comfort!
I encourage all of you to take a look at my online shop and consider one of my unique creations for yourself or a special gift. All my work begins with the image of a beautiful flower, a splendid sunset, a colorful bird, or some other inspiration from nature. I then translate those colors into my own hand-dyed yarns and handwoven fabric before constructing the one-of-a-kind wearable accessories. As extra encouragement, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING beginning today, July 30 through August 22 (the end of dog days in Finland!) Just enter the code "DogDays" at check-out!
Stay Cool!