The weekend was less than gentle weather-wise and today is proving to be downright vicious. The wind is howling and the view from atop our hill is almost a tad creepy... talk about your “blanket of clouds”.
We did venture out on Saturday. Stopped in to the dry goods store and picked up some thermal shirts for the kids at less than the price of a Starbucks latte.
We spent a good part of the afternoon at the antiques/collectibles shop. I typically do more browsing than anything but this time I brought home a set of Oxford bowls that match a larger bowl I already have.
The first holiday gifts that I ordered arrived along with some selfish choices... some for knitting and some not. I’m not sure why I felt I really needed the new Harmony guides... like I needed yet another stitch directory.
The need for the Patchwork book is a direct result of the rummaging I’ve been doing in the yet-to-be-unpacked boxes of sewing supplies and fabric downstairs. Most of that stuff has been packed since about July so most of it is a pleasant surprise to me. I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night never-mind what I put in a box in July.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of actual knitting progress to show today. I’m more in the spreadsheet phase of a few things. Trying to muddle through some short term and long term projects and goals.
Short term... it would be nice to get through the holidays without feeling exhausted and used up. I’m desperately trying to avoid the pressure to spend, spend, spend. I’d much rather take the time to give gifts that are thoughtful and useful. Of course, this train of thought may have long left the station since its already the first week of December. Mac Daddy will tell you that I do this every year... I get all sentimental and wishy-washy about 2 months too late and then have a meltdown a few days before Christmas when its blatantly obvious I will never get everything on the list finished in time. The road to hell Christmas is paved with good intentions.
My only solace right now is my own delight at what’s in all those boxes downstairs. My favorite fabrics and collected ribbons and trims. Eyelet and batiste and cotton flannel along with quilting books and smocking plates.
So once we’re done with math and history I’ll trek back downstairs and see what I can get into. Dust off the sewing machine, finish some stitch counts, and hopefully get lost in a few yards of fabric and a few hanks of wool...
Oh I love those bowls! Major bowl envy here.
Posted by: Miss Scarlett | December 10, 2007 at 08:03 PM
Deep breath. Don't panic. Choose a few things that are most important to you and let the rest go. It doesn't have to be a Hallmark Holiday. It probably won't be no matter how hard you try. Wouldn't the best gift to your family be a calm, non-stressed mom?
Posted by: elizabeth m | December 03, 2007 at 03:34 PM