Bringing Glad Tidings

Our socially distant Thanksgiving 2020 has come to a close. And, the last hosta leaf has fallen- dramatic as ever in its subdued and soft hues. I love the colors every season.Next up, glad tidings and holiday colors for Christmas. What WILL that look like this year?

Although Larry and I are hunkered down alone in our house, I took advantage over several days to bake up a storm. I take comfort in that. Still, I missed my kids company. Christmas together? One can’t count on it.

fresh, organic turkey, cinnamon rolls — The fresh turkey was stuffed to overflowing with sausage stuffing. ( I will never tie it up with dental floss again- it broke loose in the oven! Fresh baked cinnamon rolls have become my holiday breakfast du jour. A smashingly easy recipe I got from a friend-timed to bake first thing in the morning. Try it! *I call them SINNamon buns. I recommend confectioners sugar, not cream cheese frosting.* *You need to rewrite the recipe to get all the hot links worked out.*

Lately, I’ve been dreaming about my Mom who died last year. It feels good to have her “with me” again. She never met our first grandson who I now take care of three days a week. As early as I start (7:15 yikes), he is a treasure to spend time with.

*Michael the Happy ( left). My mom Daphne, also happy ( right)*

COVID has been challenging with its enforced solitude and simple lifestyle requirements. So many activities that I’ve taken for granted- sewing, gardening and baking, provide a healthy respite from loneliness that can creep into our quieter lives.

New Drawing Tools!

My “busy-ness” has kept me from blogging. I seem to only write one monthly now. I’m also in the process of pulling the crank on buyinga set of new drawing tools- iPad plus pencil but can’t quite get it done. Wish me luck! I’m know that the requisite learning curve looming is slowing me down. Winter is a great time for study tho, so hopefully next time I write, I’ll have it in-house.

People who know my work know I’m crazy for flowers. It wasn’t always so. I hope to transition my artwork into more abstract images-still for print on fabric. I saw this image and loved it.

*The print reminds me of a paper wasp nest I shot a few years ago. Can’t wait to bring it back to scarves…This outfit was from a NYC boutique online.*

Garden — Snowfall 2020 began ahead of the traditional boxwood covering in October. We spent a fat hour clearing heavy snow off the trees and bushes. In general, Mother Nature has been phenomenal in granting us some warmer days to finish garden and yard clean-up.

Fall Planting

Dawn redwoods are awesome trees, especially when you have damp soil as our back yard is. We had a dawn redwood planted in the back yard years ago and it’s thrived. So, this year when a friend offered me two little ones, I snapped at the chance to relocate them to my house- in two spots that needed a big fluffy addition. These trees lose their leaves in the fall and look half dead in winter. The reward is rich in speedy growth and lush foliage. My new ones were conjoined but I managed to separate them, I think. They’d also grown through the bottom of their plastic pots. I felt like a surgeon cutting them apart. We’ll see. Thus far, in late fall, they both had little buds starting. I planted them in the front and back yards in view of each other…( see the white line in the right image below).

On the left is our adult summer dawn redwood. While working on something new, I invariably find myself studying at YouTube U. Rarely, do I find education and humor together. This one by Christy Wilhelmi, was both. You have to stick with it. Toward the end, she pulls out all the stops with an experience many will appreciate. Expect the unexpected. One thing I love about the great outdoors-you never really know what’s next!

Festive Pillow Covers!

My garden guardian Mona, has migrated inside for winter and is most happy to oversee a few lush green pillow covers- all cotton sateen and washable. Yes! That’s an old hosta leaf in brown. ( Woodland Hosta).

Palma is one of a family of ten, pillow designs. A lot of people I know are staying in this holiday. Treat yourself to some bright new pillow covers! Each cover is permanently printed to cotton sateen and zippered for washing. Each one was inspired by a love of the garden. and all ten designs are on sale through February.

A Little Music Goes A Long Way!

Otis Redding is an all time favorite, in lyrics and delivery. He brings comfort even in sad times when we can’t have all we want. These times. Love where you can. Dreams to Remember.

Lest you forget. EVERYBODY likes summer in winter. Gift someone ( or yourself) a beautiful original scarf- in chiffon, cotton gauze or heavy organic cotton knit. A limited supply but on sale now through February.