Busy Is A Goode Thing!

Yesterday proved to be challenging, to say the least. I had been working between meals,schedules and appointments with the girls and my parents. It was the last of the Girl's Basketball season at school, and the beginning of dialysis three times a week for my Dad. I was later than I would have liked getting my new friends here up on TDIPT, but once they went up I was so excited to see them! This is Fooey, named after my Uncle's cat with the same attitude.

This sweet little bunny was so fun with her twiggy arms and feet and simple grace.

And finally, dear Corkey. Her stance and way about her reminded me of a dear friend's Mom. We would go traipsing through the woods at all different times of the year. She point out certain flowers and herbs. Sometimes we would go gathering for good eats such as fiddle head ferns. I never forgot these things that she taught us, and I still gather the fiddle heads in the spring for a tasty treat!

I had a lot of fun with these friends, but there are new ones too in various stages. I can't wait to get my chores done and another cup of coffee so that I can work on them! It's a beautiful sunny day out and I have been sneaking out to feel the warmth on my face. It's only mid February and we will have more snow ahead, so days like this are cherished!

Getting Settled

Life is slowly coming under some kind of control here. I've been unpacking my transient life between the show and Tim's. I still can't put my hands on a few things that I would like as I am creating....but I've always had that problem. The sewing machine is humming once again and the smell of coffee,vanilla and cinnamon fill the air. It looks like my Dad will be coming home soon and will start dialysis~ at least for awhile. I will have lots of time to stuff and sew as I wait for him at the hospital. I've unpacked my camera, who has let me know that he is tired after many years of service and would like a young whippersnapper to take his place. Spring does bring change doesn't it?

~ The cupboard display ~

~old friends, but new to you~

~Bella, relaxing in the room before her debut ~

There is a basket of friends calling, they are in various stages of coming to life. Some are samples, some for TDIPT and others are new patterns~ I do want to keep some things a surprise for you. Hopefully these pictures will keep smiles until I can write again!

Now Where Is That Camera???

We are back....I'm still unpacking and getting everything under control. My camera is buried in one of the unpacked bags, so I decided to put a picture of Molly up for you~ it looks like she's so happy that I'm home!

It was a beautiful journey, the route we take is scenic and has plenty of wildlife. There was an ice storm the morning of our opening and many couldn't get in for a couple days. It was slow, which was expected with the economy, but above all it was wonderful to see dear friends and meet new. I did fine and came home excited to start some of the new friends I've drawn in my sketch book. There is still some work to be done first, and my Dad is still in the hospital. Thank all of you so much for asking. We have found that his heart is fine, but there is fluid around his lungs. He will have some of it removed tomorrow. He's been on dialysis about every other day or so and getting plenty of rest to build his strength.

In it all, my days are kept full keeping home, family and (a little) creativity running as smoothly as possible. My emails may lag a bit on the returning end but I'll be working at them as I can each day. The days are getting longer now, right?

One Last Post Before I Leave

It's almost time. Tuesday morning, bright and early we will head down to Valley Forge. It's always been exciting and this year it is no less. I've been away from the computer other than to fill orders .Tim... the dear man has taken to sewing to help, along with cooking fabulous meals.

As most of you know, I help my Dad take care of my Mom (she has MS) and when needed, I help my Dad as his health is failing. Early last week he went into the hospital and we won't know until perhaps tomorrow if he will need heart surgery. My Sister In Law, Christine has come from New Mexico to care for my Mom and be there for the girls so that I could got to the show. We haven't seen Christine in 9 years...she is a much appreciated gift. More than she knows. I posted my favorite Halloween piece for our family Halloween Queen to see as well as my heart felt THANK YOU for dropping everything and making so many things possible at this time. If any of you would keep my Dad in healing thoughts and prayers...I thank you so very, very much.

My Apologies

Thank you for stopping by. I want to apologise for not having any offerings on TDIPT this month, but I'm fast at work in the Laboratory getting ready for Valley Forge!

The Cold Wind Does Blow

There is an Arctic blast heading our way, and you can see the wind picking up and blowing the snow from the trees. I'm all snug at the busy house with the wood stove keeping us warm. There is plenty of hot tea to keep me happy as I work away through the next couple of weeks. It's the final push for me to complete work and shows that have been steady since July. I'm heading for the Heritage Show at the end of the month with new friends and old in tow. I won't be able to post much until my return in February, but after a couple days rest, I will be back at work with some goode things for all of you. I'm excited to look ahead to another wonderful year of goode friends, dolls and drawings ...and perhaps a new adventure or two. Let the cold wind blow and come gather yourself with winter projects and a goode creative spirit.

~Securing the Spell~

My girls are at the age now when, for the most part, they roll their eyes at me and tell their friends that their Mom isn't ever going to grow up. There are days when they make my heart smile because they still keep the magic inside and it escapes on occassion.

Bailey came running in from school with her boyfriend, Joe in tow. She was breathless as she exclaimed, "Pajamas on inside out tonight, we are having a snow day tomorrow!" The clouds have been marching in since late afternoon and you can feel the damp chill. They are at the school now for a basketball game and will come home to hot chocolate before bed. It's part of the spell, and best when a cinnamon stick peeks out over the edge. I'm sure that she will have Joe promise to wear his pajama's inside out and backwards tonight too. She will call Tim also and have him do the same (which he loves). The girls and I have been doing this since Bailey started school and I love the magic of it. I hope that we never, ever outgrow it!

Of Christmas Past and the Year Ahead

I was nine when I had my first Christmas without snow. We had been in California for five months and still I hoped and prayed that it would, by some miracle...snow in sunny California come December 25th. It rained instead. I was devastated. I had gone through Christmas without my Dad, without my Grandparents, but never in my nine years, without snow. In the years ahead there would be more. As I grew I realized that Christmas was not about the snow, although my heart would like to see it, but about family and the spirit of giving more than just one day, but year round.

Christmas Past for me will always be at my Grandparent's home. After unwrapping presents, we would all gather in her yellow kitchen and help make our dinner. There was always an Italian dish, with or without a ham with all the trimmings. We would have either lasagna or manicotti. Manicotti was always my favorite, as I loved watching my Mom and Grandmother making the delicate macaroni crepes that we would roll the filling into. We, the grandchildren would sit at our "kid's table" located just off the kitchen and into the parlor, or the little playroom. My Grandparents are gone now. This year, my Dad decided that he wanted to make lasagna and braciole for us. As most of you know, he hasn't been well throughout the year. It took a lot of time and effort, but Dad came through wonderfully. As we ate, we reflected upon those years and memories past. We keep memories close and move ahead making new memories.

Tonight, I will be offering a couple of items on Lemon Poppy seeds. I will also be heading up to Saratoga for First Night which has become a tradition. The past year has had it's bumps, but all in all, it has been a good year. It was the first full year that I have sold finished items online, in my 11 years of doll making. Etsy has also become a good place to settle in with the patterns and I hope to bring finished friends there also. I will continue to share my dear characters with all of you this way. This year, I also started my graphic works, Until the Cows Come Home. I had to put it aside until a couple of months ago, with my Dad's health issues. I'm currently doing some free lance work, and I will move forward with note cards as I can. I'm also excited to see my new designs this year in the licensing world. Hopefully, you will see them in your favorite Prim Shop! There are a few more goode things to share, but not quite yet!

The New Year has not yet begun, but for this Good Wife, I have been fast at work through the few months to prepare for 2009. There are new patterns to be released this Spring, some you have seen and others will be new to you. I can't thank my dear friends enough for helping me out with new designs and letting me know how they work up and sell for them. I will also be offering a free Pattern again in March and hope to make it a tradition for all of you that enjoy sewing. It is everyone of you, new friend, old...family or someone that has just happened along here by chance; that inspire me to continue on. Thank you for being a part of my achievements and taking the time to stop by and see what's going on in my little corner of the world. May the New Year bring all Goode things to you

Merrie Christmas from My Little Women and I

A Merrie Christmas to all Goode Friends and Family!

Thank you so much for the gift of you~ Whatever your celebration for the days of December, may you have great joy, goode health and peace in the coming year.

I'm On The Watch

It's almost time. I'm loving our little wood stove and all the memories it brings. There is nothing better than the smell of woodsmoke and the tickle of snowflakes on your nose as you step outside. It's snowing lightly now and there is more due tomorrow. The tree is up, most packages are wrapped and the hot chocolate is never far away. Tomorrow is the last day for school and then havoc will abound. We will all scatter a bit for a few days, as there is still a bit of shopping and a play to catch. With Tim, I have my own personal Santa. He keeps little ones in wonder as we shop. He loves to see the faces on children as they point and whisper to their parents. One wink can bring the most beautiful smile from a child.

The girls are older now but they keep belief in their hearts. They keep the magic alive, especially for their younger cousins. I like catching them at it and reminding them to keep the magic always, not just for the wee ones. The Holidays have been simplified for quite a few years here. We cherish family and each other as we remember those who are not with us any longer. We keep close family that won't be able to be here as they live too far away. A group phone call always helps. We will all be gathering with family and friends throughout the days ahead; knowing that no matter what is happening in the world, the gift of each other is the best gift of all.

Oh The Weather Outside Was Frightful!

I've been busy back and forth between two homes since the last post. With winter comes Virus Season and this one has been difficult for some to shake. Luckily, it hasn't found me and I have been able to help my family through it.

As you have seen on the news, the ice storm from Thursday hit the North East hard. Up North, in Granville there was a few inches of snow to make a crust on the driveways. Other than some good sized branches, we were spared from the hardships of others are still facing. Rotterdam where the Goode Comfort Cottage is located, was not as fortunate. On Friday, in spite of the town being under a state of emergency, Tim made his way up to get me and bring me down for the last show of the year. He was fortunate to have power and friends and family stopped in for showers, hot coffee and even a place to rest warmly for a few hours. We have watched long chains of power trucks (10-20 to a time) pass along the streets to their next destination. Some are from Michigan and Pennsylvania. The tv has been on and off and the Internet spotty at best.

Yesterday we spent the day in Williamstown, MA for a quaint Holiday show nestled in the town. They were spared from much of the ice, but browsers and vendors had stories to share! A beautiful Quilter next to me shared that they were still without power at their home and we both chuckled when she discovered that she had a shirt on backwards after dressing in the dark that morning. It was a beautiful day in a snow covered Williamstown and I can't wait to go back next year!

Today I have been finally able to upload my offerings on TDIPT. I have two new pieces to share with all of you. The snowman, Mr. Flakes, was from a sketch done last year. I love how fun he turned out. Christine, however is my new love. I searched and searched for just the right fabric to show her off. I can't wait now to start the new designs for next year.....

One of My Favorite Things This Year

I'm often asked, "What is your favorite piece that you've designed"? In true artist form, it is my next piece. This past weekend, I checked in on my Uncle's cat while he was away. I walked by a small Curio Cabinet that was my Grandmother's and I saw a piece that I had made for her about 17 years ago. It was a small colonial dressed mouse made from felt. I had forgotten all about her. She's tiny and made from grey felt, perhaps all of 3 inches tall. There were plenty of tiny details from her apron to her mob cap. All done without a pattern to guide me. I've never had much sewing experience before I started doll making about 11 years ago. In fact I did poorly at attempting a "V" neck on a shirt I made in Home Ec.

I look at Mrs. Bennet today and wonder just how the dear hen turned out so well after viewing my little mouse! Desire to learn is a wonderful thing to push you along and let you grow. Every year, I look back at my designs to see where they have lead me since I started my Folk Art path. It was amazing to find the little mouse, and have her remind me that I had it in me longer than I thought! Not counting however, the dresses and skirts made for my Barbies, or the frog Grandma and I made when I was young enough to have baby teeth still missing in front. The past has always been my keeper and still is today. Thank you Gramma for reminding me and showing me just how far I've really come in sewing my designs.

Holiday Memories

I just couldn't do it. I had to wait until after Thanksgiving to put my holiday music up. Each holiday needs to hold it's own spirit and memories and they need to come in order for me. Each song was like placing a memory ornament on a tree.

My Uncle would play the Peanuts theme for me and never seemed to tire of me asking. Of course there were quite a few years that my Dad was gone, fighting in Vietnam or on assignment. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" has a deep meaning for my family. My Uncle Frank and I shared the love of Snoopy and the Red Baron. The beloved characters of several holiday shows kept the long wait until Christmas Day easier. As a teen, I was right smack in love with Kermit the frog and John Denver. During my High School and college years there was a tradition with the Hallelujah Chorus. In High School, our Chorus teacher, Mrs. Johnson, would have us sing it as a finale. Anyone that had graduated and was home for Christmas would be asked to come up and take their old spots on the risers to join in. How I miss that! Art School saw my friend Terry and I singing "Snow Miser" down the streets of Lake Placid as we walked to our dorm house in the snow.

These are but a few. I hope as you stop in here and visit, you will find your own memory within a song. Perhaps I will have jiggled your memory a bit with a song that you have since forgotten. May my pick of songs bring dear memories and smiles upon your heart this holiday season.

Be Ye Thankful

Another Thanksgiving meal has come and gone...well except for the Pumpkin pie. My ex-mother-in-law made me one as I have missed her pie dearly over the years. She cooks the pumpkins down and Ellen mashes it through a sieve. It is heavenly and I am so thankful for her thoughtful gift.

The Busy House has been going at full throttle. Jess is playing modified Basketball and was good enough to be asked to join the Varsity team. In true Jess fashion, she turned it down not wanting to leave any of her team mates and friends behind. She'll get there with the rest of them. Bailey and her boy friend Joe are having a great time cooking in the kitchen (Joe is taking Culinary Arts). We have been preparing for winter and have gotten the old wood stove up and running. What a blessing to have such a comforting heat source. There is nothing better than the smell of wood smoke as you step outside , or the warmth that wraps around you like a favorite sweater and brings childhood memories rushing in.

In it all, I have been busy preparing for a nearby show. It is the 23rd annual show and we have been happy to be a part of it for the past 3 years. If you are nearby, do stop in and say hello~ we'd love to see you!

November 28 - 29 Vermont Farmers Market Poultney Christmas Fair 10-4 Poultney High School Gym Route 140 Poultney, VT

Finally, I'd like to introduce to you, Murphy. He is 12 weeks old and keeps this house very, very busy. Molly is a wonderful big sister and they look like a tumbleweed rolling by most of the time. Rylie is ever watchful that her kids are behaving, and looks forward to escaping for a well deserved nap on my bed. We are all Thankful for so much this year. There are some family members that live far and could not be here, but we have everyone. This year we have faced hardships like so many. We continue to make changes to live a bit more simply as we have for the past couple years. I am Thankful that at a time when it is so difficult in the job market, my little business continues to not only be a joy for me, but for all of you as well. To all of my friends here old and new, Happy Thanksgiving and may the simple joys be yours.

Such A Busy Time of The Year

The Holidays are fast approaching and I have two more shows to do before the year ends. We have been having some work done on the house and chimneys for winter. This year, we will be burning wood once again. It's been quite a few years since we have done that, other than if the power has gone out. It's a comfort to me, there is nothing better than a warm fire on a snowy winter's eve. It's going back a bit, to a simpler time even if it's just the simpler time of my growing years. We are also preparing for something new at the house. I won't share until it's on it's way, but my heart smiles with it!

TDIPT has opened for the 15th and I have had fun with the White Christmas Theme. I love a mix of tones and textures, so this was great fun for the artist in me. I'm loving the little mice too~ they are so real looking. I love Miss Whisper, she was inspired by our own Miss Maddie. For me, Art does imitate life with so many of the critters that I do. I am certainly thankful to all of you that enjoy , encourage and inspire me to do what I love, even in these rough days we have had with the economy. As we come to Thanksgiving, I know how much I have to be Thankful for, but for some the days are darker. We are doing what we can here to give, be it an odd job, a hot meal and even a home. Just wait until the next post and you see our newest family member.

A Season of Change

I thank my Grandparents for making us sit with Walter Cronkite during our evening meal every night when I was growing up. The nightly news of the world sparked discussions, debates and learning. I still enjoy dinner and the news, even when my kids roll their eyes about it as I once did. We don't always appreciate the lessons until later, do we?

I have voted in every election since I turned 18 and strive to learn more with each one. Not not only the process, but the importance of learning about the candidates and domestic/world matters to make the most informed decision that I can. I am teaching my daughters the same and we have had a house election every election, since they were in school. We all take fun in discussions and thoughts along the way. This election has been so much fun because they are older and know more of the process, candidates and issues. They have learned that no matter what view they have, they can talk about it and share. We all learn in that. In the end, we all come together better for it. No matter how you voted yesterday, I think we have all come far these past two years. I am simply amazed at the response, the excitement and the coming together as a country. It is a season of change. God Bless America.

My Studio Tour

Take a stroll into the Goode Comfort Studio~ It just may surprise you! Click on the picture.

Boo! It's Halloween!

It's here at last~ my favorite day. I will be on the road most of this evening for a little weekend get away at the Goode Comfort Cottage. We don't get little ones knocking at the door,dressed in costume at either place. I really do miss that. I will celebrate just the same. We have an array of Tim Burton movies as well as Practical Magic. Some popcorn and candy corn and I'm all set to wrap myself in my little studio in Rotterdam. I will be taking some pictures to share with all of you, it's still in the beginning stages, but it is a studio and computer room. Tim surprised me with it in mid September, and slowly, we have been making it a creative work area. I'm so fortunate to have someone beside me that loves me and my work.

Now... it IS Halloween AND the last day of the month, which means Lemon Poppy seeds!!! Yes, I will have some items up for all of you. I'm not sure just when DJ will upload it all, but if I don't get my skeletons moving, I won't get good pictures!!

A Little Adirondack Surprise

Okay, I do love that we have all of the seasons here in Upstate NY, and I am always trying to work ahead of the holidays. I keep candles and music as I work, movies to inspire....but I'm not quite ready for snow yet. It's tried a couple of times here just lately. Sneaking in and trying to blend in with the raindrops, but not covering the leaves with white just yet. That could all change by morning. Insert a big sigh here.

Fall is my favorite Season and so much of my Halloween stays up year round. I continue designing for Fall, sneaking in sketches while I'm drawing bunnies. It's just who I am. Tomorrow night, we will all await The Great Pumpkin in front of the television as we have for most of my 46 years. Sometimes you just never grow up. I will be working on my projects, Santa's, snowmen and ornaments. Hopefully by then the wet, slushy white stuff that is supposed to start the day will be gone. Only just a gentle reminder that those Santa's and snowmen need to get going. I'm not trading in my Pumpkin Spice coffee for Hot Chocolate just yet.

Madre Stagione

Madre Stagione is the Mother of the Seasons. She is as old as time itself . Madre Stagione carries the whispers of the winds that bring each season, within her feathers. She walks carrying her all knowing Spirit Stick.

Madre is my artful journey offering this month on TDIPT. She is more a fantasy piece and as her spirit took hold, she changed a bit from her sketch . When completed, she looked like something out of the movie, Dark Crystal. I haven't seen the movie in ages, but how fun to see that influences can spring forth while we are so unaware in creating our art. So much of my art through High School and Art School was embracing the wee folk of fairies, gnomes, dragons and mermaids. Madre was a project whose emphasis was on the feathered wing work more than anything. She clearly went beyond a study as her Spirit whispered to me and I listened with my hands. She taught me more than I expected to learn.