January Joys - grateful for the time I've been given

It was a very snowy past week - so much snow in fact that the university where I work was closed for the week!

I made good use of the time - catching up on laundry, naps, reading and lots of sorting of fabrics and sewing.

I quilt, and have accumulated a large collection of quilt fabrics as well as scraps from past projects.  The pieces aren't small enough to throw away, so I keep them.

 

I love every bit of the fabric purchased and  like to use up every little bit! Hence I have at least a dozen large Ziploc bags filled with scraps of lovely colorful fabrics that I can't part with.

 I have always been fond of 'wonky stars' or maverick stars as I have seen them described. Quilt or table runner?  I haven't decided but I love these gentle little stars.

Countdown to Christmas- week two

The little felt snowflake on my Advent calendar has traveled to week two of the Christmas season.
It is a grey frosty morning and I am prepping for our family Christmas dinner with our Mom in Langley.  My younger brother is arranging this family event and we are all pitching in.

 Some food to take this afternoon. I am looking forward to this family get-together.

 Our Mom who is now wheelchair bound, will really appreciate this dinner.  She was the 'queen of Christmas dinners' & this will never be forgotten. Part of my Christmas celebration each year always honours my parents. They were such generous people and loved this season.

And, no I haven't done my baking yet, but I may have something to report on that in a day or two. But in the meantime, I did pack up my sewing machine, a big step towards getting other things done,like baking! Here is a little picture of Christmas bunting! I made bunting for all my friends this year, plus some for our bookcase - a nice way to use up bits & pieces of fabrics.        
 

Merry merry all!

Vintage Market

What a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon!  Touring the Christmas Fieldstone Vintage Market plus a coffee date with a friend. I scored this beautiful old oak rocker, plus these vintage kitchen items.   Love the vendors - they are all so friendly; and the prices for all of their 'one of a kind' wares are sooo reasonable.

I would have taken photos while I was at the market, but I had my daughters little doggie tucked inside my coat. She loved the outdoor market and all the attention -but I wasn't able to reach into my bag for the camera all that easily.  

And now it is the next day, and I still wished I had purchased more!  Ah well, next time.

Mid November -the beginning of the Christmas season.....

 Well it is almost mid November. I have made myself a little rule to follow regarding the Christmas season, I refer to when it 'officially' starts at our house aka when do I start Christmas baking and decorating! 

The rule, and I think it is a good one, is that we do not put up any Christmas decorations until after Remembrance Day on November 11th.  It is appropriate I think.  

After Remembrance Day, I give myself permission to begin, so this weekend I will be snooping through our Christmas totes and boxes &  begin putting up/out a few choice, cheery items.  Again this is another nice thing about being mid-aged is that over the decades we have lived in this house I have been able to collect items that mean the most to our family, hub, our children & myself especially.  Not always the most lavish or formal - sometimes very humble, but the most meaningful. I know what I like about the season of Christmas. Besides the plentiful food and baking, all the decorations, Christmas signifies 'family' (made up of kin and good friends!); thankfulness; remembrance of the year that has past and looking forward to a new year. Also little baby Jesus always makes me feel happy about life and helps me to see my humble part in the lives of my family.  Can I explain what I mean?  Not exactly, but all of these reasons make me love Christmas. 

Mid November is the beginning of Christmas season, much like the month of June begins the summer. I love this time.

September- remember not to hibernate too much this coming winter!

Just a note of caution, for myself mostly.  I never shook off (lost) the weight I wanted to from last winter and already I am thinking about hunkering down for another cool season.
Besides baking and sewing and shopping for Christmas gifts, I might also consider joining a walking club and attending Pilates a few times a week. It is not that hard to do really and I do enjoy the social aspect of group activities.