I got sucked into the giant vortex that is Christmas. Now I’m back- phew! I can not wait to get back to work.
Let’s see… since I was here last, we had 2 snowstorms that left us with 17 inches of snow and made driving very exciting, just when I was finally getting around to doing some Christmas shopping. Luckily we live within walking distance of most of the important places- like the grocery store.
The house was full of people and activities. It was great having Eleanor and Julian home. Actually getting Eleanor home was a bit exciting since she arrived in one of those aforementioned snowstorms. Lots of activity centered in the kitchen. The dishwasher was getting a great workout.
The day before Christmas, we went for a family soak in a hot tub in Inman Square. I am hoping it will become a new family tradition. It was wonderful.
Christmas Day was pretty quiet- everyone relaxing.
Then, down to Connecticut for an insanely full day of family and friend visiting. Yesterday, (12/27), Eleanor and Julian left- we miss them already.
Here is one of my handmade presents- a lap blanket, approximately 4 ft x 4 ft. and made out of cashmere knit samples that I got from Jen, one of my Boston Handmade friends. It is now with Julian in Portland, OR.
here is a lighter photo so you can see the details better-
I have at least one more project to show, but it is not finished yet… that is what happens to the loved ones who are at home- their gifts trickle in.
Mimi,
My husband is helping me create a website, and he asked me if I wanted to include a blog. I said, “I have to talk to Mimi about it.” He said, “Who’s Mimi?”
And a bunch of lightbulbs went off: My husband and I live in somewhat different universes. You are not actually my friend; you’re perhaps what Carolyn Heilbrun (in The Last Gift of Time) calls “an un-met friend.” Maybe you are more of a “virtual friend,” I thought, but, while the “virtual” part is correct, “friendship” implies a reciprocal relationship. I thought perhaps “imaginary friend,” except that you are real.
So “the time has come, the walrus said,” to introduce myself and quit lurking on your blog. I feel shy, partly because you have become very important to me, and this will necessarily sound like a mash note, or something. But then I think that you would be writing a journal instead of a blog if you didn’t want to hear from people. So I am writing to you to tell you I missed you over Christmas and to thank you for all you have given me.
A friend found your robots when she was surfing, and gave me the link. I was enchanted. Over the course of a few weeks, I read through your blog archive. What riches! Thank you for inviting me into your home and studio, for showing me the nitty-gritty of your work spaces. Thank you for showing me the snow (I’m in New Mexico, where we don’t get much), and your garden. I mourned your mimosa tree, and thought of the one I left behind when we moved 11 years ago. Thank you for the practical help–to make the underside of the hand slightly smaller, so the fingers curl under, where to search for materials, how to dye and change the character of wool. Thank you for your insight into the NIADA show. For introducing me to so many artists I hadn’t known (Cindy Woods!) And books I need to know about. Thank you for letting me know you a little bit–your incredible work ethic, the variety of things you make, your openness to trying new things and doing what your various groups and friends ask you to try. For the inspirational look (and the detail!) of your many dolls and other projects. For including Mango. For sharing your family (what an incredible family!).
I am a grandmother, writer, crafter, horsewoman (though a timid, cautious rider), reader. Dolls/stuffed animals are my special interest, and my work is evolving every day. Your enthusiasm and joy in your work, and your incredible, steady production inspire me every day.
All the best,
Nancy Gage
Looks like you keep your heat down low, too…everyone is in blankets, hats and scarves…lol…it was so cold here!
Ah, how I miss a Massachusetts snowfall!! (I’m from Marshfield originally.) It looks beautiful. I think a house full of family is the ideal Christmas joy. My son leaves for California on Friday morning and, even though he is still here, I miss him already. :( Thank goodness for e-mail, cell phones and blogs!!
Have a very happy New Year!!
Your family room looks like heaven.
Christmas does have a tendency to be a vortex and add 17 inches of snow to the mix – wow! Hope that you have a very Happy New Year.
I love it that you describe driving in that much snow as ‘exciting’…it made me chuckle…Happy New Year.
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