Cold Night ~ Warm Hearts

Christmas Caroling is the most rewarding and selfless acts of random kindness around town!
Last night, with my family and many old friends, some new friends, some complete strangers, a group of over 30 people gathered to walk the streets of our small town and sing of the joys of Christmas...

Starting out at the Pine Bush House Bed and Breakfast was true inspiration as Barbara and Mark's house party guests were all out on that big front porch singing and dancing right along.  It was the perfect start for our venture, and a great way to kick off their Christmas Party.

Proceeding along through the neighborhood, with candles in hand (battery operated, though the flame of real ones would have been welcomed in the 26 degree temp),  we sang to those who were sick, and to a dear old woman who had just lost a loved one.  All alone in her house, she joined us outside (in 26 degree weather) with tears in her eyes as she sang along.   One of our carolers, a sweet and selfless young lady of 18 years,  returned to this house later with cookies and stayed with this dear old friend for the evening listening and telling tales of Christmases past. 

Oh, and not to forget Mike and Jillian's stop...cookies and drinks were brought out on trays for everyone!  (Advance notice is not required when going caroling, but it sure was a nice treat to have them expecting us with warm shots, wine and cookies).  And little Ronan wih his Jingle Bells in hand shaking along.  Sweet stop!

Finishing up at everyone's favorite HS English teacher's house, (oughta be worth extra credit for some of the students with us) they, too came out on their front porch that was all decked out with white lights and festive decorations. 

To our extended family for hosting the event...you continue to touch the hearts of so many people.  We are very thankful this holiday season for all that you do...always!

CHEERS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

Affectionately posted by Vicki...who is in the Christmas Spirit!  FINALLY:)

Holiday Open House

Join us for some Holiday Cheer!

Dec. 9 - 11, 9 - 5

542 Lattintown Road

Marlboro, NY

1753 Revolutionary War Farm House

Check out Nina's new Lavender/Patchouli Soap and

view my Altered Books. 

Lots of Handmade Gift items and much more. 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CAROL FOR THE INVITATION AND PEGGY FOR THE GREAT PHOTOS! 

Autumn Art Tour

It was a LOVELY DAY in the neighborhood for the

Autumn Art Tour!

Great friends all around!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the

Happy Herbs Soap/Arty Tea Party stop!

Look for Nina at http://happyherbssoap.blogspot.com/

http://happyherbssoap.etsy.com/

http://artyteaparty.blogspot.com/

Grahamsville Little World's Fair

NINA is the BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD!

While my busy schedule that is "Motherhood" is really crazy of late, she manages

somehow to keep me grounded and in touch with my artistic side...

this for my own sanity!

Thank you for inviting me to attend the Grahamsville Little World's Fair! GREAT FUN!

And if you are an "Artistic Mother" trying to find time for your passion...

check out this book on Amazon, ON SALE NOW!  It is my sanctuary when I need inspiration!

Artistic Mother

I have been blessed as a mother!  I had a fabulous mother...and having my children recognize my passion for creativity in artistic ways, well, is just icing on the cake.  I received this book for Mother's Day.  It has been a soulful journey savoring the pages from day to day, and not rushing through it.  I create on a daily basis for my own well being.  If others enjoy my creations, it sure does make me smile:)  It gives me inner peace to know that  my heart, my soul, my mind and my hands can connect without much effort.  I am an Artistic Mother and I am happy!

A Brand New (HOT) Day

All is quiet and extremely hot on the homefront. Busy, busy family are we, going in 5 different directions today. I, am not going in the direction I prefer, but my time will come. My time to create on a whim, to divert my direction to follow art, or time to just sit and dream! Today, however, is for work, needs of others and in all of this, sending good karma to my Arty Tea Party Friends, Nina of Happy Herbs Soap, and Rosebud Sandy who are at the ART WALK IN PORT JERVIS. I also wish I had tickets for Santana up at BETHEL...ooooweee...Mary and her family and Rose are in for a fab time! ENJOY!

High School Graduation

As my middle daughter graduates from high school, I reflect on the swingset days. The days when everything was oh, so simple. The days when we could take a nap after preschool or take our good old time walking home from elementary school; when we could celebrate birthdays with M & M cookies in the classroom. I still remember her dancing on her toes at age two while admiring her big sister at ballet. She is dancing still. I remember how she took care of her little sister going off to Kindergarten, then through Middle School, and this year as they were together for one year in the big High School. As she graduates and embarks on a whole new adventure, I am pleased, I am very proud and I am very happy to be a Mom. WE ARE BLESSED!

And at this moment, as I burn "Blessed Be" incense from Nina at Happy Herbs Soap, I know that it doesn't matter that my fridge is dead, that my hubby's pickup needs fixin', the graduate's car is well, let's just say idle, but that we remain a beautiful family unit, intact, with giggles and heartaches and joys abound.

Rain Rain Go Away...

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.....NOT!

Relay for Life was, once again, a beautiful event here in Pine Bush...until the rains came bringing thunder and lightning and finally the call of the event for this year! While the majority of funds were raised by that time, around 10:00 pm, the effort that everyone puts into this community gathering was short changed by having to pack it in. Not that the nice warm shower, and the cozy warm, dry bed wasn't a welcome treat, but when we gather yearly for this Fundraising, Cancer Awareness event, we plan for the whole overnight experience.

All in all, we were brought together for one common goal, and we are all better for participating!

Thanks to everyone who donated to our teams on our behalf!

Supporting American Cancer Society

As Pine Bush prepares for the upcoming Relay for Life, my whole family is busy with their fundraising efforts for 2 different teams. It is such an important event, and we all have been affected in one way or another by cancer. Here are just a couple of items that I have created for my daughters' teams: PBHS National Honor Society Team 1, and Real Estate Solutions. GET INVOLVED! TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Artist Trading Cards and set of 2 Friendship Bracelets; 1 for you and 1 for a friend!

Suggested Donation $3.00 each...

A Brand New Day

Looking forward to making more Altered Books. I have my favorites that I just will not part with, but I have 2 unfinished projects that are just craving a happy ending! So, while the re-organization of art/craft space is also still unfinished, I will plunge forward into the abyss of papers and yarns and fabrics and sparkly things and buttons....HERE I GO! WANT TO TAG ALONG?

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!

YAY! The tulips are up, the mud is drying up, at least for now, and the birds are sweetly singing...la la la la...

All is right with the world! All of my little darlings are home at the same time, and I continue to be the BUSY BEE!

Projects are lining up. Sandy/Rosebud is keeping me inspired by her be-yoooo-t-ful hand painted envelopes that keep arriving in my mailbox. She's a tough one to keep up with.

Nina, Dear Friend, thank you for continuing to keep me mystified with the supply of incense that keeps me calm.

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL...

Is Spring Really Coming?

Wow, while cleaning up the muddy yard abit today, I noticed my tulips are peeking out! I always love the little glimmer of hope as they push their way upward through the winter leftovers. Seems like we had all of winter in one whole week. OK, DONE NOW! The birdies are out and about and singing, singing! la la la...

The studio reorganization is STILL in progress. The problem is, while sorting and organizing, I come across some snippet of paper, or book, or fabric that I slipped aside for that "anonymous" project and get bogged down wanting to do the project RIGHT NOW! So, though it does slow me down abit, I remember to put it in an appropriate spot for when the time is actually right.

I am currently enamoured with all the bits of yarn I have leftover from scarves and mitts. Some are just destined for some fabric ATC's. Perhaps I can entice the ladies of the Arty Tea Party to play along. Or maybe even a Fabric Book Round Robin! SOON, VERY SOON:)

I also, have a batch of old bookcovers just waiting for their very own story to unfold upon them. I can hardly wait for this project to begin. But, until the sorting and such is completed, I shall hold on to the reins and complete this mission that I started way too long ago!

Wow...snow, snow, and more snow...

It sure has been a snowfilled few days...power is back on, and we are still digging out, and trudging along! Oh, to live in the Northeast!

Be creative while having cabin fever! It makes for interesting art!

Creative Inspiration

The Artistic Mother is such a beautiful book, and you can win a copy by clicking on the link at left, or you may order it from Amazon. INSPIRATION, CREATIVITY...AT IT'S BEST!

Winter Day in the Big Woods

Another beautiful snowy day! Projects are piling up, though the re-organization is in full swing.

Kitty seems to be enjoying the snowfall, too! The altered book projects are lined up, and the knitting is winding down.

These are the latest,

"completed" knits.

Hand Mitts/Fingerless Gloves...all the rage, so my daughters tell me! The KnitWitz are putting the finishing touches on the shawls and lap robes for the nursing home residents. As soon as we get pictures, I will post them on a new KnitWitz blog. Some very talented knitters, and crochet ladies hard at work.

Must get back to work on my

"Creative Chaos"...

Please send those re-organization of art/craft space tips! TTFN, Vicki

SUNNY, SUNNY SUNDAY

The sun is shining on this glorious new day. We shall bask in it and all the muddy glory it provides with the melting of snow. The dogs love mud! Thinking of mopping the floor as a result leads me to the art corner where the re-organization process has taken a standstill...
Anyone out there who has tips on the crafty art space and how to keep it in one place instead of all over, please pass them on. At this disorganized stage, I can use all the help I can get!

Though, I really do my best work when I delve into what I affectionately call my "CREATIVE CHAOS." I actually even named one of my handknit scarves that. Made out of all the leftover balls of yarn of many, many colors. A beauty of a piece with genuine warmth and soul!

SO, HERE'S TO CREATIVE CHAOS...LONG MAY IT REIGN!

Passion's Slave

On this beautiful winter day in the woods, we cozy up in front of the fire and we are grateful for a wonderful family life! Complete with ups and downs and tears of joy and sometimes sadness. But we remain a unit intact, forever bonded.

"I AM SOMEONE'S VALENTINE" (lucky me;)

Everlasting Love

Well Valentine's Day is upon us, and I am extremely happy to say that...

"I am someone's Valentine". It's not always easy, it's not always fun, but after 23 years of marriage, I would not have it any other way!!!

This is an Altered Book for Valentine's Day! Lots of textured fun with charms hanging inside a cutout box. Vintage lace and buttons, a lovely Valentine ready for gift giving! This book was among my faves, but in an effort to reduce while reorganizing, I have decided to offer this little beauty up at the next

Arty Tea Party! It can be yours for $20.

I will also have Friendship Bracelets (made by my daughter) in gift cards,

all ready for a Valentine Exchange, and some crazy handknit scarves and fingerless gloves!

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW...