Holidaze

I had grand plans to finish all my Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving this year. Yeah, you're right. I'm just not that kind of girl. There are so many things I would like to do for the holidays and yet, I just don't feel like I have the time. I was thrown this weekend due to a fall on Friday (yes, I am getting old). I fell in a parking lot while carrying my 21-month-old son. No, not wearing heels or anything, just walking down a slight hill on my way to a bakery of all places. Somehow I fell and managed to save Jack from harm but scrapped up both my knees, ripped my pants and sprained my ankle. Yes, our weekend plans changed from dinner in the city with old friends to a movie at the local multiplex and a few hours at Barnes & Noble (one of our favorite date nights). Actually, we had a great time, but it has slowed me down.

Anyway, I've been scurrying around in my little grey cottage making holiday preparations. I don't do too many handmade gifts because, sadly, I've found many of those on my list just aren't that into them. Well, to each his/her own. I will persist however, in making some tokens, and hope they are well-loved or at least, liked.

Another round of book bags. Pattern from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. I like her proportions and construction. I think those will pair with some pashminas I got in the city and perhaps a book in each from the aforementioned Barnes & Noble trip.

Some mittens for moi. Only one pictured, the other one does not have a pink thumb. Just because.


I did finish my portrait of one of my sons last week. I will have to take a picture and post it next week. I couldn't save that one until Christmas.

First snowfall today. Of course, I dashed out to capture that perfect snowy-Christmas-card photo. Not quite!


Tomorrow when everyone's back to school (I had a sick child home for all of last week too), I'm going to put up the wreaths and the outdoor lights. I think I'd like to surprise everyone with a little holiday magic. I have grand plans for another tree outside, but we'll see if it works out in real life to be as glorious as it is in my head.