Night of Wonder and Magic

What a wonderful Christmas Eve! There is a bright, glowing full moon. I came home from church, pulled up the blinds on the French doors and lit candles on the patio. Perfect moonlight to guide Santa through the night. There is something magical about Christmas Eve! If you squink just right, you can imagine that you have seen Santa and his sleigh fly across the front of the moon! If you put yourself in the right mindset you can imagine all sorts of things happening. For example, one Christmas Eve as a child, I woke up and walked out to see if Santa had made his visit. He hadn't. As I was getting back in bed, I looked out the window and noticed that there were red and green blinking lights on top of the distant neighbors roof. I had to be Santa -- but why did he stop at that house? They had no children! I stood and watched and waited to see the sleigh take off for our house. I waited and waited, then decided Santa must be waiting for me to get to sleep. Sure enough the next morning, Santa had made it down our chimney and filled my stocking! Years later I discovered that those red and green lights were at the Naval Air Station that was west of our house. On any given night you could have seen those lights blinking. That Christmas Eve, my imagination was working overtime and I would have bet the bank those lights were on Santa's sleigh! I think we should never get so old that we lose that magical feeling that allows us to believe that reindeer can fly. This should always be a night of magic and wonder and excitement. A very Merry Christmas to you all.

The Day Before, The Day Before

This is the day that I try to get a head start on all the cooking for the next two days. So far, so good. I have only a couple of stocking stuffers left to wrap - then I'm finished! I just delivered goodies to a couple of neighbors. It's not just rain outside. It's a down pour! I was thinking how nice it would be if it was snow! I know it would pose all sorts of problems for the holiday travelers, but wouldn't it be wonderful?!?

Tomorrow we will prepare a couple more items for our Christmas Day dinner, get the table ready and join our son for Christmas Eve services. He doesn't realize that I don't need a gift. My gift is having him with us. I know that there are so many families with loved ones elsewhere. I treasure every year that we can celebrate together. I know one day that will change and I will have to deal with it. So, right now I am thankful that, like Thanksgiving, I will have my chick at home eating hot cinnamon rolls and bacon on Christmas morning. Much merriment and wonder to you all!

Little Christmas Village

In an earlier post, I mentioned that my husband always creates our little Dickins village. Like everything else this year, it has been a little late in making its appearance. He didn't seem to fuss and struggle trying to create a vignette different from previous years; yet it is different. I love all the trees - evergreen and bare branch. He makes little streets and alleys in the main area and individual scenes in the cubbies on either side. Not pictured in the space above, is a Father Christmas figure with his sleigh surrounded by scrawny trees near the North Pole. I haven't found the hidden Dickins figure. I should go do that right now! Here are some pictures of it and a couple of the village maker (I was careful not to say the village idiot -- just kidding honey!) and a very bored Miss Zoe.

Acceptance

I have finally accepted the fact that we are about 2 weeks behind in getting our usual Christmas activities accomplished. For once, I'm not stressing over it. If it gets done, great. If not, so be it. We will still enjoy the holiday. Is anyone else experiencing this same situation this year? It almost seems more important (or attractive) to just not worry about it and enjoy a movie with my husband. The Christmas cards can be used next year, when I start preparing for the season earlier - right?!? As long as the stockings get filled, a feast is on the table and we are all happy, healthy, and together - not much else matters. I'm going with this theory and enjoy the upcoming week without trying to play catch-up. I'll let you know if I am able to let go of the usual expectations I place on myself. If I can do it, then maybe for once I will be able to actually sit down and relax on Christmas Eve with a glass of cheer and experience the peace that we are supposed to feel and enjoy during this season of celebration. Let me hear from you as to how you deal with getting it all done (or not) for the holidays. Have a merry weekend!

Jolly Chicken

My friend Diane had the most beautiful chickens. One day, unfortunately they met their untimely demise. I don't know what type they were but they were fluffy and wonderful. To be around them and hear their noises seemed very soothing and peaceful to me. Ever since admiring them, I wanted to make something "chicken". So one day I experimented until I came up with this little creation. I found an image of a chicken online, copied it to my computer, then altered it in one of my programs. I couldn't resist adding the Santa hat. This is my little tribute to Diane's sweet chickens. I look forward the day when Diane has a new brood to enjoy. I've also pictured a little figure that I made several years ago.

My Two Sharons

Today was a special day for me. I got to visit with two of my best friends - both named Sharon. One I have known since first grade and I'm not telling you how long that has been! She lives in Kansas where we both grew up and ended up college roommates. We have known each other so long that there are things only the two of us know about each other. The only other people alive that might know are her father and my sister. The second is a neighbor that I have known for about 6 years. I met this Sharon on my morning walk. We ended up walking partners. The funny thing about these two women is that they have so many similarities. Their birthdays are only days apart and both very active in their churches. They both were raised on farms and still practice housekeeping, gardening and child-rearing the way our mother's did. Family is very important to them. I feel very lucky to have both of them in my life. They each have a special place in my heart.

I'm posting some pictures I took around the house. Hope they put you in the Christmas spirit!

5 Random Things

Okay, Aleta ... I am doing as you asked. Now you all will know just how truly weird I am ...

1. Both of my parents were twins. No, I didn't have twins and no their twins didn't marry each other. I just took it for granted growing up and didn't realize how unique it was.

2. I used to participate in horse shows when I was in middle school. I used to wear avocado, suede chaps with white buck-stitching and had a matching felt hat. Yee-haw!

3. I'm not a big fan of egg nog, but a few years ago we were introduced to a ready-made product called Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Nog. Like drinking liquid gingerbread with a kick. We haven't been able to find any in Oregon - just California. My cousin just brought us 3 bottles at Thanksgiving. Yum! Saving it for Christmas celebrations.

4. My first car was a 1967 turquoise metallic Chevy Corvair Monza. What an odd little car it was, but it got me where I needed to go. My dad thought it was a wonderful car since the engine was in the back. Kept me from sliding all over in the Kansas winters.

5. I love sitting in the doorway of my french doors to the patio with my coffee in the morning. I miss it this time of year, but look forward to it again in the Spring.

Well, there you go. Let's hear from more Oregon gals - take the tag!

Pie, Pie... Me Oh My

Since it is the holiday season, I was going to share a story with you and show you a picture of a piece of pie that my mom made. This has been a special piece of pie as it is from the last pie that my mom made before she died over 10 years ago. Yes, 10 years ago. Christmas of 1996, my mom made her traditional cranberry pies. My sister placed one of them in her freezer. Mom passed away in April. On my sister's birthday in October of 1997, she said lets thaw the pie and have it instead of cake. What a great idea! Well we thawed the pie and sat at the table with the pie in front of us. We just couldn't bring ourselves to eat Mom's last pie. How could we preserve it? So I came up with the bright idea of trying to dry it in my food dryer. What did we have to loose? Well, I dried two pieces of the pie for 3 weeks. They were dry, but still looked like a pretty fresh pie. I didn't want it to get damp so I sprayed the two pieces numerous times with an acrylic spray sealer. It worked like a charm. We stored them in a plastic container with silaca gel in the off-season. So for the past 10 years, my sister and I have each had a piece of Mom's cranberry pie to place on a special plate to display throughout the holiday season. Until today. Today, my beloved Miss Zoe ate Mom's 10 year old, plastic covered, cranberry pie. I was devastated. Then I was worried that Zoe might be in some danger so I called the vet. The vet was rather entertained by the whole story and asked what kind of pie it had been. She said it wasn't something that they had covered in veterinary school, so just watch her and make sure that everything that goes in, comes out. I assured her that Zoe had munched on it and hadn't swallowed it whole. There were crumbs strewn about. I finally got the nerve to call my sister and tell her the bad news. She was almost as speechless as the vet. Then she offered to cut her piece of the pie in half and share it with me. What a great sis I have. I said no - just make sure she wills it to me. I know her piece will be safe. She has no pets and stores it under a glass dome. Glass dome ?!? I have several of them and it never occured to me to store my pie under one of them. Whether the glass dome would have discouraged Zoe, we will never know. The good thing is - yesterday after decorating the house - I took a picture of the infamous pie. I was going to share the story of Mom's traditional cranberry pie with all of you. I guess I'm still sharing the story, just altered somewhat. I don't have the piece of pie, but I still have the memory of the day my mom and I made that pie. So here is a picture of the pie (before Zoe) and a favorite picture of my mom.

Deck the Halls

Some people don't realize how a small gesture can make such a big difference. I needed a boost to start my holiday decorating. My friend Diane offered to come this morning and get me started. How fabulous! What a luxury! What a great friend! We started with a bagel and some really strong coffee, then started pulling things out of the holiday totes. Find some greens, look for a platter, tie some ribbon!! And, voila -- it's wonderful! I know I'm using lots of exclamation points, but that is how I feel. By 11:30 we had tackled most of the rooms and were on our way for some lunch at the Wild Pear. After lunch, I added a few more little details inside and worked on a basket of fresh greens and holly for the patio table. The potting bench got a few boughs too. All in all it was a very productive day. I'm off to work tomorrow, so getting the tree decorated will have to wait. It doesn't seem as overwhelming since the rest of the house is done. A big thanks to Diane and here is a picture of one of our little groupings.

Weathering the Storm

Rain, rain, go away ... Take the wind with you too! Well, we managed to weather the storm pretty well; only a couple of problems. The wind loosened the flashing around the vent for the furnace which allowed rain to pour into our furnace. It doesn't like to run when it has water in it. We discovered all of this about 10 last night. We really appreciated sleeping under the down comforter and having Miss Zoe on the bed for warmth. The furnace repairman was out this morning and we are warm once again. Then there was the matter of a section of fence blowing down. My sweet husband came home from school mid-day to repair the fence and take inventory of anything else that needed attention. He never takes leave, so I knew he must have been concerned. The fence could have waited but there was the problem of letting Miss Zoe out to do her thing in the backyard. Other than a few shingles that needed to be renailed, we faired pretty well. My heart goes out to all those families with flooding and no power. I hope they can recover quickly. We forget about all those repair people that go out and make it possible for us to have lights and heat. I am most grateful for them and the sacrifice they make so we can have our comforts. Tonight will be much quieter ... and warmer.

Snowflakes, Antiques and Good Friends

What a day!!! My friend Diane and I left before the crack of dawn to shop at Tarte and Apples and Antiques in Sherwood. Knowing Cindy and Karen, we knew their shop would be wonderful and we weren't disappointed. Many, many fabulous treasures. A few came home with me to adorn my workroom. If the antiques and holiday decorations weren't enough - we had snow showers! Not enough to complicate travel, but just enough to set the mood of the day -- Christmas shopping! After leaving Cindy and Karen (with a jam-packed parking lot), we had breakfast with friends Isabel and Lisa. By the time we had eaten, the snow showers turned into great, big fluffy flakes. Again, nothing accumulated, but how beautiful! From Sherwood we headed to Sellwood to visit our friend Randy of Madison Park on 13th Street. What a lovely shop! It was good to see Randy and, of course, do a little shopping. Our last stop was the Monicello Antique Mall, which was having their Christmas sale. Yowser!! There was so much - it was hard to know where to start. Of course we figured that out quickly and managed to fill the back of my SUV. As our shopping day ended, so did the snow - which changed to rain -- and wind. After such a fun day, no amount of rain could dampen our spirits. We are officially in Christmas decorating mode! Here are pictures of Cindy, Karen, Diane, Isabel, Lisa, Randy and me. Enjoy!

Time to Deck the Halls

The Thanksgiving company is heading home today. It has been great fun, but it is time to get back to our normal routine. I will make a trip to the airport and get back to work. I need to drag out all the Christmas decorations and get busy. It always seems a little overwhelming at first. Once I'm into it, things just start coming together. I rarely do the same thing each year. I mix it up. Each year I tell myself I will go through and weed out things that haven't been used for years and each year I don't get to it. Maybe this year?!? My son is going to have his first tree as an adult. I told him to come pick out some favorites 'cuz Mama has lots to share. I will make sure his box of childhood ornaments is available. He just might want the spinning Ninja Turtle ball !! It will be fun to see what he chooses. It will also be a surprise to see how my husband designs the Dickins Village across our bookcase. He changes the layout every year. I have restrained myself from buying any more pieces or trees. We have a forest of little trees, but as far as I am concerned, that is what makes so special. We have a small Charles Dickins figure that gets hidden in a different area every year and we have a contest to see who can find it. Hopefully we can fit in this decorating between the Civil War game and shopping at Tarte in Sherwood. I am including a piece I made especially to sell at Tarte but, my friend Diane saw it and it never made it into Cindy's trailer! I am happy it will have a wonderful home.

Anticipating Road Trip to Sherwood

Thanksgiving was a lovely day with our family and friends. No disasters or fires. Nothing over or under cooked. No food poisoning. Just nice and - well, I won't go as far as to say relaxing - but nice. Lots of visiting, card games, ping-pong, football and great left-overs to enjoy.

On Saturday, my sister, my cousin and I ventured to Albany to visit Poet' s Garden, Eve Barry Fine Gifts, and Vintage Roost. In spite of the really cold weather, we had a great time. Everyone had something wonderfully warm to drink while we shopped. I found some very sweet little Christmas trees made of an old woolen blanket and a garland that was strung with glass beads, pearls, old paper mache bells and more pieces of the blanket. I think it will be a perfect gift for one of my good friends.

This Saturday, my friend Diane (Molly Mo's) and I will get going early, early to attend the opening of Tarte & Apples and Antiques a once a month event in Sherwood, Oregon. Early buying begins at 8:00 a.m. and we don't want to be late! More info on this event can be found at http://www.queenoftarte.blogspot.com/. Don't miss out. It will be over-the-top!!! Everything vintage, French, frilly and simply delightful. I will be sure to fill you in next week! Oh, by the way I will have a few of my creations there, too! After Sherwood, we are planning to visit another friend that has just opened his shop in Sellwood - Madison Park Antiques. I can hardly wait! Add visiting these shops to your weekend plans. Saturday will be here before you know it!

My Thanksgiving Table

Today, I have the day off. Another thing to be thankful for. I have last minute shopping that involves going to Wal-Mart to look for burner trays that I haven't been able to find anywhere else. They just don't fit. This venture will take place early, early, early so I can get home and start baking and prepping tomorrow's feast. My sister will be coming tonight to spend the night - a new tradition that we started last year. She will help me get the bird ready, combine the dressing, peal potatoes, etc. Then we will have a gin and tonic, some potato-corn chowder, and watch "White Christmas". If all goes well, most of the food will be ready to go into the oven, so all we have to do is set-up the dining room. I have a very small house, so it is always a challenge to seat 16-18 around my table. Another thing to be thankful for -- my parent's dining room table and buffet. My dad was known for adding extra guests on Thanksgiving day, so my mother was very gracious and just added another leaf to the table. At our house, their table can only be expanded so far (small room), so we add a table at the bay window, parallel to the dining table. The kids enjoy sitting on the window seat.

It is important to me to make sure that everyone has a chair at a table, in the same room. I like us all to sit down together, all at the same time, just this one day, as a family. Some where in my head, this was imprinted as the way it should be. I probably saw it in a Norman Rockwell painting. Actually, I think that it has to do with keeping all my "chicks" in one basket. This way, I know that on Thanksgiving Day, for a few hours, all of my "chicks" are safe and accounted for. A big, big thing to be thankful for, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. I am blessed with a wonderful family -- even those that cannot be in my dining room tomorrow. They are spread across the state, country and across the Pacific. They will be with us tomorrow in our hearts.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and an extra slice of pumpkin pie!

Many Thanks

Wow -- where to begin! It's been such a busy weekend. The Holiday Treasures sale was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came (even though Map Quest is incorrect). Your support is greatly appreciated. Most of all, seeing you again and having an opportunity to keep in touch. It means a lot to me. It also makes me feel good to know my little treasures are going to great homes to be enjoyed year after year!

Today is my sweet husband's birthday. I usually plan an event with family, but this year it just didn't happen. I have been so busy working at Deepwood and working to make all the seasonal pieces that I didn't do the usual birthday festivities. Don't get me wrong - we did celebrate. We had a great time having dinner with Diane (Molly Mo's) and her family after the sale yesterday evening. This morning we met our son for breakfast at my husband's favorite cafe and a little birthday shopping afterwards. Still, I felt like I had short-changed him this year. I usually try to have little surprises throughout the day. But not this year. I didn't even bake him a cake. How rotten is that?!? He is so, so supportive of everything I do. He never (or at least very rarely) complains when any number of things fall by the way-side when I get involved in the project-of-the-day. He deserves a medal for putting up with my constant state of having something going on - especially this past year. It has been a whirlwind of activity. So tonight I took him to his favorite place for dinner. Wined and dined him and over warm marionberry cobbler, promised to slow down and spend more time with him. We need to see more movies, and go on more road trips. There will always be work and another show to prepare for, but there is only one him. He's the best and if he reads this - Happy , Happy Birthday!

I am leaving you tonight with some pictures from this weekend. Again, thank you all again for making the weekend such a success!

Glitter and Glue and Tinsel - Oh My!

As I have mentioned before, I work at a living museum, Historic Deepwood Estate. Yesterday we were preparing for the annual Holiday Gift Sale to be held on the 16th and 17th (more info under Holiday Events). The cellophane and shreds were flying! We created number of gift combinations that are ready for giving! There are many garden and tea themed gifts, most priced under $25.00! What a gift-giving deal! We also have wonderful chocolates, teas, and lemon curd for sale. There will be vendors selling handmade jewelry, candles, fresh wreaths and more. All of this will be held inside the 1894 Queen Anne home -- beautiful!

As if that isn't enough, I will be at Molly Mo's Friday evening and Saturday for our Holiday Treasures sale. Again, more info and directions to the left in the Holiday Events area. Hope to see you there! I can't wait to see the barn again tomorrow. Diane has created such a beautiful, magical venue. Everything has her special touch! Don't let the weather keep you away. It will be cozy with something warm to drink and little treats to enjoy while you shop.

I am still finishing new pieces to take out with me Friday. They will be hot off the worktable! I find that once I get going on something, I think of something else and begin it. Before either of the two are completed, I think of another and begin it. Right now I have four unfinished assembleges to complete tonight! Why do I do this to myself? I think I have to create what is in my head before it explodes. Instead, my workroom explodes - stuff all over the place. I guess that is better than my head exploding - ha! I finally took time on Monday and swept and put away some of my supplies. Much better. At least I can see the tabletop - in places! Well, thanks for checking in with me. Here are a couple of new pieces that will be at Molly Mo's! Take care.

This weekend brought sad news. A new acquaintance is courageously facing surgery and treatment, an old friend lost her husband, and a sweet family member is slipping away. All of this makes me painfully aware of how fortunate I am and how many blessings I have to be thankful for. I will be with them all in spirit wishing them courage, strength and peace.

On a lighter note, I went to Molly Mo's today to start setting out my creations for the holiday sale this Friday and Saturday. The barn looks wonderful -- and what fabulous things for sale!! You can bet there will be pictures to show you next week! Although adverse weather doesn't usually keep serious antique shoppers at home, we hope it will be a little less wet and blustery this weekend. Lucky for us, the barn has a heater. Cozy.

In closing, I want to express my delight in finding that people are finding my blog and enjoying its content. Here is another little creation! It is joined by three more of its friends at Molly Mo's --- come see them!

It's a day at home for me to work, work, work on making all the fun things that creep into my brain in the middle of the night. When I have a few minutes, like before leaving for work or waiting for the coffee to brew, I stand at my work table and start putting the bits and pieces together to see if what I imagined will really work. Sometimes it is intimidating to have that "blank canvas" in front of you. I just have to dive in and start. Trying one thing and then another until it starts to come together. I love it when there is just one thing, like a old book cover or a picture, that is my inspiration. Then, there are the times when that favorite little doo-dad just won't work. That is when I get hung up trying to make it work. I have learned to set it aside and move on to another doo-dad. Most times that is when the piece comes together. It's like the little Art Fairy suddenly flew over and sprinkled a little magic dust -- Voila! A treasure appears and makes my heart sing! Here is a picture of one of my latest little creations. Have a nice weekend!

Flurry of Mica Flake

This is the beginning of the countdown to my first holiday show - actually the first two shows: Molly Mo's and Historic Deepwood Estate. Both are on the same days. They are listed to the left under Holiday Events. I always have a hard time switching from Halloween to Christmas. I do it, but it is never as soon as I would like it to be. I am guilty of thinking how much more I could have accomplished if only I would have gotten "into it" sooner. It always works out, but until it does, I stress over it. The good thing is, things are finally coming together! Woo-hoo!!!

I will try to post sneak-peaks, but you will just have to come see my creations in person! Must go - can't let the glue dry.

Treasure Hunting

Wow! The weekend has flown by. Saturday, my husband and I went to the U of O football game. Great fun and a significant victory for Oregon. Then, of course, there was daylight savings. So, instead of waking up at 5:00, I woke up at 4:00 -- a.m. Since there isn't much to watch on TV at 4:00, I watched Animal Planet hoping I would doze off for a couple more hours. No such luck. I learned how they train dogs to find leaks in underground pipelines and how to teach your dog to lay down for a belly rub. I didn't know you had to teach your pooch to do this. My sweet Zoe sure has a natural talent for it!

Since I was awake, I got ready and I went to my favorite little monthly flea market. There were all sorts of treasures. I bought little bits and pieces that will give my Christmas creations some extra sparkle! To add to the fun, I ran into two of my fellow treasure hunters. Lots of laughs and giggles. What a nice way to wrap up the weekend.

Halloween was a great success! The party at Deepwood Estate was wonderful and the children were the best. Our son surprised us Halloween night by trick or treating with the daughter of his best friend. He was a banana and she was a little monkey. What a pair! They made my night. Needless to say, she has my son wrapped around her tiny, little finger!

Today is a day of many errands and then try to squeeze in some creative time in my work room. Not many days left until my first show at Molly Mo's on November 16th. I might be in panic mode. Tomorrow we will be going to Eugene to attend the U of O/Arizona State football game. Should be perfect football weather. Sunday I will do some shopping at a flea market. I hope there will be a few treasures that I will have to bring home. Must go and get busy!

BOO! Happy Halloween!

Today is All Hallows Eve and it is supposed to be a perfect evening for trick or treating. Lucky for all the little ghosts and goblins. I remember years of slogging about the neighborhood with our son in the wind and rain. One year, my little mummy braved the elements, dragging his mummy-makings along behind him in a soggy, wet trail. Little did the kids know that a mug of fortified coffee helped keep my husband and I warm and in good "spirits". Pardon the pun. Happy Haunting!

Halloween Eve

Over the weekend, the weatherman indicated that we were supposed to have some sunny weather. Instead, we had rain showers yesterday and it seems very autumny today. However, it does seem very appropriate for Halloween -- a little foggy and mysterious.

I am still struggling with whatever virus I caught over a week ago. I gave in yesterday and called my health care provider. Evidently there must be many more people with more serious symptoms than me because I'm still waiting for a call back. I waited four hours for a call and gave up and put on my jammies. I figured that would trigger a phone call - but - nope! Anyway, I will rattle their cage today.

Looking forward to a fun Halloween celebration tomorrow. The 1894 Queen Anne house where I work is hosting a party for small children. There are many fun activities planned. I'm looking forward to it. After work, we will treat the kids in our neighborhood. I always wonder how many will visit us. We experimented last year and handed out snack-size bags of pretzels. The kids loved them, so we will try it again this year. Hopefully, our Miss Zoe will not be too upset with the door bell. She has to bark and see all the children. I'm sure it's totally confusing to a dog. She is always happy when the last trick or treater heads for home!

Today's picture is of some wonderful antique velvet witch's shoes I purchased at a small shop in Albany called the Vintage Roost. It is a very interesting little place tucked away in the woods north of town. I thought they were very unique and added to the Halloween decor in my dining room. Until tomorrow ...

Bittersweet Goodbyes

I'm finally feeling more like myself and think I'm on the mend. As a result, I'm having to play catch-up. Yesterday I finally got back in my workroom and was a flurry of activity! Little sparkley Christmas creations all over the place. I love seeing them all lined up on my table. Very cheery. This afternoon my husband and I will attend a party for our friends Linda and Ludmil to wish them well on their new adventure. It will be a bittersweet occasion. I will hate seeing them go, but excited for them to begin another facet of the lives together. I can only hope that they will get back to the Northwest again soon. I have met many wonderful, talented people through them and hope to keep in touch with everyone. I plan to make a point of it.

With Halloween just a few days away, here is another of my creations! Enjoy this wonderful, fall day.

Under the Weather with Beautiful Weather

Wouldn't you know it?!? We are having beautiful fall weather -- perfect weather for October in the Northwest -- and I have managed to catch some virus. I haven't been really sick for such a long time that I was in denial for an entire day. Made it to Eugene for the opening of the photography exhibit, then home to spend the next 30 + hours in bed. The chills are gone, so it's off to work today. I really dislike realizing that you have completely missed an entire day of your life. I guess it makes us appreciate having good health. Stay well.

Sunny Autumn Monday

It storm seems to have moved on. The sky is blue and sunny this morning. I will be going to Eugene to retrieve my supply order. In addition, I will be attending the opening of an art exhibit at the University of Oregon where my son will be displaying his photography. We are so proud of his accomplishments, his talent and his determination to finish what he started. It will be a sunny day in many ways!

Rain, Rain Go Away

It is still blustery and raining - actually coming down in buckets at times. My faithful companion, Zoe, didn't want to venture forth into the backyard this morning. She braved it anyway for a quick trip. She doesn't like the drying off and wiping of the paws any more than I like having to do it. It is just something we have to endure until June. This picture shows her doing one of her favorite activities - lounging.

Anyway, I need to make time to clean up my workroom. It is closing in on me. Too much clutter. I find that when I am my most creative, I work in a space on my table that is about 12 by 12 inches. Everything I am using is at my fingertips, but makes such a mess. Sometimes I feel like I am peeking out from behind it all. My friend Cindy says she does the same and that that Wendy Addison works the same way - so it must be a good thing. It is great to be able to validate bad habits. Mind you, I have everything in labeled cubbies, drawers, wire baskets, etc. I just have it all out and around me when I'm working. You never know what you might find in the bottom of a basket. A treasure, long forgotten, that is the perfect thing for a current creation! If it was neatly put away, I might not have rediscovered it. See, again, justification. If I keep it up, I will have talked myself out of cleaning all together!

Since the weather is so Halloweenie, I've included a picture of another of my fall creations. Stay inside, stay dry and watch a good movie ... it's Saturday!

Time to Celebrate

I have finally gotten into making my Christmas creations. They are coming together nicely. I also have managed to fit into the mix a special piece for my sister's 65th birthday. I know she will be happy that I shared that and her picture with everyone! I think she deserves a special prize for all she has accomplished in those 65 years. She has worked forever to support her family and raise her sons. In addition, she always makes time to lend a hand to someone in need. It might be one of our troops, a veteran, a neighbor, family member, or me! It doesn't matter - if they need help - she is there. I think a star should be named after her. One that is very sparkley, like a beautiful diamond. On Sunday, we will celebrate by going to brunch, then venture to IKEA in Portland. I'm sure there will be many wonderful things we won't be able to live without. It will be a day of celebration with lots of silliness, mischief and giggles!

Stormy Day Ahead

According to the early morning news, we should expect a stormy day. Very Halloweeny! I made some progress yesterday on my Christmas creations. My heart is still happy with Fall and Halloween, so it is difficult for me to get into the sparkly mindset of Christmas. I know that there are many, many designers that work on Christmas in the Spring or year-round. I wish I was one of them. Unfortunately, for me, I'm not. It hits me all at once. Then, I can't make things fast enough! I am off to my job today, so maybe I will have some energy left tonight to put a few details on a sweet little piece I made yesterday. I will include a picture at a later date. For today ... a fun little witch ... because this is the day for it. Stormy and dark! Put on a pot of soup, stay home and enjoy the storm if you can!

Fall has Fell

By looking out my front window, you would never guess that my husband spent a good part of Saturday mowing and raking. The entire yard is carpeted in gold birch leaves. Beautiful, but so much work to remove. Unfortunately this is just the beginning. Just before Thanksgiving, the Japanese maple will shed its bright red leaves. Another beautiful show of color.

It seems like it might be a typical fall day in the Willamette Valley - rainy and stormy. I will hibernate in my workroom as it is crunch time for holiday creations. I hope that my supply of glue holds out until retrieve two gallons on Friday. Must get busy.

Fall Afternoon with New Friends

Yesterday, I joined my friend Diane in her shop, Molly Mo's, to teach a class. I assisted participants in making a vintage-inspired Advent calendar. The calendar consists of 24, numbered tags and 24 special objects that represent the holiday season. Each piece had a little frosting or sparkle. We had a great time, yummy treats and they had created a special holiday decoration that could become a family heirloom for future generations. Mother and daughter are pictured with their new creations. What fun!

Now, I must buckle down and start making this year's holiday creations. I'm starting a little late this year - panic!!! It always gets done --some how. I have many, many ideas in my little sketch book (a sweet gift from Linda Marcov, who knows I need to collect my thoughts). Now, I need to bring them to life. Once I get started, I have trouble stopping. One idea leads to another. The only thing I lack is time and someone to make dinner! Ha!

I will be selling my creations at the holiday events listed to the left. If you would like more information on these events, email me through my website: info@vintagetrifles.com.

Now, I must get busy. Glitter, glitter, glitter!

Getting Started ...

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I was always waiting for the right time or free time. Since free time is almost nonexistent, I just took advantage of a time when my son could provide technical support (thank you , Jacob). So, here I go...

Autumn is my favorite season. I love all the colors, crispness in the air, visits to the pumpkin patch and spiced cider. Of course there is Halloween - a favorite, second only to Christmas. I love making whimsical Halloween decorations that are composed of old pictures, bits and pieces of old and new papers and glitter! This year I had a wonderful time making pieces for the Harvest Sale at Willow Nest in Washougal, Washington. Unfortunately, it was the last event for Willow Nest. Owners Ludmil and Linda Marcov are moving to Texas to begin a new adventure. They will be missed as well as the unique setting they created in Washougal. This is a picture of this year's Halloween favorite. Some of my other creations can be found on my website: www.vintagetrifles.com.

Check back soon for more!