How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
--Dr. Seuss
I can't believe it's time to be writing
about holiday things already!
As alarmed as I feel that it's suddenly December 1, I am mostly relieved that I'm not spending this day on the loading dock at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago getting ready for the One of a Kind Show. It's a wonderful show and I will dearly miss the many friends that I reconnect with each year, but for the past 5 years it has hijacked my Thanksgiving and my Christmas and I'm glad that I made the decision to take a year off. Whew! (I do still have free tickets, however -- if anyone is in Chicago and wants to go, please send me an email and I'll send you the link to the freebies!)
Instead, I'm somehow managing to get behind on all the things I was sure I would have additional time for. At this time of year I seem to be plagued with Christmas ADD -- I start working on one project only to have it remind me of another idea that I've been meaning to explore, and pretty soon my desk is a sea of half-finished ornaments and to-do lists, not to mention the scattered remnants of my regular work.
Last night, for instance, I noticed the shape of a little piece of red wool reminded me of a bird, so I took out my scissors and snipped it into shape, then stitched it onto a green scrap that was sitting nearby.
It is SMALL -- just 1 inch across (so don't judge it too harshly), but it's going to fit so nicely into this vintage mini tart pan to make a little ornament.
Sorry this didn't scan so well . . .
but who has time to worry about such things? It's December, for heaven's sake!
But that's just the kind of diversion that's keeping me from getting anything done that's already on the list.
On the other hand, this is the first year in the last 5 that I've actually gotten the advent calendar out in time for December 1, so technically I guess you could say I'm ahead of the game:
Russ' mother made this for us when the girls were young, and it is all hand-applique and quilting and is just delightful. We feel so lucky to have it! I've started a tradition of making one for each of my girls when they leave the nest, but haven't attempted one that is quite so labor intensive as this one was.
I love opening each tiny pocket to reveal an old friend . . . and isn't that what's so special about December? The comfort and familiarity of it, surrounded by memories and favorite things and anticipation every second for an entire month!
And millions of things to do, of course . . .
Happy December kick-off!
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5 comments:
Can I have that little red bird ornament for the exchange this year? :) hehe, just kidding. But it is very cute, and impressive.
I have Christmas ADD as well. Something about this time of year just makes me want to make any and everything. I have recently discovered, however, that having a baby multiplies the time it takes to make a simple project by at least three :)
P.S. My word verification was "egoilda" and my predictive text suggested "whopee" instead... Not sure how the two are close enough to even make that suggestion....
Every year that comment by Dr. Seuss is more true for me as well. But it looks like you have a pretty good handle on the situation with your beautiful calendar at the ready and little ornaments just appearing at your hands. Nice work. Best wishes!
And who holds a Craft Show after Thanksgiving? Rotten way to treat hard-working, talented people who have families. You're wise to put it on the back burner. Although it sounds like a great place to spend time as a shopper.
How appropriate is that quote!!! I do feel like it should be June at the moment. We seem to suffer from the same creative disease, lol - but your little birdie turned out wonderfully and my distraction Did Not.
That advent calendar is awesome - I've never had one, can you believe it? I think I'm afraid to see the days passing like that, I want to believe I have plenty of time.
Love your teeny little bird ornament! And its tart pan frame is perfect. Sometimes the best ideas grow out of just such diversionary activities. But I can't fathom how you even handle something so small, much less get such tidy stitches. Skills!!!
I love your advent calendar - this time of year is precious when we retrieve and reuse the decorations packed away, and display items that have a sentimental connection. Decorating the tree yesterday, I placed a little Russian-costumed wooden figure on a branch and it reminded me of a delightful day my daughter and I spent at the Russian fair years ago.Other ornaments remind me of my grandmother. The little bird you've made is wonderful.
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