I just typed in our blog address and it brought me to a post back in May of 2010! I had a reminder of my visit to Maine and spending time at my good friend's camp on Wilson Lake...ah-h-h-h memories.
But, back to reality...it's snowing/raining/sleeting in south central NY and I'm hoping Nathanial decides to sleep over at his co-worker's house in Binghamton when he gets off work tonight.
I've been busy keeping inventory in the shop. This week I finished a small wall quilt, 13 catnip mice, and a skein of merino/angora yarn to finish a cowl I started last week.
The shop had a very good November. Wayne manned the store yesterday for a few hours and sold over $300 worth of merchandise! We're gearing up for a "kid's store" in 2 weeks in which preschoolers through age 10 can come to the shop and for $5 per gift can shop from a selection of items made by the artisans which will then be wrapped and ready for Christmas morning surprises for Moms and Dads. This was something that the Officers Wives Club did for kids when we were in the Air Force and the boys loved 'going shopping' without our knowing what they bought until Christmas morning.
I've spent the evening decorating miniature wreaths I had made in the fall from tarragon and dried in the attic. As I take my 'sanity' walks I pick up little treasures such as berries, cones, and seed pods. I've decorated the wreaths with those treasures and dried herbs/flowers from my herb gardens. Tomorrow we're decorating a tree with all the ornaments I've made from "Creation's Treasures" at the local tree festival. I hope to get a picture of them, but our camera has not been cooperating lately. (I think it's time to get a new one). I've really enjoyed working on these decorations knowing that all the materials (except the glue) are from the bounty of creation.
I bought fabric for 2 quilts today. I 'owe' Marc and Jonathan their "5-year" quilts (Marc turned 20 and Jon 10 this year) before the end of 2013 so I hope to get at least the tops pieced by Christmas. With the nasty weather predicted for this weekend, maybe I'll get a good start on them tomorrow.
With all the projects I have on my 'to do' list it wouldn't be too bad to be snowed in for a couple of days!
Friday, December 6, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
Passing it on...
Ian also is eager to learn to play the violin so Katelyn is working with him on that. He keeps asking us to measure his arm to see if it's long enough to play her full size violin (Katelyn passed on her 3/4 size a couple of years ago to another young player who needed an instrument). Since his arm isn't growing 'fast enough' (his words), she's helping him learn to read music and recognize notes that she plays. He hardly lets a day go by without asking her for a lesson.
Who knows, we may soon have another violinist in the family!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
News from the Shop
The Unadilla Artisan Guild reopened on the 1st. The first weekend was a bit slow, but over the past week, we've seen a lot more activity and interest. We have several new artisans applying for space. Customers are excited to see the quality of the crafts and are keeping us busy refilling shelves.
Our friends, the Nelsons have opened a gift/vintage/coffee shop (called "Muse") diagonally from our shop in an old Victorian house. We send each other customers and plan on hosting a joint "open house" the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
It's good to be back in business and see the community support the local artisans.
Our friends, the Nelsons have opened a gift/vintage/coffee shop (called "Muse") diagonally from our shop in an old Victorian house. We send each other customers and plan on hosting a joint "open house" the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
It's good to be back in business and see the community support the local artisans.
SNOW!
Yesterday the weather report said that we might see some snow flurries, but due to the warmth of the ground we wouldn't have any accumulation. In the early morning hours I heard the snowplow go by and thought "the weather report was a bit off." This morning we awoke to about 3 inches of the fluffy white stuff. The black lab was ecstatic! She rolled and raced through the snow, buried her nose to 'hunt' out field mice, and rolled some more. When Raven comes back inside from her play, she's more white than black!
One of the blessings of home schooling is being able to get out in the first 'real' snow of the season to play before it melts. This morning Jon and Ian were out playing tic-tac-toe in the snow and spraying food-colouring designs while the other kids in the neighborhood were piling on the school bus. Now that the fresh snow has been duly 'broken in' the boys have come back inside, melted snow on the woodstove (had a discussion on evaporation), and are ready to hit the books. Ah-h-h the joys of home school!
One of the blessings of home schooling is being able to get out in the first 'real' snow of the season to play before it melts. This morning Jon and Ian were out playing tic-tac-toe in the snow and spraying food-colouring designs while the other kids in the neighborhood were piling on the school bus. Now that the fresh snow has been duly 'broken in' the boys have come back inside, melted snow on the woodstove (had a discussion on evaporation), and are ready to hit the books. Ah-h-h the joys of home school!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
October comes and goes...
October has been a very full month with a quick trip to Maine on Columbus Day weekend. Marc was able to come along for this trip...his first to Maine in 10 years! We had a wonderful time with family and friends. The weather at the beach was great for October. Marc got to tour some old forts and bunkers so he was extra happy.
The following weekend was RHINEBECK...the NY Wool and Fiber Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. A friend and I went for the day and had a great time looking at the latest trends in fiber. It's always a knitting, crochet, and felting fashion show as the thousands of attendees model their creations.
We finally got the 'all clear' to reopen the Unadilla Artisan Guild in our new location at the Methodist Church Parsonage. It's right across the street from the town's grocery store so we have much greater visibility than our former location. It's been so encouraging to have people ask how soon we'll open because they've heard of our opening and want to purchase gifts asap. We had an artisan meeting tonight and plan to open our doors on Friday. With the 'all clear' came the 'make it happen' activity. We've been painting, moving furniture, and stocking inventory--not to mention working on new items in our 'spare' time. The shop looks wonderful and we're all excited to be back in business.
The following weekend was RHINEBECK...the NY Wool and Fiber Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. A friend and I went for the day and had a great time looking at the latest trends in fiber. It's always a knitting, crochet, and felting fashion show as the thousands of attendees model their creations.
We finally got the 'all clear' to reopen the Unadilla Artisan Guild in our new location at the Methodist Church Parsonage. It's right across the street from the town's grocery store so we have much greater visibility than our former location. It's been so encouraging to have people ask how soon we'll open because they've heard of our opening and want to purchase gifts asap. We had an artisan meeting tonight and plan to open our doors on Friday. With the 'all clear' came the 'make it happen' activity. We've been painting, moving furniture, and stocking inventory--not to mention working on new items in our 'spare' time. The shop looks wonderful and we're all excited to be back in business.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
The Rest of September...
Nathanial and I had a wonderful trip to NC.
Nathanial really enjoyed meeting the people at Shepherd's. The people are very friendly and the area is booming with growth. It shouldn't be hard for him to find a part-time job and the cost of living is much cheaper in NC. After visiting with the family he stayed with during the visit, he was told by the grandfather, "You're a good Yankee, you can move to Cary." Nathanial learned that if he does start his studies with Shepherds for the spring semester he'll be eligible to go on an archeological dig in Israel in May. That is VERY appealing to him.
I, in turn, had a great visit with my friends Barry & Saundra Stebbing. Their little farm is so restful and restorative. Hopefully, after they fulfil their commitments for classes this fall, they'll be able to take a sabbatical for a year to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of their farm with all the geese, ducks, guinea hens, and chickens. (Notice I didn't say "quiet"). It was such a precious time together. I was given Barry's studio for my stay and couldn't help but be inspired as I was surrounded by his beautiful paintings and art materials. I even got a few lessons while there.
The family at home weathered our absence and were eager to hear of our adventures. As nice as it is to visit new places, it's always great to get back home to those we love.
The garden is slowly fading. We are still getting a few tomatoes and the green peppers have produced beyond any previous year. The gourds are still in full leaf, but I've caught glimpses of several large 'bowl' gourds that I look forward to playing with next year after they've dried/cured. Wayne and I both agree that our favorite crop this year has been the scattered sunflowers of several varieties that I planted here and there. They continue to brighten areas where other flowers have passed.
The two youngest have developed the first cold of fall, and as I type this, flock after flock of geese have flown over in their journey south. We've had such delightful weather that it's easy to forget that cold, winter weather is not far away. The honking of the hundreds of geese remind us that we need to treasure these beautiful fall days.
Nathanial really enjoyed meeting the people at Shepherd's. The people are very friendly and the area is booming with growth. It shouldn't be hard for him to find a part-time job and the cost of living is much cheaper in NC. After visiting with the family he stayed with during the visit, he was told by the grandfather, "You're a good Yankee, you can move to Cary." Nathanial learned that if he does start his studies with Shepherds for the spring semester he'll be eligible to go on an archeological dig in Israel in May. That is VERY appealing to him.
I, in turn, had a great visit with my friends Barry & Saundra Stebbing. Their little farm is so restful and restorative. Hopefully, after they fulfil their commitments for classes this fall, they'll be able to take a sabbatical for a year to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of their farm with all the geese, ducks, guinea hens, and chickens. (Notice I didn't say "quiet"). It was such a precious time together. I was given Barry's studio for my stay and couldn't help but be inspired as I was surrounded by his beautiful paintings and art materials. I even got a few lessons while there.
The family at home weathered our absence and were eager to hear of our adventures. As nice as it is to visit new places, it's always great to get back home to those we love.
The garden is slowly fading. We are still getting a few tomatoes and the green peppers have produced beyond any previous year. The gourds are still in full leaf, but I've caught glimpses of several large 'bowl' gourds that I look forward to playing with next year after they've dried/cured. Wayne and I both agree that our favorite crop this year has been the scattered sunflowers of several varieties that I planted here and there. They continue to brighten areas where other flowers have passed.
The two youngest have developed the first cold of fall, and as I type this, flock after flock of geese have flown over in their journey south. We've had such delightful weather that it's easy to forget that cold, winter weather is not far away. The honking of the hundreds of geese remind us that we need to treasure these beautiful fall days.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Headin' South
Nathanial has been accepted into the Masters Program at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, NC. He decided to wait until the spring semester to start attending classes on campus, but he has wanted to make a trip to confirm that is where he wants to move in January. Considering that it's a 10+ hour trip from Unadilla and the uncertainty that his Civic would make the trip and back, Wayne suggested that I accompany Nathanial and take the van. This would allow me to see where he's moving to, help with the driving, have a more reliable vehicle, and give me the opportunity to visit friends while Nathanial is on campus. We'll leave early Sunday a.m. and return on Wednesday.
Three years ago I organized a home school art workshop led by Barry Stebbing of How Great Thou ART for local home school students. As I communicated with the Stebbings, a wonderful friendship developed and we have kept in contact via email, phone, and letters. Last year Barry and his wife Saundra invited me to come to their farm in NC for a retreat from the busyness of life. I couldn't get away for several reasons, but I promised to try to find a time when I could visit their little piece of paradise. Monday a.m. I will drive an additional 2 hours from Cary to spend 2 days with the Stebbings. This very special couple has been instrumental in encouraging me (and many more!) to keep a nature journal and to really look at the beauty in creation. They have made such a substantial, positive influence to the home school community that I feel deeply privileged to be welcomed into the sanctuary of their farm.
It promises to be an exciting few days!
Three years ago I organized a home school art workshop led by Barry Stebbing of How Great Thou ART for local home school students. As I communicated with the Stebbings, a wonderful friendship developed and we have kept in contact via email, phone, and letters. Last year Barry and his wife Saundra invited me to come to their farm in NC for a retreat from the busyness of life. I couldn't get away for several reasons, but I promised to try to find a time when I could visit their little piece of paradise. Monday a.m. I will drive an additional 2 hours from Cary to spend 2 days with the Stebbings. This very special couple has been instrumental in encouraging me (and many more!) to keep a nature journal and to really look at the beauty in creation. They have made such a substantial, positive influence to the home school community that I feel deeply privileged to be welcomed into the sanctuary of their farm.
It promises to be an exciting few days!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)