Happy to find you all here! Who knew a whole world of people like me?!

[AlpacaRenee]

My name is Renee,
I have worked in my real job...law enforcement, for 28 years and am looking forward to retiring soon to my fiberfarm where mostly alpacas, but a few sheep, angora goats and llamas ( as well as other non-fiber producing animals live). It is truly my therapy. Working with the animals and their fiber is my decompression method. It is truly what I live for. As I get closer to retirement, I know I will never stop doing, but I want to do what my heart yearns for: to CREATE!

I want to start a program for returning veterans and law enforcement officers who are working through PTSD issues and bring them to the farm for outings working with the animals, fiber, and being out doors. I think it will be a good way for me to give back to others, some of what has blessed my life. If you have been around alpacas in their normal surroundings you know they hum. I teach my workshops out in one of their paddocks with animals all around chewing their cud, humming and watching what the guests are doing. My alpacas are very interactive and social so they come right up and sniff the spinning wheels, felting projects, etc. It is great fun to see who grew the fiber you are working with, and feel it in your hands.

I love the fact you can harvest their "product" without killing them.

I have been making teddy bears, spinning, felting, needle felting, Nuno felting, dyeing for about 12 years. I love that with fiber arts there is no end to learning; I really do learn from every video, class, book, etc. I participate in.

Looking forward to learning from all of you too.

If you are ever in the Sacramento, CA area, call and come by for a visit to meet the animals and enjoy a cup of tea!

fiberfarm@earthlink.net
916-802-8263

[lyn]

Hello Renee and a warm welcome to the forum.

Yes - there are lots of us all around the world and we're all besotted with fibre!

I think your idea of starting a programme for people working through PTSD issues is a great one - what better place to recover than with animals?

I'd love to sit in your field and work amongst the alpacas - what a fantastic experience that would be.

Good luck to you and we'd all love to see some photos.

[hillsbjorn]

What a wonderful idea, there is little to be the natural therapy of looking after animals or making something from start to finish. I hope your plan succeeds.