Dear Santa...

 Please define "good".  All year long good is what I thought I was being...doing...achieving...hmmm...
I have checked my lists, mailed my cards and worked ahead so Mr. C and I could take one week before Christmas as a well earned vacation.  Go someplace we had never gone.  Some place warm...

 Here we are.  Warm, tropical and a place to relax and let the year's pressures and exhaustion fade away.  A place to renew our spirits and strength...

 Lush tropical destination.  Oh yes!  Here we are in Maui.  We arrived in a rain storm with wind that never let up the entire week.  The rain did give way to sunshine.  Everyone said just take shorts and flip-flops.  Glad I packed for the North Pole as I was cold at all times.  Please turn off the wind machine. 

 Day two of our eight day tropical paradise vacation.  We had been told we would find our very own "special" place together.  Little did I dream it would be the Maui Urgent Care center.  Mr. C getting a breathing treatment.  He doesn't have Asthma but he does get Asthmatic Bronchitis and it is miserable.  We have been through this many times over our years together. 

Now we visit the local pharmacy to retrieve three prescriptions for Mr. C.  Did I mention it is the week before Christmas?  Even the pharmacy is in the spirit.  We certainly helped the local economy with our visits. 

One day later here I am on vacation in Maui.  I would end up at Urgent Care two more times for me.  Also visited the local pharmacy twice more for a total of 9 prescriptions.  Upper respiratory with ear and sinus infections.  Bronchitis that racks the body and leaves you gasping for a breath...any breath so you can continue to cough.  This is how my week in Maui continued.  Flying home was long and painful.  The doctor said, "No swimming"...good as I don't do water.  He also said, "No wind"...bad as it was some freak weather storm all week long with miserable wind everywhere.  Going outside was not good for me.  But to go to Maui and stay in bed was not the vacation I had envisioned!

We arrived in Maui with rain and then from our balcony we saw this rainbow which was beautiful.  I did enjoy watching the world pass along.  I did see at least a partial rainbow every afternoon. 

So Santa...please define, "good".   I need to do a better job beginning NOW! 
Who would have thought chocolate brown would look so elegant on a Christmas tree.  In person this was stunning.  Just green, gold and chocolate brown.  Delicious!  Merry Maui Christmas!!!
Mr. C and I are home.  We are both recuperating.  We are opening our mail and enjoying cards and letters from so many friends and family.  May you each have a wonderful holiday weekend...
Presents to wrap...friends to get together with...daily chores...oh yeah!  I am thankful to be on the road to recovery. 
Please take time to sip some tea, enjoy what you are doing and most of all stay healthy...

Grateful for Electricity Power...

How grateful I am for electricity.

Without power the house got down to 41 degrees indoors...upstairs.

Without power my beloved 17 year old kitty shivers until I hold her in my arms.

Without power it is very dark.

Without power is how many people must live.

I am so very grateful for the power I have and that it is restored.

Four days and nights without...yet I am fortunate.

I have a home.

I have warm clothes.

I have food.

I have so much to be thankful for.
You can be certain I will be donating many items of need to those without.

I am grateful.

Thank you for each of your well wishes.

I am blessed.

More Wool Flowers...

Here we are at the end of another week. What I like to refer to as Finish it Friday.
My studio and I have been busy this week making more wool flowers. I love the feel of the wool.

The warmth of the wool. The textures in the fabrics. Of course I added lace just because I like the open airy look of lace.

This one I added a blue felt leaf and I like the dimension it adds. The buttons also give a personality to each flower. This particular button is a polymer clay button I bought along the way and had in my button jar. It has a lot of texture to it.

I try not to pick favorites however I am thinking this little green number just might be my favorite out of this garden of wool flowers.

This is merely the latest crop of wool flowers in my studio garden.

I feel warm and cozy surrounded by these. That is a good thing since we are having very cold winter weather. And tons of rain from La Nina. Now I must put on my rain boots and join the crowds shopping as the holidays are here and I am just not finished with my list.

Have a warm and wonderful day. What are you doing in your studio? Making any gifts?

Happy Holly Jolly Joy to you...

August-My Favorite Month...

August is my very favorite month of the year. I think it is for several reasons:

I was born in August
My beautiful daughter was born in August
The sun shines in August and keeps us warm and happy
Life is both relaxed and very busy with fun activities

This photo is overlooking the valley below Cortona Italy. Last year when Mr. C and I drove through Tuscany on our trip we stopped here. Yes, this is where the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" was filmed and we thought it might be too touristy. Not at all. It was charming and beautiful and magical all at once. We only spent the day but wished we had more time to explore and enjoy Cortona.

May you have the best August you have ever experienced. That is what I am planning.
What are you hoping to do this month of August?