:Decor:

It’s been more than a few weeks since I’ve been in this space and that’s not because I stopped crafting. Since we last connected I had surgery and needed some time to balance recuperation and work. I’m fine for the most part now, but you know how things get when dealing with life stuff. I’ve missed you all greatly and am looking forward to getting back to regular posting after the holidays. Just to show proof of crafting, below is a picture of a wreath I made after taking an online class recently. LOL! I’ve always wanted to learn this skill and this year, I said why not?!! I signed up for the class which was conducted by Zoom, the greenery and wreath form were mailed to me and arrived well before the class. I have to say, the level of accessibility for any kind of learning has really skyrocketed during the pandemic. If you’re looking for a plus to celebrate during these tough times, this level of accessibility to learning new skills/crafts is certainly one of them.

This is my first wreath and I have plans for making many more wreaths in the future (all being well). What I can say about this one, flaws and all, is that it’s hanging proudly over my kitchen entryway and I love looking at it daily.

More importantly though, as this week begins the lead up to Christmas, I want to wish you and your loved ones an amazing holiday (if you celebrate). The world still feels as if we’re on fire (literally — why is it so hot in December?!!!) but there is still good if we actively seek it out daily. As my Grandmom use to say, part of capturing the best of life’s essence is to seek peace and do good. My wish for each of you is that your holidays and the year beyond bring you both peace and good.

Whatever you do, however you spend it, whether solo or with others, cheers to you and yours (near and far). Happy Holidays!!! ❤

P.S. Don’t judge me … LOLOL! I love how the white pumpkins look with my holiday decor and don’t have the heart to toss them yet. 😀

It’s been a few months since I did a YOP (Year of Projects) post but I’m back to posting in this space. I figured today is as good a day as any to get started so here’s a bit of an update.

My uncle passed after a 5 year battle with his illness and although I knew it was coming, dealing with it was tougher for me than I anticipated it would be. He was in his 80’s and lived a good life but I’m guessing you all know how grief can be and how different it can feel with each loss. After his funeral, although I wasn’t posting, I spent time looking at my Sigma 21 list and working on my spinning goals. The hat in my last post still isn’t completed, I didn’t even have the bandwidth for that simple project. Spinning was what I needed craft-wise so I did a lot of it.

This project was started at the beginning of COVID quarantining. I powered through recently to finish the 3rd bobbin for my first 3 ply skein. The bobbins are still resting, I’m leaving all of my finished singles until Memorial Day weekend and make that weekend a plying one.

The other project that occupied my time was a mini batt series from the nuns of Inglenook Fibers. I have a fondness for the fiber work they do and love spinning their fiber. This series I spindle spun and these are also waiting to be plied.

I’ll give all the details on each of these projects when they become F.Os — fiber details, content, all of it.

The other thing that has been grounding me recently is tending to my garden and fixing up the balcony space I now have. On the very expensive East coast, getting an apartment with outdoor space is a huge deal because of the cost and the fact that most of them in my area do not come with outdoor space. To be able to have one now has been a joy (now that the weather’s allowing me to be outside 😀 I’ve done a little decorating and am getting ready to move my crop of pepper, kale, basil, mint, tarragon and tomato seedlings outside in addition to some impatiens, dahlias, and petunias. On top of that, I’m repotting many of my indoor plants, most of which I bought while on lock-down in 2020, they have mostly outgrown the containers they came in so it’s time to give them new homes.

Here’s a look at my little balcony update:

To say that gardening has been therapeutic is an understatement. It’s going to be lovely sitting outside, enjoying the space, crafting, reading or just being.

That’s all from me today, here’s wishing you all a lovely week ahead! ❤