On Sunday morning, Batman and I pulled on our boots, bundled up and set out for a pot luck brunch at a neighbor’s. We carried umbrellas because there were thick, messy snow blobs starting to fall. Batman carried a balsam wreath he had made for our hosts. My basket was filled with a bowl of fruit salad and my trusty wool slippers to wear once I shed my mucky boots. There was something about the silence and the muted view that created a bit of magic on the road. I felt like we were walking into a Trina Schart Hyman illustration. These moments when we are aware of transcendent beauty have become more precious the older I get. I wish you had been with us, friends.
As we tumbled into our neighbor’s mudroom, the scents of yummy food led us into the kitchen. The windows were foggy with humidity and tea and coffee were offered right away. Other folks arrived, the wood stove crackled and the conversation rose and fell around the table. And the food! Oh, the food! As time passed, the snow got thicker and thicker in the sky. By the time we cleared the table and headed for home we decided to make a quick trip down to town for a few groceries, before road conditions got too bad.
On the way down the hill, I snapped this picture of snow falling on the rows of the leftovers from the corn harvest. This image has fascinated me for years, the contrast of light and dark, the imperfect symmetry, it’s a stark beauty. And I think of all the corn, stored in barns, for winter feed.
The next morning we woke up to these gorgeous colors and textures. This gentle landscape, with freshly fallen snow, is a reminder to me. Soaking it in is my favorite way to slide into the holiday season. Calmly. Simply. With gratitude for this place.
We’ve finally put the bird feeders up, the paper white bulbs have come up from the root cellar and some of the holiday textiles have found their way into the kitchen. Soups on the stove. Simple gestures as we move through these December days.
And I have finally found my way back into my studio, with multiple projects under the needle. Hooray! I had quite a dry spell and it had me a bit puzzled. But all is good now. :-)
Here’s a sneak peek for one wee project. 100% leftover scraps. Improv. Fun.
AND THANK YOU, FRIENDS, FOR ALL OF YOUR SWEET COMMENTS AND EMAILS. I’ve said it before, I do so wish we could all just gather around our dining room table here in Vermont. We could drink tea, introduce ourselves to one another and do a bit of handwork. Creating and growing friendships, making beautiful things with our hands, having good conversations about ways to change our neighborhoods, and in turn, the world…gosh. What a lovely thing that would be.
In lieu of that, know that I appreciate it whenever you stop by here. None of us are alone. There are good people all around us. xo
P.S. KIM, I pulled your name, so I’ll be happy to send the fabric bookmark off to you as soon as you send me your snail mail address. xo