February Brings......

Sweethearts and a celebration of love. It also brings more here at the Goode Comfort Cottage. Soon you will see a new place that offers not only my patterns but finished items as well. I'm continuing my journey with extreme primitives and I am very excited to be sharing them with you in March. Til then, I am looking into a new direction for me and one that I hope that you will also enjoy. For a couple years now I have wanted to offer my drawings to all of you in the form of notepads or cards. It looks like I will be able to do this soon, thanks to a special friend. Keep prayers and positive energy this way and I will let you know how this journey goes. Also ahead you will see my new friend Georgette and an update as my studio goes forward later in the spring. Primitives by Kathy has my new designs and there will be more next year. They are all the fun and whimsy side of me. There are new directions floating on the wind ahead and I am excited about it all. You will see it all here first as it all falls into the parade that is my journey. Till then, keep eyes ahead on TDIPT. If you haven't seen the 1st of the month offerings, stop by, the link is in my Goode Places and Sisters. On the 15th, there will be more from this family of artisans. I hope that you will enjoy my new items there. I will post again to remind all of you to grab a mug of something hot and enjoy some great works!

The Heritage Show

The Travelers Have Returned

I love it all. The travel, staying in a hotel and being a part of this show. They are a close knit group of people that get together every year with Barbara and enjoy each other and their talents. There wasa a flurry of activity as friends were catching up after a year. There were also people milling around and watching the setting up process with great anticipation. This show is such a warm embrace,and already I look forward to next year.

I have made a slideshow of our adventure. Without Netty this year, I chose a smaller area, knowing that last year I sold out in 3 hours. This year is a far different economy and worry for many of us and yes, the buyers were very cautious for the most part. I was very fortunate, while I did not have the sell out as last year, I made what I had projected and have plenty of work ahead. Most of my one of a kinds and new rabbits went before set up. There is also a new crow and you will get to see them in the posts ahead~but for now, I'm catching up on some much needed rest and answering emails. My computer is in for a tune up and so it will be a good week that I will be without ole Bess. I will, however, be checking in and getting paperwork and new designs going. I also have something goode and exciting to share.......

Introducing~

Little Mr. Brendan Thomas Hesnor. His much awaited arrival was Friday at 5pm. This wee bundle is Tim's Great Nephew and the first  Great Grandchild born to the children of Thomas and Mary Rose Walsh. I had a wonderful time last night as we were formally introduced and I was able to hold him close. I do look forward to my own Nonna years, however I don't want to rush two girls that still have so much life and so many accomplishments yet ahead. I will be content for now and enjoy watching this young man grow as his new parents fuss around him. This is what life is really all about~ Congratulations Todd and Shannon!
And now... the time is fast approaching for the Heritage Market. We will be leaving the 29th. I can't wait~ I really do love this show. Please stop by and say hello~ I will be in booth 35. Netty will not be going as she isn't feeling well. I miss her terribly already. We will be doing more local shows still this year. I will not be posting again here until my return, but I will have Goode News and Goode things to share. Until then, enjoy the music. I have found quite a few now that I hold dear to my heart. They are memory markers for me. There are some that I haven't found yet, but I'm on the look for them. I hope that you find memories of your own here also.

Happy Anniversary Dad.....

Thirteen years ago, this very day; my father received a wonderful blessing.... a new liver. We were all on edge and had been waiting months, well two years really for the call to come. When it did, after two false alarms , we were praying that a new liver would come in time to save his life. My Dad was in the military for 22 years and the Sheriff's Dept. for 20. He was in the Korean War at the tail end, and served 6 tours of duty in the Vietnam war. He drank seldom. He is pictured here with my youngest brother Stephen, who will be retiring from the Air Force after 22 years this Fall. We are blessed indeed, but it did not come without the loss of someone that we never knew. We are grateful for such a beautiful gift. All of us have signed our licenses and let family know that we too will be donors and will pay it forward. Happy Anniversary Dad, I speak for all of your kids and grandchildren. We love you and we are ever thankful for that special person , who was willing to be a donor.

The Music Is You

Music makes pictures and often tell stories,

all of it magic and all of it true.

And all of the pictures and all of the stories,

and all of the magic, the music is you.

John Denver

I do hope that you enjoy the music that I have added to the blog with many thanks to my blog sisters for leading the "how-to" way. Each song is from a time and place in my life. They were picked with great care. My Mom's side of the family (and also the Italian side) is very musically gifted. My Grandparent's Jiggy and Doris were known for their accomplishments on the trumpet and piano. I remember my dad telling the story of the evening he first came to meet my Mother's family. He knocked on the door and was invited to come in. There, in the living room was my Uncle Frank... all of about 12 or 13 then. He was standing on a chair and conducting an imaginary orchestra as music bellowed from the old record player. Luckily my father did not run~

Sadly, none of the musical ability was passed on to the next generation, although a great appreciation was. From Glenn Miller to Bette Midler. Classical to rock, we were exposed to so much. My Uncle John is all of 3 years older than me. We grew up more like brother and sister. I remember begging him to play, "Linus and Lucy" when he was about 9. He would hum a couple bars, tap a couple keys and play it. Now if he is anywhere near a keyboard, I ask him for this one tune...it is there on the play list. I hope that in this peek inside my heart, you will also find a bit of yourself. Perhaps you will find something that brings memories back to you.

Merrye New Year!

To all of you so goode and dear, I send my best wishes for a New Year surrounded by goode health and happiness. May your endeavors bring goode fortune and you find peace in simple pleasures.

We are off this afternoon to travel a bit North to a very snowy Saratoga, known for it's horse racing.
This evening the streets will be alive with music and art. There are many venues to keep us more than busy. Children's crafts, story telling , barbershop quartets and even magic shows. This is a family gathering and it is rich in all the arts. 7 Nations will be the starring band. I've enjoyed them quite a few years now. I cheered when they were asked to play at the Winter Olympics at Salt Lake...and now I can see them in person. That is a very goode thing indeed. However you spend this holiday, be safe and have a wonderful time.

~ All Goode News ~

For anyone wishing to stop by my next show~ here is the info. I am booth # 35. Netty will not be here this year as she has not been feeling well through the past year. I will announce our local shows on here when the time comes!


HERITAGE MARKET OF AMERICAN CRAFTS IN
VALLEY FORGE, PENNSYLVANIA
24th year. The original Valley Forge Market.


Show Dates & Times:
JANUARY 31, 2008
FEBRUARY 1, 2008
FEBRUARY 2, 2008

9 A.M. – 9 P.M.THURSDAY
9 A.M. – 6 P.M. FRIDAY
9 A.M. – 2 P.M. SATURDAY



BUYERS PLEASE NOTE!
The Heritage Market of American Crafts, formerly held at the Hilton Hotel, will be held at the Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel on North Gulph Rd. in King of Prussia.

Such a busy time here for all of us! This holiday, we have spent the days visiting family, watching the girls play basketball and enjoying 4 preteen/teen girls have a blast. A peek at a couple special pieces completes it all. I'm happy to say that the new year will bring a studio for me. Like so many of you, work has been the kitchen table or living room, but now I have 2 good size rooms to call my own. One will need to be enclosed with windows, a door and finishing walls. It will take awhile to do it bit by bit... but oh how happy I am to have a real drawing table and put my Great Grandmother's macaroni table to use. I can't wait for Spring so I can begin!!!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot!!!

Fire Away!!

I wanted to put up a fun snow man for all of you~ He is the last formal design for 2007. Many of you know that I draw designs faster than I can sew them up! I draw nearly every day and while a certain percentage don't make the grade, the practice makes perfect! I've tried a couple times to have people sew my designs up for me, so that I could see how they worked out and if they needed adjustments. It can be difficult ... as difficult as finding the perfect dance partner.... but if you keep the faith , they will find you. I am ever thankful for the gift of my dear friend here that can take a simple drawing, some scribbled notes and make these designs come to life!!! There is much to be had from this Goode Wife in 2008~ the steps are not solitary though. I could not walk this journey without all of you and my family. I will post again very shortly with what is up ahead real soon, but til then, enjoy this little guy. He'll be a pattern next year, along with some show designs from last year and some that my dear friend has sewn up and tried out for me the past few months!

~COZY~

The snowflakes have been gently falling all day. They are the big fluffy kind, that beg you to stick your tongue out and taste them. A goode day to cozy up after a few days of visiting and eating way too much. So here I am at the Comfort Cottage with work in hand and watching a gentle snow. There are four young ladies here with us and so while homemade turkey soup simmered, I put in the movie "Little Women". Such a perfect day and wonderful to share with these young ladies. A chance to take a peek back in time where politeness in speech, manners and a well rounded vocabulary were a strong part of life. Now that they have seen how it once was, perhaps we shall be privy to a play or "Pickwick Papers" a la` Comfort Cottage.

Say A Prayer, Pay A Visit

There are many families this holiday that are missing a loved one far from home. Some have lost their loved one. Take time to make a difference in a family or a soldier's life. Continue it beyond the holiday and through the year! My father was gone many a Christmas when I was young. My brother went on to serve also. Our family now sends thoughts and prayers to cousin Ben who is on his second tour. May he safely return home. He and his family are in our hearts this Christmas~ we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the soldiers and their loved ones for serving the United States and giving so much of themselves.

That Didn't Hurt A Bit!

Trudy, of Crows in the Attic, has tagged me to reveal 5 things about myself and tag just as many friends for the same~ hmmm.. lets give it a whirl!

1. 
   
   I love anything Nightmare Before Christmas.


2. 
   
   I was scouted in High School by RIT to be a medical artist....but I didn't want to draw dead things!


3. 
   
   I was scouted at the Lake Placid School of Art by an Art School in Tennessee, to go on with my art education and then to the Hallmark Co. I had moved so many times when I was younger that I wanted to stay near home.


4. 
   
   I worked and paid my own way through 3 years of college.


5. I originally wanted to go to school and learn "claymation.

And now you know a wee bit more about me! Education is very important to me, enough that if my parents could not afford to send me, I would work hard and go as far as I could. As with any gift, school does not change it, it gives you support and knowledge with your materials and techniques. I'm thankful in looking back~ there are so many things that I learned and still use and share with fellow artists today. If you have the resources near you, take a class! You will be amazed at what is inside you, and if you step out of your media, you have the chance of discovering a hidden talent or a new passion. Art Rocks!

Ok... lets see if I can come up with 5 or nearly that many fellow blogging friends that haven't been already asked~

1. Cassie ~ from Mockingbird Hill, and a girl after my own heart when it comes to Rick Springfield!)


2. Kat ~ from Scardey Katerpillars No More. Amazing strength inside and out.


3. Susan ~ from Miss Maddies (oh I just love learning about people and her passion for all things OLDE!)


4. Carole ~from Carole's Country store. Such treasures on her blog and in her store!


5. Sandra Evertson ~ I love her work, it's so darned inspiring.

Check out some great Folk Art~

TDIPT Mercantile is now open for the 15th of the month upload~ enjoy!!

http://www.tdiptmercantile.com/

Ready...Set....SNOW!!!!!

We have much to get ready for today!! It snowed about 4 inches here yesterday....but we are expecting a Nor'easter Saturday night. This picture was from Last year's big dumper. Jess and Finnegan. Finnegan is a cross between a Pit Bull and Lahasa apsa. He looks like a Pit with very, very short legs. This also means that we have to shovel paths for him!

Today we will be getting ready for the storm, and tonight I will be getting the details set and out for The TDPIT Mercantile. Please do stop by and enjoy the work of some very talented ladies! If you missed the first of the month release, grab a mug of peppermint tea and really enjoy! You may find the perfect gift for someone you know~ and what is better than something handmade with much love! I'm sure that I will have a more up to date snow picture after the big dig on Sunday!

Patience...

My work deadline has ended tonight, but for those patiently awaiting TDIPT Mercantile's next opening...there is still a wee bit of time to wait. I can't wait to see what the 15th holds! So many talented ladies form this group. I'm so happy to be a part of them and I'm having a wonderful time letting what I love lead the way. I hope that the wait isn't too long for anyone.. I do suppose it is better to be busy, so perhaps I should start for next month. Oh.. a special Thank You to Sandra Evertson, one of your blog posts helped me put the finishing touches on one of my pieces. I hope that you will enjoy her on the 15th!

Netty's Picture Trail

http://www.picturetrail.com/nettylacroix

After having some problems with her website, Netty has descided to put up a picture trail instead. It's still under construction~ I hope that you enjoy!!! I will also put this link among all of the other goode sisters.

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.