NEW YEAR'S ROYALTY

THE PRINCESS!

When I was in high school, I had what I then considered to be a beautiful 'prom' dress, all light-weight, pink and airy. When Jonel was a little girl, I took that dress apart and made her a Princess dress. I came upon that dress not long ago. On this day last week, I asked Iris to cover her eyes for a surprise. Her big blue eyes were even bigger and filled with the wonder that only a three year old can possess. Here, she dons that dress, along with her beautiful rhinestone tiara. She suddenly became magic. Upon first putting this outfit on, she proceeded to 'dance' very slowly, almost slow-motion slow, ballerina-style. It was precious. I asked her to wait a moment and ran upstairs and rummaged in my antique clothing drawer. I came down with an old lace dress on and my mother's rhinestone necklace as my tiara.

Oh, to have the eyes of the little princess who pronounced, "Ohhhh, Nonna, you are so beau-ti-ful!

After all the dancing, and yes, I did ballet as well, she decided a tea party was in order. So she gathered all her 'children' and her tea set and we had a Princess tea part.

But this is very hard and tiring work for a little princess. Where is her handmaiden?

NEW YEAR'S DAY 2010

New Year's Day dawned cloudy and bitterly cold. But by noon the sun came out and brought the temperature up to around 6 degrees. Having had Raynaud's disease for many years, I wondered about venturing out, though I knew if I bundled up enough the exercise would do its work in keeping my circulation going. So bundle I did...long underwear times two, Carhart pants, wool leg warmers, sock liners, wool socks, raw wool around my toes, two long sleeve shirts under a wool sweater, a wool scarf, hat and warm jacket, with double lined wool gloves stuffed with raw wool around my fingers. I was set to go.

For the most part we took the trail we'd snow shoed the other day, but we broke trail some as well as taking advantage of short spurts of established trail. (We much prefer bushwhacking.) This is the first slew we crossed.

And this is the second slew we crossed. Freddie is bundled, but far less than I.

Once again we made our way down to the Kickapoo River. It was simply stunning today with the sun sparkling diamonds in the snow.

Bushwhacking this section is rather 'easy' compared to some sections.

Looking back over the tracks we made.

It never ceases to amaze me as to how very easy a man can relieve himself in the wilderness. Remember all the clothes I have on...despite the need, I hold very well.

Unsullied snow, which really did have a blue cast.

The sumac cones were vivid and striking in their boldness. This photo does not do justice to the blood red against the blue sky.
My fingers are still cold as I type this, but I am exhilarated and so very full of life.

May everyone approach this new year exhilarated and full of life. Blessings and good health to all.

Snowshoeing along the Kickapoo

Sunday after Christmas, what a great time to get out the skis, is what we thought. However, given the conditions around the farm, (icy, crusty, bumpy) we decided snowshoes might serve us better. We have a beautiful ski trail we forge most winters along the Kickapoo River, so we thought we'd do that. The approach to the river is long, twisted, and overgrown much of the way. Part of the fun!

Winding our way down to the river, Freddie leads the way. It is quite clear skis would have been a disaster.

Bushwacking through the woods means getting tangled, tripping occasionally, and for me, being way over dressed.

We traversed three slews, being very glad that they were quite solidly frozen.

Finally we arrived at the river. It is always stunning in its beauty, a sight neither Freddie or I ever tire of.

Towards the end of the 3 1/2 hour trek these golden needles caught my eye. The color contrast was lovely, and the golden needles looked like they were ready to be spun. Doesn't seem to be a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

If there is anyone out there reading this I wanted to take a few minutes from this busy day to say

Wet-felted then needle felted- photo- frames.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

JUST SOME ODDS AND ENDS

A Sunday hike around the farm ended at the top of the vineyard overlooking our home. It was just before the huge snowfall, everything seemed a bit surreal.

Looking towards my workshop, the distant vista was not unlike European views.

Two Christmas' ago, when Iris was only months old, I knit the two stockings for her first Christmas.

I love to make and I love to give. I am blessed to have these little ones to receive.

ALMOST BURIED

This morning I wasn't able to simply open the back door of the house, but had to PUSH it hard against the deep snow that had piled up in front of it. I can't say that this really troubles me, as I love snow, and winter is my favorite season. Still I can't say that shoveling is my favorite pastime, especially when it comes in such hefty amounts.

This is on the deck of my workshop...and believe me it was nearly 16" deep. As I look out of my window right now, there is an additional inch or two on top of that. The skis or snow shoes this afternoon!!!

WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO???

It seems that I just can't help myself from releasing Woolies from the enormous store of wool blankets that beautify my workshop. This is Lucy, and she is happy to be here.


This lovely sophisticate is Ramona.

This young bruiser is named Buster.

Reggie seems to be the worker of the group, with his hammer and farmer's hanky in hand.

This sweetheart is Kate, as in Kiss Me.

Here's the whole troop thus far. I'm not sure how many more are on the horizon, but I must say they haven't bored me one iota as of yet. Actually, everywhere I look, a new 'one' seems to pop up. Hmmmm....maybe I will be buried, if not in snow, in Woolies.

COLOR-FILLED SMALL SPACE

On Thursday, December 3rd, I filled this small 10x4ft. space with all that I have been working on for the past few months. Vernon Memorial Hospital had their 19th annual Arts/Crafts Fair, and it was well attended.

Another view of my space. It was a good day, despite a chair so ergonomically incorrect that I am still suffering.

Now that this show is over, my hands and mind are in perpetual unrest. So I am starting some new Woolies, the little creatures 'trapped in my blankets', as they were quite a hit. We'll see what is liberated this time.