refresh / reuse

solo post - L, Nikon

I sometimes have a sense of sadness after Christmas - the packing up of Christmas and the closing of a year can sometimes feel a bit depressing. But after I get started taking it all down, the sun starts to shine a little brighter in my home, I smile and get a feeling of rejuvenation - a sort of refreshed feeling comes about. It feels good. Take a deep breath and breathe new life into this new year - there are a lot of possibilities ahead and they are attainable if I put my mind to it.
It's all cleaned up and there is a sense of calm and peace in the house. It's very cold out there but my fire is burning and it's cozy in here.
And another thing that makes me smile - I take the popcorn/cranberry garland outside for the birds to enjoy.
Hope the New Year is off to a beautiful start for you all.

spice / nice

solo post - L, Nikon

listening to: a crackling fire and Let it Snow

(there's a slight prediction of snow for Christmas Eve - I am so wishing for it)

past-time

solo post - L

Sorry for my absence here. I've been without internet at my home since the middle of last week (something to do with damage to the phone line). Here at work I can sneak in a little reading or commenting at lunch or after hours - like now, but at home I've been gently forced to step away from the computer. It's a refreshing change really. Being away from the computer screen brings me into the other room where I've been enjoying a warm fire and reading a good book. I could get used to this. But I would miss you all so I look forward to getting my internet back and catching up with you. Until then the change is welcome. Please don't cross me off your list just yet.

warmth

"Firelight will not let you read fine stories but it's warm and you won't see the dust on the floor." ~Author Unknown

I spent a lot time this evening in front of my fire. I was entranced by it's flicker and it wrapped me it's its warmth to where I couldn't break away. (No worries of the dust on the floor either - I'll tend to that tomorrow.)

Stay warm this weekend.

warm toes / glowing cap

"camera bag" app with the holga filter on my iphone / phone pic
Taking a break from the card printing. I'm loving these relaxing evenings by the fire. Even when it's not so cold I like to build a fire. Today it has rained all day long - wishing it was snow. Kodi loves sit and watch the sparks fly and apparently something "smells" on my feet. eww. / my first secret santa at the dorm was a lot of fun. i'm so happy with the friendships i've made here and i think i'll miss them a little while on christmas break. i had planned to put up a little tree but it's too late now so this is the extent of my decorations in the room. (i got some good chocolate from my secret santa)

my evening / a break

Yesterday the mailbox was stuffed to capacity with catalogs - there must have been at least 10. I enjoy looking at catalogs. So that's what I did tonight. I built a fire, made some hot chocolate, put on some Christmas music, got my blanket and sat by the fire...browsing at silver jewelry, cashmere sweaters, red leather purses, wool felted rugs, flannel sheets and treat towers from Harry & Davids.... I go through them and earmark the pages of things I like. I've always done this, leaving them lying around the house as little hints of what I like (I 'm not sure anyone else ever looks though). I don't often buy from catalogs but I love to look and dream and I ALWAYS mark the pages thinking someday I'll go back and order. One of my favorite catalogs is Sundance. I love their jewelry, everything really. Now, I did buy myself a ring with some birthday money from their catalog. Well, actually from the website. But the catalogs are a lot more fun to look at than the website wouldn't you agree? Last year, instead of buying from catalogs, or retail, for Christmas, I bought handmade from etsy. I can always find unique items there for any one I need to buy for. Where do you enjoy shopping? / taking a break from all the class work. i've been drawing like mad this week (can't wait to show you) and i've finished my english portfolio. yeah

hearth / home

I built my first fire of the season. Oh, how I love everything about it, the smell, the glow and sparkle, the crackle, the warmth - it mesmerizes me. Problem is I can't leave it's warmth. Does that happen to you?
I think the first thing Taylor will think when she walks in the house tomorrow is, "oh I miss that smell - this is home" / maybe this weekend we can do another crazy photo shoot like we did last year - remember collecting all those leaves and making this rug to go under my crazy blue chair? you didn't throw away my chair did you?