Mind Travels

Old tintypes and wondering what their lives were like.....
Women that followed their heart's work and succeeded beyond what the time and the people ever could imagine.

Never forgetting where we've been and realizing that we can still move forward.

Knowing that life is to short to waste . Embrace dear friends and family and enjoy goode people that will always touch your life.

My favorite ending of a day is with a cup of hot tea.

Springing Forward!

Spring is on it's way and the sap is running great! A trip to the sap house to visit cousins Mike and Lori is always a herald of Spring in this house. They will be very busy with approximately 1500 tapped trees. Some hobby!

My Red Winged Black Bird has arrived very late and calls for a mate every morning. I love listening to the birds wake up in the wee hours and welcome the sun. Netty and I are both coming out of hibernation and the show acceptances are coming in. We have one that is particularly exciting this year. It is perfect for us and our love of history. We have such a good time visiting each other and both come away inspired. We had such a good time discussing some of our favorite dolls. She has watched me study her way and the way of extreme primitives with a smile and a twinkle of her eye. She still can't believe that I still enjoy all that sewing!

There are so many things we want to do, and so little time! I have a new direction going forward that should open our show possibilities a little more. Every business has to grow and when it is at a point that it will be available to you, I will be announcing it. I have also joined a wonderful online group of ladies with varied talents and expertise in the 18th century. I am having a wonderful time learning so much. I don't have too many idle minutes in the day, but I am trying to spend time learning from these ladies and watching the John Adams series. Thank goodness for "On Demand" viewing. Not only can I watch it when I can, but I can squeeze it in to my schedule a few scenes to a time.

A very special THANK YOU to everyone that has sent prayers, picked up the phone or emailed me as my Father continues to improve. It is indeed a slow go and I am busy with special meals and Dr. appointments. I am very blessed to have so many friends here .

Keeping Traditions

Holidays bring more than families together. Years ago, Father Hal offered the women of his Church, the basement. A place to teach and learn to do Pysanky. The beautiful work is done with beeswax and dye on raw eggs. I took a class from Mrs. Prehoda several Springs ago. I enjoyed the labor intensive work and was quite proud of my dear little egg. Unfortunately, it blew up some time later. I do carry with me a sense of awe at the intricate work these ladies of our community do.

As a young girl, it was always my job to mill tomatoes on Sunday morning before Mass. The pot would simmer away as we all went to Church. My Gram would cook the meat when we got home and add it into the pot. There was much love added to the herbs and stirring that continued all afternoon. If there was a holiday, the sauce and meat would start the same way. The difference would be in the macaroni and the involvement of the whole family. The macaroni would be made from scratch and assembly would take the effort of everyone. My Grandparents are both gone now and at a time when my parents can't continue the traditions of our families, I can. I taught Tim to make the delicate crepes that would be Manicotti. The girls helped with stuffing and rolling them and a fine Easter meal was put together. The best part was watching the smiles and misty eyes of both parents. We haven't had this dish since my Grandmother's passing eight years ago. Our family may be smaller and some are far away, but hearts and memories keep us close. Both family and community.

Happy St. Paddy's Day

A simple Happy St. Paddy's Day to all of you. We celebrated with the traditional feast yesterday, so that Tim could enjoy a family gathering while he was here this weekend. He made us a loaf of Maggie Burnes soda bread and I cooked the corned beef with all the trimmings. We are truly blessed indeed. From all of us here, we wish you a happy, healthy and very safe holiday..... and no , brother Steve, I may be the shortest in the family, but I am not a Leprechaun.

CELEBRATING & GIVING BACK

The Raven's Haven Pattern line turns 5 years old today. There are 113 patterns now. I remember taking a Micro enterprise course given by the county in hopes that it would quiet all my fears about making a living from my art and how to go about it. A leap of faith taken and here I am. I've had wonderful customers touch my life and make even the dreaded chore of getting everything ready for taxes, worth every minute of it. I have never worked such long hard hours and given so much of my heart . I'd do it all over again without a thought. The best way I could think of to celebrate was to give back to all of you. I could not have made it without you. That's where this little guy comes in. Meet Little Creek.

Little Creek was a request from Tim after I made him Rosie the beagle. Tim is a rabbit hunter and Rosie is best team mate. When he asked me to make him a running rabbit, I thought I would go for the long stretch look, but Tim had a different version in mind. We sat one afternoon looking up pictures of rabbits in motion, to get what he had in mind. Because I draw, faster than I can keep up and sew, I have asked friends and new artists to try some of my designs, so that I could see if they needed tweaking. They can then use the design as long as they give designer credit to me. Thank you Doreen Frost, when you first put him on Crow Soup, I had many emails asking if he was a pattern. He was a bit small, so I sent him to be licensed instead. He has done well there, but many who saw him through Doreen, have written and asked if they could make him for themselves. I have taken the best part of both designs and made Little Creek, just for all of you. Little Creek is 8" long and 6" tall. If you would like to use him with Rosie, he will need to be reduced by 50% and you do have permission to do that. The pattern is FREE, and to get it, just send a LSASE to me,

Stacey Mead

PO BOX 165

Granville, NY 12832

I'm a YA YA!!!

Thank you Kat from Katerpillars No More for sharing this wonderful honor with me. And to know I'm a YA YA on top of it! I need to make a hat! There is a great crown idea in the latest Somerset magazine using chicken wire! Now that is me! ...minus all the lace and fancies of course... a crown would be good, perhaps with a chicken bone attached to represent my oneness with the movie. As with all my friends here, Kat is such a gift! If you haven't met her, there is a link to take you to her blog! And I'm off to find some friends to embrace in the spirit of Ya Ya. I can't put my whole list here can I??? hmmm...

June~ from Ruby Junes~ quietly steadfast and always a friend.
Cassie~ from Mockingbird Hill~ A great friend and YaYa in the Rick Club.
Lori~ From Stitches in Tyme(Notforgotten Farm)~ a wonderful spirit and she has the perfect Ya Ya crown already if you visit her blog! I'll have to dig up my picture to share!

Thanks to all of my friends here that touch me in so many ways. Tomorrow will bring the opening of TDIPT and also a celebration. For those who have sent well wishes and prayers to my Dad, he is home, finally but it will be a while before he regains everything. I will only be working part time for now so that I can take care of both parents.

Pulling The Strings A Little Tighter

Most everyone is feeling the grip of the economy lately. Here in Upstate NY, we have felt the pinch for quite a few years now. This was at one time, quite a tourist area. Ski slopes were not that far away for the winter and the nearby lakes have been enjoyed by many throught the summer. The winters haven't been as lengthy or snowy as they once were.Many of the nearby areas built outlet malls to keep the tourists here and are finding that with it, they lost the charm of some very quaint little villages. Now with gas prices and the mortgage crisis, I wonder what will become of places such as this area, where so much industry has gone overseas, and the tourism dollars may be scarce.

The garden will be a little bigger this year, I am sure. Already, we are planning out what to plant. We decided last Fall that we really wanted to spend more time together with the kids. Picnics in the park by Tim's and some in the old cemetaries here are top on our list. Lazy evenings by the pool and an occassional movie at the Drive In are favorites here. We have a area that we make a fire at as often as we can~ the kids all enjoy roasting marshmallows and hotdogs. It is a time for us to talk about our day, voice our hopes and dreams and yes.. even a scarey story is told. Keep it simple...

The area has been seeing some regrowth this past year and should continue ahead. We are all unsure what the nation's economy will do in this area, but we remain possitive. We plan a little more, to waste a lot less. Slow down and enjoy what we have with friends and family. Realize in all of this, that we are rich indeed.

A New Month Ahead

http://www.lemonpoppyseeds.com

It is with great pleasure that I announce the March 1st opening and my debut at Lemon Poppyseeds. Just look for "The Good Wife". My pattern Shoppe there isn't opened yet as I had hoped, but I will be working on it over the next few days as time allows.

I'm sitting and typing this as snow is furiously swirling about. By morning, another 8 inches will have accumulated. It was just a couple days ago that we were so blessed. The snow was so beautiful and it stuck to the tree limbs for quite a while....my yearning for greener days will have to wait a bit. I love all of the seasons, so patient I shall be. I went to the store today and picked up a few needfuls and saw a display of fresh vegetables. All of the makings for Ratatouille! I haven't made that for years and it was the perfect comfort food for such a chilly and snowy evening.

The days here have been quite busy. My father is in the hospital, we almost lost him. No one is ever prepared to let a loved one go. He seems to be making slow progress the past couple days. No matter what, it will be a while. New items and patterns may be a bit delayed in coming, but I work on them everyday as time allows. I have also been looking into a notecard line towards the Fall. Remember the Pumpkin Princess this past Fall? There is so much I could get lost in... sigh, but I have to take it a step at a time. I'm always impatient about these things! All Goode things do come in time. Till then enjoy the Poppy Seeds site. It is a site that is best viewed while in your pajamas and a cup of something hot to drink. Chocolate is entirely optional, but this Goode Wife won't be caught with out it! Enjoy dear friends.

I Can Feel It

Spring is on it's way... I can feel it. Yesterday's snow won't be the last here in the North Country, but that's OK. The mornings are appearing quicker now and I can't wait for the clock change ahead. My backyard friend, the Red Winged Blackbird, hasn't made his appearance this year. I'm afraid I will need to listen for another generation. The Red Wing Blackbird will Herald the Spring before the robin's appear and call for a mate. A few Robins have danced on the front lawn already, even after yesterday's snowfall. It will soon be maple sugar season and we will visit my cousin's Sugaring House. Spring is on it's way for this Good Wife also. I'm sorting and packing fabrics for the new studio and going through last year's Spring designs that I didn't have time to use, along with new ones since my last holiday show. There are some fun bunnies, chicks and chickens along with some more extreme dolls ahead. Many thanks for all the emails about the new Blog Header. Maude has a new home now, but you will see more of Dearie and her friends.

Evolution of a Rabbit~ Which do you like best?

Both were drawn by me. Keep watch for a surprise ahead!

Happy Birthday Jiggy and Cheers!

I grew up living with my Grandparent's between military bases. It was a quite a full house! A very Italian and loving home as I grew up. My Granma, Doris, was the glue of the family and Granpa Jiggy, the biggest kid. So many memories stay with my heart and I miss both of them so dearly. February 16th was Jiggy's Birthday along with my brother, Kevin. Jiggy would have been 94 and Kevin would not be happy if I shared his age (I don't know why, he's younger than me!) Both Grandparents are gone now, but have lived on and inspired my work. Jiggy is of course, St. Jig's and reflects the skinny Italian with a big nose! Doris and Gertie patterns celebrate my Grandmother. The arts are all about being inspired by what touches your life and your heart. Life is truly good , and even if it can't be as simple as I'd like at times. I lay the groundwork, do what I can and try my best to pay it all forward. I am blessed to be able to share my heart and inspirations with all of you!

Are You Ready????

http://www.lemonpoppyseeds.com/

I am very pleased to announce that I will be a part of this wonderful magazine. As most of you know, I have been looking for a place to host my pattern line and announce new ones. This was the answer! Many thanks to High Button Shoe for showing me the way.I had to wait until my return from PA to get it all finalized. I will be opening on the first of each month and I am hoping to have a couple new patterns in the pattern shop for you. Look for a new crow and some fun bunnies. Unless of course something takes my fancy and lends it's spirit at the last minute! My Finished work will be under "The Good Wife" and the patten line will remain Raven's Haven.

It has been very busy since our return from the Heritage Show and I apologize for not being able to address so many personally. There are many details and paperwork that need my attention after the show and yes... taxes. Along with that we are getting fabrics sorted,organized and ready as we await spring and starting the studio. As I settle into the online magazines and work on shop orders, show work and licensed designs; I will also be looking into notecards from my drawings. It is an exciting time for me and I know that it will fall into place as it is ment. Balancing family and work takes quite alot. I am thankful to all of you. Without all of you, I could not move forward.

Past and Present

Hi Everyone~ and a Happy Valentines Day to all! I'm getting ready to upload my TDIPT offerings this month and wanted to share one of my favorites. This is Maude Addie as most of you know from my pattern line. She didn't start out like this though. I loved Netty's dolls from the moment I set eyes on them. I was so inspired by her Harriet in the late 90's and my own Maude was born in 2001. I did a few of her for shows but finally found something that was my own heart in Maude. If you'd like to see the original, stop by TDIPT and you will find her. I happened upon a basket as I was organizing for my new studio when I found one of the originals all sewn and stuffed. She was ment to be! I gave her a new friend this year...Dearie. I shall be back in a few days with my announcement. Til then, stay warm and enjoy TDIPT!

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.