freshly printed

I am so happy that I made time to make something for the Pumpkin House pop up shop.  I love how the napkins turned out, but enjoyed the process of making them even more.  That 60 minutes of printing gave me more joy than I could have anticipated.  Here's to more printing in my future.

pop-up shop

It's coming.  I'm busy preparing.  I only wish that meant more crafting and less clutter-clearing and cleaning.  But it feels good, that is when I don't get overwhelmed.  A sunny afternoon after a stormy morning warmed me up to take on the preparations.  Hoping to stamp some napkins tonight.

So, if you live nearby, please come to our holiday pop-up shop this Sunday 12-4pm.  We have 10 amazing local artists selling their beautiful creations, with something for everyone, or at least most.  Come in from the rainy weather anticipated for Sunday, and join us for hot tea and homemade treats.

stuffed weekend

While it wasn't yet Turkey day and we didn't stuff a squash, our past weekend was packed - mostly with goodness.  Somehow I hosted two birthday parties (and made a big Indian dinner for my dear husband's), went to a soccer party, packed Thanksgiving meals for those less fortunate, went to the Farmers' Market, and made chicken soup, beets, and applesauce (with lots of kid help, thank goodness)!  And then there was some clean up before, in between, and all around.  We survived; and even enjoyed ourselves most of the time.  But it did teach me a lesson in how I still have work to do in doing LESS.

I am so happy in retrospect that we made time for that applesauce, though.  And so grateful that my son was happy to help.  There is nothing like warm homemade applesauce to make you feel soothed inside.  It always makes me think happily of my grandfather, who swore eating applesauce every day was the secret to living to the ripe old age of 98.

snowy autumn

We visited our good friends' cabin in the mountains this past weekend.  When we planned it back in August, I was imagining an autumn visit to see the colorful leaves - somehow snow wasn't part of the picture.  But I do love a good snowstorm, and this one was just about perfect.  Enough to create a winter wonderland and provide for some good sledding (and making a snow cat), without it making travel too difficult.  We also had to hike in a little, which always add to the adventure.  Good food, good fun, good friends, and some good games all made for a wonderful trip away.  On the way home I soaked in more of that fall color, as well as a stop at one of my favorite apple orchards in Apple Hill; I just can resist those warm apple cider donuts and cider.  Along with a big box of apples for making into sauce (and pie and clafouti say my kids!).

fall knitting

With the cooler weather and shorter days, I like to bring out the knitting basket, which usually goes into summer hibernation.  Keeps me calm and seated, and better at focusing on my kids.  I finally finished up this scarf that has been waiting to see the day.  I bought the soft and fuzzy yarn years and years ago, and used every last inch on the scarf, which was still not quite long enough.  Enter black fringe!  It was perfect for the scarf, which recently got sent off to my mother-in-law, where it is no doubt being put to good use on the stormy East Coast.  Here's to finishing!

gratitude

My morning jubilation over the election results quickly turned to a rather melancholy mood.  Not sure if it was the cloudy day or thoughts of the "fiscal cliff" that dooms.  After feeling somewhat stuck in my sadness, I found gratitude in my immediate surroundings.  I hung some more harvest corn on our gate (it had been sitting on the counter waiting for that moment), and picked some of the last native sunflowers from our yard.  And then after a short sit, I felt much lighter and happier.

fun and games

When Emily was sick last week, it was clear that it was a sign for us to have a relaxing home day.  And around this time of year, it means playing games.  For us, it was morning, noon and night, and then through the weekend.  I had my knitting handy, which always helps me pass the time, and thoroughly enjoy just about any game my kids want to play.  As the kids get older, there are so many more options.  For now, though, we are sticking to basics.

As Emily generally has a "no winning game" approach, sometimes the games get re-interpreted.  We turn them into cooperative games, or, perhaps better yet, chess becomes a wedding scene!