peaced

I love when things come together and there is a sense of peace in my life. An awful lot of folks spend the holidays running this way and that and not really enjoying any of it. Not me. Not this year. I'm not saying that I am sitting at home meditating on the couch with bon bons and a glass of wine (hmmm that doesn't sound half bad). Not so much. But I have embraced the craziness of my life. Is Nutcracker crazy and full of four hour rehearsals? Of course. But what an amazing production to be a part of every year. Are there ten million things going on with moving back into our church after the fire at Christmas time? Yup. But we are coming home. And don't I have piles of hand made gifts yet to make? Duh. But I managed to piece together a Nutcracker throw for the girls to use during rehearsals at the theatre. And that gives me peace. Hope you all are enjoying the rhythm of the season.

thanks

All of the things to be thankful for. I don't even know where to start. It is often overwhelming to really think about all of the wonderful things that God has placed in my life. Health...check (unlike last year). Safety...check. Happiness...double check! My family...that one is obvious. I have an amazing family. My dear hubby and kids make every day such an adventure in love. And our extended families as well. I mean, I have a sister and mom who rock out the whole family thing! But I'm also very grateful for the opportunities that have been in my life as of late. Opportunities to serve and be a part f our community in a real and vibrant way. The March of Dimes asked me to donate a few baskets for their big Gala this year as a silent auction item. To be able to craft and give to a worthwhile charity at the same time is a true blessing. So is the opportunity to service at our church. The time and ability to give back to those who have done so much for me and my family...well, I really struggle to find words to express it.

And I want to thank all of you for being in my life as well. The photo above is some recent awesomeness I have received in the mail. A fall swap package from Hjori in Wisconsin (seriously awesome cards)! An awesome necklace that I wear all of the time from Rachel in France! And the apron from Erin in Kentucky! That woman has mad skills! I know we all talk about our blog friends and how hard it is to describe them. But you all are a real and valued part of my life. Thanks.

this time of year

Tis the season for Nutcracker. Did I mention that I designed all of the graphics and shirts and artwork this year? Yup. I did. And am therefore losing my sanity yet again!!! I adore being involved with this production (the only completely civic production in the midwest) and the girls have danced for the past 5 Nutcrackers. The shirts however were a bit overwhelming. Who knew they would order more than 600 shirts? That is three times the amount they sold last year! And who knew that they would have to be sorted and tagged in my living room!!! Whew! They are all done and out now. Just in time to make sure the artwork is accurate for the program. How do I get myself into these things? I have "sucker" permanently imprinted on my forehead.

On weeks like this my blogging seems to lag behind. The computer is downstairs and I haven't managed to make it down here in over a week. I generally read about 30 blogs a day. Give or take a few. Some I skim, some I look at the pics, and some I read religiously. I have not done ANY of that for a week and a half. I have 331 unread posts right now. God help me I'll get caught up!

And because we weren't busy enough, the first anniversary of our beloved church burning down was this weekend. Still seems surreal in so many ways. The girls were interviewed by the local media...in their Nutcracker shirts of course. More pics and swap awesomeness and crafty goodness in the days to come...I promise! Don't give up on me!

rennovation

After feeling quite a bit like the grinch that stole Halloween (just couldn't get into it this year) I needed something to feed my creative soul. Don't get me wrong, I don't have any philosophical or religious opposition to Halloween, but my hubby was working and I just couldn't get into the spirit of it all. We went trick or treating, but since no one was home to hand out candy I have 25,000 calories of chocolate in my house. Sigh. I went to lunch with a dear friend who has taken on a local theatre for renovation. I had my camera with me (as always) and she opened up the former silent movie and vaudeville theatre for me to photograph. What a treat. The architectural detail was stunning and you could feel the life that had once lived and laughed in those walls. And to boot, they were hanging an exhibit in the foyer for their first Friday event! A full preview and I was stunned with the talent. Creative soul fed. Camera happy. Mama happy. No more grinch!