Christmas Eve~Christmas Day

One of the places I feel the most comfortable, 

is the First United Presbyterian Church here in Coudersport.

I grew up in this church, and it is sort of "home" to me.

I thought that nothing would speak of the holidays more

than some photos of the lovely stained glass in this church; 

and so I stopped to take a few photos of the "Good Shepherd" window in the sanctuary.

To me, it speaks of the tenderness and care,

respect and love that we should show each other

-- not only today... or at the holidays...

but each and every day.

... and so I wish you all Peace, Joy, Love ... Health and Happiness

this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

and all year long....

12-23-14

... and the stockings were hung...
and the errands were run.
The tree is dressed in it's finery
(I wish I had stopped at a winery)...
I've gifted some things...
clothes, and bracelets... and earrings...
taken care of my mother
... and some other (s)
and now it's time to rest
(I'll try to do my best).

---------- I've a few more things to do before Christmas, but I am getting there.
See you all tomorrow.

12-22-14

Hard to believe it's almost Christmas... and no, I am not ready.
I am however, ready for a much needed break.... so I am looking forward to a couple of days where I have nothing I have to do.

Today I ran several errands... and am just now settling down to potentially watch a movie.
I have a few more things to get done before the holiday... so tomorrow should be pretty busy as well.
Driving around town, I saw several places all "decked out"... including these super cool yard ornaments from the 50s. And although there is no snow on the ground; and likely to be none from what I have heard tell... it's looking festive out there.

So, here are some great links on the history of Santa Claus:
here
here
here
here
and here

happy Winter Solstice

It's been a crazy, busy weekend.... and it's almost over... and here I am trying to write my weekend post. (something about the best laid plans of mice and men?)
Anyway....


I will just wish you an extremely happy and meaningful WINTER SOLSTICE.... and will write a better post tomorrow. It is a time of deep reflection, new beginnings and looking forward to the future... and that is all wonderful.

*about the Winter Solstice (Time magazine)
*and from Earth/ Sky  and from Vox
*the "history of" from the History Channel
*and this general article about Pagan Celebrations/ Yule.
*here is an interesting article... and food for thought
*At Stonehenge... and more.

12-19-14

It's been an odd day... but a good one.
There is a light dusting of snow on the ground... and I've fresh coffee on the table.
Had a great visit from a friend I hadn't seen in 30+ years... and it was awesome.

Every day is a miracle if we let it be...

12-18-14

So. Last night we (the hubby, daughter and I) were all working late in the basement.... trying to get some semblance of organization down there. It started with an email message from a cousin who lives not too far away; and she wanted to come over and see my work space... and potentially buy some jewelry for her holiday gift giving.
You see... I adore this cousin... and I was mortified at the thought of her seeing my studio space in such a disaster. Bad enough that my house is tragically stuck in 1976 (yes--- paneling, shag and funky lights.... pale pink and gold bathroom... and horrible wall paper borders)... but the basement... well, the basement looks like a hoarder lives here.
After several episodes of flooding this year... and gathering stuff from "hill and yon" as projects... and of course, never really unpacking from moving here ... yah. It's an episode from hoarders.
Or at least, it felt like it to me.

Around midnight, traits of my mother's OCD kicked in... fueled by coffee and a frantic desire to not "repulse the family"... but, we were diligent.... we pressed on. And while Brina stared at us from the top of the steps... wondering what in the world we were up too... we moved and stacked, swept and wiped... and sort of grouped things into sections.

I think the problem stems from the very nature of being an artist.
You see the potential in everything. Every bit of paper, every random piece of wood or stone, fabric or bone... holds untold stories of what it could be. And so we save it. And because I used to work as a housekeeper/ organizer/cook/etc... I put it in containers. And label it.
Sort of. Or at least, I try.
But somewhere along the way this past year... things had gotten muddled.

But hey... it's a bit better now.

And even though I am exhausted... I am smiling... and it's time to go make something.

12-17-14

The snow has been fleeting these past few days... coming down in spots... lingering for moments and then flying into the wind... landing... who knows where... But it's not staying; at least not for now.

The sun however, has been doing it's usual game of hide and seek these days.... but the stars?
They go on forever.

And so it goes, up here on the hill.
If I didn't have to go out for my weekly volunteer work; I think I would happily hole up here... and do nothing but organize my studio space (which is desperately needs).... and work on art.
But alas, duty calls.

And yes, my studio is a mess. In fact, it ought to be condemned at this point... box upon box of stuff I gathered all year long from yard sales, auctions... even "finds" along the side of the road.... all awaiting attention. My studio supplies... books, papers, beads and more...  in a frantic whirlwind of scattered-nesss... all hither and yon... and strewn about. Things gotten out to make "just a quick pair of earrings"... or to "sew up those pants".... which never end up being put back where they shoulda/oughta go... if there even is such a place. And then the remains of the floods earlier this year... things I have dreaded going through... or were put up in a hurry so as not to be damaged.. and are still stacked and packed. Which I suppose, wouldn't bother me if I was a hoarder, but being a fairly organized person about so many things... and having this in my work space... well.... it's tragic. And maddening.
I need time. I need more time than I have right now.... and it's frustrating.

On the plus side... I've gotten most of my "To-Do's" done. The remains on that list are the odd jobs... (for example) ... the lady who randomly dropped off 2 necklaces for me to fix (I have no idea who she is or how she knew I even made jewelry) ... or the guy who asked me to fix a bracelet for his mother.... or the other bracelet that I was asked to "fix"... and is essentially a bag of loose beads. It's flattering in a way... that people know who I am and that I can do it... but also ... kind of odd when people just randomly leave items in my mailbox...

But... as Scarlet says "Tomorrow is another day..." ... and so it is.
See you all tomorrow.

12-16-14

Looks like nature has put some sparkle on the trees ...

And I am slowly, but surely catching up on a few things... projects that have needed done for too long now. But for today... I am wiped out... and going to take a nap. Sweet dreams and happy, warm puppy snuggles to you all...

12-15-14

'tis a damp and foggy Monday here in the PA wilds...
But I've got coffee... and some jazz music going on... and I've already gotten a couple things scratched off my (seemingly endless) list...
 so all is good.
My back is somewhat better... and I can at least walk around today without too much pain... so that is awesome.
Which means, this couple weeks of (mostly) bed-rest, ice packs and motrin; has done it's majik.
So, I'm off to the studio to do some much needed work... or at least... a little.
See you all tomorrow.

for the weekend

Here it is .... the weekend already!
Hopefully, this post finds you all well & happy... and enjoying the weather wherever you are.

As per my usual weekend routine, I've gathered some interesting links for you all to look at
while you are cruising the internet in your free time:


*working anything but 9-5 -- an interesting read
*Advanced Style... a great blog
*12 of the oldest buildings in America
*LEGO Christmas tree!
*Picasso's Poetry
*40 inspiring work places of famous creatives
*113 yr old time capsule found in Boston
*100 years of rock
*artist Aurel Rubbish
*6 of the top blogs on the business of art
*outdoor holiday decor ideas
*some remarkable old photos
*and then there was this guy... and his music.


---so stay well, and I'll see you all back here on Monday.

12-12-14

Small things sometime matter the most... but then, who says they're small? 

Sometimes it's a big deal ...

*fresh, hot coffee

*getting mail delivered every day... even when you are snowed in.

*toast and butter

*people who actually listen when you talk with them

*happy puppies who snuggle at your feet and keep them warm

*clean laundry

*clean drinking water and hot showers

*shelter. A good roof, warm surroundings...

*friends

*being open, being honest, caring ... and sharing... and LOVE.

12-11-14

Wow. So overnight, we got about 8 inches of snow up here on the hill.
It is gorgeous... at least, to look at... from here... and because I don't have to go anywhere (even if I could) ...
I am more than content to simply look at it's beauty and drink my coffee.

It is a  most excellent day to read a good book, or listen to some great music... and so I will.

I've put some venison and spring ramps that I had frozen, into the crock pot...  some of my dried herbs from the garden...
and will add local potatoes, carrots, and corn when they get cooking a little more... and come tomorrow...
we will have a "grown in Potter County" feast.

And so, I will wish you all a warm and comfortable night... and I'll see you all tomorrow.

12-10-14

Sometimes it's a fine dance... wanting to do... and being able to do.
Sometimes the will is stronger than whatever physical limitations you may have... and other times; not so much.
And while it may sound odd, having a chronic illness has actually made me a stronger person.

For one thing it has forced me to be able to prioritize things-- because when you only have the energy to complete one task, that task has greater value to you. You discover very quickly to make lists of what's most important, and get it done while you still have the energy to do it. You're forced to learn what things can be put off, what things other people can do for you, and those things that maybe you don't need to do after all.
Now, I am not saying that I am good at it.... but I am better than I once was.

The other thing, is that it forces you to not have patience.
What do I mean?
Well, you realize how short and how fragile life really is... and therefor, have little patience for things that no longer serve you... for the more trivial things...  and for unkindness... selfishness... and lack of compassion.
Or as a friend would say, "Girl, I ain't got no time for that kind of foolishness..."
'Course, she said it with an awesome southern drawl, which I can't do... but you get the idea.

These past few days have really been "bringing home" this whole idea of only doing what's really important and vital to you...
and doing it the best you can... even if only for a short while.
This whole year, I've gradually (or not so) been adding so many things to my plate .... for a variety of reasons.... and sometimes you just have to step back and say "whoa"... wait a minute... and re-evaluate... and decide what is really important...
...and what can be let go.

12-9-14

Today's photo is a sort of still life study of my daughter's mornings.
Stretch, tea (or coffee), writing, reading a bit... yoga... then about the day's activities.

I'm afraid these days my "morning" rituals are far less glamorous.
Trying to maneuver out of bed without overstretching the muscles in my back... hobbling to the bathroom.... stooped walking/hunched over to the kitchen for some much needed coffee and Motrin.... perhaps a few minutes on the computer to check emails and such... sit... stand... try to find a position of comfort... ice pack.... heating pack.... and on it goes.

But rituals... albeit "lame" ones..... are a common denominator in most everyone's life.
Whether we brush our teeth in a circular motion of up and down... wearing a pair of "lucky" socks for the big game...
even saying "bless you" after someone sneezes... they are all rituals.

A ritual "is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, 

performed in a sequestered place, and performed according to a set sequence."

I have found however, since moving back to PA last year (yes, it's been a year now)...that my particular set of rituals has changed dramatically. And I am not sure it's a good thing. Yes, my circumstances have also changed dramatically... which necessitated obvious changes in routine... but I used to be far less frenzied.... chaotically busy.... and overworked/ overwhelmed.
Time for some changes.

12-8-14

The holidays are a difficult time for a lot of people.
For some folks; all the decorating, expectations of cards, advertising/ commercialism... is too much to bear. I, for one, have not enjoyed the season in a very long time.
Yes, I love to give and receive presents... but in my heart of hearts... I believe this is something that should be done all year long... and not just once a year. To help each other out... to gift things that we have to those who need them more... to share the wealth (so to speak) and give each other a helping hand.

I, along with many others, get quite melancholy this time of year.
For many years... I had this "bad habit" of reflecting on my accomplishments/failures/etc for the year like it was some kind of annual review... taking tally of how I had measured up on some impossible grading system.... and always coming up short.
Did I do all the things expected of me? Did I participate and help out as much as possible? ... the list went on. I've moved past that, for the most part... although I still get twinges now and then.
And so... these past few days have been especially rough for me.
Couple that with having injured myself and not being able to do the things I want to do... (or more importantly) things I have to do and feel behind on... it's been sort of tortuous.

Last night, I hobbled outside with Brina before bed.
It was late, (or early depending on how you look at it)... and we had watched a couple movies that we got on Netflix. As I opened the door... we startled 2 very large does who had been grazing in the yard. They pranced to the edge of the treeline, and stopped to give me a look... and then they both looked skyward to the moon. That moon. And as I looked at it; and they danced off into the woods... I felt like everything was going to be OK.

See you all tomorrow.

for the weekend

It's the weekend!
And according to my chiropractor; I am required to do absolutely NOTHING... except maybe take some motrin... and apply ice packs every so often to my lower back.
My family and friends have informed me that they will soundly beat me about my face and neck should I even think of doing anything... so ... I am posting a quick note here; and getting off the computer for a bit.

But first; some links for you that I have gathered this past week:

* a cool NEW blog from a friend of mine
* a really tiny house... and some great inspiration to downsize
* Ice formations!!! (yes, it's cold outside)... and some really awesome snowflakes!.. and patterns in snow!
* 30 amusing Dutch words
* ideas for your next Christmas party
* some interesting suggestions for your next Netflix rental
* and well, just because it's Sean
* ah. If I could go to Italy....
* and THIS is in New Mexico!
* and you can't go wrong with cute puppy pictures.
* or photos of pretty churches at Christmastime
* or random art
* or these cool photos.

Hope you all have a wonderful and restful weekend.... and I'll see you back here on Monday.

12-5-14

Most of you know that I have an auto-immune problem (systemic lupus erythematosis).
One of the main problems (for me at least) with having SLE... is that I don't "look"sick... and so people tend to discount it when I am not feeling well ("but you look ok")... and worse still.... I tend to push myself too hard sometimes because I know there will be a time when I can't get things done; and I try to stay ahead of the curve.
It's a constant "rob Peter to pay Paul" kind of scenario.
You work really hard on days when you feel ok... because you know that there are many days when you can't do at all... but then; if you do "too much".... those days come sooner and last longer.
It's a vicious circle.

The other aspect of it is... when I am down... I am DOWN.
And apparently, I am there right now.

The good news.... is that I am not indispensable. Life goes on without me being an active part of it.
The bad news... for so many artisans, this is the peak season to get things out there in the public eye and sell things. But for me; this year... I don't see that happening; at least on the level I would aspire to.
And so here I am.
Resting.
Home from the chiropractor; and trying to "take it easy."
(and trying to not feel guilty about all the stuff I feel like I should be doing instead).

12-4-14

well, the sun is shining a bit here up on the hill... and the skies are as blue as can be.
I however, am down for the count (as they say).... with a back injury.
Tomorrow morning I have an appointment; so we'll see what's going on... but it's been bad for over a week now; and this AM I could hardly put any pressure at all on my right leg to walk.
I've hurt it before like this... and it just takes time.
Time and rest.
Neither of which I have in great commodity at the moment.... but that seems to be how things go.

I find it interesting that it is in some of these busiest times, that the body will "force you" to slow down... and perhaps that is the case here as well. And I guess it doesn't matter the cause... the result is the same.

Christmas is not one of my favorite holidays.
I don't think it stems from anything in particular; but I get very frustrated with the commercialism, the endless sales announcements, the obligations to go here ... or there, the frenzy of finding (or making) the right gift for all those on your list, sending cards, making cookies.... I just have difficulty with it all. Now, I am not a scrooge.... I love giving people things and doing nice things for folks... I just feel like it should be done all year long.... and not because it's some arbitrary day on a calender that you have to do something.
And so, when I hurt my back just over a week ago... my first (and 2nd and 3rd) thought was not to go to a doctor; but to keep working on things I had to do... things I was expected to do... things I was behind on... that endless list of stuff that needs to get done... and now, I can't do any of it.
And it's all my fault.
My fault for not going to the doctor sooner.
My fault for being behind on so many things that I feel like  can't take time out.
My fault that I am here, in a chair... and can't even get out of the chair without help.
It's obviously time for a change... or perhaps even... for many things to change.

I think my point here in telling you all this... is not to focus on my back woes and "poor me poor me"... but to tell you...
Give yourself a break.
Make time for the things you need to do to take care of yourself.
Don't get caught up in someone else's expectations and completely disregard your own needs.
Cut yourself... and others around you ... some slack... the holidays can be a rough time for some;
and you never know what the other person may be dealing with.
Thank you ... and I'll see you tomorrow.

12-3-14

chilly afternoons

seen through foggy glasses as

I step from the car

12-2-14

So, I've been laid up for a week now with a bad back... and frankly, I am not coping with it as well as I have in the past.
Not sure if it's because I am older ... or because I am over-working while injured... or what.
Couple with that; not sleeping well ... and I've felt (like the photos for today's post) ... fenced in... holed up... bent with the winds of life.

I had fully intended on doing a craft show this coming weekend... but have the feeling that it would (at this point) be an impossibility.
>>sigh<<

But I have lots to do... and have got to find the time and energy to do things.
So... I will see you all tomorrow.