The last sunset of 2012!

Annual studio clean-up has begun!

Years of vintage button accumulation, finally all in one place.

Of course I had a million things to do today, the first day back after a week of traveling to be with our families for Christmas.  This button project wasn't on the priority list, but I couldn't stop once I got started.  Besides, it was fun.  More fun than anything on the priority list.

My friend Sarah and I had been wanting to do a fun snowy photo shoot for awhile. Last Saturday, a few hours after an impromptu morning text message, she was at my house, knee deep in snow as we took advantage of some unexpectedly perfect sunset lighting.

We didn't really have a plan in mind and ended up raiding my house for festive props...grabbed the ornaments and presents right from the living room tree! I'm a believer in the idea that most of the time the best things happen when you least expect them. Really pleased with the way these images turned out and there were such little prep work and preconceptions! In my heart of hearts I feel that the images genuinely reflect my personality and photographic style. That's super exciting and rewarding as an artist!
























I'm writing this post from a rented cabin up north where we are spending a few days with my husband's family. Hoping the pictures on this post will not turn out blurry like the last time I tried to post remotely (fingers crossed). There's no high speed Internet at the cabin and I'm using my iPad...not an ideal blogging combo...but I won't complain!

Wishing you a magical holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!
XoXoXo

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

...but inside it's so delightful...

 ...as long as you love me so...

*LET IT SNOW!*

*LET IT SNOW!*

*LET IT SNOW!*

Out the front door this morning!

Today I'm doing some menu planning for our upcoming festivities.  I need to be prepared in advance as we will be on the road most of the week, first traveling up north and then down south.  My plan is to cook and bake everything tonight and tomorrow, freeze, then grab and go as we pass through.  It sure would be easier if our families all lived in one place!

I've picked a few recipes from a book my Grandma made for me years ago.  It was to be a wedding shower gift, a tradition she had started for her four granddaughters.  Since it took awhile for me to get married, she gave in and I got my book early.  In my youth, and for a few years thereafter, I had a big crush on Kenny Rogers, so she included Kenny's recipe for Country Chicken Salad in my book!

We're expecting an overnight snowstorm, continuing through tomorrow.  Winter Storm Advisories are out, schools are already closed and the salt trucks have been preparing all day.  I'm all ready to be snowed in tomorrow!  Maybe I'll break out the old Kenny Rogers albums!

Just finishing up the last custom order to be mailed in time for Christmas.

I'm knitting a headband and matching neck warmer.

Lucky is watching, and I'm about to be pounced on...

Lucky the Studio Cat

Funny little guy.

The angels are always near to those who are grieving,

to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God.

-From The Angels' Little Instruction Book

Like everyone else, I'm trying to come to terms with the monstrous school shooting in Connecticut.

I wish my little nephews lived closer so I could hug them tight.  

There's no place like home...

I'm visiting my parents for a couple days. Love being here, in the house I grew up in,
especially when it's decorated for Christmas.

Happy Happy Happy!

Laughed out loud when I first saw these socks in the store.

Thought the individual toe part might bug me, but it isn't so bad.

Completely worth any minor discomfort to look down at my feet and giggle at random times throughout the day!

Just got back last night from a weekend in Illinois, where I participated in Ladies Night Out, a holiday sale at the Woodstock Country Club.  It was a fundraiser for my nephews' school, and just a lovely evening at a lovely setting with lovely people.  Thank you so much to all the wonderful ladies who offered such nice words of support and encouragement.  Thank you, thank you.

After the sale on Friday, the rest of the weekend was family hanging out time.  My parents were also in town for a visit.  We all really love being together.  We're lucky like that!  I slept in the bottom bunk in my youngest nephew's room, and several times during the night I heard him giggling in his sleep.  Warmed this Auntie's heart right up!

It's good to be silly!

My sister was quite pleased to have some female adult helpers for their annual tradition of decorating gingerbread houses!

We went to a Christmas tree farm on Sunday.

Then I had a four hour drive home.  I'm pooped!