Thursday, December 31, 2009

Winter Sets In

My parents sitting in front of the window quilt I made to keep out the cold wind of the Lake.

It is a time when the cold either sharpens your senses or sends you running for a quilt and a mug of tea. It is a time when most of us crave light and we do our best to compensate for the lack of sunlight by decorating our houses, trees and window sills with candles and electric bulbs. No matter where you are from or what your background, it is hard not to appreciate a string of lights across a dark porch railing.

For those of us who are in the arts and crafts business this time of year is hectic. Not only are we trying to sell our wares, but we are making our own lists. Over the past few years, it has become acceptable to do what I have encouraged my friends and family to do all along - make your own presents! This is more easily said or written, than done. The key is not to seek perfection, but rather to enjoy the process of making each gift unique. If you are in the "business," break away from your "thing." Be daring! If you work in cloth, try mixing dry ingredients for cookies, soup or bread. If you work with metal, try sewing. If you work with paints and brushes, pick up some beads and start to string them. You get the idea.

No matter what the weather and no matter how long your list is, appreciate what you have. Take a walk to perk you up and then have a mug of something to warm you up. Everything, even the lights on the front porch will seem clearer and brighter after that.

Peace,
Rebecca

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