Thankful for a Wonderful Holiday Weekend

I still love a four-day weekend now as much as I did when I was working. It's a different vibe, time to relax -- or work your tail off -- or see people you love. And mine was splendid.

My Official Start to the Holiday Season

While I don't start decking the halls till Thanksgiving, my official start to the holiday season is the annual Northville greens market, which I always attend with my friend, Jan, like THIS LAST VISIT in 2019.)

We missed it last year for Covid reasons, but this year we ventured out to do our traditional day -- the market, shopping at our favorite store (Gardenviews), lunch at a favorite restaurant and then a stop at Trader Joe's!

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you are living in one of the countries celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope yours is a happy one.

And if you're not, remember -- 

Any day is a good day to find something for which to be grateful.

Tomorrow's Theatre Designers

I had the most delightful experience recently, which I mentioned in an earlier post. I was invited to a master's class in theatre design at Michigan State University to share some of "my story" and my commitment to the arts. The assignment for the students was to listen carefully under the hypothetical idea that I was a wealthy major donor funding a re-do of a grim auditorium lobby. Their assignment was to design the lobby and a gown for the grand opening, that reflected what I shared in class.

Among the thoughts I included in that talk were little obscure facts about me -- love for history and art as well as theatre, a passion for bright colors, bad feet (no heels, please!), the integration of community and university and some of my favorite things.

The Gypsy Caravan Is Now Open!

A number of you have asked if I have any of the items I sell at Mistletoe Market available for online sales and the answer is now -- Yes!

A Recipe for You: Jeanie Crostini

Our Mistletoe Market was a great success, for both me and the other six vendors. I think we all came home energized, tired, and with new friendships, and you can't beat that! 

When I got home, I realized I had a baguette that needed to be used -- and soon -- so I made Jeanie Crostini. I haven't posted this recipe since the very first week I started this blog in 2007! In my first few blog posts, I was clutching at straws for content! This recipe is a family favorite, a go-to take away for a party or even wrapped as a party favor.

September/October Book Wrap -- Slacker Months!

I have come to terms with the fact that I probably won't reach my book goal (or page goal) this year. While some months have been filled with books, September and October were marginal at best and November doesn't look much more promising. But most of what I read was very enjoyable.

 Chocolat by Joanne Harris

November: The Unpredictable Month

Apart from Thanksgiving in the U.S., can anyone really pin much reliability on November? To me, it is a busy month and it's over before I know it, leaving me even more harried before the December holiday season. It could be sunny and 60. It could be snowy. Mostly it is just drab.

Pumpkins on the china cabinet

I haven't shared much home dec these days because for the most part, I haven't had a lot of clear surfaces to photograph! But some of the photos here are from this year's decor, most of which got up late! 

Toddler Time!

We can't say we've had a dull October. After coming home from the lake, we had a day or two at home before Rick took off on his bike for Oberlin and the day after, I met him on the way. You know the rest -- the Oberlin visit and Jeff's wedding. Two days later we were headed to metro Detroit to spend four days toddler sitting.

Postcards from the Lake: I'm Going to Miss this Spot

Rick headed to the lake last to take a few well deserved solo days and ultimately to close up the cottage for the season. I'd love to have been there and I'm glad I'm wasn't. Closing down makes me incredibly sad.