turkey feathers

Small Spaces

Yesterday was a crock-pot day.  Actually, there were two crocks simmering side-by-side with homemade goodness.  One with a hearty beef stew.  The other filled with a rich vegetable bean soup, made rich with the addition of a tablespoon of butter.  (Here's a tip: When you make a vegetarian bean dish or soup--with dried beans, the addition of butter will make them so much more tender and flavorful.)  Well, the house smelled wonderful all day. By dinnertime all I had to do was heat French rolls, plate up some sharp raw cheese and fresh fruit.  A simple meal that was like a warm hug on a cold night.  The girls take over in the kitchen today.  I like this tag-team cooking schedule.  I like it a lot! 

I'm ever so s-l-o-w-l-y re-hauling a few rooms and unearthing "treasure" in the process.  Making space.  Starting fresh.  And parting with a few books; scanning a few pictures I want to remember.  Like these.  I love woodstoves. In our last house, we had one similar to this in an upstairs studio/family/bedroom. Oh, That Room!  It was an all-purpose mega-space that seemed even larger with its high open beam ceilings and enormous windows.  The big black 'Pioneer Box' sat front and slightly off-center in the middle of the room radiating heat in every direction all winter long.  I loved it.  I also love the push-button central heating in our current house; no more hauling wood over a rickety slippery upstairs deck! 

These photos are taken from a book called, Making The Most of Small Spaces.  It's an awesome little book with home improvement ideas and creative storage solutions that draw insiration from seaside huts, cozy cottages and other challenging spaces.  And I'm giving it away!  Leave a comment on this post to throw your name in the hat if you are interested.  Please know that I truly regret I cannot ship freebies overseas and abroad due to the high cost of postage.  But I can share a few more photos. . .

Now back to the book shelf for more hidden treasure....

UPDATED 1-16:  Thank you all for your comments, a winner has been chosen! 

Let there be *Light*

I was visiting a vintage mall recently and fell in love with this electric candle chandelier.  If I had a place to hang it I might be tempted to bring it home.  But at the moment, I have found contentment in another type of candle light.  Surprisingly so, and I must confess, I truly love my "artificial" battery operated flameless candles.  I wasn't totally sold on them in the beginning, but now that I've been using them for awhile I want to hug the person who invented them.  They are, dare I say, brilliant!  Especially the wax ones.  They flicker and glow luminous from within and look so realistic.  I've placed them throughout the house this year, high and low (even in the bathrooms and around the bathtub).  Some of them are programmed to light up as soon as the sun goes down.  Which is awesome.  Because it starts getting dark around 4:30 in the afternoon here. Or so it seems with the our typical cloud cover and rain.  So yes, totally loving the candle glow from every nook and cranny, and I don't feel like I need to turn every light on in the house.  They also switch themselves off  after a few hours, so no more worries about falling asleep with a forgotten candle burning somewhere.  It's really not such a sacrifice compared to the safety and convenience, and I just discovered a few even have clickers.  Ha!  I guess I shouldn't laugh, my Christmas tree has one and lights up with the push of a button.  How cool is that?  We purchased a plug-in thingy called a 'transceiver module' that sends a wireless signal to electric devices that can be operated by remote control.  It plugs in to any outlet.  I must admit I don't miss crawling behind the tree to plug in the lights every night.  Just another wonderful *brilliant* invention.  Powerhouse makes a good one.  More flameless candles over here. 

 

In Like a Lion

Here's the breathtaking view this morning from my kitchen window. The sky is bright blue and smooth as silk over a spotless, pristine landscape.   It's not a scene that repeats itself often, making it all the more special I guess.  Nevertheless, the Mister is in the driveway as we speak, trying to dig his truck out so he can get to work.  He deals with the reality (of snow) while I wax and wane poetic from a comfortable distance!  

Hey, what happened to February?  Even with the extra day, it seemed to zip by in a flash.  I have been preoccupied with some new art projects and I guess it turned into a sabbatical from blogging.   If it wasn't for the worried emails that have been trickling in, I'd still have my head down.  Thank you for caring, and reminding me to come up for air and wave once in awhile.  I hope to start photographing it all soon so I can show you what I've been up to.  Today might be a good day for that with all this bright white light pouring into the house from the reflecting snow. 

Wish I could stay longer and jabber some more, but I really need to finish up the March Bonus Transfer and get it up on the website before April rolls around; I've still got hours of work to do on it.   So until next time, I bid you a fare-thee-well sweet friends.  xo

Giving Thanks

While the cranberry sauce is cooling, and the rest of the Thanksgiving preparations are underway, I want to take a few minutes to re-group, settle in, and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Our kitchen has been a bustling place this morning (as I'm sure yours is too), I am working my way around it from one end to the other--no cupboard, sideboard, cabinet, or drawer has been left unopened or untouched it seems.  There are lots of details to making a feast.  I count my blessings with every step.  There is much to be thankful for.

Like helping hands.  The Mister always takes charge of the bird.  And makes himself available for anything else I need help with.  He's good that way.  A team player.  Good man, that guy--that wonderful husband of mine.  I'm very thankful for him! 

Also, thankful for creative helpful daughters, who did a beautiful job on the table settings.  It all came together nicely. 

The little squirrels turned out darling!  I know the granddaughters will love them.  And speaking of that, my doorbell is about to ring. (I am thankful for all the good people in my life!)  Hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends, giving thanks, and counting your blessings--big and small. 

Biscuits & Honey

 

Oh, how I wanted to linger over that last (peaceful) post a bit longer.  Maybe you did too.  Especially with the holidays lurking.  And stormy weather upon us.  It's starting to blow in now and the beauty that was (in the fall foliage), alas, is no more.  It just doesn't last long enough, I tell ya. 

Today I have turkey on my mind, and how to squeeze a dozen precious people *comfortably* around our Thanksgiving table this year.  Sometimes this can be like putting together a jig-saw puzzle with all the different shapes and sizes and special considerations for folks three years old to sixty.  So, yesterday the girls and I spent some time moving furniture around the dining room; brought in a second table and an odd assortment of chairs--and I think we finally have a workable plan.  Placecards are in the making as we speak (another fun project for crafty sisters), so that each can claim their own customized spot.  This morning, tablecloths were washed, pressed, and laid down.  Which brings us to the fun part:: decorating!  Nothing too elaborate though, as we will be passing bowls of food around the table, hand-to-hand, family style.  A few candles and flowers should do nicely. And these (already in the making) from Aunt Ginger, for two special nieces.  Directions here.

"Everything is Biscuits & Honey", is an expression one of my great aunts used to say when everything was in proper order. 

And that just about sums it up! 

Here today, Gone tomorrow

 
Still adjusting to the shorter days here.  Just can't seem to get as much done before the sun goes down and always find it hard to get started when it is so dark in the morning.  Is that happening to you too?  I need to set priorities and unfortunately the blog gathers cyber dust.  When that happens, please visit the archives--still lots of little gems buried in there I know you'll like finding again, or discovering for the first time, if you are new here.

  
We would also like to thank you guys for the sweet emails, etsy convo's, and comments about Winky Handmade, and appreciate you checking it out.  

Well, this is all I have time for today...just wanted to pop in and wish you all a colorful day!

Change of Pace

". . . summer is folded away, like a rose pressed in a book."

from Stillmeadow Sampler by Gladys Taber

 
After a wonderful whirlwind summer, I'm finding balance in the slower pace.  Gone is the happy chatter and pitter patter of little feet around here.  Oh, how we miss that.  We had all fallen into a comfortable routine with our two young granddaughters as they spent their days with us.  Then, the oldest went back to school a couple of weeks ago, and we've just had the one three year-old keeping us entertained and on our toes since then.  But our time together went by too fast.  Soon she will be joining her little friends and heading off to pre-school and new adventures.  I've started a book project to chronicle our summertime together; the places we went, the things we did.  I plan to make gifts of them at some point in time.  Memories to be cherished always.

 
In their absence, the house seems remarkably quiet just now.  But I have these gorgeous dahlias keeping me company for the time being.

 
And another bunch. . . sweet gifts of appreciation from tiny loving hands and open hearts. 

 

Ushering in a new season, we now have a change of scenery on the hall table.  Beeswax candles and pinecones!  The watercolor was painted by Ginger; it's a portrait of her pet hampster "Marshy" (that's short for Marshmallow).  He's munching a pumpkin seed.   Love that little guy!

Thank you so much for the comments about the State Flower Quilt.  It feels great to have that project finished and folded away like a pressed flower  too.  I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out and I'm pleased so many of you have enjoyed this project in one form or another.  I look forward to seeing more of your finished quilts in the future.  (Don't forget to send me links to your blog posts or pictures if you can manage it.) 

What's next?  Well ladies, I need to literally unplug all of my machinery for a while and tackle some house projects and try and visit some festivals.  Please take note: the PatternBee website will be closed from the 18th through the 30th of this month.  After that, autumnal activities will be in full swing and I'll be back with bells on and a new bonus stitchery for October!  Here's a sneak peek:

 
Until then . . . Happy Stitching!!        

Loved Always

  
Our beautiful, gentle "Lily of the Valley" left us Sunday, after a rapid downward spiral due to CRF.  We're all still reeling from shock and grief; completely devastated.  Through the tears, it's difficult to post this very sad news.  But I felt it was necessary to explain my absence here on the blog for a time..  I knew you would want to know, and would understand.  Thank you for visiting here today and for caring.  

Waiting

 
Just when I thought I was on a roll with the state flower blocks, I ran out of my color  (DMC #645) for the letters. Despite numerous vistis to every place in town that carries embroidery supplies--not that many--I couldn't find it in stock.  So, online I went and ordered a bunch from JoAnn's website.  I am now waiting patiently for it to arrive.  In the meantime, I've gotten quite a few blocks finished.  Stitching up a storm, as a matter of fact.  In doing so, I discovered a blunder I made for the North Dakota Prairie Rose...I accidently dropped one of the I's in prairie!  I didn't catch it until I was halfway through embroidering the flower.  This has since been corrected on the PDF's and resent, however, if you ordered the iron-on's please contact me if you would like the new transfer and I'll send it along with my sincere apologies.

 
Speaking of JoAnn's, we are getting a new one!  This is very thrilling.  I was nearby this morning, in the rain and mud, and swung in to check on the progress.  It looks like it's going to be twice as big and in a nicer location.  It's scheduled to be finished in a few more months; we are counting the days. 

 

I'm also counting the days until Spring, which is right around the corner now.  It appears I am not the only one.  Waiting.



Grace's adorable "fat cat" creation is making me smile today--pattern from Knitted Toy Tales. 

 

*Happy New Year*

 
Hello again!  Hope your holidays were merry and BRIGHT!  Speaking of which, I've discovered flameless candles.  I can't believe how realistic these are.  This one is from Land's End, it has a nice vanilla scent and is programmable--it turns on and off automatically.  Love that!! 

Our holidays were spiced up with other sweet things too.  The girls made lots of cookies, including these tradtional favorites that we all helped decorate.   And eat.  Of course.

 
And they made organic chocolates for their Dad...which they hid in empty ice-cream boxes in the freezer.  He never suspected a thing.  Seeing his face light up when he opened the boxes on Christmas morning was well worth all their efforts.   
My mini apple turn-overs were also appreciated. 

 
When the presents were opened, Lilly was absolutely delighted to claim her place under the tree again. 

 
 
New card games like 'Apples to Apples' kept things lively.  'Horse-opoly' went on for two days.  With lots of knitting and nibbling in between. 

Ahh...and now it's all over for another year.  Thank you for the Happy New Year wishes.  Here's wishing you all a mighty fine 2011!