It's a Winter Wonderland

The birdfeeders have been a happening place today. So far, I've identified yellow finches, cardinals, chickadees, crows, tufted titmouses, rufous sided towhees, juncos, bluejays, Carolina wrens, mourning doves, and woodpeckers--red-bellied & ladder-backed. It snowed, and even better, Joseph helped me figure out the zoom on my camera, so I can share the birds and our wanderings with you. We're back in the house enjoying warm cinnamon sugar cookies and hot cocoa. Wishing you a cozy winter day!

Welcome Snow

I'm waiting for the forecasted snow with bated breath. The latest says it may be more sleet & ice in our neck of the woods, but I'm holding out for snow! I've got the snow banner up, a new batch of suet for the birds, and even hung out a couple loads of laundry, figuring it may bring it on, like washing the car does rain. Those of you in Montana and northern places, who are tired of the snow, send a little good snow juju here, would you?

Soap & The Power of Love

Today I've made a batch of Skin Soother soap. It's one I created at Joseph's request, to help with dry itchy skin. It's got all sorts of goodies in it- calendula extract & petals, ground oats, tea tree oil, and it's superfatted with cocoa butter to make it especially rich. I'd been putting calendula petals in the soap, but they don't show very well, so I decided to also sprinkle some on top today. I think I'm going to like it.

Ever since I read June's post yesterday, which included a Youtube link about a wonderful rescue story in Haiti, I've been thinking about television. Since moving here in '96, I've chosen to live without television. I can't say I really have missed it. There's always plenty to occupy my time without it. If something major happens, I know I can watch it streaming, from the computer, which Joseph and I did for the Presidential inauguration. It seems so much of what was on TV was less than uplifting. Maybe that's changed, but I don't expect so. But it's good to see a story of hope, of love, of faith against all odds. The fierce kind of love I expect a mother has for her children. And if they're lucky, the kind of love a spouse has for their beloved. Doing what they do, against all hope, because that's what love does. That story gave me hope. If this is what is being shown on cnn, it may be another sign we're moving in the right direction.

A Bird in the Hand

This morning, while sewing some eye pillows, I heard a bird hit the window. When I went outside to check, the chickens were standing by, commiserating over the birds lack of good fortune. It was a very stunned yellow finch, and I picked her(him?) up and held her close to warm her. It's cold here this morning, so I brought her in the house. When it seemed she perked up, I took her outside to see if she'd fly off. This was repeated a number of times, but she was perfectly content to hang out with me. I was beginning to wonder if she would not be able to fly, but happily, she flew off after about an hour. A happy ending. Isn't she lovely? I need to research about bird feeders, as this seems to be happening a lot lately. Joseph put up the new feeder about 14 ft. from the house, which seemed far enough away, but maybe not? I know they make hawk stickers to put on windows, but will that keep them from the feeders? Is the best bet to move them? Have any of you dealt with this?

Silk Lovelies

It's a rainy, gray day here. A good day to be indoors creating.

I'm inspired today to create more eye pillows. These silk scarves, all thrifted, are going to become my next eye pillows. They all seem to have a Valentine or spring theme. I love the little hearts on the scarf on the left. At last count, the Craft Hope site has sold over 1000 items, and raised over $20,000 for Haiti. I feel humbled to be a part of such an awesome group of crafters.

A Good One

Whatever you are, be a good one.--from Life is Good: Simple Words from Jake and Rocket. On another note, all of my eye pillows sold on the CraftHope for Haiti site. Woohoo! This is a picture I took of one of them in November.

Wise Words of the Day

Understand and know at last that We Are All One... This is the essential truth of the life experience. Is the tulip superior to the rose? Are the mountains more majestic than the sea? Which snowflake is the most magnificent? Is it possible that they are all magnificent - and that, celebrating their magnificence together, they create an awesome display?---Neale Donald Walsch in Communion with God