I was introduced to rug hooking 15 years ago while summering in Nova Scotia by a group of "hookers," as these women called themselves. As was the tradition, some mats were for the floor, but more recently, rugs were meant to be displayed. With their encouragement, but unsure of myself, I bought a kit. It came with a pattern, a picture of the finished rug, cut strips of wool, and a hook. I borrowed a circular frame and began. When completed, the small mat showed three black kittens made famous by Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis. I was "hooked." The next summer I ambitiously began a series of mats called "Animals I have Known and Loved." Choosing the subject for a rug is important--a piece may take me all summer. A memory, photo,or song are often the inspiration. This crowing rooster, for example, was inspired by the opening words of the poem "The Wakeup World" by Countee Cullen.