One.
This little corner has been so many things since we moved in five years ago, trying to sort out just the best use of it - it's been a desk, a dry bar, and a play kitchen nook. A little kitchen rearranging this week has made it into a sorta-kinda pantry shelf, with my most used pantry items. About four feet away from the butcher block where I do all of my cooking, instead of on the other side of the kitchen, far from reach. It's a simple little thing, really, but so much more efficient and that makes me incredibly happy.
Two.
I'm reading, and really loving, Gloria Steinem's new book (her first in twenty years!) My Life on the Road. I so enjoy her writing and particularly these stories about what "home" has meant to her in her life, and her thoughts on travel. So much to think about. And the audio book (so that I can keep knitting, of course) narrated by Debra Winger is a bonus.
Three.
(The Mouse King and the Nutcracker battle while a frightened Clara looks on.) Rehearsals are in progress for The Nutcracker around here. This is the first year in many that my boys are not dancing in the ballet on stage, as they both take a year off to do other things. I miss it - the magic and our friends there - but am pleasantly satisfied with the rehearsals happening in the library. It seems that show is a part of our holiday season, whether we are acting on stage or in our house. Even these little three know all the musical cues for what happens when. I do so love that. And it eases some of the missing of the big show that I have!
Four.
Are you on Instagram? If you're a knitter or fiber fan, you've got to check out FiberDestash, a space in which folks can offer up their unneeded stash items for sale or trade. Love!
Five.
I don't know why, but we're on a bit of a muffin kick. Something warm and mildly sweet in the morning seems just right these days. More often than not, it's our Leftover Oatmeal Muffins that hit the table.
Six.
The holiday music has begun! Officially. I'm most enjoying this season our friend Elizabeth Mitchell's The Sounding Joy: Christmas Songs in and out of the Ruth Crawford Seeger Songbook. It's just beautiful, and the perfect balance to Elvis and The Temptations singing Rudolph that my littles love too. What's on your holiday playlist?
Seven.
The Taproot Holiday Pop-Up Shop opened yesterday. I had so much fun putting this together with the team, selecting the items and the makers that we'd feature. Each one of them inspires me in their work and creativity. Even if you're not interested in shopping, I encourage you to check out their stories, highlighted on each product page.
Eight.
Do you listen to Woolful? It's lovely podcast that I really enjoy, and the most recent episode - with the magical Tiff (Dottie Angel) - is a really special one.
Nine.
I am happy that hunting season (well, all but musket) is over. If only for the very petty fact that we aren't wearing orange all the time around the house. Ahem.
Ten.
Gingerbread cookies today. That's the plan, and there are a gaggle of children at my studio door, hungry from their rigorous Nutcracker rehearsal, ready to get going! And off we go....
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Have a most lovely December weekend, friends!
