Wednesday, December 28, 2011

this dark morning



 I love getting up in the morning when the house is still dark. Only in the winter though, in the summer that would be too early for me. Some mornings I'll turn on the party lights in the kitchen -- they're up year-round so I don't call them holiday lights. This morning, after letting the dogs out and making my latte and going back to bed to write morning pages, I lit my Solstice candle. And took pictures. Then I went back to bed again and just waited until it was light enough to start writing.

I'm still focusing on making my Solstice gifts. I think we're are at the point where I can call them New Year's gifts. A little early for Valentines.

Anyone else in my position?

18 comments:

  1. One of my favorite books is in this photo. When I miss the coast, I pull it out and I am transported. I came home from the big city with so many ideas and supplies. My mind is swimming in possibilities. Wishing you a beautiful week. (I am curious about the glimpse of fabric in the right upper corner in the top photo. It is beautiful.)

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  2. I still have 2 gifts to finish/make...my sewing machine decided it wanted a holiday before I had finished everything, nothing I did would get it playing nicely again, I had to tell son's fiancee...sorry, it's coming! I love your little Crosley in the previous pic, my sort of techie device.

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  3. Jeannie, I've had that book for about 20 years and have started it a few times. Finally, now, I can hold still long enough to read it and "get" it. What an amazing woman, she is.

    So exciting for you to have been inspired by your trip! And, of course, the goodies, too. Magic thread?

    That is a doll's skirt made from embroidered remnants, you're right, there's some very fine stitching on it.

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  4. Nanette, well that makes me feel a little better! My sewing machine acted up, too, had to tear out over and over because it wasn't catching the bobbin thread. Finally changed the stitch size and that worked. Sorry that you've been held up, it'll be worth the wait for the giftee!

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  5. Well ladies, my machine acted up as well!!! Haha. But I was lucky enough to fix it and finish up in time. Now, I'm working on a couple of 'just because' gifts. These have no timeline, no real reason except "I want to". Much less pressure.
    So Last Night I looked at that book on my bedroom bookshelf and thought 'it's about time to read that again'...and here it is again!! lol I love the little statue in the basket. It reminds me of one I gave my mom years ago and now sits on my (her old) dresser. Boy is that full circle or what!

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  6. Nancy! This is too cool. I LOVE synchronicity, it makes life so much fun. It's connecting and exciting. Wow. The same book on your bedroom shelf, too? I started it again just a few days ago. The sewing machine, the full-circle statue. Yay us!

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  7. Oh yes...I am not able to do as much creating as quickly as I would like. As a matter of fact, I am just finishing up one gift and one to go.

    I am with you on getting up early. I rise before anyone else because I like the quiet and calm.

    Love your "twinkle lights" (that's what I call them) very sweet...and your little Solstice candle/altar.
    I have that book....Gift from the sea : )
    I read it so many years ago....
    I am sending you warm wishes for the Happiest New Year xoxo <3

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  8. p.s. what it is it with the sewing machines...mine is not working properly either???? : /

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  9. Now I'm afraid to go try my machine out. :)

    Still working on a few things too.

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  10. I think I overworked mine, I sewed non stop for about 3 weeks. I sat quietly yesterday and took my time to clean the machine thoroughly, rewound the bobbin, rethreaded it and now it's working again...I'm happy to report I was able to finish the gift I was making for son's fiancee. One to go!

    I find it heartening that we're happy not to let all the focus be on the One Day, and didn't rush to get gifts finished but are willing to give them when they're ready, after all, the yule season lasts until January 6.

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  11. Marie, I'm loving that so many of us are still making gifts! And that book. Well, nearly every time I read a few paragraphs, I think wow, she had so much wisdom. For some reason I thought my life was too different from hers, that there wouldn't be anything there for me. Oh, but there is.

    The sewing machine problems are epidemic, it seems, that's sort of weird! I hope you get yours working right again without a trip to the repair shop. And a very happy new year to you, too!

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  12. Deb, that's funny, and I really hope yours works OK!

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  13. Nanette, yay! That's a good reminder to take a little time to clean mine. Even though I don't sew a ton, I do take it for granted, always expecting it to run perfectly. And you said it so well about gift-making, thank you for that.

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  14. Time for you to start writing that book...
    of course you have lots to say...
    You are a wise woman : )
    I always love reading what you share on your blog and if you wrote a book...I would definitely buy one!

    p.s. sewing machine repair cost as much as a new sewing machine! Unbelievable. : /

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  15. Claudia, I wish you a happy, healthy new year, too! xo

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  16. Gift from the Sea is on the nightstand in my guest bedroom. Just sayin'.........

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  17. Jo, each and every chapter is stunning. She nails it, she was the wisewoman/priestess of the 50's!

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