TICK TOCK...

 This book tree kinda serves two purposes here for me: a reminder to all of you that it is the holiday season and time to shop local artists is running out. The Sawdust Winter Fantasy runs 10 am to 7 pm through this Sunday, December 18th. So come enjoy Santa's Village and all the lovingly decorated trees and artist booths while listening to music and shopping handmade items for gift-giving.

And...when that is all over I can get back to my love of reading for the next few months :)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

HOLIDAY BUSY-NESS

 

I guess you would have to say it's holiday busy-ness for holiday business since I'm busily working to re-stock on cards at the Sawdust Art Festival's Winter Fantasy.

While the snow at the Sawdust is artificial, it sure feels cold enough there as the sun goes down for the real thing. Definitely all should bring layers if planning to stay late.

There is a lot of holiday cheer and so very many handmade gifts to buy for family and friends (and even for yourself.) Music. Santa. Good food. Good cheer...and, then, there's also that snow 😀 So take the time to head to Laguna to get into the spirit of things.

Happy Holidays!!

SCATTER JOY

Well, it's that time of year once again, Cards go out, Carols are sung--their music fills the air.  The fragrances of pine and cinnamon and baking waft around us.  And....most of all, joy gets scattered about, or at least the wish for it. Well, I'm here to say let's make joy scattering, not just a seasonal thing, but a year-round activity. It can start with small kindnesses handed out , a smile, a hearty hello, and just go on and on from there. Let's try it!Meanwhile, Happy Holidays!

ONE IN EVERY CORNER, PLEASE

 

While I know my version is a bit irreverant....as the situation across the US and the world seems only to worsen, we could probably all use an angel in every corner to watch over us.

Please, everyone, stay safe and care for each other (to help out those angels)

HO HO HO!!!!

 It's that time of year, covid or not, and so the hours are busy with making holiday cards to send. They are definitely a bit irreverent this time around, but levity seems needed of late.

Hoping all of you are staying well, staying home as needed, and choosing joy whenever possible.

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...

The owls have quieted and now the rain begins again. Softly, it falls on the rooftop (no reindeer hooves, for sure...not yet, anyhow.) 

The hour is late and peaceful. The day has been full, with sunshine and good news aplenty. My heart feels full, but I trust that tomorrow will fill it even more.

Yet, in the midst of this joy,I want to remember that there are others not quite so fortunate. There are those struggling with sorrow and loss, homelessness and hopelessness and more. Let us not forget them.

My wish for ALL is for a holiday that is merry and bright and the best it can be.

WHY NOT...?

Why not holiday butterflies?

In the midst of working the early shift and dealing with what life brings into play, the holidays just seem to have taken a bit of a "back seat."

When I blithely said to a friend yesterday that maybe I would just have the ingredients on hand for a nice spaghetti dinner for Christmas day, she was aghast. "Wasn't tradition important to me?"

Don't get me wrong, I love traditions and place value on them.  But...when it comes right down to it, what really matters to me is not the tree, not the presents, not the wrapping, the songs, or the holiday baking. What really matters is having those I love near me, not only at this holiday season, but all the time.

So butterflies, spaghetti,...why not?

HOW THE HECK DID IT GET TO BE OCTOBER?

So many angels!

Whatever happened to September? It was that head down and focused approach, I guess, as i was preparing for Sawdust Winter Fantasy and the upcoming workshops and road trip. Somehow, I just missed a lot of the month. 

That said, October has arrived and it is one of my very favorite times here along the coast. I intend to enjoy it. Mornings and evenings cool off and the sounds of birdsong float on the air even as the tree leaves float to the ground. There is a change of pace to enjoy sunsets and the beautiful autumn evening light in the canyons. 

Slowing down a bit now that I have a few things ready to go, I am looking forward to upcoming workshops. (October has room; November is sold out :)) I also eagerly await the upcoming Winter Fantasy and all its magic.

There is time for my grandsons now and I LOVE that. And then there is the annual road trip with daughter Jenna.

All is good as i seize the moments. I've got lots of angels on my side to help out, it seems.

CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Baja Christmas tree

Remembering Christmases past as we nudge ever so close to Christmas present.... This one was several years ago, celebrated with great friends in beautiful Baja along the coast, camping.In spite of tight quarters for packing I had dragged the makings along with me. This holiday was our last Baja trip and holds many fond memories.
What will Christmas present hold? Time spent with close family, watching the grandchildren go wild will be a cherished memory just as the camping one from the past is. We hope for many more memories to be made as we move forward and hope the same for all of you. 
Cherish the memories from the past, enjoy these present moments, and hold bright possibility for the future.
Happy Holidays to all!