Getting back to the routine?

I'm finding myself with no direction as far as working in the studio this week. I think the most important thing is to organize the disorganization I left after I shipped my last order out the week before Christmas. I did paint a few orders on Monday and realized what a disaster the studio area is because of the Scarlett O'Hara mentality I had ( I won't think about that now, I'll think about that tomorrow...because tomorrow is another day) in the busy weeks before Christmas. I just needed to get items made and shipped. So, as I sit here with my cup of coffee I ask myself, "What to do first?"

Maybe after the second cup I'll know where to start!

And The Dog Says...

Yep...Lucy has her eye on you when you walk through our door. But this sign really doesn't apply. She really would approve of anyone who had a kind word and a treat.

A cute sentiment for anyone whose "fuzzy child" rules the house!

The Country Workshop

A little peek at Christmas...

Darlin' D's in his Santa PJ's Christmas morning...he has not quite gotten that there are presents in his stocking. He was very happy to slowly pull the gifts from the stocking and to take his time opening his presents.

Lucy and Holly's dog Dre, on the other hand, had their presents unwrapped and the stuffing pulled out in under 2 minutes.


Dylan actually preferred playing with the gift bag instead of the toys he received on
Christmas Eve at my Aunt's house.

I am hoping that Lou's brother was able to snap a photo of all these cousins, where they are all looking at the camera. However, this photo is truly typical of the conversations and the laughs of this wonderful group. Aunt Dot, Lou's Dad's sister, is in the chair, right in the middle of this
noisy bunch.




We are blessed with a large, loud, wonderful family and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day going from home to home, celebrating this season of love with the ones we love most.

Wishing All A Wonderful Christmas

Just wanted to pop in and send Christmas Wishes to all my blogging friends.

The past few days have been a busy time catching up on all the things that didn't get done because of the success of The Country Workshop this year, and that is a good thing. Fewer shows but many more online sales. I closed all of the selling venues but my own website well over a week ago. I needed some time to prepare for
Christmas and this was the right choice for me.

The house has been neglected as I have been in the shop 12-15 hours a day for the last 6 weeks. Lucy hair was rolling along the wood floors like tumbleweed and one could write ones name in the dust on the dark wood furniture. The house has been vacuumed and dusted.

Some Christmas decorations have been pulled out and displayed. (I am soooooo jealous looking at the lovely photos of your decorated homes) but I am going to be content with what I have done or I will drive my self crazy. Gift shopping was very easy this year as the family (and we are blessed with lots of family) decided to just do gifts for the small children, and that too was a good decision.

I finally had time to give Lucy a haircut...she looked like a wolf instead of a cooker spaniel. I also was able to give the Hubby a trim, as he was beginning to look like an old hippie and yes I did wash that grey right out of my hair. So we all now look a bit more civilized.

Christmas Eve and Day will be spent with family...

and it looks like we may have a White Christmas.

God Bless Us...Everyone!

Train Garden Adventure

Yesterday Dylan got to go to see the wonderful train garden at one of the local malls with 3 0f his favorite relatives. His Gramps, his Great Grandmother and his Mom Mom. I don't know which of us had the better time...but all of us grandparents just adore this little boy.
The train display was divided into several sections, depicting specialties of Baltimore, such as the Senator Movie Theatre, Ravens Stadium, Old Natty Boh and Martin Marietta. There was also a section that had nothing do with Baltimore...a scene from the Wizard of Oz...oh wait, there was a tornado in that section. I guess that did have something to do with Baltimore...after all we did have that tornado go through our yard two weeks ago.

Darlin' Dylan just loved the trains and all that went with them. I just love being a Grandmother!

Can you see the bright green in the top of the tree in the picture below? When I ran to the shop this morning in 18 degree weather, with snow just starting to fall, I see this fellow hanging in the trees, two yards up from ours. Seems the neighbors decided to have all their big old oak trees cut down after having one snapped off during the tornado. The tree men took down 5 or 6 trees. Seems like over kill to me...how many times will we actually have a tornado in Baltimore County? All the men in trees were in bright green jackets and they looked like monkeys swinging on ropes through the branches. Not an occupation I would ever choose.

I have closed my ebay, etsy and artfire shops until after Christmas and feel that tons have been lifted off of me. All orders are finished and I have 8 or 9 of those orders to package and ship tomorrow. If you hear a big woosh tomorrow morning...that will be my sigh of relief when I set out the final packages for the postman to pick up.

Santa Baby...

While packaging orders for shipping today I had on a local radio station that is playing nothing but Christmas music. Listening to the music of the season certainly did help to fill me with Christmas spirit as I have truly been a humbug! While listening, and singing along I discovered something. No one else who sings "Santa Baby" can hold a candle to Eartha Kitt's version. I heard it sung today by Madonna and Taylor Swift. Just not nearly as good as the original in my opinion. Maybe my choice just dates me.

Eartha Kitt singing Santa Baby

Also I believe Elvis' version of Blue Christmas is far superior to that of Porky Pig, although I do have to admit it did make me laugh.

The Columbia Inn Pine Tree Vermont

While we were at the beach for Thanksgiving, The family watched my favorite Christmas movie "White Christmas" I smiled as I watched my daughters and nieces singing the songs in the movie. The "Sisters" song was especially loud. I always have loved this musical...have always wanted to sing like Rosemary Clooney and dance like Vera Ellen. Unfortunately I sing like a croaking frog and probably that croaking frog could dance better than I do...but one can always dream. As we've watched this Christmas song and dance film over the years, Lou has pointed out the inconsistencies in the editing. He found this website with a list of the goofs

in the movie. For me, I think the goofs make it more endearing...something to look for each time I watch.

I designed The Columbia Inn sign to sit on my mantel for Christmas. I had several of these at the last show I did and was glad to know know that so many guests to my booth love the movie as much as I do. One lady purchased 2 of them...one for her sister and one for herself. Some came in singing a song from the movie.

So how many are with me? Is White Christmas your favorite holiday movie or are you a Wonderful Life fan or maybe Miracle on 34th street?

The Beach for Thanksgiving

A decision to go to Ocean City, Maryland for Thanksgiving was a wonderful one. We haven't done that for 17 years. Thanksgiving dinner had always been at my parent’s house, the house where I grew up, until my Mom and Dad decided to move to Ocean Pines, just outside of OC, MD. After we lost my Dad, my Mother moved back to Baltimore and dinner for this holiday was then held here at our house. Several months ago, when my aunt and her family said they were going to the beach for Thanksgiving (they too had always gone to my parents) and wanted us to go, we jumped at the chance. There were 24 of us for dinner on Thursday. On Friday we went to the annual tree lighting in Rehoboth, DE, which was something we had always done when my parents lived at the beach. A visit to the Vendors Fair took place on Saturday (and no we weren't set up as vendors for that...thank goodness). All the cousins had a great time together and Dylan just loved chasing seagulls.

Having all of us together was truly something to be thankful for.

Just wanted to say...

May your stuffing be tasty, May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving Dinner stay off your thighs!

And may each and everyone of us take a moment to count our blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving

Christmas Show Done - On to Monday

The Maryland Christmas Show in Frederick is now over for us. We signed up to participate in just the first of the two weekends. The second show, held the weekend after Thanksgiving, is always the better of the two, as folks are really beginning to get in a Christmas frame of mind after turkey. But we didn't want to miss Thanksgiving weekend
with the family so we opted to do just the one.
Looking forward to spending the whole weekend with my girls and their husbands, my Mom and her sisters and their families and my Darlin' Dylan.

While we were at the show today, Meagan and Erik took Lucy on a walk and she had a great time going for hike with her human sister and brother-in-law. She got wet and dirty and for her final trick, she got to roll in fresh horse manure while they weren't looking. I'm sure this will be a day to remember for my fuzzy little girl. She also got a bath when she returned home.

Meg put this photo up on FB...what a sweet face for such a stinky girl!

On With The Show

Been busy, busy, busy getting ready for The Maryland Christmas Show.

With several monkey wrenches thrown in...the computer crashing (thanks to my wonderful son-in-law, we were able to keep going on with our old laptop while he built us a new computer for the shop) and the transmission on the truck going up
we still got lots finished to display.

I worked on some new Christmas signs for the show. Just love Miracle on 34th street and I can hear Susan (Natalie Wood) saying this. I'm thinking this may just have to sit by
the large fabric Santa I've had for years.

During the holidays, I always remember Christmases past. The holidays at my parents big old house hold a special place in my heart. Then the wonderful Christmas mornings when the girls were small and there was magic in their eyes.

This large sign of Christmas words and sayings is burgundy with a black undercoat. A little different from what we usually do.

www.countryworkshop.net

After my post yesterday we found how devastating the storm the other night really was. Many families have lost their homes. Several apartment buildings had the roofs taken off while people were in bed sleeping. Cars were picked up and ended up in piles. Many houses had trees fall on them. Our neighborhood had dozens of big old trees either snap off or get pulled up by the roots. Our neighbors next door have a 60 foot oak tree, pulled up by the roots, that is only being held up by the branches of other trees. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their homes.

One final note...Today is Mickey Mouse's Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mickey!

Good Golly...

Found out that the Husband and I aren't too smart. When we were awakened by the "freight train" noise last night...we went to the window to take a look. It was extremely loud...lasted for maybe 40 seconds with heavy rain. We have some trees with the tops ripped off and a small pine tree was knocked over. The table on our porch is broken, not the glass top but metal legs, which is surprising, and chairs were all tipped over. There was a large branch on my car but there isn't any damage. On the news they are saying possible tornado. 3 miles away roofs ripped off and houses collapsed. We were lucky. My heart goes out to those who lost their homes.

We've had 45+ inches of snow this year...the hottest summer on record...an earthquake...and now a possible tornado. Maryland is called America in Miniature because we have the ocean to the mountains. Now we can be called that because of natural disasters
.

Early Advent Dinner and a Dylan Day

Two years ago, my friend Shar asked if I would like to go to a dinner with her, her sister and several of their friends. It was a group of women, 20 or so, gathering at the home of one of Shar's old friends. This was something I thought I didn't have the time for but because it seemed important to Shar I went. I was very glad I did. Several weeks ago when she asked if I wanted to go again I was happy for the invitation. Last night we gathered at the 100+ year old house (in the photo above) . The hostess of the pre-advent dinner, is a one time missionary, has this gathering to bring women together for a wonderful meal and conversations. She empties her living room of furniture and has several dining tables set with pretty linens, china, crystal and silver. The meal is served by teenage girls from her church. We first had cream of broccoli soup. The main dish was ham with pineapple and cherry sauce, scalloped sweet potatoes and a combination of apples, grapes and walnuts. A wonderful muffin that had little chunks of chocolate was served with the dinner. We had our choice of Earl Grey or an apple herbal tea. Wonderful little cookies were served for dessert.

Our table had 6 women, and I'm the new "friend" as Shar and her sister have know the other 3 women for many more years than they have known me. When we were seated at the table, there was a list of suggested topics we might want to talk about. Like...what is the one thing this year that made you truly thankful, what are some of your family's holiday traditions and we all spoke of Christmases when we were children and how the Christmas tree just appeared in the morning, like magic. I really don't know how my parents were able to put up the tree and assemble toys for 3 young children after we finally went to sleep on Christmas Eve.
There were two other tables with with women,
some older than the group at our table and some younger.


It was nice to take one evening to relax and talk with "girls", who like me, have grown children and grandchildren and ponder how things have changed over the years. It was rather like a bridal or baby shower without the bride or mother to be. It also is a reminder to us to take time to remember the true reason for the holiday.

Today I am at Holly's house taking care of my darlin' boy who just didn't want to take a nap although he certainly needed it. Can you tell by the look on his face that he needed to close those peepers and take a snooze? I put him in the stroller and we "strolled" up and down and all around the country roads in her neighborhood and that at least made him happier and he talked to me the whole time we were rollin'...I didn't understand a word he said and I sure hope I didn't agree to anything I shouldn't have. He did however go right in for a nap when we got back to the house. Now Mom Mom thinks she needs a nap too.

Count Down...49 Days 'Til Christmas

Every day when I check my ebay store, in the top left corner is the count down...letting me know just how quickly the holidays will be here. This of course is a busy time for everyone, but to all the crafters, creators, artists and vendors who sell their wares online and at holiday shows it is an outrageously busy time. Years ago, when my girls were in elementary school, I had customers picking up special orders 2 days before Christmas and I swore I would never do that again. I had a cut off date after that and stuck to it. At that time I was only displaying my items at little local craft shows. Now, I have shops on several internet selling venues, including
The Country Workshop Website , and am also participating in several holiday shows.
Last year I had a cut off date for orders on the internet shops for delivery in time for Christmas, but ended up having to put the shops "on vacation" because I had guests to my online stores begging to please just make one more item for them and I really do have a hard time saying no.
This really is a good thing...I have wonderful customers who really like what I am creating and want to purchase my items for gifts. However, this year I want time to put up a Christmas tree. ( I still can't believe we never got a tree up last year) so I'm going to have to choose a date for orders to be placed in time for Christmas and stick to it. The next few weeks are going to keep me scrambling!

So now the stress begins...

Perry Hall Christmas Craft Show 2010

Just a reminder that the Christmas Show in Perry Hall will be opening tomorrow.

I set up my area on Tuesday and was able to get some photos of displays already set up, but there was still alot left to do. But now, the show is set up and ready. It always amazes me that in 4 days that the Perry Hall Community Hall can be transformed from a large, empty room into a retail shop filled with gifts, hand crafted goodies, a vintage section with furniture and housewares, homemade candies and a section with gently used children's clothing and toys.

Christmas in Perry Hall 2010
starts on November 5th and runs through November 28th.
A Collection of Crafts and Vintage

Directions to the Perry Hall Community Hall
From I-95, Take Rt43 west to 1st light, HoneyGo Blvd, make right
Continue to Joppa Rd, make right
Go through traffic circle and make immediate left onto
Gerst Rd Community Hall is on the right.
For info call 410-382-5142

Cousins

Dylan with his cousin Cali at Lou's sister's house yesterday. We had a potluck dinner sorta thing and then cake and ice cream for the October birthdays. Cali was a 50's teenybooper, complete with a poodle skirt.
Dylan was a lion. The costumes were just so darn cute and so were the children in them.

Lucy's Halloween Costume

Lucy wasn't too happy with this Angel costume...Can't you tell from her expression?

Happy, Happy Halloweenie!

Looking forward to dinner and another group birthday party this afternoon with the family. The best part of this will be seeing Dylan and Cali in their Halloween costumes.
Wishing all a fun filled and safe Halloween...
and watch out for things that go bump in the night!

Regal Roosts

Last weekend at the Maryland Home and Garden Show we met Keven Hurst of Regal Roosts, maker of these wonderful Victorian Birdhouses. The attention to detail is amazing. Visit the website and you can read the story of how his business came to be and be sure to request a catalog so you can decide just which one is a must have.

Christmas is Coming...

Christmas is coming and it shows in my studio. Colors of red, green and antique white are the popping up all over. I've been working on signs, shelf sitters and glass ornaments with Santa, Angels and Snowmen. I'm finding that I need more hours in the day to get everything thing done I want to get done. Where are the elves when you need them?


The Country Workshop

Survey for Julie

I received this email from daughter #1. It's a quick survey and will help Julie with her thesis. If you have a moment, could you take a look and fill out the form?

Hi Everyone,
My friend Julie is trying to collect data for her MBA thesis. Could you please help her out by filling out this survey on your opinions on at-home-diagnostic tests? It will only take 5 minutes of your day! She needs as many people from as many age ranges as possible. So please forward this on if you can!
Thanks,
Holly

http://www.kwiksurveys.com?s=HHHKII_369e25a1

All responses are completely anonymous.

A Day at Weber's Cider Mill Farm

Four Generations My Mom, Holly, Dylan and I were together this day for pumpkin huntin', hay ridin' and maze wanderin'. A wonderful day for all four of us.
Went for lunch to Bateman's for crab soup and sweet potato fries.

This evening, Meagan came to visit with us. How nice it was to have both grown daughters and Dylan here at the house tonight!

Little Pumpkins in a Pumpkin Patch

A couple of weeks ago I ordered this cute pumpkin hat for the grandson from Etsy shop.
Knit 2gether in Love
This shop has some wonderful knitted items for kids, dogs and adults.
Also, I just have to look in a shop that has a cutie cocker spaniel as its avatar.

Darlin' Dylan and cousin Precious Paul in the Pumpkin Patch this weekend.

An Original By Peggy

We set up our display this past weekend at The Maryland Home and Garden Show. Unfortunately for us the weather outside was absolutely beautiful and there weren't as many guests walking through the show as we had hoped for. I did however get a chance to walk around and see what the other vendors had to offer. I stopped at a display of wonderful felted purses and other felted items. Had a chance to talk with the artist and discovered that she had an Etsy shop...An Original By Peggy
As we continued our conversation, we discovered we live live within a mile or so from each other and that her husband, who was a teacher at Loch Raven High School, had taught my two daughters. Small world, don't you think?
You may want to take a peek at her wonderful things!

I had to borrow one of Peggy's photos from her etsy shop as our shop computer has died. I had photos I had taken of artists wares at the show, was able to tweak them in photoshop yesterday and then the computer locked up. Turned it off and it must have decided it gave all it had to give...it will not turn back on! Lou is waiting for me to finish this post on the laptop so he can order a new computer (or parts to build a new computer).

I Love I Love My Little Calendar Girl...

Received an email today that this photo of our little Lucy was chosen for next years "Sweetest Things"calendar for The Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue. This is a wonderful organization which fosters and finds homes for cocker spaniels looking for a new family. I had forgotten I had entered her photo after seeing a call for entries of pictures for the calendar on Facebook.

You can visit the website below and click on the calendar information if you are interested in purchasing a calendar and helping some fuzzy faces find new homes.

http://www.cockerspanielrescue.com/

Our Lucy is Miss July!

Colorfest Saturday...

What a beautiful morning in the little town of Thurmont, MD with blue skies and cool temperatures. True shoppers came early, as soon as it was light, to visit the many of displays set up around the town.

These two cuties were out early for shopping with their humans.

As the day went on we had lots of visitors to our booth...

It was the perfect day for a craft show for both vendor and shopper.

After closing down for the night we met friends
Debbie and Jimmy Strubel (Alpine Embroidery and Engraving)
for the buffet at The Cozy Restaurant.
It's now time to climb into bed. 5am will be here sooner than I would like.

Good Night All

Twas the night before Colorfest...

Sitting in the hotel room tonight, after a long afternoon of setting up for the show we are doing in Thurmont this weekend. Lou is already snoring...He did work hard today, putting all the merchandise in the truck at home this morning and then taking it all out after setting up the display. We are just about ready for the mad rush tomorrow. Just have to hang a few more signs, tweak some things and set up the check out area. We are located in the carnival grounds this year and were able to park the trailer directly behind our tents so it was a fairly easy set up.

Sitting here tonight, I have been playing "Remember When" the daughters went to all the shows with us. By the time they were 12 and 14, they could have set up and run the booth all by themselves. One year, in Dresden, Ohio, both girls laid sleeping bags under the tables and took a nap after the early morning set up. The tablecloths went to the ground and the guests who came into the booth didn't even know they were there. I have fond memories of those times together and hope they do too. I know all the traveling and togetherness didn't scar them too much...they grew up to be fabulous women!

And no Lou...you can't take a nap under the table tomorrow!

When I Grow Up...

I want to be a Baltimore Raven!

Hoping For Crowds Like This

This weekend is Colorfest in Thurmont, MD. Lou and I have been working long days getting ready for this festival. We've participated for years in the front yard of a building owned by friends but this year will be part of the "official Colorfest".
Look for us at the Carnival Grounds.
The Country Workshop

This festival has always been a get together for us with other crafter friends that we don't always get to see. Several of the vendors participated in The Basket Accessories Roadshow. We'll be having dinner at the Cozy with Debbie and Jimmy of Alpine Embroidery.

I believe Shar and Bill of Shar's Fabric Goodies will be joining us also.
Dee from Icehousecrafts will be setting up again for this show,
and Dee the weather so far looks perfect.
We will miss Diane and Terry of Basket Accessories
who for years set up next to us in David and Dawn's front yard
but won't be doing the festival this year.

So we will be wishing for wonderful weather and large crowds and if you are in the area,
stop by and say hello!