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.

What Inspires Me Today~

There is always something artsy going on here every day. This morning was overcast and misty as the sun was coming up. There were dolls drying in the oven and the smells of coffee, cinnamon and sweet grass filling the kitchen. I'm in Halloween mode nearly all year, but when Fall whispers, it also embraces me. I LOVE it.

This is Eliza's Glove, now available on Etsy. I look at it and smile. It was one of my very early designs that I would take with me to Brimfield. It didn't have the spider on it for a few years. It wasn't until Netty and I were in Fort Washington at the Gallery show, when the spider came about. I was mulling over the fact that it needed something and Netty said... a spider. That was IT! It is fun how people can look at your work and and inspire you to go further. Now there is another version that I sketched out that day. I think it's time pull it out and bring it to life. It just feels right.

Folk Art Fun

There is always something creative going on here. No matter how busy daily life gets, you can be sure that there was somekind of creating going on here before I climb into bed with my constant companion, Molly, snuggled up beside me.

Tonight, TDIPT will open and there will be a wonderful parade of talented artisans. I love creating designs among such company. Tonight, a dear friend Jane will make her first appearance on TDIPT under, Nothing Plain by Jane. Do take a look! Jane is a very talented doll maker that I have known for years and I know you will say what I do every time I see her work...WOW!

Now...for all my pattern customers, you can do a happy dance tonight. The two pieces pictured above are also available as patterns! You can order Goody Mugwart's Glorious Ride, or Duncan Picks A winner directly.

Goody Mugwart is 12 inches long and is holding a straw broom and a very ripe pumpkin.

Duncan is 12 inches high and holds tight to a ripe pumpkin also.

***To order***

Patterns are 8.50 each, $1.00 shipping for one and $1.50 to ship both. You can go directly to Paypal and plug in my email. snoraven@hotmail.com *Please make sure to type the pattern names in the message box. If you would like to pay via money order or check, just send me an email. These patterns will be in stock on Tuesday, the 19th and I will be shipping them right out. Enjoy everyone, and thank you for being a part of my art!

A Little Change In the Dance~

My pace is a wee bit slower the past few weeks. An old back injury has decided to make an appearance after quite a few years without. My mobility is making a slower than expected comeback. Apparently I think I should be healing the way I did ten years ago. Why not?

In it all, I am not one to have quiet hands, no matter what. Just means more drawing time to me! I wanted to give all you pattern gals aheads up. TDIPT Mercantile is fast approaching on the 15th of the month. Two out of the three offerings are the actual models for two new patterns. They are not past finished offerings. So why the photo's above? I thought I'd share a couple of my show pieces and one of them is a wee bit of a hint. I will post the new patterns here on the 15th, along with instructions as to how you can get them. Are you ready???

Just Under the Wire

It has been such a busy Summer here in Upstate NY. The leaves are starting to show bits of oranges and yellows. Enough to let us know that Harvest will be upon us soon. I wanted to share with you a special piece. Lemon Poppyseeds opened and all of my Halloween offerings were sold. I wanted to share my Pumpkin Angel with you. I drew out the concept late last summer and it has mulled about in my head on and off. I LOVE working with wire and it has been a part of my Folk Art since the very beginning. From my first crow feet on Snow Raven, to my Skeleton hands at Brimfield (they were too clunky, so I didn't continue) and then to stitched on wire mouths. This was a celebration of the wire works and the days when I taught painting and how to paint tendrils. This Pumpkin Angel embraced so much of what is "me".....I know there will be a tear in my eye as I wrap her to go on to her new home. Her new family loves her just as much as I and is eager to welcome her. My Angel has come full circle.

New Pattern Release!

It's official! Bobo is the newest to join the Raven's Haven crew. In the next few weeks ahead, I will introduce each as they are ready. There are a couple old friends and some new. I hope that you enjoy them.

You can order Bobo directly from here using Pay Pal, just use snoraven@hotmail.com . The pattern is 8.50 and 1.00 to ship for as total of $9.50. Just put "Bobo" in the message area. You can also take a ride over on my Etsy link where he will be available with several other friends of mine.

Bobo is 10 inches tall at the tail and just over 11 inches long. Perfect as a shelf sitter or in a basket. He is paint on muslin that has been distressed. All techniques and instructions are given along with a full sized pattern template. All you need is basic sewing experience. You can have a lot of creative fun with Bobo~ make him an orange striped cat, add a Santa, witch or top hat for the upcoming holidays. Quick and easy enough to make several for shows! Have a great time sewing and there is more to come!

New Offerings

It's Christmas in July at "To Dwell In Primitive Times" also known as TDIPT. My mailbox was filled with so many of you asking to purchase. I wish I had enough of each so that no one would be without their heart's desire. I am very blessed and humbled knowing that these little treasures from my heart also touch yours. It looks like all have been spoken for, but know that I'm fast at work already with more to come. Thank you, everyone for making these dear, wee friends of mine worth the wait.

A Pollyanna Summer

Simplify. It can be difficult to embrace in today's world. We have been trying bit by bit over the past couple of years but we feel that it is such a worthwhile effort for the kids. The girls have their chickens at their Dad's house and sell the eggs. They know now with the price of food, just how nice it is to always have eggs on hand, and how much work it is to keep them.

With gas prices, we are also more mindful as many of you are. The pool and screen house have been wonderful and it is nice when we are all together. We continue to do things like board games under the candle light and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the fire pit. We are also awaiting the best of summer's bounty in the garden. In it all we have looked back the things that were Summer to us.

• Catching fireflies and putting them into an old Skippy jar that Dad patiently holes punched into.
• Wearing hats and dresses to Church and no matter what...white gloves.
• Visiting family on Sunday, starting with "the Sunday drive."
• Sunday dinners, with everyone sitting around talking. After dinner there would be coffee and dessert.
• Sitting on the porch and swinging our legs. If it rained, you would stick your legs out and get them wet. This way you could get "legally" wet and Mom wouldn't yell because our clothing was dried.
• Packing a sandwich and a thermos and spending the day riding bikes with friends or fishing at one of the quarry holes.
• Long nights of kick the can that started after everyone wolfed down dinner and ended with the first Mom that called one of us in.
• Eating watermelon until we burst and the stickiness of our cheeks afterwords.
• Going to the Village Carnival and enjoying the booths more than the rides.
• Helping to make lemonade by squeezing the lemons.
• Snapping green beans for dinner.
• Lazy afternoons lying on a pony's back as they grazed.
• The sound of frogs lulling us to sleep and the chirps of birds right before sunrise.
• Talking into the box fan so that are voices sounded different.
• Curling up on rainy days and getting lost in a book.

These are just a few, and the biggest joy is remembering them. So much has changed in our lives. Some things we can change, others we can't. Embrace what you can and keep family the priority. Never lose sight of the child within.

Of Fireflies and Friends

The days pass quickly and are spent in quiet stolen days at the Goode Comfort Cottage and The Busy House. With the passing of Finigin, we have all felt his spirit and life gone... making for a very quiet house. Our furry friends have always found us and captured our hearts. Molly is no exception. She is a Sato puppy, rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico. At 3 1/2 months old, she is such a lovely girl. her under bite giving her a smile to match her sunny personality. Her first adventure with us was Midsummer's Eve. We spent it at our favorite Drive-in. A place nestled along the meadows and wooded areas not far from the Comfort Cottage. A young couple serenaded all of us while we waited for for the dark to come. Guitar strings and soft voices drifted among us. Little ones played ball and ran around, already in their pajamas. Fireflies gathered and danced along the wooded edge at nightfall. One can't help but smile and enjoy it all.

The garden is complete finally, although we did not get the butternut squash or brussel sprouts as we had wanted. Netty gave us some beans to try and they are growing fast and furious. I am fast at work with drawings and orders. This week I start models for new patterns and licensing designs. Requests for Mrs. Goddard continue to come in. Who knew that the little dolls that I designed for my doll house would capture so many other hearts? I will be trying make some this summer, but she will be a limited doll. I am certainly blessed by all of you that make it possible for me to do what I love as well as take care of my loved ones.

I also want to share with you a kindred sister and Keeper of Olde. Teresa, "The Seamstress of Blackstone". A click on her link, The Seamstress of Blackstone (on the right side) and a cup of ice tea, will make for a wonderful break in your day. I met Teresa at the Heritage show as a fellow vendor. She stopped by one day as I was doing the finishing work on my Colonial dressed Raven, Kat. I did not realize until the next day as we talked how kindred we indeed were. I saw the look in her eyes and recognised it as the same I had when I walked through Netty's home and world over 10 years ago. Teresa has embarked on a wonderful and artful journey and is adding to her accomplished path that she has given heart and soul to. Her love of "The Before Days" spreads warmth in all that she does. Take a moment to stop by and say hello. I know you will see as her blog grows, the unfolding of a wonderful soul in Teresa.

An Inspiration To Many

Tasha Tudor has gone home. She has touched so very many of us, not only with her gift of Illustrating, but with her way of life. I first learned of Tasha from Netty, a couple years after Jessie was born. Oh how I enjoyed her spirit! You can check her out in the link provided of some of my favorite places by scrolling down a bit and to the right. If you haven't before... enjoy the gift of Tasha. I know there are many who although did not share her way of life in real life, shared the same love in their hearts. I know I speak for many when I say that when I pass, I hope to meet her somewhere in the 1800's. Blessings Tasha~

Fast Days

It's amazing how fast the days can fly by sometimes. It's mid June already! I'm wondering just how it happened. Sometimes I just sink into my own little world, happily making my designs and enjoying family. This week was similar with one exception, I missed a deadline! On Wednesday morning as I discovered this horror, I sat down and drew this matronly frog. Originally, my frog was supposed to be something quite different, but once drawn she took on her own spirit. She continued that same journey as I dressed her, quite differently than I intended. You see, originally, she was going to be Mrs. Dashwood, from Sense and Sensibility, but she did not wish to be dressed in black, nor wear a fancy mob cap. She threw me into a tizzy alright, she had no name. Once I got her pictures off and sat down to think about it, her name came quite easily. I don't know why I was so worried, I just had to listen and let HER tell ME. She is sitting beside as I write and enjoying every minute as I share with you a most important rule; if you just take the time to really listen, the answers will unfold to you. Mrs. Goddard is available on TDIPT and is just a hop and a jump away by following the link to the side. Enjoy her and all the offerings of such talented artisans!

Quiet and Close

It was a quiet morning here in Granville. We are experiencing a heat wave and it is to continue for a couple more days. The early morning was quite warm to begin with as the birds began to sing. I stayed in bed and listened until just after 6 and let ideas swirl in my head. It's never too hot in the morning for Caw-fee as we refer to it here, and so along with a couple scrambled eggs, fresh from the farm with tomato chopped in it, I started this day.

It is too quiet here as we are all missing our "little buddy", Finigin. He was spoiled, and a bit of a "Dennis the Menace" always getting in to things and underfoot. He went home last week, after several weeks of not being well. After 6 years, it was time. His life shortened by epilepsy and strokes. I'm enclosing a picture of the little bud when we brought him home with Jessie, ever the "Keeper of the Critters". We have always given homes to abused and homeless and we know that when the time is right, a friend will find us.

It is the last week of school before finals and it is nice having both girls in the Jr./Sr. school. We have been busy with Band, Chorus,and track activities that have wound down and now looking towards the summer. Activities have already started in the North Country. This weekend, Lake George hosted the Americade to 50,000 bikers. It is wonderful to see them riding through and some of the bikes are amazing. Next week holds the Larac and Zonta Art Festivals. The Festivals, have, like many shows changed through the years. Many would be accepted, only to bring things made in China or work done through patterns. LARAC was intended as a juried show and the work had to be all original designs by the artist. Like so many shows, it has waned over the years with the abuse, but it still is a good show and worth checking out. There are still quite a few original Artists that have done the show for so many years, and also it is a good place to get handmade gifts for the upcoming Holidays. If you are nearby, do stop and visit the Taylor's who will be selling leather work for the first time there.

Our weekends will be busy with the garden and our backyard sanctuary this Summer. The pool and screen house are the perfect place to enjoy evenings along with hot dogs and s'mores from the fire pit. We will remain close by with no big travel plans. It will be nice to visit a few shows as a buyer this year along with day trips to the Stockade or Mabbee Farm. There will be berries in need of picking and freezing. Of course, evenings at the Drive - In. We have found one out along the countryside and it is perfect to watch the fireflies and listen to the peepers with the movie. Of course, there is also, "Midnight Margaritas" inspired from the movie, Practical Magic. The girls love to be awakened to the specific part of the movie while I bring out Margarita flavored jello chilled in glasses. It's just TOO fun. All of us are looking forward to family fun from our own making this summer....the simple things.

Meet Seth

Meet my wee friend, Lttle Seth. He is available on Lemon Poppyseeds. Just click on my link over to the left and take a little trip to visit Seth along with the offerings of other fine Artists. Little Seth has a wonderful little story about him and you can read all about it there.

I've been very busy this past month and time sure flies fast. Raven's Haven will be available in the UK later in June. Many have asked about new patterns. Yes, there are several. A few are friends that you have already met, but there are some that only the little house mousies have seen here on my table studio! In it all I am trying to learn how to update my website by myself. It is slow, only as time allows, but take a peek on occassion!

I know the economy is rough on us all. Many are putting in gardens and putting aside vacations this year. Keep family close, do the little things together and stop in to see an elderly or disabled friend. A visit could mean the world to someone.

Remembering Those That Serve and Have Served

A Beautiful Spirit Goes Home

Aunt Marge has gone home. She was 95 years young. She lived her life in love with everyone that touched her. She served her Church and her community and was loved by all that knew her. She was my favorite Aunt and I still remember her walking into my Grandparent's home during holidays. She took care of all of us as if each were one of her very own. Our family will come together this weekend and celebrate her life. We know she is home now and will still be beside each of us. She left a wonderful imprint on all of our lives. I love you Aunt Marge.

Bella Notte

You could hear Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin crooning their best Italian songs in the background as young gentlemen and ladies gathered for ...The Prom. Bella Notte or Beautiful Night was the theme. It was Bailey and Albert's first time to shine and they had a wonderful evening. After the Prom, they spent the wee hours of the morning at the High School, for games, food and fun. At 5 am, I picked up my tired Princess still aglow with her very first Prom Kiss. ssssh, I'm not supposed to know, although a Mother always knows these things.

Night and Day

I knew as I had children, that each would be unique in their own way. These two girls are so very opposite of each other in so many different ways. They were however, in unison when it came to to eluding their Mom for a picture.

Jesslyn, on the left, will tell you to call her Jessie or JB (for JessBug). She is the athletic one and a no frills kinda gal. She is jeans with holes in the knees, t-shirts and a ponytail. She's organized, structured, an A student and VERY independent. She has always walked her own path quietly.

Bailey, or Beazle as only a few can call her, is my "Gad-About Gladys" She knows everyone and who is related to who. She is my "girlie girl" and loves all that glitters. Bailey has an amazing memory when it comes to phone numbers or directions. She has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and struggles among her peers with socializing and reading comprehension. She went through a very painful and long journey last year with scoliosis surgery. She is my hero and also the most forgiving child, I have ever known.

Both have given me the greatest joy and taught me unconditional love. It is with great pride that I take time and reflect upon them this Mother's Day. They are the most wonderful gift that I could have ever been given.

It's that Time Again...

To get all my ducks... well for me, crows in a row. Every six months, in the Spring and in the Fall, I do my Business Plan. A must for success in any business, and things put in place last Fall and even that of the Fall before have been taking shape this Spring. I am looking ahead, as well as behind, sorting what works, what doesn't for me. The economy is of course on everyones mind, as well as what the Elections will bring for next year. I am not one to jump in to anything and I look at everything from different angles. Last Spring, Netty and I wanted to come home a bit and bring our shows back near us. We did, and had a wonderful time. This year, we are continuing this path and having a look about. Revisiting some shows and scouting out new. We are scouting LARAC and ZONTA, that are very nearby and we are accepted in already; as well as shows close to us in Vermont and Mass. It's great fun to take a day and see them from the outside. We are unique where ever we go and we have a great time.

What I do in business, mirrors life also. Family plans are moving forward, economy in mind. Summer is ahead and what will we share with the kids? Sunny days in the pool, games at night on the patio table, meals made with home grown goodness from the garden. Picnics in the park enjoying local music, (Irish leading the top of the list) and "midnight Margaritas" made with jello to rouse young ladies from their slumber parties as we enjoy and have fun with our favorite movie, Practical Magic. Life and business,family and art, good economy or difficult; we lead our lives with changes to reflect the times, but we do it with great love and joy. That, my friends is the best success.

May 1st Already??

Where does the time go? It seems at times that in a blink of an eye, days become months. My days are very full balancing care taking, the girls and my passion, which happily, I can say is my work. Lemon Poppy Seeds went up late last night and by early morning, there was just one chick left. (you can visit Mrs. Bennet, along with the works of many talented artists, through my link on the right.) My email box starts filling and the phone rings... what will be offered? Sometimes "Upload Day" escapes me. I can have all but a few details left to do and get set for a photo shoot along with an early visit to set my page... then the day hits and takes on a life of it's own.

This is not just my life, but many of yours as well. Sometimes, no matter how much we try to simplify, life has other plans. Take the day and dance with it, I say!~ enjoy those that touch your lives and remember that everything happens for a reason. Kiss the skinned knees and wrap your arms around frail shoulders. Take time in running your errands to stop in and to say hello to someone that lives alone. Create random acts of kindness in the way that you can. Have a little more patience in traffic, or a with new cashier. Take a moment to look through someone elses eyes. A smile and some humor can change someone's day. Remember in it all, that something that you say or do can make a difference in someone's life. Keep positive, because it is the goode that you'd like to remembered for, not negative. Look inside yourself and see if you are the person that YOU want to be. Take time to find and nurture what is your heart and don't ever be afraid to share it. Encourage others. There are so many things that we can't change and there is caution with the economy now. We DO have the wisdom to change the things we can and really do it.

I'd like to take a moment to thank those who have taken time out of their day and busy lives to call me, email me, or stop by here in my little piece of the world. You make me smile and laugh and inspire me with your own lives. You really do make my joy a reality beyond what I ever could have dreamed.......... and I keep passing it on.