What a Holiday!

The day after Christmas.

My brother is on his way to San Francisco, my Mom is travelling back home to the Gorge, and Dave is at work.  The house is rather empty, and I am soaking up the quiet.

Christmas was wonderful.  We keep it pretty low-key around here, concentrating on spending time together and cooking yummy food, as well as a few walks in the rain.  We made two of the family's favorite, simple meals this weekend--Mexicali Gumbo, and a spicy seafood pasta with heaps of salad.  

One thing I love about the holidays in the past few years is that each one is different.  As much as I may love organization in most of my life, I love the unpredictability of the holidays.  Will we be with Dave's family or mine?  Who will be travelling?  Hood River or Portland?  Fancy or simple feast?  It's never the same.

This year, on Christmas Eve, we went to see our friend Chris Margolin play an acoustic show at the Edgefield Winery, and last night after Christmas Dinner, we went to see "We Bought A Zoo".  I can't remember the last time we went to the movies as a family!  

I hope your holidays have been full of fun and new experiences!

And now, off to clean the studio and be productive!

Photos by David Woody

Rest and Relaxation

Oh, it has been a wonderful day.  

And the weekend!  I spent the whole weekend with my husband and friends.  Now, my idea of relaxation is not necessarily laying around reading (although that is part of it...), it's more that I can do what I want, when I want, at the pace I want to.  And it has been wonderful!  

Our cute little tree is now lit up and dressed.

Decorations and stockings are hung.

The menu for the holidays is coming together.  

My brother and mom will be here in a few short days!

I've gotten to see three wonderful friends, and will be seeing more tonight. 

I've also been able to venture into the studio a little bit.  Not much..just a bit, but that's enough for me.  There will be more studio time to come, and I will revel in its glory!

Even the cats are excited! Sammy was so excited that I was home today that he just kept climbing up onto my lap, purring and loving on me incessantly.  It was both cute and annoying.  I loved every second.

I hope you are having a lovely holiday season, as well!

It Comes In Waves

I am officially in the home stretch.  

My last class is in about an hour, and then I have four beautiful weeks off.  

Of course, I'll be working and filling my time planning my workshop for the spring, but I will also be able to see friends and family, and relax.  Maybe even read a non-assigned book!  The joy!  

For now, here's a few shots of my book project.  It's gorgeous and long and I can't wait to take proper photos of it.