Yearly Archives: 2012

Luckily, we survived Sandy relatively unscathed, although we have family and  friends who have suffered great damage to their property, but thankfully not themselves. Everyone is safe, and that’s all that matters. Our hearts go out to those who lost everything. And now another storm is on the way…So awful to have to deal with picking up the pieces of your life, and then to have more damaging weather on the way that may prove to be a setback.
We lost our power for 7 days, and have many friends who are still without it. I have to say, I really didn’t mind being without electricity. It was just a minor inconvenience, relatively. We were all together as a family, we were warmed by our fire, we were able to eat thanks to a gas stove, and we had prepared by filling our tub w/ water and having lots of drinking water on hand.  I froze a bunch of empty bottles and ziploc bags filled with water and had those in our fridge & freezer, so we didn’t lose alot of food. I did try to cook up what we had, though, which had me feeling sort of inspired in the kitchen.

We all hunkered down in the living room by the fire. So this was pretty much Jay’s post the whole time. tending the fire, getting more wood, throwing on more logs. Here was my post alot of the time…(Here I’m reading the Swan Thieves. I just started the new Kate Morton, the Secret Keeper. Love her books.)
Brussels sprouts take on a certain allure in the candlelight…
I think the food tasted better by candlelight as well. I pretty much winged it with all of the dinners, and everything seemed extra tasty. Normally I cook pork tenderloin (above) in the oven or the grill, but it came out great on the stovetop, seared in a cast irion skillet and then braised in apple cider and onions. I think it will be my new go-to. We also made a giant pot of chicken soup and the wok saw alot of action.
In the evenings, we all sat together by the fire, and felt sleepy so early without tv and the internet to keep us up. I like how life became whittled down to the basics. Warmth, light, food.  So thankful to be all together, safe and sound.

After the Sheep and Wool Festival, we decided to check out Locust Grove, the historic estate of Samuel Morse. I love all of the estates along the Hudson. Each year around this time we go to a different one. The views are always so gorgeous with the fall foliage. This house was not enormous, but the impressive thing about it, is that it has all of the original items from the last family to live in the house, the Youngs. Tons of stuff, including all of the minutae and tchotchkes, which I adore. Of course, no pics are allowed in these places, and the tour was so small, so I couldn’t be sneaky. I managed to risk it and take one pic of this great old dollhouse, with little china dolls. Someday I will wile away the hours on my ultimate dollhouse….it will happen!

Last weekend we finally made it to the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. I have friends who go every year and rave about it, so we decided to check it out on our annual fall drive to NY State. I have to admit, I was a bit overwhelmed with how crowded and enormous it was, so I only got a few pictures. I’ll definitely go back next year, though. Get there early in the day, and instead of dragging my poor husband, maybe I’ll go with my fellow wool loving friends!

Here are some photos from earlier in October, when we went to Millbrook Days, which is our favorite fall event! Last year it was cancelled because of all of the crazy weather we had on the east coast, so were really happy it was back this year!

By process of random selection by a super cute girl in the garden!

Mary M…..”I love your craft and I can’t wait for this book! Poppy is adorable!”
Thank you so much to everyone who entered, and for all of your lovely comments! They truly warmed my heart and made Poppy blush a little! What fun! Maybe I should have giveaways more often! ;)

To celebrate the fabulous book, We Make Dolls, I’m having my first ever giveaway! One lucky person will win Poppy the Pig! It’s the actual piggie featured in the book! Just leave a comment right here on my blog, and I will pick a winner on Friday, Aug 3rd at 8 am (EST). Be sure to include your email address! I’ll announce the winner on Friday morning! Hip hip hooray!

Comments are now closed….I’ll announce the winner today (8/3) :)Thanks for entering!

I’m super excited to be able to show you what arrived on my doorstep! We Make Dolls!  It’s the latest book, by Jenny Doh, featuring 3 of my projects, along with loads of other fabulous doll makers, their spaces, and their thoughts on creating.
And I was so suprised to see my little piggie, Poppy, perched upon the spine! So cute! Love it!!
I am thrilled to share three projects with you; Miss Poppy the Pig, as mentioned above, a fun balancing Bun, and a sweet little chickie. It was truly an honor to be featured with so many talented and amazing artists!

As most mothers know, this is the season for many, many wee bouquets, picked with tenderness and presented with the utmost enthusiasm. It’s hard to maintain enthusiastic responses to these gestures, when they come so frequently, but today they seemed so extra sweet to me. A lovely Spring day at home, with not so much to do, peaceful and perfect.

Seems it’s been awhile since I popped in to say hello….Now that Spring is here, maybe I’ll come out of hiding… :) I tend to disappear completely into my nest all winter long.
I have taken a few custom orders over the past few months. If that is something you may be interested in, send me an email, and we can discuss!
Happy Easter!
Try not to do as I do, and make yourself ill by eating too much chocolate!

Just in case you haven’t seen that yet….a sweet song for this eve.
We are cozied up at home, most likely destined for bed before the ball drops. :)
Happy New Year! I think next year will top this one.