RENEWAL

Celebrating the Christmas season was joyful this year, Andy  just having received good news from his scan.

The Sunday after Christmas Jonel and family, Freddie and I took a short hike above the Kickapoo River.  There is really nothing that can renew one's spirit, highlight the miraculous beauty of nature, and fill one with awe and gratitude as walking in the woods, especially along this river.

There really is not a spot where the view is not stunning and magical.  Being with the little ones, who stopped every few feet to exclaim at something, pick it up and put it in their pocket (or mine), only emphasized the wonder.

There is no season where this winding river is not beautiful.

...and as always the rock outcroppings are beyond my words...

...one of Elsa's finds...

Stepping out on one of the outcroppings high above the river.

These two made this hike very special...really through the eyes of little children...

A true 'tree hugger'.

Sometimes this season can cause one to feel depressed and blue, however this day, this walk in the woods above the river, this time with children and family, was marked with deep gratitude for so much; for Andy's healing journey, for these little girls whose love of nature is so pronounced, for my daughter (and Andy) whose parenting of these girls is so right on, and for all of the gifts being their Nonna has bestowed on me.  I pray this new year brings health and happiness, healing and love.

HOLIDAY FAIR

On Saturday, Dec. 5th the Kickapoo Valley Reserve held, among other things, an Arts/Crafts show.  This was my 'booth'.

Lots of people came by, and I sold a rug, bracelets and lots of other things.  I did not expect to do much business, but rather just have a day of fun and visiting, well, I had both.

A while back my friend Monica Jagel offered to teach a group of us how to bead these wrap bracelets.  At firs I thought it a bit boring, but as I got more adept at it, I found it very meditative.

The bracelets are really quite lovely, and they were a good selling item.  Off to La Crosse tomorrow to buy more beads, it seems that this has become a wee bit addictive.