We found Santa Claus in a favorite antique shop in Collinsville, Connecticut. He’s completely handmade of metal, which suits me fine because he camps out on the front deck every year waiting for the real Santa. We wanted to make sure he could take the cold New England weather. He used to spend the weeks before Christmas inside a department store. Until he was put out to pasture. We had to bring him home. Related Images:
Read More
The Christmas season heralds sensations of traditions that have lasted generations of families. It’s written that our sense of smell alone triggers more brain activity than visual stimulation. Think of it, the sight of a rose vs… its scent. Which holds more memories for you? The scents of Christmas. No question in my mind. What are yours? Related Images:
Read More
The color white has so many interpretations, almost all are positive. As a colorist I don’t often admit that white is essential in complementing the effusive use of colors, prints and light. Besides, it’s ALWAYS lovely to look out the morning after the first snowfall in New England. Related Images:
Read More
When I was little, stuffed animals were huge for Christmas gifts. Do you remember yours? For those of us lucky enough to have formed good relationships with stuffed animals, it sometimes became an occasion for strife. For example. Somebody cut the whiskers off my brother Joe’s black panther. Although I regrettably gave my beagle puppet a really short haircut (thinking it would grow?) I did not trim Joe’s black cat’s whiskers. Years later, I remember an old fur coat my sister gave me that she’d gotten from an elderly relative. It was divine. Warm and fuzzy. And real. We don’t
Read More
To some extent, “getting into the holidays” can incrementally increase tension. Anybody else feel a certain amount of increasing stress over… gift expectations, family time, whatever? I found an article written by Arthur C. Brooks that helped me, it might also be of interest to you. An excerpt… Related Images:
Read More
Decorating has easily become a favorite part of the holidays. Last year we found our fresh tree appropriately, in the town of Bethlehem, Connecticut. We’ll be headed there again this weekend. Uncle Frank’s Christmas Tree Farm. We drove the truck into the property and were left to our own devices to find a tree, cut it down and load it in. What’s not to like? Related Images:
Read More
Have you noticed how bare it looks outside as winter moves in? The late fall landscape in New England is a striking backdrop for visions of sugarplums. Does it also drive you inside to plot and cook up mischief for the holidays? Related Images:
Read More
If you’re looking for comfort food in cold weather, (or an antidote to overeating), you need my mother’s basic lentil soup. The small and mighty lentil is high in protein and fiber. And, so much more. Best of all, the cozy taste of lentils is comfort personified. Related Images:
Read More
From Montreal. This year I’m thankful for a brief visit to Canada. Could it become more than a visit? Only time will tell. At least we have our passports now. And I’m grateful not to have to cook turkey this year – or any giant side dishes designed to overstuff. This isn’t the first year we’ve taken a “bye” for Thanksgiving and I strongly recommend it every five years or so. Related Images:
Read More
An American Beautyberry (sometimes called a French Mulberry) brings great color to a late fall garden. Its shiny purple fruit is a marked contrast to curling dry hosta leaves. Beautyberry fruit is loved by birds and deer alike. Wait a minute, did I say deer???? Hmm. The warm weather is pretty much finished here in New England and no kind of flower is left standing. Planting is finally over for the season and I had the courage to stop buying bulbs this week. The ground is just too hard to cultivate! Besides, it’s time to find beauty inside for the
Read More
