THE CAPRA BLANKET THAT WAS: A YEAR of MAGICAL WONDER

The Capra Blanket That Was:  A Year of Magical Wonder

by:  Mimi Foxmorton

Once upon a time, in a wee house, in a tiny kingdom, there lived a Girl.

It wasn't a large and grand house and the kingdom was quite small.

The Girl lived there with her faithful Dog and her snuggly Cat.

And all was quite peaceful.

And the Three were very happy.

One day, quite out of the violet sky, the Girl decided that Three would no longer quite do.

"We need a goat." the Girl said aloud one day to the faithful Dog and the snuggly Cat.

But the Dog and Cat just smiled and went back to napping and dreaming.

They had no idea exactly what a goat was but always trusted the Girl to work these thing out.

"Hmm." thought the Girl.  "But where to get a goat?"

The Villagers laughed.

"There she goes again." they said.  

"You can never get a goat!"

"We shall see." said the Girl.

And so, one day, on the Magical Wish of a friend who said,

"I wish for you a goat."

the Universe took heed and granted the Girl a boon, for that very day the Girl was

 sent to a Farmer who had goats!

Sometimes, if you have Faith, it's just that simple.

The goats were fun to play with, to be sure, but still, something was missing.

"I should like my own goat, please." said the Girl.

And again the Universe took heed and granted the Girl a boon.

One day the Farmer said,

 "There is a Magical Goat growing inside of another goat!  When it comes out it can be yours!"

(Ok.  Well, maybe the Farmer didn't say exactly that....but that's what the Girl heard.)

And so the Girl rushed home to wait.

And while she was waiting she thought.

"This Goat will need a blanket.  A very special and magical blanket.

A blanket worthy of a wondrous gypsy dancing Capra in the Yule moonlight!"

And so the Girl had Faith and petitioned kingdoms far and near for scraps of Fabric of Intent

 with which to make the blanket.

And the Universe took heed and granted the Girl a boon.

All at once, quite out of the violet sky, the Fabric of Intent began to arrive!

Big scraps, tiny scraps, shiny buttons and elegant tassels!

Fabric from Thither and fabric from Yon!

And lo' and behold, quite out of naught it seemed, the Sisterhood of the Goat was born!

And so was the Magical Goat.

And the Dog and the Cat smiled.

The Girl rushed to sew the scraps together and each time she joined a piece to another her fingertips tingled and she could feel the magic sent to her.

And so, in that way, the blanket was completed.

The day came for the Yule Ceremony in which the Magical Goat would wear the fine creation.

Some saw only a blanket on a goat but, there were Others, others who saw the Magic and you could tell by the sparkle in their eyes.

The moment came for the Lighting of the Tree Ceremony and the revelers went hand

 in hand to gather 'round the darkened Yule tree. 

 On cue, the chorus began to sing very softly the tune Silent Night.

"How could this be any better?" thought the Girl in wonder.

And the Universe took heed and granted the girl a boon.

And as the chorus sang, the Magical Goat did, too!

And it sounded like this:

Si-lent Night......

Maa-maa-maa......

Holy Night......

Maa-maaaa.....

All is calm.....

Maaaaaa.......

All is bright.........

Maa-maaa.........

And on to the finish of the song.  Ne'er missing a line.

As the song came to a close, Old St. Nick threw the switch and the tree blazed in all its magical glory!

The Villagers were amazed.

The music director said it was-Call & Response. 

The chorus couldn't believe that a goat just sang with them!

But the Girl did.

And she silently thanked the Universe.

"What's next?" the Villagers inquired.

And the Girl replied:

"A Magical Cow."

And the faithful Dog and the snuggly Cat smiled.

c. 2011 Mimi Foxmorton

**********************

The story you have just read is all true.  

The details are all within this blog.

Darla really did sing, exactly that way.

For reasons of her own I would imagine.

Call & Response is of tribal origination.  It's probably in her DNA.

Each line I kept holding my breath thinking it

was mere coincidence but she continued to the end,

standing with the teens in the choir and belting out

her Maa's like she'd done it a million times before. 

I cried. 

My favorite quote:  (from a teen choir member)  "A goat just sang with us!  That is the coolest thing that's ever happened!"

My sincere thanks to not only the Sisterhood of the Goat, who have given me such love, friendship and support unconditionally throughout the past year but to each and everyone of you who shared a scrap of fabric to make the Capra Blanket happen.  On January 1, 2011 when I began this blog it was with just a dream.  And here we are, 11 months later with so many friendships sewn together....much like the Capra blanket.

The Universe took heed.....and seemingly, out of the violet sky,  granted us a boon.

xoxoxo

~Mimi

And-

It is my intention to pack up the Capra Blanket with a journal and send her off into the world!

The Sisterhood will grow stronger as each adds to the journal and shares photos and stories.

It is my hope that the Capra Blanket will go on to have many tales to share with us and use her Magic as was intended....to bring Unity to our wee kingdom.

The original Sisters begin the list and it will go on from there.

If you would like to be on the list please private message me at
foxgoddess44 at yahoo  (I didn't put a link because of robots but you know what to do)

Again, my sincere gratitude to all who made the Capra Blanket happen.
Bright Blessings to you this Yuletide.  May your traditions be honored and respected
as your heart desires.  xox   ~M.

My favorite of the capra photos!

On the red carpet with the paparazzi!

Oh, my Darla.  Oh, my Darla.  Oh, my Darla clementine!

My friend who wished for me a goat.

That smile is the reson I do this.

Magic comes in all forms.

BAD FOX! Bad, bad Fox!

Hey-ho lovies!

Foxmorton is a bad, bad girl!  Several days since the fabled Tree Lighting and I have failed to post.

If you are not on Facebook with the Sisterhood of the Goat then you have missed the mini posts & pics regarding the tree lighting and Darla's capra debut.  (And, if you haven't joined us there please do search for Mimi Foxmorton on FB and join in our goatie fun!)

And so it is that Life gets in the way of Living and I haven't been able to give proper attention to a properly written blog about the e'en.

Suffice it to say that what happened......especially at the actual lighting.... will bring a tear to your eye.
And just so you won't feel left out.....I haven't even shared that part with the Sisterhood yet....! 
 *wicked grin*

But all in all the e'en proves my point........goats are magical...................

I'll share as soon as I can do justice to the story.  But for now I'll leave you with some raw footage my wiley daughter was able to plunder from the news station and my sincere thanks for joining in the Capra Project!
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=3082862&navCatId=18792
Much, much love.........
I'll see you soon...............
~Mimi

CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT.....it's here!

Hey-oh my lovelies!

I cannot believe that it's been nearly a year since I started the Capra Project......four days before Miss Darla was ever born or before I even knew things would turn out like they did, for that matter. 

I was Blessed with Miss Darla in my home.....the Sisterhood of the Goat .....and made so many friends from near and far by way of the Capra Project.

And so......tonight is the night!  It's finally here!

I promise to post at length when the chaos subsides but, for now, here's a wee peek at the Pre-Capra Festivities!

You'll all be with me in Spirit and in my Heart this fine e'en.

 My sincere thanks for making this happen...........

I'll report back soon!

All my love-
Mimi
The Goat Borrower

Yellow Dog models for the Yule Princess.  (He's a good boy like that!)

Pooter Cat thinks SHE should be the Yule Princess!

Yellow Dog guards the Capra Blanket!

The Infamous Capra Blanket

Capra Blanket (back)

The Gypsy Butt Belt that (sadly) won't make it for tonight's event.   I ran out of time.  :(

The Capra Hat!

DANCING CAPRA

The CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT draws nigh.
I can't believe that in a few short weeks (December 5th) the Capra Blanket will be complete!
As I laid out the fabric I was reminded of all the scraps from this year that have led to such wonderful relationships, most importantly, the Sisterhood of the Goat!

And so, I sew........and leave you waiting to see the final results!

Darla is bragging in the barn because SHE gets to be the Yule Princess!

It's going to be a BEAUTIFUL evening!

And, while you wait for December 5th to arrive please take a wee peek at the link below.
It is the most wonderful representation of Dancing Capra that I have even seen.
Enjoy!  xoxo

And.....just so everyone knows.......I'm still (pout) open to those scraps from Heidelberg, Germany and Anywhere in Romania...........just sayin'............     ;)  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKhe_jpecWg

And.....if you happen to be just stumbling across the CAPRA PROJECT, please click on the link below the goat to see how it all started!

http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/01/capra-and-magical-goat-blanket-broject.html

I'm TOTALLY getting to be the YULE PRINCESS!



CAPRA BOUNTY!

And MORE mysterious CAPRA BOOTY arrives in the mail!

My sincere thanks to MIDAS P. GOAT from Cossayuna, NY for this elegant fabric!
Note the goat!  How wonderful!

And, whilst we're on the subject of Capra and the Magical Goat Blanket Project......methinks I'd better get threading that needle!  Gotta be done by December 5th!

The Sisterhood of the Goat has decided that after the December 5th event the blanket shall become a TRUE Gypsy Traveler and be sent out into the world to adorn the backs of all good goaties everywhere!

Let us know if YOU'D like to be on the list!

Much love and gypsy goat magic to you all!
xoxox
~Mimi and Darla

Also-Darla thinks it's coool to get mail at work!   ;)

"I'M SWAMPED!"

More and more Capra Magic..........

Bountiful Booty!

You just never know when you'll find a surprise on your desk...................

Gifted by Merlyn of Merry Mischief  Jordan, NY
And a wee story with each one........

My humble thanks for the sharing of your world...........

MORE CAPRA MAGIC HAS ARRIVED!

Hip!  Hip!  HUZZAH!  And, HURRAH!  HURRAH!

More CAPRA MAGIC has appeared on my desk!

The first package to arrive was from Claire in Nova Scotia!
Lovely offerings of fabric, her own oh, so soft! spun wools and (no gypsy worth her salt could be without one...or many.....)  a gypsy tassle!
I so love my Sisterhood of the Goat and gentle Claire in particular. 
Goat Sisters are pure magic!

The next, was my mysterious envelope from St. Croix..........
The Chumbucket Family (of TLAPD fame!) had promised me an offering in
just the perfect size that I would love!  Intrigured, as the Other Half of TLAPD, my beloved Cap'n Slappy, had previously sent his Joe Boxer's.  His....old......Joe Boxers..............!  So, you can imagine how curious I was to get the Chumbucket's package.........

Imagine my surprise when I opened THIS:

 What a riot!  And they we're right....I DO love it!
One signed and one for good luck!
(They are actuall eye glass polishers.  Apparently goats run free-ish in St. Croix so the optician must have been influenced.....!)  ;)

Yep.  I do believe this blanket will hold magic beyond compare.........

My heartfelt thanks to Claire & Richard......and to the Chumbuckets-John and Mad Sally & the Kids.........
and to Slappy, for his underpants, which I did not post.  ;)

I love you all.................   xoxo

Now.......methinks I REALLY ought to get to laying that blanket out, eh?
That is, unless, one of you out there still has a piece to send...............

Believe in Magic!
xo
~Fox

A HUMBLE (AND INTERNATIONAL) REQUEST

Dear Faithful Blog Readers,
I am always amazed each day as I see how many International Readers I have.
It's so humbling to think that a person has the ability to connect to so many far away places.
I thank you all for taking the time to visit my tiny little world.
Which brings me to my (somewhat selfish) request. 
 My CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET is nearing an 'end' so that I might have it pieced together and sewn by Yule.  If you haven't yet sent me just a wee scrap (envelope size is fine) then I really wish might consider it.  The energy from this blanket project has been simply magical.  Info is below.  The deadline is October 1.
My humble thanks,
~Mimi

DANCING CAPRA for YULE!


Have you sent your piece of fabric for the
 CAPRA AND THE MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT yet?

Deadline is October 1st.

I have had SO many fabulous pieces sent from near and far.

To date, the farthest away has been Istanbul! Imagine!

It's truly amazing the energy this project has generated.

I look forward to seeing Darla in this most wondrous of folk blankets.

The link below will get you the project info but all pieces sent in have been photographed and posted on the Goat Borrower blog.

My sincere gratitude to you all........

~Mimi Foxmorton

The Goat Borrower

http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/01/capra-and-magical-goat-blanket-broject.html

CAPRA BLANKET BOOTY!

Oh, how I LOVE when the mail arrives and there's a CAPRA package for me!

This latest is from Dawn from Canandaigua, NY.
A fan of tshirt quilts, this piece also has a bittersweet story attached to it.
ANd she says that Kentucky is farther than NY!  ;)
Dawn says that while she's 'not a goat fan' she IS a Capricorn!
And I say:  You just haven't met the right goat yet!  ;)

My thanks for your energy, Dawn.  It will be well used in the Capra Blanket!

To read more about the CAPRA AND THE MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT
and/or to be a part of the blanket yourself (it's easy-peasy!) go to:
http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/01/capra-and-magical-goat-blanket-broject.html
and follow the story. 

So much Energy from the Universe.............

My humble thanks..........
xox
~Mimi

MAGICAL CAPRA GARB

On my way home today I scored a fabulous jacket for my gypsy garb for the December Capra and the Tree Lighting.   $6!   I'd been musing all year as to what exactly I would wear.  For awhile I went in a more formal direction and then the faeries left me this!  I can't wait to design a suitable hat and decide exactly how the rest of the garb should look.  I'm thinking cuffs, collar and a slight peplum.  And who knows what else?  But that's the excitement of it!  Or, as I like to call it:  Reason to Live.  ;)

The coolest thing about all my garb is that because of the nature of my job I can usually wear it, in a modified version, (ok-sometimes *not* so modified) to work!  (Paula-are you reading this?  One time Paula talked to me for a good 15 minutes and called me at my desk another 15 minutes later and said:  "Were you just dressed like a pirate?  Me:  "Uh-huh."  Paula:  Good god, I don't even notice any more."  That, to me, is success!  ;)

In addition, this will be the same event that Miss Darla will premiere the CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT!

If you haven't yet sent a piece of fabric or trinket for the Magical Blanket won't you consider taking a moment?  There is so much energy surrounding the pieces that I'd be sad to complete the project with out you.

You can find out more at
   http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/01/capra-and-magical-goat-blanket-broject.html

So, now off I go to ponder...............

Blessings!
xox
~Mimi

Here is the direction I had intended to go (sans blouse) when I found this lovely jacket several months ago.
The detail is below.

NEW CAPRA TREASURE!

New Capra Blanket treasure has washed ashore!

I can't describe how wonderful it makes me feel when a package shows up on my desk!

I have set an arbitrary date of OCTOBER 1, 2011 to actually start work on the blanket.
But I have a feeling that I'll be adding to the energy for a long time to come.

This week's treasure is from:

Marigold (the goat) and goatmother Maryanne from Sequim, WA
It is the actual hem of the goatmother's nightgown!
Marigold writes:  "She is short and has to cut off many things."
Now, I ask you.....how special is that?! 
I hope this means I can share in her dreams.

The second are two crochet doilies and hankies from two different grandmothers from
Paula of Liverpool, NY

The handmade doilies are by Grandma Jenny
and the flower hankies are from Grandma Laura.

Remember when everyone had a hankie....?  :)

Paula also gifted me with something that made both of us cry.
She left on my desk an actual goat bell from Switzerland that she purchased 30 years ago.
She told me how it had been "waiting for a goat."
Needless to say, I can't even begin to describe how touched I am at the gesture.
Darla will be proud to wear this magical bell come Yuletide.

Energy.

Energy everywhere.

I become more and more humbled each time someone shares.

Darla may wear the blanket.....but I am wrapped in love.............

Thank you my friends......so, so much.........

~Mimi

To learn more about the CAPRA PROJECT please see the 1/1/11 archive.

GOAT MAGIC

Wow!

Just wow!

What a most excellent Capra Project surprise on this sunny Spring day!

A battered and beat up package arrived in today's post from Demet who lives in Istanbul, Turkey! I was in awe! Six packets of fabric, most hand embroidered or woven, were included within, each bearing a post-it note detailing the history of the piece.

The following is copied from the post-it notes.

From L-R we have:

*Kilim designs from Anatolia


*Odemis Silk used for embroidery. Odemis is a village in Aegean region of Turkey.

*Cloth called: divitin. Usually used by village women.

*This textile is usually used to make sheets in Cypress.

*Cypriot Handwork: It is made by cutting silkworm pods (cocoons) and arranging them like flowers. Usually they are framed and used as wall hangings.

* (bottowm-circles) Cypriot embroidery called "Lefkara" embroidery.


As usual when a package arrives, once my excitement simmers down I become very humbled and, in most cases, a wee bit teary. I somehow can't imagine that people I do not know could take the time to become part of a project such as this. That fabrics that have history and energy and stories and bits of other peoples lives have made their way to me to grace the back of my wee magical goatie. It makes me feel so small and yet so very, very tall.

And so, to Demet in Istanbul I send my heartfelt thanks for adding more magic to a wonderful blanket that grows stronger in love and unity each and every day.

And my special thanks to Gloria who believed in my project and passed it on.

With love to all past, present and future Capra Project friends........

~Mimi & Darla
xox

You may read the initial Capra and the Magical Goat Blanket Project post at
http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/01/capra-and-magical-goat-blanket-broject.html

With apologies that I am link challenged but Marigold, who spent ages trying to help me, said it might not be my fault. ;)

At any rate, it is the 1/1/11 post.

LOVELY SPRING SWAP

Greetings and Happy Spring!

I just received the most wondrous, magical and lovingly wrapped Spring swap package that anyone could have ever hoped for from Mother Moon's Spring Swap!
www.mothermoonsmessage.blogspot.com

What a welcome surprise! Such energy and magic arrives in a treasure
packet such as that!

My benefactress is Audrey from The Magic, Miracle & Joy of an Artist
www.magicmiraclejoy.blogspot.com
Take a peek at her blog. She has the delicate hand of a faerie!

It's funny, you know, how busy we all are yet how much difference it makes when you
make a wee effort to reach out. I must admit that I almost didn't do it because I was too busy. Now I'm glad I did. The Universe, She's a funny gal. I had just purchased seeds, two tomatoes, a cucumber and a corn and was bemoaning the fact that I wanted to shop for more and had no time and then comes the mail......and presto......seeds! Just like that!

Much humbled gratitude to Audrey for the special package.
I hope that I am as good a giver when I send my swap, which will go to
Theresa at Faerie Moon Creations. www.faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com

And many thanks to Mother Moon for taking the time....and it must have been a lot of time to sort this out.....to care.

Spring Blessings upon us!
Have a wonderful and creative day!
xox
~Mimi

CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT

http://thegoatborrower.blogspot.com/2011/01/capra-and-magical-goat-blanket-broject.html

Just a reminder that I am still searching for fabric and scraps from the Four Quarters to complete the Capra Yule Blanket.

Many thanks to all who have contributed. Your energy will be greatly felt and honored come our ceremony at Yule.

I note that I have a good number of readers outside the US.
It is my hope that word of the Capra Project will spread and
and surprise packages will arrive from far and away.

Because that's what the Capra Project is all about.


Much love to you all from Mimi and Darla

(and if someone can point out to me why, oh why my link thing will never, ever work.....it would be greatly appreciated.)


"If goats had longer tails they could sweep the stars clean."
~Old Proverb

CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET Project

Time to post some new pics of CAPRA and the MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT treasures!

I still get *so* excited when a package comes in the mail!
I'm especially excited that sail and pirate friends have thought to contribute.

While the Capra Project is indeed, ultimately, about the celebration of life through goats it needn't be necessarily related to goats in any way. The idea is to have a finished blanket that contains the energy of the Universe.

Hoping that the project grows and packages arrive from the Four Quarters.
You really can feel the love as an almost tangible thing when each package is opened.

I humbly thank you for caring.
xox
~Mimi

Linda Kamuela, Hawaii
Fabric from a south seas sail on the sloop "Topaz"
(I like to think Patricia might have used it once in an escapade! ;)
The "Dear Violet" that you see is how Linda, author of Starcrossed, a wonderful historical/pirate novel, knows me.
You can read my stories of Violet and her legend and her adventures in my PIRATE GIRL blog! As you know, I stink at links.)

Fran Liverpool, NY Green
Ribbon/rawhide
(Who hand delivered her treasure even though it was a long walk to my desk and her hip hurt that day. It meant all that much more.)

Autumn Liverpool, NY
Purple tie dyed fabric
(Autumn promises me she's my biggest fan! I promise Autumn that the fabric is perfect! AUtumn doesn't know how much I appreciate her support.) ;)

*Georgia Auburn, NY
Black fabric, tulle, baubles, ribbon & bat.
(*I have to say that this package came Anon....and if I hadn't been able to guess
from the fabric that is was my lovely friend Georgia I would have been able to guess from the smell of her perfume! Opening the envelope was like Georgia wrapping her arms around me and giving me a great big Georgia hug!) :)

OF CAPRA AND THE SEA

The Historic Collection

The precious fishnet

What was inside the fishnet: A wee baby cap.


Ahoy Friends!

Darla and I are doing well but we are negligent bloggers are we not?

But rest assured, we're still going strong it's just that life gets in the way of living (and blogging!) sometimes. So stay tuned for more Darla Tales to come!

I have a Capra box to share this day that arrived the other day and was filled with a most wondrous bounty of treasure! I can only say to read the letter reposted (with permission) below. I will freely admit to being humbled at this grand gift and got a wee tear at the line: Do what you may with it-it is yours now.

The box held such grand history of sailors and life and death and the sea and wee babes, long since taken by the waters, who I feel somehow are now in my care.

I am humbled beyond words. I am honored that such a gift should be mine.
The history, energy, love and life in this package is overwhelming.

For those of you who might wonder, I am a pirate in my Other Life so this package had
particular meaning. You can read all about that if you like at www.mimifoxmorton.blogspot.com

But whether goats or pirates, I adore a good tale....and this one has touched my heart. I bow to the sender.

My thanks to all of you have given a scrap of your life to the Capra Project.
Surely the combined energy will be felt for a long time to come. I hope to one day return the gesture to you all.

Stay tuned for Hawaiian sails and Gothic lace in the next Capra post.

Have a magical and creative day!
~Mimi
xoxoxoxox


*************************************


Dear Mimi,

I have coveted this scrap long enough and feel the need to pass it on to a kindred spirit that has a love of the sea and an old tale. It came to me with an assortment of my great grandmother's sewing archives. Tucked away carefully amongst her tools was this tiny bit of fishnet. It was customary for sailors to carry a talisman with something from home for good luck as they ventured out on the seas. I untied a single knot and left it free for you to do the same so you can see the precious bit of home that one of her men or boys tied up inside and carried over the waves close to his heart for many years. She married a man that was a sailor and ship builder like his ancestors for generations and bore him 7 sons. She lived to see them all die on the waters. This is the token so carefully saved by the widow Susan Collins Veltman, 112 Ocean Ave. Bay Shore, NY. She was born the year that Lincoln was inaugurated. Do what you may with it-it is yours now.

Also find enclosed:

Some of her hand tatted lace and crocheted lace. I wouldn't hesitate to soak it in some tepid water with a little whitener and it should clean up fairly well or keep it vintage if you choose.

A hand crocheted collar made by my Mom.

Also some older collars that I thought you or a friend might use as patterns as they are the real deal. My grandmother always dresses in black and changed the white collars and cuffs daily-her ghost is regularly seen in the old family ship yard paint storage room that used to be her kitchen and she is always dressed in this manner.

Happy Sewing
Sue
Oswego, NY