GardenMama

.: Winter Days :.

  

.: As the snow continued to fall we invited our neighbor over for a Wintry tea :.

On these days we are feeling the cold nipping at our noses and cheeks, calling us back indoors with neighbors and friends for wintry tea parties at home, exchanging gifts of handmade breads, granola and simple handmade. 

                                 

.: This enamelware is just the right size for little hands to share a real or pretend cup of tea :.

We are enjoying the peace of this season celebrating these days after Christmas which have been so richly layered with a beautiful mix of the winter wonderland outside of our door paired with the warmth and creativity that we savor while indoors.

.: Festive ribbons from packages adorning my daughter's hair :.

These days after Christmas have brought us much time nestling in, enjoying new toys with lots of imaginative play for the children.  They choreograph spontaneous puppet shows with their new handmade puppets. They especially love to make their own music and dance with new vibrantly hued play silks.

 

.: Handmade puppets are bringing much creativity into our days! :.

. : My daughter wearing her vintage apron while ironing my vintage cloth napkins:.
                               

.: Each one of my children are enjoying this sweet iron and ironing board :.

The coziness of home in winter also brings with it baking cookies as an excuse for more teas to be consumed and a chance for me to play with my food while creating. 

                                       

.: I had too much fun with these button cookies!  My favorite thing was when my children asked if they could have another "button" :.

We are enjoying the warmth of the woodstove in the evening while our oil lamps are lit. My husband and children draw and create beautiful worlds on paper and I start to weave with my new loom.

.: I have wanted a loom since I was a little girl and now it is here! :.

My dream has always been to own sheep but before doing so I wanted to know how to spin, weave and knit.  I taught myself the spinning and knitting and now I am just one one step closer! :.

The evenings find us creating many colorful window stars in excitement of the sun shining through them bringing color and warmth into our home against the white backdrop outdoors in the morning.

.: With beautiful kite paper our windows are being transformed! :.

This past year has been incredible! May this new year  bring with it just as much magic and light! We will find ourselves bundling up once again on this evening of the new year clearing out a spot in the snow and lighting a camp fire, shouts of Happy New Year will be heard echoing across the snowy mountainsides.

.: A new 'forest gnome' doll made with love by a very sweet friend! :.
Warm wishes to all of you in the newness of the year!

.: Merry Christmas! :.

For some happy, happy, happy news! Visit here!

                                           

.: I appreciate the quiet meditation that lighting the candles on the Advent spiral brings :.

As the outside world around us is quieted in a shimmering blanket of snow, our hearts are warmed by the sight of the many twinkling lights that adorn our Christmas tree.  As we settle in to our evening the scent of spiced cider fills the room, only the light from the tree, the fire from the hearth and the beeswax candle lights glowing from our advent spiral light our room.

                                           

.: All twenty-four candles are now lit on this Christmas Eve :.

Their glow fills us with peace and a quiet excitement reminding us that Christmas is near!

                                           

.: Finding peace in the gentle glow of the Advent candles :.

As we prepare to light the last candle on our Advent spiral we sit in meditation of this season.

                                           

.: Noticing and appreciating the reflection of the candles, as if they are floating out in the snow :.

As we celebrate this Christmas may we all be wrapped in love and togetherness with our families. May our spirits be renewed on this day. May we delight in our children and their excitement and join them in child-like wonder and joy!

                                           

.: My sweet children sitting together sharing smiles and love :.

 From our family to yours, we wish you peace and a celebration filled with great happiness, light, and joy!

Merry Christmas Friends!

.: A Season Of Giving Continues! The Winner Is... :.

With the assistance of Random Number Generator... I am happy to announce Mamma Natura (who also blogged about the giveaway) is the winner of these beautiful gifts from Windsting Arts!  Anna has made for you a blue Rain Baby, a winter colored Petite Bunting Baby, and a Forest Play silk! Please email me and I will have them sent to you! 

You can visit Anna's shop here.

.: For those of you involved in the Wellness Tree Project,  photos are now posted of  all of the ornaments wrapped and on their way to Kelly!  Please feel free to leave any notes there for Kelly when you visit. 

There are many ornaments still coming in and many that are still on the way! I will continue posting each one to the Wellness Tree blog and will be making a second mailing in January in hopes of sending more love and positive wishes to Kelly into the New Year! :.

If you do not see your ornament yet posted or if you are interested in making an ornament for January please email me.

Much love and peace to you in this season!