It's been awhile...

The past few weeks have been deliciously full of family, friends and good food. In fact, tonight we are hosting the grown-up New Year's Eve party while the kids host their own shindig next door. I'm done with the cleaning, the champagne is chilling, balloons are on the way but I need to get cooking (and do a little something about my appearance). I want to thank all of you who have visited me here over the past 12-rocky-emotional-unbelievably-unsettling months and who have taken the time to offer encouragement and support. I love it here and I'm looking forward to a creative-roll my sleeves up-and-get-busy-2011. So I will see you Monday Morning with the start of some new pieces but until then...

I wish you a happy, happy New Year's Eve!

On my doorstep today...

This gift from a dear friend is so super welcome in my home and on my holiday road trip. I have six Splendid Table podcasts ready to go but will add this to my collection of things to do in the car other than bug-your-partner-while-he's-driving-and-fidget. Of course I also have a knitting project in my bag and a New Year's Eve Party Menu to plan. But this book will undoubtedly eat up my time. If there is one thing about living in The Bay Area that I miss most it is the abundance of good bread(there are lots of things but that is one of the biggies). I'll be making starter (from this book) and trying out the recipe for the "country loaf" in the New Year. I've got a mid January deadline for the ETA 9 show which I'll be participating in so there will be lots of new small paintings in progress to share here in addition to the bread baking. Time has slipped away from me and this is not exactly the post I had planned but I'm checking out until January 1st and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year (with new work, new food and new fun).

Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday!

ps: if you have a minute (or five) check out this tartine bread video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5kKeKSfyOE

Gezelligheid* Concert

Tonight I'm going to this place to hear this man. I am anticipating nothing short of magical. Happy Friday : )

* Gezelligheid (Dutch pronunciation: [ɣəzɛlɪɣhɛit]) is a Dutch abstract noun (adjective form gezellig) which, depending on context, can be translated as convivial, cosy, fun, quaint, or nice atmosphere, but can also connote belonging, time spent with loved ones, the fact of seeing a friend after a long absence, or general togetherness. The word is considered to be an example of untranslatability, and is one of the hardest words to translate to English.^[1] Some consider the word to encompass the heart of Dutch culture.^[2]

food and craft...

Wednesday already? Not quite sure how that happened but we've been filling our days with baking, making, wrapping and talking. Lots of talking going on in these parts. The cold seems to have given new life to our family dinners and everyone is ready to stay at the table a wee bit longer and there are lots more laughs too. There also seems to be more time reading on the couches (instead of in bedrooms) and we have a new reader in the house who loves to keep me company as I knit. This year (back in our home) the traditions we missed last year feel like a warm hug on these single digit days. And that is something to celebrate : )

warm and wooly

There's been a lot more knitting than painting going on around here this week. Well, actually there was a bit of furniture painting (a great alley find i couldn't pass up). Knitting is just so easy by the fire, at the kitchen counter, in the car waiting for kids. There was also a bit of fabric dying for some special gifts and some batches of sugar cookie dough made for this weekend's Christmas Cookie Extravaganza. Ok, it's not really an "extravaganza" but colored frosting, sprinkles, coconut and m&m's = a big mess and big fun : )

Have a lovely weekend!

Sharing...

and then she took flight

3.5"x14.5"

Old Man Winter...

bring it on!

This weekend brought 5" of snow, a Christmas Tree, a high school entrance exam, a snowball fight in Millenium Park, a new window and the knowledge that we aren't in California anymore.

Things are feeling quite cozy around here (thanks to the new window and the twinkle lights). So what are you doing to ready yourself for the season of darkness and cold?

A piece of my mind...

knowing (what to keep and what to let go)

3.5x6"

just between you and me (less is more)

4.5x7"

work in progress : )

3.5x14.5"

No, it's not what you think silly! It's just that I have found few words to share here these past few weeks. Since the summer my head has very slowly been wrapping itself around being home and I've struggled a bit to find my voice. But there has been a shift recently and images are beginning to flow into my notebook and onto scraps of paper which I tuck away for safe keeping. It feels good. And so for now there will be more pictures than words, more show than tell, but I'm sure that will change soon as all things do...see you tomorrow.

it's that time again...

The snow began falling today and there were many hearts warmed by these first dancing flurries. I love this time of year as the skies grow dreary and grey but the house glows with the warmth of the fire, the scent of fresh bread and pots of soup (which become staples) and piles of knitted hats, scarves and mittens near the door. It's at this cold and quiet part of the year that my home feels most like a haven to me. Spring is exciting and awake with possibility, Summer is a big out breath, Autumn is lovely and a bit wistful but Winter is deeply nourishing to me. If I had to choose I would say that Autumn is actually my favorite season but I need them all...how about you?