Always Blessings, Never Losses

I was very touched by these profound words. Tim and I were ending a busy day a couple of weeks ago and had turned the television on, surfing the channels. Usually we watch the History Channel, or Discovery, but this particular evening, we were drawn to a program by John Edwards. We came into the program partway through , but it didn't matter. When the words were uttered by a young mother that had lost a child, her words made an instant connection with my heart.

Her words sit with me every day now. I'm ever the "PollyAnna" when it comes to people, always looking for the good. Of course, I've been swatted at by people that are not goode. I'm just more diligent. I refuse to change my heart for a very few. The blessing perhaps isn't in the person, but in the lesson learned from them. I keep true to myself and honesty beside. It has brought me far. Always Blessings....

Years ago, I wanted the Christmas holiday to have meaning and not be so commercial. I stepped back a bit for my daughters. Santa would bring each of them three gifts. One from each of the Wise Men. It kept true to their Religious learning and the magic within.

My daughters have finally realized that the Spirit of Christmas resides within. They came to me and told me that I was Santa.right after Christmas last year.I was blessed that at 11 and 13, they were older than some children. We all sat and talked about what Christmas is about. I was very adamant... Santa only comes when you believe. I dreaded the approaching holiday though, Imagine the blessing, when both girls stuck their letter to Santa on the refrigerator this year!They still kept belief and hope that the Elves would leave the telltale hand prints that their letters will be safely delivered to Himself, The Elf. I had thought that perhaps I had lost one of the most important parts of their innocence, and instead was blessed, to know that they keep it all still close to their hearts.

As the year comes to a close and we all reflect upon the people and events that have shaped our lives this year, I pass on to all of you, the most profound words that I have found this year and will keep close to my heart.

"Always blessings, never losses."

Because, I'm the Mom

When someone can put into words best what you are thinking, it's wisest to hand them the baton and say, "Thank You!". All Mom's can surely relate to this with a smile. As a Mom with a child having an ASD, it really rings true, especially, that we do have to go through this list perhaps a lot longer than for some children. I'm hoping that if Bailey sees it long enough, it will reinforce and still keep her attention! As for Jess, she rolled her eyes and simply stated..."that is so like you, to even make it a song". Gee, she used to love it when I picked her up at school and had one of my new dollies strapped in the front seat. What's up with that???

A Lovely Talk With Anna Lee

Friday morning was quite a nice Vermont morning and perfect for a radio talk. The skies were a bright cobalt blue and the air crisp. There have been quite a few overcast days here lately in the North Country. Sometimes rain, sometimes snow showers. Snow has been peeking through the tops of the mountains, a prelude song for the valleys. As Netty and I sat cozy in the room with mikes all set, I felt more like I was having a ladies tea among friends. Our host Anna, has been a friend for many years now. Before the show aired, we had time to catch up a bit on each other's lives. I first met Anna some 10 years ago as she was crafting using found materials for some of the local stores. She's since gone on to publish a book for young readers, develop some games and work as a local radio host.

Netty and I had much to share! We both talked about how our art started and what fuels it now. Netty and I are both inspired by history. Netty's paper and castings tend to reflect her love of the American Revolutionary time period. My work shows Black American influence as well as people and animals of my personal history. Art inspired and with a purpose. We also talked about the first American Folk art~ the graven images carved on tombstones. We shared how we both try to keep images, techniques and materials simple, as was done generations ago. It is difficult to do everything as we would like, but we do what we can. Same as in our everyday life.

Netty is the most self sufficient person that I know. I wish that I had known her as a young teen when I sat reading the Mother Earth News from cover to cover! She shared some of her gardening and reminded us to keep the seeds to plant for next year. She can make and cook a pumpkin pie from scratch on her old cook stove in near the time that it takes you and I to pop a frozen pie in the oven and keep an eye on it. Netty is working towards teaching hearth cooking among other things in her 1780 home. Many people at the Poultney Show remembered the little holiday show there several years ago. I was invited by Netty to bring some of my work to the event which raised money to put up a historic marker in nearby Middle Granville. Many of our customers at the show as well as the listeners Friday morning heard the encouraging word~ Netty hopes to bring about a similar holiday event next year!

We were on the air for about 40 minutes sharing and hoping to inspire. Whether it was in art, to work from home, or try to keep life a little slower paced and simpler where you can. We can't all live as Netty does, and many don't wish to. I know that in raising my daughters and helping both my parents, that I can't do all that I would like right now. I can however, continue to learn and hold it dear. Bit by bit, I aspire to live my life stepping back a bit to a simpler and more self sufficient way also. Most importantly we hoped to encourage to not be afraid to share a bit of yourself or your heart. You never know just how profoundly you will touch or impact a life, by what you do or who you are. Just as our lives have been touched and inspired by others, we hoped to "pay it forward" over the airwaves.

It has been a very busy week and weekend for me with family needs and preparing for our first big snowstorm of the season. The girls have pajama's all set to wear inside out and backwards in hopes to secure a snow day tomorrow. I love that I can be home with them and enjoy watching through their eyes along with a cup of hot cocoa to celebrate. I plan on getting up very early to work and share my time with "the March Girls" ... a perfect morning to to share with one of my favorites~ Little Women.....at least until I have to start shoveling.

Hitting the Airwaves~

Netty and I are off to the local radio station for an interview. Reaching out and giving back is always a part of what we do. We've both been published, and both shared our knowledge and our love of what we do with area groups. This is a first for us~ to be heard on the airwaves of NY and VT. How fun! It gives us a chance to spark a little interest, perhaps inspire, and even change some one's life to a certain degree. The ability to do any of this is our greatest reward. While it is true that we make a living selling our passion, for the most part it is nothing that anyone needs. It is a want. We recognise this and are very thankful indeed. We also recognise that sometimes our greatest success comes when we touch someones heart, inspire them to create or perhaps take their own journey and find their own passion within. While the airwaves of this small town station, do not reach as far as some, they touch many lives nestled between the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. Thank you Ann, for giving us the chance to reach out and share a bit of who we are and what we do. To give back to others who have given us so much... to inspire people to make their dreams can come true is the best gift for us.

The Meaning of Success

The dust has settled as the last show of the season has ended. The work however has not. The whirl of the sewing machine could be heard before the sun arose this snowy morning. There is much to be done!

The Poultney Show is a very charming one indeed. This is the second year I have shown there and with great success. How does one measure that? For some vendors it is strictly monetary. A 98% sell is a great success, and with the bumpy economy, I am very blessed to have that. To an artist it is truly more. It is a chance to show others your heart and passion. I love to see people and children walk through and smile. Some enjoy the whimsy, others the ugliness of extreme ( so ugly it's cute). Still others, see the historic nature of some of the items and techniques. I was so endeared to see an elderly woman pick up a Maude Addie doll and hug her. She kept going to her and picking her up, just enjoying the doll. Still another endearing moment was when a long ago customer from my show days in Chester, squealed with delight in finding me once again. She rattled off the dolls that she had and pridefully announced that she still has them all. She picked up one with great care for her sister's Christmas gift, "This is the perfect gift for her, because she loves your dolls and has been looking for you." she said happily. This to me is success. To not only share my passion with others, but to know that it is their heart also and they hold dear the treasures that were made with much love.

It was great to see old friends, especially some that I had not seen in many years. The local radio station announced to her audience, that she had found the most unique booth she had ever seen. She encouraged the local listeners to come and see for themselves. Wherever the Good Wives go, we are unique, but it is that we follow our hearts and speak with our hands. The Good Wives have had a successful year, and we are truly grateful to all of you that have made it the success. We have invites to other shows, to meet with Historical Societies, as well as a media interview after the Holidays. It seems that there are many that share our pleasure, hearts and passions, locally once again.

A Caruso Family Reunion

It has been a hectic few days here. A two day show to prepare for, a Thanksgiving feast to cook and enjoy and the celebration of a life well lived. My great Aunt Jenny was born 91 years ago to Frank and Serafina Caruso. She was 1 of 23 children born and 1 of 9 that survived past childhood. Italian through and through. She was a small and birdlike woman and as feisty as they come. Our holidays at my Grandparent's spent in Upstate NY, always included "the Aunts". They would all come through the house before dinner, husbands in tow and dressed to the nines. Each Aunt brought the dish for which they were best known, except Aunt Julia. Aunt Julia would travel up from the Boston area and always bring the most wonderful Italian desserts from a bakery. I can still remember the killer cannolis! Aunt Jenny would bring her rice pudding. Such a time we all had!! My Grandfather played the trumpet and my Grandmother the organ, there was always plenty of music, song and a nip of anisette in the after dinner coffee.

There is only one Aunt remaining now, Aunt Marge. Aunt Jenny passed in her sleep very peacefully. I know that she is joined by a large and welcoming family and so we celebrate Aunt Jenny and all the wonderful memories! I will return in couple days to share more of the show. For those new friends met there and dear old friends that I haven't seen in many years~ welcome and thank you for stopping by! I enjoyed seeing you at the show.

Drum Roll Please......

It is with great pride and pleasure, that I announce my part of this group of VERY talented ladies. I will have my premier debut tomorrow on the 15th. If you haven't visited this online magazine yet, by all means do so! Grab a mug of hot chocolate, or my personal favorite, mint tea. I have enjoyed watching the talent of these ladies for a few months now, and I'm never disappointed. There are two openings. The first of the month and the fifteenth. Some I've known for years and others I am just getting to know. These ladies are a very warm and kind group and have welcomed me aboard with great hospitality.

You will not see my pattern releases on here. Only finished items, (which was what I was looking for). My pattern releases will be announced here on the blog, or perhaps back on Crow Soup in the Spring. I haven't fully decided yet. The patterns will not be ending. It will take me a bit of time to dance some new steps, so bare with me. Right now I am deep in dollie making for the show next week. TDIPT Mercantile will give me a chance to explore and just break out a little with something finished. I had a blast with the three characters that you will meet tomorrow. I'm not sure how to make the banner clickable, but I have put the link in my Goode Sisters and Goode places section.

Are You In Our Area?

The phone has been ringing and emails have been coming in... when will the next show for The Good Wives be??? Will you do one for the Holidays??? Well, if you are in our area, grab your calender and a pencil to mark it down! We did this show last year for fun, and much to our surprise, people were looking for PRIMITIVES! I let customers and show managers know that we were interested in coming back, and so....

The Vermont Farmer's Market Christmas Fair

at the

Poultney VT High School Gym

November 23 & 24

10-4

This is on rte. 140 in Poultney Vt. If you need directions, just send an email! It is about 8 miles from Granville. We will be located in the center area of the gym. Stop by and say hello~ we'd love to meet you!.......the next announcement is coming in 2 days!

Sharing A Favorite Friend

I thought I would share a very dear pattern with you. Designs are inspired by many different things. More often than not, with me it is a person and they come through in animal form. This design, however was not the case. When I was 6, my father was transferred to Goose Bay Labrador. We spent about 2 years there and it was the most memorable place for me. Great amounts of snow, the Northern Lights, bears, Eskimos and geese in flight are imprinted in my soul. As I watch the geese making their way south for the winter, I enjoy their stopping by. I remember hearing them call to each other as I lay warm in my bed. They keep the memories close, what better a gift?

Changes Again....

For at least right now, the Hags Mag is closed. So many of the artists had so much ahead with shows and full lives, that it was difficult to get enough together. I admit, I have been fast at work too. I love every bit of Fall and all that it has to offer, so it is sad for me. You see, as I waited those 11 hours that Bailey was in surgery, I kept positive thoughts and prayers and let my drawings take me deep within. Pattern designs are just a small part of the artist within me and there was a part of me that also wanted to explore more one of a kind pieces.

I had shared these thoughts with a friend and fellow artist in July. Soon after, Ye Old Hags Haunt Magazine was born. Perfect...just as the drawing I had done for this crow back during that long day in March. I wanted to share her with you. She is from a favorite book of mine, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare. If you have never read it before, please do! It is about a young woman who leaves her home in the Caribbean and must take on the Puritan ways of her Aunt's family in Connecticut.

This is my spin on Kit. She has a chemise, underskirt and pantaloons that cover the wire crows feet for which I am known. I love the English bodice. A blend of many things that hold my heart dear. She is dressed in black, to signify an upper class Puritan family. Puritan or Witch?

For now, she will reside with me...I have the perfect doll house that stands empty upstairs at the Comfort Cottage. I will have to share a picture of her in this little home........

Stick Season

The leaves have fallen...they smell wonderful mixed with woodsmoke on these chilly cool mornings. The trees are so bare with just their sticks showing. The mountains have taken on a different color. A cold, blue gray. They are still beautiful mind you, and I love it when the snows peek through. The clocks are all set back and I am happy that time was extended to do this. I have SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. This time of year was once the most difficult, but now I know how to keep the meltdown days at bay. I have this year round as some do. Now with the help of light therapy and walks outside everyday, the meltdowns have gone from 1-2 times a month several years ago, to 1 last year. I'm a very different person and quite happy. I do mourn as Stick Season approaches. It's just that it is very long time until the buds appear. I choose to celebrate the late Fall and Winter ahead. Mourning is a brief affair, perhaps more so as snow flurries are expected later this week. It's time to enjoy oatmeal and hot chocolate. The brussel sprouts are best picked right after the first snows. There are squash ready for the days ahead and peppermint tea to sooth a cold evening. The Holidays are fast approaching and I am sharing one of the new Santa's for this year. It was drawn last Fall with the others an put away to tweak and refine for this year. Most of my designs are done this way. Now, some are off to my favorite shop...and some are set to go to licensing companies. This is my Jigs character from my pattern series and always close to my heart!

What Better Way...

to enjoy a fine Halloween day~ than with an interesting place to visit! Thank you for stopping by. I've been buried in a couple deadlines and I will be be posting more next week as I work my way past some really fun designs. I have lots to share! But for now, as Santas have invaded my worktable, my heart is still holding on to my favorite time of year.


Sleepy Hollow is among one of my favorite stories and it is a part of the history surrounding this area in Upstate NY. Kinderhook is one of my favorite villages to stop by and an area which I would love to explore more of. Until then, this will have to do. Enjoy this link perhaps with a cup of mulled cider. I hope you find it as interesting as I. I hope you have a nice little journey with it!

http://www.tqnyc.org/NYC051575/inspiration.htm

Happiness is......

....a brand new ream of ledger paper! I go through a couple every year for all my rough sketches. A new ream holds so much promise ahead. Visions, inspirations and studies. I used to be uncomfortable and unsure of exactly where I stood art wise. I love the craftsmanship of the Victorian area, such intricate details in in their homes, dress and lifestyles. I also love the simplicity of Early and Colonial America. As I draw and design both influence me. In it all whimsy takes hold of my hand and comes through more often than not. I have to work and study at the extremes. Pull apart the elements and techniques . I enjoy it and it is far more the challenge. I'm comfortable now in both places and enjoy celebrating them both. I'm beginning to do more formal drawings and designs again and am balancing it all. I am a mix of fine things and simple, whimsy and serious. Perhaps both times were a deep part of my soul and it is in this time that I can share.

New Dance Ahead

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320172553243&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=011

Well, my friends, it has been a strange and busy week! So many of you wrote and everyone felt the same~ keep the art! And so I will. It will take a bit of juggling with a new schedule, but new pattern releases will be put on here and I will make an announcement, right before their debut. Also, I have joined a group of very talented women and will be offering finished work. I will make a formal announcement and add a banner a little later. Til then, enjoy a look at my Ebay offering, Charlotte. Named after someone very dear to me. She's very extreme! She will also not be offered as a pattern, just as a finished piece. Enjoy, the day~ we are at peak for Fall foliage and enjoying the fruit of Fall. Apples!

Changing the Dance

It appears that there are changes ahead for me. Sometimes you get to steer and other times, the steering is done for you. Change has always been a part of my life and I always look at it as a wonderful chance for an adventure. I have decided that it is time to step away from Crow Soup. I can hear the gasp! It does not, however, mean that I am stepping away from the patterns. They will continue and there are plenty of new ones ahead. I've learned from this past week, that viruses and upload issues don't matter. I never could have imagined the response I received by putting my patterns on this blog, in what I had thought was a temporary move. As one special customer wrote me, "how could you not realize how big your response would be!" I hear so often that Primitive pattern makers are becoming fewer and fewer. I still enjoy the dance and I have many designs to share.

The big question... what will you do now? I will listen to all of you. I will put my new pattern releases here for now. I had intended this blog to be a place to write and share and so I am unprepared for a pattern world change. I would like your input here, because without all of you, this would be nothing and my writings better served in a composition book. Tell me what you would like.... to continue the Good Wife as I intended and create a sister blog of new pattern releases and perhaps a sharing of other artists? Or just add new patterns here on a monthly basis. If you are unsure or uneasy about a public comment, just send a private note my way. I'd love to hear from you!

Getting My Feet Wet

My family and friends have given me the nudge. They have been nudging for a couple of years now,"why don't you put your work on Ebay???". I'd thought about it. Studied it and watched how it all worked. I even took a little day seminar last year and learned some really neat things. Then, this Spring as Bailey was healing from surgery...I took a step. I put my patterns out....but now I'm getting that nudge again. (Italian families are good at that , but they can also be loud too.) As with anything you have to put your time in.. time, so that people can get to know you and your work. It's official..I'm getting my feet wet and hope to offer some of my work beyond my pattern line. I hope that you enjoy my first piece~ there are 2 day's left on her. Meet Goody Mugwort. ( I was kind of getting used to her hanging around here too....)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=320167369460&Category=1217&_trksid=p3907.m29

Goody Mugwort

It's Time Again~

www.yeoldhagshaunt.com

Time sure flies here! Already, the second issue is up and my favorite piece is sold. To be known as just a pattern maker online and take a step towards finished offerings can be a wee bit scarey, but so many of you have written such nice letters about my work. You are all so encouraging and I thank you for taking the time to stop by here and my other haunts.

We are almost at peak for the leaves turning. This week is starting to feel more like fall, last week was very hot and summerlike. We made a lovely fire this weekend and enjoyed time together with hotdogs and marshmallows of course. This morning was damp and dreary, so I put a little pumpkin spice in my coffee before I brewed it. It's all good... the color of the mountains, the smell in the air of leaves and woodsmoke...and pumpkin spice cawfee... what a wonderful Fall.

Blink.....

She's 14. Where is that little baby I held so close and rocked to sleep? The scraped knees, the melted ice cream she wore.....has grown up in a blink. Not all the way, thank goodness, although she would tell you otherwise. She is my boy-crazy girl that is ALL girl~ all that glitters.

I wasn't prepared...not at all. After her surgery in March, she was tutored at home and then there was summer vacation. Two days after school started, we met Greg, Bailey's boyfriend. He's funny and smiles a lot. A good balance to a more serious Bailey. They seem to have a good friendship, but Homecoming? A date? So soon??? Bailey was very matter-of-fact as to what kind of dress that she wanted and where to get it. She wanted something strapless or a halter look to it. It had to be long too. Within 30 minutes she had found it (much to my surprise) I asked her if it bothered her that it showed her back and her scar. It didn't bother her in the least and she let me know that it was just a scar. I told her that she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was the outside. She's not quite understanding that, but she will. You see,Bailey has Asperger's Syndrome. An Autistic spectrum disorder. She is wired a bit differently and it can be difficult for her socially. I'm very proud of her, she's had many struggles in her 14 years....but look at her shine!