A New Theme, A New Year

How have your holidays been? It's been a quiet holiday [the enjoyable kind] where one day effortlessly flows into the next. No to-do lists. No crazy running errands with a long list. Just time to read, to watch the fire, to gaze at the tree, and daydream while the snow falls with a warm cup of tea. How the end of the year should be spent, in my humble opinion. 

These last weeks of the year and today especially are such a great time for quiet reflection and 'taking stock', as the Queen would say. A new year, a new slate filled with dreams to be born. 2013 was a journey in learning how to live the right life for me. Learning what nourished me, literally and figuratively. It was a tale of meeting my inner 'road warrior' [aka abundant, resilient, mindful energy]. And now I'm ready to follow my bliss.

'When you follow your bliss....doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else.' Joseph Campbell

May the coming year bring you all that your heart desires. 

Friday's Quote

'IN CHARACTER, 

IN MANNER, 

IN STYLE, 

IN ALL THINGS, 

THE SUPREME EXCELLENCE

IS SIMPLICITY.'

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Made By Hand

Made by hand gifts became an assembly line project this weekend. What started out being made for friends and family, quickly became discovered and requested for my lovely neighbor's salon. I was thrilled to say the least. 

Lavender toner, rosewater toner, aromatherapy spray, impurity oil, hand salve, lip scrub and soaps filled the kitchen along with bottles, boxes, labels and supplies. By the time dinner hour rolled around, there was little to no room to cook [lavender may or may not have been accidentally added to dinner - that's just between us though]. 

Making each item is a total treat for the senses, but the packaging process wins me over each time. It becomes a process of playing until the packaging alone becomes a gift. 

And you may recall a reoccurring theme with these felted acorns. Perhaps it's a sign as having just discovered the Acorn Theory.

A Letter to December

Oh December. Your days may be darker and shorter, but the spirit of your season brings forth a glow that warms the soul. Extra reasons to gather. Cards in the mail. Snow flurries glittering as they fall, as if to mimic the twinkling holidays lights. 

The scents of fresh pine, warm cinnamon, sugared plums and candied fruits fill the air - heightening the senses- connecting memories from past seasons to the moment we're in. The magical qualities of your season bring moments to cherish making the season bright. 

A December Weekend

A perfect December weekend. 

 Holiday cheer and good friends. 

 

Making hand made cards. 

Hand delivering said cards in a winter wonderland 

[the white stuff arrived in abundance]. 

The smell of pine in the house. 

And this little guy caught red-handed snooping at his stocking. 

A Natural Holiday

Each holiday season I tend to choose a slightly different theme for decorating. Sometimes I know well in advance on what it's going to be and yet other years, such as this one, it happens naturally as the boxes are unpacked. 

A natural, woodland theme made it's way onto the tree. Pine combs and felted acorns are nestled throughout the tree along with a white lace felted ribbon. Ornaments were kept to a minimum. It's all about the light and natural elements -- much like my current path. 

The simplicity of it goes well with our everyday style, unlike other years where the red and green colors of the season tend to be a bit overpowering. 

Oh simplicity, how you are my goal this season.