Welcoming 2011!

The girls went back to school this morning and I am home nursing a cold. As it is the first day of work + school in 2011, I tried to be brave; getting up with gusto, putting on makeup, and realizing that there was no way I could get off the train and walk the 10+ minutes of power walk to my office. So here I am drinking hot tea after tea, loading on citrus, hoping to ward off anything worse that may come my way. I think it's a good time to sort through my mental notes on resolutions. To help myself, I have selected the photo below.

* To celebrate the year of the rabbit, I am working on rabbit plush patterns. The one above is made from a glove. To make more time for new creative adventures like painting with acrylic and watercolor.

* To organize, to organize and to organize better. Include sorting and purging to make more room to breath. Alas, this one appears on my resolutions list every year.

* To relax more, focusing on and enjoying the moment each day. To enjoy the sun coming through the window and concerning less about the dust floating in it. To enjoy Mad's beautiful photos and worrying less about her SAT preparations. To enjoy Gem's beautiful nail creations and worrying less about her Geometry exams.To worry less about things to come or things that might not come at all!

I am sure there are more items struggling to be noticed but the above to dos should keep me busy all year. It amazes me every year how a new calendar makes me think of it as a new canvas to fill. As if every regrettable things and unhappy events and thoughts are cleared off for something better and fantastic.

Happy new year to everyone and good luck with your resolutions!

Merry Christmas!

A several months ago, I found an old Dylan Thomas book at a used book shop. Although throughout my life I had an odd aversion to used things, even books, I have found new found love for things and books with a bit of history. Merry Christmas to you all from me and Dylan Thomas!

Gifts

Christmas is approaching quickly and the last of the gifts are wrapped. As I always do at this time of the year, I think about all the things I wanted to do to make the holidays a bit more special. There seems to be not enough time to accomplish all the things I have meant to do. Again as I always do at this time of the year, I think to myself, "I shall begin holiday preparations much earlier next year." We shall see!

One of the few handmade items I have managed to make: rice hand warmers using Kate's pattern.

I am thankful for my family, friends, all the old friends I have reconnected this year, blog friends, and those who gave kind words to my creations. Love and hugs to you all!

First juried craft fair

I have spent last month busy preparing for my first juried craft fair. The Bauer Drive Community Center holds Holiday Happening Juried Craft Fair annually in December. Although I have gone shopping there before, the "juried" part scared me from submitting my work for the show. Due to communication mix up, I didn't know I was selected until two weeks before the show. So the good part of last month was spent frantically stocking on items I promised to have on my table.

Although I am not cut out to be an outgoing person, the shoppers were quite nice with compliments. I enjoyed oos and ahs expressed over my work!

Chaan of Angels and Anchors had a stall next me and she was quite bubbly, drawing me out of my shell. I have learned a lot from her.  It was fun talking to spouses, usually elderly gentlemen, visiting stalls and giving some advice, coming from decades spent on craft shows, to newbies like me!

Getting ready for holidays...

Creating a bit with a few minutes here and there, sigh, wishing for more time.

Did I tell you I wanted to be an architect as well?

Happy Dots!

Tania of Indobay Inc. had a contest to name her new magnets. And yesterday, she selected the name I have suggested as the winner. It's here on her post. I am so thrilled to name a product for a fellow Etsian! These yummy magnets are "happy dots."

[Indobay, Inc.]

Aren't they adorable? Click on the photo to the link on Etsy. 

Inspired by autumn rain

As if to compensate for the summer drought, the autumn sky is steadily sprinkling rain for us. I took in some creative inspirations from my front yard.

I am sure my garden feels as refreshed as I am thanks to the autumn rain...