We finally got some real rain here in Southern California. 2 whole days of it. I didn't hear one complaint from anyone about it either, the opposite actually; happiness and relief that the drought conditions we've been experiencing might begin to be impacted.
Today was clear, but we've got hope that it's a sign of things to come this winter.
I mentioned on instagram that due to the late date of Thanksgiving, I was not feeling December when it came around. I've been slow to get the Fall decorations down. The gloomy days helped me with that. Love puttering inside on gloomy days.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I hope that those of you that celebrate it had a lovely one. We had a house full of friends and family. My daughter did most of the heavy lifting in the kitchen and my sister in law and I were only too happy to assist and not have any turkey cooking responsibility. I love being in charge of the pies because they are pretty and I enjoy baking much more than cooking. It also doesn't hurt that dessert is a crowd pleaser.
When not cooking, my nieces kept me busy. They are true appreciators of handmade items, and I am thrilled to have them to share some of the things I've made through the years with. This summer, on their family vacation, one of the twins found a Victorian doll at a gift shop and didn't choose to use her money on it, and has regreted it ever since. She started telling me about it and I remembered these doll heads I had made years ago (inspired by artist Nicol Sayre- I met Nicol a few times and she is a as sweet in person as her dolls, and her creations are amazing), and was only too happy to get to be a hero, "You are obsessed with a Victorian style handmade doll? Why, I think I have one for you right here!" It felt like what I remembered of the Price is Right back when a child, home from school on a sick day, when Bob Barker would challenge the audience members to find the most obscure item in their purse.
As a maker, a happy gift recipient is pure gold. Molly chose a rabbit as well as a doll. The doll already had a body and dress, but we had to make a body and clothes for the bunny, we only got as far as shorts, but she will make a button down shirt with her mom at home.
Caitlin chose 2 dolls. Again, one had a body and dress already, and one needed a body and clothes made (I had an old doll dress too- yes, I probably could win that Bob Barker challenge if it were a craft supply in your house). I'm happy to be moving in the right direction - letting go - by sharing with my girls. They also went home with my daughter's dollhouse, but that one will return someday, being only a loner. I'm happy it'll be getting a few more years of love in the meantime, and thrilled to have cleared out more space in the much-too-full garage!
It seems that I feel the desire to pare down every year at this time, especially when putting away the Christmas boxes which haven't even come out yet. It's December 4, guess it's time to get a move on! Too bad it's not raining anymore...I could use the gloomy day motivation. How about you? Have you begun already?
Off to try to drum up some holiday spirit over here...xo
