Waiting On the Green

Each season comes with it's special feeling and smells about it. I embrace each season and look forward to it. Today is the perfect "Bambi" day. The days have been warmer, warm enough to open windows and enjoy Spring's sweet smell. A "Bambi" day to me has been those first few days of spring that bring gentle showers to green the earth. The sky is milky , the clouds lay low over our gentle hills and the mountains beyond have disappeared. The lilac bush is quite budded and a little spider greeted me this morning in the window sill as I opened the window.

My days are blending here as I care for both parents now. I know that I won't be able to care for both of them without help or other changes for long. There are changes ahead here and some have begun...it's a process and it take a bit of time. As some of you know, Bailey has a Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Home has been difficult for her and her Grandfather's fragility has been very stressful to her. Together, we have decided that she would do better to live up on the Hill with her other Grandparents for now . It is difficult for me as her Mom to let her go, my heart aches, but my head knows that doing the right thing doesn't always come easy. She's been there just over a week now and has settled happily and doing well. We talk on the phone lots and there are always several hugs awaiting me when she's here. Jess has chosen to remain here for now, but knows it is her choice as we find out the best course of action for her Grandparents.

In it all, I want to thank all of you~ your thoughts and prayers have wrapped me close and kept me strong. I don't get much time to email anyone. It is slow to get orders out but I try to work on things several days a week. I keep goals ahead and know that although I am stretched at the moment, it will all work out. Life will fall into place as it should and I am thankful to have the gifts of my family and my art. Faith always gets you through and with it, you can find joy in the "Bambi" days even in the most difficult of times.

~*~ A Celebration ~*~

Come Celebrate with me! Raven's Haven Patterns is 6 years old today! To celebrate I'm releasing a free pattern for all of you. Merrie Mouse is a part of my Early Cupboard collection. To receive Merrie just send a SASE to me and enjoy her!



Also I am releasing 2 new patterns for spring!There are more coming soon. In the meantime, meet Daisy. She is a part of my "Picks A Winner" series and sure to capture a smile.

Finally, there is Louis. Now, Louis is a long ago inspiration. I found him in a pile of sketches marked 2001. Although I didn't formally make him until this week, you can see that he inspired my first Gertie the Witch.

March is National Craft month and what better way to celebrate then by enjoying some new friends! If you would like Daisy or Louis and would like to use PayPal, please send payment to snoraven@hotmail.com. They are 9.50 each, or both for 18.00. I will also include a Merrie Mouse with your order. If you would like to send a check, money order or your SASE for Merrie, you may send it to:

Stacey Mead

PO Box 165

Granville, NY 12832

*don't forget to make a note or leave a message telling me which friend that you would like to make.

Enjoy Spring everyone and have a wonderful time creating!

A Woman's Simple Joys

The days here are always full and always busy. Balancing caretaker for two and Mother are both full time tasks now. My girls have always been helpful and have learned to help care for others. In many ways, older than their years. I try to balance it all out for them and give them plenty of time with their cousins and family, they need to have the closeness and memories that will be cherished through their lives.

I am fortunate that I can do what I love, even in doing what I need. Sometimes it is difficult to have enough time to complete the tasks of a business as timely as I'd like, or draw when my head is bursting with ideas. On difficult days, I hold dear what draws me. I love the times of old. I can spend hours in a cemetery reading old time worn stones, but I am needed more at home and just can't take off when the girls are at school. Now, I watch time period movies looking beyond the actors or stories and into the furniture, paint or clothing design. I embrace my tintype and cabinet card collection. I try to fit in fifteen minutes of drawing everyday, no matter what; even so far as to draw in the Emergency Room. I do all of this knowing that life is always about changes. To everything there is always a season. My parent's won't live forever; the girls will be on their way, living their own lives soon and I will do things that I haven't always been able to do. I will be able to decorate my home and furnish it with things I've collected and cherished over the years. I can paint walls and make paintings on them if I wish. The days may be quieter in some regards, but I will always have the art that has been my constant companion for most of my life.

I hold these busy days close to my heart now and very dear, knowing that I am making memories to keep with me when a season passes. I do this knowing that we as women have always done this. We are nurturers and caretakers by nature. Even when daily living was much harder, women would take time in their day, often by candle light and decorate their lives. It could be fancy stitching on a dress or perhaps hooking a rug that would serve a purpose. Some things we cannot change, but we can embrace our simple joys.

What A Difference The Afternoon Makes!

It has been such a full day here and I have been busy with so much that I'm unsure if I finished most things on my list today! It had started so grim with news that my Dad was still not doing well. They kept him up most of the night, fearful that he would go into a diabetic coma and I was on the phone every couple of hours checking on him and relaying the information to everyone. I will be so glad to crawl into bed after I write this! There is good news tonight that he is holding and has been stable most of the afternoon. He did well during dialysis and we should know more tomorrow morning.

I had a few hours while he was in dialysis to pull a few things out of my show bin and take some pictures for Lemon Poppyseeds. It wasn't the fun rabbits that I had planned, but perhaps if the next few days slow down a bit, I can add them. I will post them here so you will all know. Until then, enjoy a couple of my friends that you haven't met yet. I hope they bring you a smile.I thank all of you for your kind words and healing prayers, I can't tell you how much you mean to me. You make my heart smile!

A Time for Family

Sometimes a day will take on a life of it's own and you feel like you have no control over anything... all your plans are out the window and you just deal with the matter at hand. This whole week has been like that and continued it's spiral without any let up. As most of you know, I am care taking both parents, but my Father is having more serious problems at this time. Yesterday he took two ambulance rides with his sugar levels dropping dangerously low. There are still no answers, and he is being closely watched as he continues to drop rapidly. I can't tell you how thankful I am to his support Aides, the Rescue Squad (it is all volunteer here), friends and family. We can't express the gratitude that we have for everyone along with their prayers and calls to check on all of us.

I was able to meet my licensing deadline, but orders are coming along very slowly. I will be trying to get a few more out today. I will not be able to put anything new on Lemon Poppyseeds.. at least not for a few days. I will try my best to put a few friends up, however. I will post any new upload news here first. I thank all of you in advance for your patience and ask that my Dad be in your prayers.

Time Flies

It's Friday already?? I'm looking back and wondering just where the week went. The days have been full and I always wish for a few more hours, especially to create. This house has seen a steady stream of Nurses, Therapists and Transporters to the regular daily works. My Dad is getting some much needed help and I am making meals and measuring them, mindful of carbs as I do. The Girls have had the week from school off and I will miss them when they go back. They bring such a liveliness, especially when teamed up with two rambunctious puppies. We also had the stomach flu visit for a couple days and that kept me busy taking care of everyone too. We've kept it at bay most of the year, so I suppose, it was just our turn!

Our daily lives are such a mix, aren't they? Sometimes you can wake up and the day just takes on a life of it's own, and other days will seem like a grind. There is an anxiety now as our world shifts into uncertainty with the economy. The times are changing and a different season is upon us. Many of you have picked up a pattern or two as you can, to balance a hectic week with a little creativity and "me" time. I thought perhaps that it would be fun to offer a different pattern to all of you every week with a special price and will offer one every Friday. I hope that I inspire you to create and spend a little time just for you. If you've never sewn before~ give it a shot! There is nothing to lose. I did not know how to sew more than a tote bag in Home Ec. when I started this adventure, but I had a hunger to create. I hope that you enjoy and you have goode weeks ahead!

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.