Introducing, The Goode Witch of Washington County

Click on the witch to take you to the newest blog, The Goode Witch of Washington County. When you are done, come back and take the link to Lemon Poppyseeds. Even though I don't have anything to share this time, there are many wonderful artists that do!

This Good Wife is Pooped!

At least right now. It was a wonderful show despite the rain and we all had a great time. Such a beautiful time of year, as the Berkshire Mountains were showing their Autumn skirts and the misty rain just added a "Sleepy Hollow " touch to the show.

The Goode Wives are at work on our art daily in some way or another. Even with this show now behind us, there are a couple more in store, before the New Year comes forth. Today, I am back in front of the sewing machine with my beloved raven patterns for a last Hallow's Eve hurrah of orders. I will continue to make all goode things Halloween for upcoming shows and orders, but they will take a slower pace as Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching. There is nothing like a show however,to let you know just how truly your work touches another person's heart. There is no better sight for me, than to see someone approach our booth and light up from heart to eyes with our creations. It is this simple joy that makes all the late nights and sore fingers worth it.

Lemon Poppyseeds will open tomorrow without me, as I will be taking some time off to complete some special friends. It looks like a new studio area for me is also in the works, (not to mention the one at The Goode Comfort Cottage). I will be getting fabrics and dollies in order as their new home awaits. I can't wait to share this special place with you.

I will also be on TDIPT with some new friends on the 15th. The clock is ticking and there are new friends and old here waiting to show their spirits. I may be pooped today after a show, but there is excitement in the air for The Good Wives ahead!

Come See The Good Wives!

Yes, it's true, the Good Wives will be at a most wonderful Show this weekend! If you are in the area, do stop by and say hello, we'd love to see you. This year we have decided to try The Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield MA. Fellow vendors and customers have suggested this show to us, so we decided to give it a try. Being lovers of history, we think it's perfect! For more info, take a little ride on the link above. Tim will be with us also, as he is our "Good GUY of Washington County", and can be found doing the "Wrappers Rap".

Sharing

Tis a goode Monday here this crisp day that will soon change to Autumn. The leaves are changing nicely and the smell of leaves and woodsmoke in the mornings is just this side of heaven.

First, I would like to share our weekend with all of you. You may have noticed that the music has changed a wee bit. Saturday was Jessie's 13th Birthday and we celebrated with a day out, at the Irish 2000 Festival. Just outside of Albany, in a little sleepy village of Altamont, a festival has been held for 12 years now. It is a rather full day of music, as two huge tents and a very large pavilion hold many a music lover and bands play continuously. We saw my favorite, Seven Nations. They played at the torch lighting ceremony at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Also, local favorite, Hair of the Dog brought huge smiles to all of us. You may hear a familiar tune from the movie, Titanic. Yes, Gaelic Storm was there. We had a wonderful day and were all exhausted when we closed our eyes that night. As many of you know, my daughter, Bailey has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Going to an event like this is a big ordeal for her. She did well, the crowds made her a little antsy at times, but we were able to redirect her so that she was able to enjoy herself and be just like anyone else.

Now, I'd like to present to you, the latest and most requested pattern I've ever been asked for, Jake. A little about how Mr. Jake came to be.... I had just gone to visit Netty one early Fall day last year and was greeted by Ted Turner, the Turkey. He announced my arrival and we had a short conversation before he continued his day, protecting the homestead and eating. Later that afternoon I sketched a bit, hoping to come up with a somewhat funny looking, skinny mouse. You've met him already as Seth Warner, my little Revolutionary War mouse. As I drew these angular lines, I thought one looked a lot like Ted, so I continued until the full body was drawn. It's one of those drawings whose spirit is fully shown in a matter of minutes. I chuckled and thought to myself, "now that is something Tim, my hunter, would like". It wasn't until a whole month later, that I did him up for "To Dwell In Primitive Times Mercantile". I thought to myself that no one would want such a lanky Jake when there were so many nice looking turkeys to be had out there. I could have not been so wrong. Jake was sold in minutes and there were requests for more of him...more than I could keep up with! So many of you have asked for him to be a pattern.. and I mean MANY. I am truly humbled with this guy, whose spirit was born in a few quick gesture lines and whose popularity has been unsurpassed in my pattern journey. I want to thank all of you for your request for him and taking the time to let me know how much you enjoy the patterns . This one is for all of you.

****To the right side, you will find ordering instructions. Happy sewing to all of you!****

Jakes on Parade

I just had to let these guys out for a little stroll and stretch their legs before they began their journey to Georgia. I thought you would enjoy the sight. When we lived up on the hill, Bailey would use her Dad's Turkey call and call the summer brood down the back meadow and into our back yard. She was quite good at it. What good memories they bring! Ah, you can almost hear them talking to each other ....wait, they are! Just listen in closer.Closer... that's it, can you hear? They are saying, "Stop by Monday for an important post that many of you have been waiting for!"

September Offerings

There has been a bustle of activity for several weeks now. It will continue until the first week of February and then I'll take a week or two to recoup before diving in for local shows. A local paper has been interviewing me for a piece among other area Artisans. I'm hopeful that I will be among those picked for the final write up.

Tim had a wonderful surprise two weeks ago as I was able to stay for a weekend at the Good Comfort Cottage. He took a room at the cottage and made it into a computer room and studio for me. He worked very hard to have my favorite "schmarm" table, sewing table and treasures set up to inspire. Molly and Rosie are content at our feet as we worked along this past weekend. Bobo the cat was very happy when I arrived with a new box of stuffing. She likes to curl up in it and check out it's loft.

I was only able to put up two offerings on TDIPT this time. I'm busy finishing an order for a dear loved one and getting ready for a show at the end of the month. The postcards have all gone out and it will be nice to say hello to friends that visit the blog and live nearby. Netty and I are looking forward to this adventure and both of us are at full speed in creating.

I wanted to share pictures of my two TDIPT offerings. I had such a good time with them. Durell was a celebration of my continued love of wire.. and Mrs. Brimfield well, she was my heart's surprise. An artists work is bringing what is in the mind and soul outward. Sometimes the idea takes a little trip and weaves itself in an out. What you have pictured exactly in your mind, may not quite match what your hands have done, but it happily speaks what the thought was. I enjoy realism, but whimsy generally takes over and sometimes all realism is lost in the final piece. Not this time~ Mrs. Brimfield surpassed what I had in my minds eye and joyfully surprised me with her outcome. She is one of those pieces that you shed a tear over as you pack her for her journey to her new home. I know without a doubt that the person adopting her feels the same and she will be treasured. I realise in it all, how blessed I truly am.

Silence, Prayer and Remembrance

It is a day for all of us to reflect and never to forget. All of us remember what we were doing when our world stopped. I do not know who to give thank for this wonderful piece of artwork, so if anyone does know I would be grateful to give credit.


I would like to take a moment and give thanks to all who served their country so well and gave so unselfishly during this time.

• To my little brother Steve who was serving Air Force 2, I'm glad that I was able to be with you in the days following. We all grew up a little more, and I am so very proud of you for ALL of your service.
• To my cousin , Brett. We did not know until many weeks later how you took it upon yourself to make your way to Ground Zero and look for survivors. You gave, so unselfishly. I know that you now have respiratory problems as many others do. I pray that others such as yourself can receive the care that they need so badly and insurance companies come through for all of you.
• To my other family members that served alongside their brothers in the Fire Department and National Guard. We are ever thankful.

These men and women are but such a tiny part of the many that served and continue to serve. They are all the heartbeat of our country. I ask that all of you take a moment to say a prayer for all of those that lost their lives seven years ago, and for the men and women that continue to serve our country, military or not and keep us safe.

Finding The Right Steps To The Dance

The house is quiet now. The bustle of the morning over, as two young ladies argued over the bathroom. The dogs have both settled, Rylie, now teaching Molly about the "School Time Vigil" that will end later today with girly giggles and wagging tales. My morning routine is shuffled a bit, but in a good way. I should be able to have a nice, quiet time to work. The morning is cool still and the smell of coffee and candles surround me..........it's too quiet.

The first day of school is always a time to reflect. The girls are much older now and the memories of me taking them into their classrooms before I needed to leave for Brimfield flood my head. This year holds also a bit of sadness. It's been a year now since I received a call , letting me know that my dear friend, Mark lost his battle with cancer. I still keep him close as well as the memories. He was like a brother and I miss his teasing. He was always good for a late night phone call to share something silly, and my girls adored him. He loved New York and the Adirondacks dearly and tried very hard during the last four years of his short life, to make it back to what was his heart's home. He is still near, very much so. We had a pact long ago, that the first one to leave would somehow let the other know that they were near. He has, several times, in ways that only he and I would know and understand. To some, it may be silly or they would brush it all off, but for me, these things bring a comfort, knowing that he is beside.

Monday morning, I reminisced as I worked about all of this. The phone rang and a cheery voice on the other end asked if there was Folk Art going on at my place. It was my colleague calling. We are both fast at work for a show at the end of September and remembering the adventures of Brimfield. My heart is smiling and I do hope that that I can go home to Brimfield, where it all began for us eight years ago. Time marches, girls become young ladies, we keep loved ones alive by never forgetting and with it, in the very core of my being, my art grows. The dance moves as it should, shaped in tradition by steps learned long ago along with new steps moving as life does, ever forward.

Where Did The Summer Go?

August has left and with it the carefree summer. As most of you know, I have been needed more with my Family. After another long hospital stay, my Father has returned home and I will be needed still. As you can see, I have been creating new friends as I can, and I will continue to do so. I would like to introduce to you, two new friends that made their appearance on Lemon Poppyseeds late last night. The first is Goody Wormwood. She is my favorite! Goody is this year's addition to the Herbal Witches and joins Goody Mugwart. I hope to make her a pattern in the future. My second friend is an older friend here, but new to you. This spring I went digging through my designs that I just use for shows and found this friend. Imelda was the inspiration for Mrs. Goddard, but is just as much fun and even bigger.

My posts here may come a little slower for a bit, but it is just temporary. There are shows ahead and 2 patterns to be released I hope by next week. Eleanor, and Jake. I will post them here when they are ready. Until then enjoy Summer's sweet end and the bounty of Harvest with friends and family.