A Big Sigh and Snowflakes

How would I describe our Christmas?

It was one for the books, that is for sure.

I was incredibly busy packing orders, farther into December than I thought I would be~ 

But what a blessing!

An unexpected late night call, 

made for a race North to home.

I chat with my Mom most every day and generally a couple times a day.

I had not talked with her this day and she knew we had a gathering in the afternoon, so it was no big deal...

until a Nurse called and explained that she had lost her ability to speak and become unresponsive.

We were off!

Long story short, 

she is fine and fully recovered!

Whew!

It is hard as you see your parent's health become more delicate.

I am the closest to her of the three children. 

( I would not have it any other way)

It is up to me to relay the happenings and assess the importance of the situation.

It did not seem good as we arrived.

After a few hours, she began to change and come around.

We were very relieved that she would be home for Christmas, 

however....

just as we had that thought,

a virus stuck our house.

It was full on Lysol Lockdown...

we had not even done our Holiday shopping!

Somehow, it all came together.

We were able to secure the gift wishes of our loved ones and deliver them Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

And now....

I am ready to give a big sigh.

All is well.
We did it!

...and now I can enjoy a little Winter's hibernating.

Tonight, our first Winter storm will arrive.

Chicken soup will simmer all day..

a pie awaits the day's end.

I have Outlander ready...

with ink and paper.

I am content and cozy.

I am ready!

Happy Solstice

Happy Solstice to all!

Our days will now become longer.

 It is all such a happy time as family and friends gather.

We sip on cider and eggnog.

I love looking on the faces of wee ones as they meet up with Santa.

Halloween 2014

Of course, 

I do live with my own Santa. 

It is so fun when children take a second look or point him out.

His eyes do twinkle and sometimes a jolly, "Ho, ho, ho!"

is all that is needed...

to help keep the magic going.

We still have gifts to get....

as we have been called to be beside a loved one.

We just dance the days the way we need to and always look at the blessings that each day holds.

My workbasket that now hangs on our wall. 

It is a treasure itself, 

and now it is filled with what takes my fancy...

  or holds my heart.

 Sometimes it changes every day...

or perhaps over several days.  

I can't explain it, 

but as the Doll House does; 

it grounds me. 

As we light candles today and embrace the celebrations of light and longer days ahead;

we extend it,

 with the healing energies and love for our beloved...

and to all who may need it~  

Sniffles and Offerings

Dori Sparrow

The Wee Cottage is bursting with life~

It's finals week for Jess and I'll miss her and her critters while she goes home between semsters...

A wee little boy brings us lots of smiles during the days~

and I am working as I can between naps and snacks...

Old Thistle the hunched back Doormouse

Early Work Mercantile 

is open 

and I am a bit late.

In all of this, a case of the sniffles has been coming on for a few days.

Yesterday was difficult and I am thankful for lots of homemade soup and the ability to rest.

I am feeling better and now I would like to introduce you to some new friends.

Wee Rosebud Doormouse

I am smitten with Gnomes.

 Not to mention making visions come to life.

With Dori, played about with how best to give her a plumpish body.

Each friend is new and fun! T

hey all have ribbon wrapped pixie booties 

and a blanket of antique batting~

 best of all,

I have offered them each with a special sale price for the Holidays.

Now that is Goode News!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Heaven And Nature Sing Deer

Our trip to Lake Placid a couple of months ago is still reflected in my heart.

The mountains with trees dressed for Fall will always linger, never far.

Lake Placid has been a part of my soul. 

I always thought that I would go back there and live....

funny how life has other plans.

It is now my place to rest and rejuvenate my creativity.

Black Angel Ornie

In my reflection of my time at the School of Art those years ago,

my Primitive Journey has been reflected as well.

I am loving the wee folk that are coming about now.

Little Snow Angel

The humble and rustic look of Osnaburg.

The leathery look of waxing and the primitive style that captured my heart. 

I am stepping back with fresh eyes and workmanship that has been gathered with time and making.

My hair has gray in it.

My fingers are starting to look like my Gram's;

a bit arthritic as they hold a needle and stitch the days away...

and my eyes see children grown 

and Gandbabies.

One is on the way.

Bliss.....

Stop By~~~

Santa Lew

The PICTURETRAIL Show is up and running~

 It gets hectic as the first emails come rolling in,

 but there are still plenty of wonderful Wee Folk to be had!  

Santa Wilhelm

Some are one of a kind.....some are now retiring.

Daniel

Many are done using techniques that reflect the past. 

So many are perfect to nestle withing your antiques or Early home.

Netty Santa Kitty (sitting)

An Online Show

Hello friends~

 It's almost time! 

I sent out emails and posted on social media~

My friends that did not get adopted while in Gloversville, 

will have another chance on Thursday evening.

They are all chattering madly~

A new home is quite exciting! 

A click on Griswold's picture will take you to  the Picturetrail site.

You may want to review how to purchase and look at some past friends.

Me; I am ready to really jump back into creating and designing full time again. 

I can't believe how fast it has all sped by~

with a little one now walking and talking....

and a new brother or sister 

who will make an appearance in June.

I won't have full time Nonnie/Nanny duties, 

but they will not be far.

It certainly is, "the most wonderful time of the year" !

* The link is now fixed~ Thank you!

Good Morning December

I wanted to stay in bed. 

I was toasty warm... 

but I could smell cawfee brewing~

and could hear a little wee voice talking to Grandpa.

There is much to do today. 

This first day of December has dawned with milky skies and a frosty chill that carries the smell of wood smoke. 

 Enough to make your heart smile as it tickles winter memories.

Ah December, you are magical.

Among the amazing number of pattern orders to go out,

 I have some friends to share.

I believe a Picture Trail Show is in order. 

I will be fast at work getting it all set, 

in hopes that it can happen towards the end of the week.

Ah yes, magical December,

please send some elves.....

A November Gift

NORTHWOODS DEER

I sit here this morning with a big sigh. Our Thanksgiving is done. We traveled an hour away to enjoy Thanksgiving surrounded by family and mountains. 

Our year of big changes is nearly over and although some of the changes won't fall into place until next year; the hardest parts are over.

Weights are lifted and I am excited to move forward. 

My year of Nonna help is nearly over and I am excited to be back. I will keep a lower profile as I work on some projects that won't come about for a few months, but I am so very excited with it all.

GRISWOLD

So it is time for me to celebrate and share some goode with all of you. 

You waited patiently as I thought a wee one would afford me a little time to release more patterns. 

Well, he does keep me busy.

 When he  wasn't here, I had to be away from my home as the changes entered my life and needed quite a bit of attention.

 I am blessed with amazing family that helped when I couldn't, so everything would fall into place. 

Thank you, dear friends and family...with all of my heart.

NANTUCKET AND NORMAN
pinkeeps

 So now it is time, to pick up those intentions and let them roll. 

You should start seeing me here more.

 To start it off, I think we need these three pictures to become patterns. 

Oh yes... they are ready!

Enjoy !

November It Is

It's goode to be busy, right? 

We are shooting beyond, at crazy busy!

This morning my offerings are up for adoption at 

Early Work Mercantile

Miss Cinnamon can do double duty as a tree topper. 

She has new techniques and lots of ruched ribbon. The smidge of blue on top, gives her the look of an old, family treasure.

Tilda the Shrew is ready for the winter and all bundled up. The Almanac says that it will be a very cold and snowy season in the North Woods.

Mark your calender's local friends!

The Soroptimist Holiday Craft Fair

is the one show I am doing for 2015

It is very limited work, but I am loving that I have had the chance to do this!

The show is next Sunday, Nov. 22

10 - 4

Gloversville Middle School

I hope to see everyone!

I will have more to write very soon.

 Some things are just getting settled...

but oh the changes for 2016!

Great News!

Say Hello to Rupert (Sitting)

and

Franklin (on the run)

They are new patterns!

Yes, that's right! 

Along with Goodie Pumpernickel and her cat, Soot

I know it is only 2 patterns and there are so many I want to release, 

BUT, 

they are coming. 

I shall release a couple to a time into next year.

I will have a small sale each time.

Sooo

 if you don't see the ones that you are wishing on right now, 

(leaping Frog and Ebeneezer)

they are currently in the model stage.

Just A little News

Hi everyone! 

Thanks so much for stopping by. 

I wanted to let all of my local friends know that I will not be at the 

Harvest Festival 

at 

Sharon Springs

this year.

It was a difficult decision, but it is just too difficult to make enough items,

I will check out the show as a visitor instead~

I will miss you all, but I WILL be back next year!

I may be able to squeeze a few things in for a small Picture Trail show~ Stay tuned for details!

Also~

I will be doing the Gloversville Show in Nov.

September Inspires

How is it that the days can pass so quickly?

The Wee Cottage is so full of life and laughter.

Tommy keeps us busy during the week days.

Yes, us~ Tim is between jobs, so he has been busy with the garden...

and keeping us in goode eats.

Tommy is starting to get around, 

so it is nice to have Grampa home for now to do the cooking, 

 

and tend the harvest...

and sneak in some 

Tommy time!

Early Work Mercantile opened

at midnight.

You never know when you put something up, just how it would be received.

you can put your heart up for all to see,

 and it can be a dud. 

I like to challenge myself with my sculpts and needle techniques....

what a surprise this morning!

I have been working through all my notes and messages.

 I appreciate all of them 

and am thankful to have 

so many that wish to adopt!

This month I was intrigued by a woman from Oregon and her family

by the last name of Dunn.

I enjoyed looking up the women of the Oregon Trail

and the men who lead the way~

protecting,

leading 

and scouting

The women left comforts

and finery.

trading silk for linen.

It was only fitting

to name her after someone that inspired me so much.

I also have been using nap time to my needling advantage...

see the red garland in the picture above?

It is corn from our garden.

Isn't it beautiful?

So while it has been too long since my last post,

I have been keeping full days 

and enjoying life here at the cottage.

Squeezing Out Every Last Drop of Summer

We've had a wonderful Summer, 

wrapped up in family and fun.

Outdoor concerts, 

picnicking along the Mohawk River 

and 

Saratoga Park...

The dog days of Summer have even held celebration!

 Jess moved in with her doggie, Sam and the "pursnickety" kitty, Delores.

(Yes, that is Jess above with her "stinky face")

Many a hot dog and hamburger have been grilled....

Tim's youngest daughter and her boyfriend signed papers on their new home and new view!

Tim sent her a text last Sunday morning stating that we were headed her way and had bacon!

There is a flea Market, 

every Sunday,

at the bottom of her hill; 

Spring til Fall.

Did I mention her view?

We have also started a fun tradition for all of us:

We gather as a family at alternating houses every Sunday,

to enjoy a meal.
Breakfast or dinner...

the Host has the main course and the others bring a side dish.

We've had fun, trying out Pinterest recipes!

As College starts Monday for Jess...

and the days get cooler, 

we will embrace Fall as it comes.

We have apple picking plans, 

Irish Festival, 

a clam bake

 and even a yearly Fall Picnic...

at night!

It's amazing fun 

On Wednesday, 

I offered Hannelore on my Goode Wife Facebook page.

   She didn't make it on to Early Work, 

but Face Book was new for me.

I was amazed at the requests! 

I need to get sculpting some more, it seems...

and not just Pumpkin Ladyes....

Yes.. there is a new Ravenskull in the works...

she's a surprise....

but first, 

I have a few more Summer days to enjoy.

Trust

Meet Brimstone

Sometimes inspiration comes from in a strong voice, 

saying NOW is the time.

This needs to happen 

and you are ready.

really? 

you think so?

Take a deep breath and trust

that it is so.

and don't let the notion of

"what if"

grab hold

and keep you captured.

trust in the voice.

~ * ~

Sometimes you just know that it is time to take and breathe new life into characters

that you

and others enjoy.

What is Art if we keep doing the same old?

If we don't work on other parts of the journey, besides design?

there is always a part of us 

needing to 

evolve.

If you haven't had a chance to stop in and visit Early Work Mercantile~ 

grab a cuppa and enjoy! 

The picture below will take you there.

I am already working on the Gathering next month!

There is also one  fussy one that didn't make the offerings...

She will be fashionably late,

 and will be offered on my Facebook Business page when she is ready.

As you know, 

these ladies are limited and different each year.

Pedaling Along Summer's Road

Summer is moving along,

 like riding a bike; 

I keep pedaling and enjoying all that it has to offer. 

We are making lots of memories.

Soon we will head North,

 and gather as one big family.

The Walsh clan continues to grow with new babies

 and one  the way.. 

well, one for now. 

It is fun to watch as we celebrate the first year of some

and  the welcoming of new wee ones.

My girls are busy with some of the changes ahead 

and although we can't always gather as often as we would like,

  we take advantage of opportunity.

The garden is coming along nicely 

and I enjoy getting out to harvest.

There is nothing like hands in the soil and hands to pick Mother Earth's bounty.

Enjoying a walk among all of the gardens~

flowers or food makes no difference,

it is the walk that brings me to the magic.

Above is last Summer's try with new pumpkin and snowfolk.

(and how I set the eyes in place)

It got a bit busy, but not forgotten.

We all have a basket or box with 

UFOs

(UnFinished Offerings)

 As you can tell, 

I have had fun playing around with the basic pattern.

I LOVE that they each carry their own spirit.

the two orange ones are the same pattern.

they are my 

"Pumplins"

One of my favorite things about Summer, 

is the opportunity to give back.

To use my gift to raise money for the Komen Foundation.

I can honor my Vermont roots and family...

and to encourage others.

One may not be able to run the race...

but volunteering time or pieces such as Pip

are always so important.

what ever is special to you and your heart...give of yourself,

every little bit helps.

Sunny With A Chance Of Changes

Why is it that those long Summer days can speed by, 

fast as lightening?

It has been a very rainy June.
Part of the garden is happy 

and

part is well...yellowing.

The firecrackers have died down 

and now I can listen 

to the Summer sounds...

crickets...

the wail of the trains...

the early birdsong

and

the whish of cars.

In it all, there are changes for us here.

Possibly a few in the next couple of months.

I won't jinx anything in speaking of possibility.

What I can share ~

My youngest daughter Jessie, 

will be attending college not far from me.

Her beau, Matt is already taking classes there and although he commutes,

Jess has asked if she could bunk in during her schooling.

You can see me smiling and dancing, I know.

I talk with my girls every couple of days, but every Mom secretly loves when they come back.

No matter how long

or 

how short.

She took this past semester off, 

which we all felt was needed after the sudden loss of her Granma.

She is now ready to try a different college.

When she isn't studying or with her 

beau~

She will be learning the pattern business...

creating....

following her creative voice.

all those years ago,

when we were at the 1812 House~

A wee lass would play with the doll house 

that is now here at the Cottage.

It is time for her to wrap up in all that has been the Good Wives,

and see 

if it is her heart also.

no matter what she does, or where she goes...

she will always have 

her creative voice.