Merry Christmas to all

for any one who might stop by............ God bless you and your loved ones.
The solstice is past ,the day is bright and we will celebrate with loved ones tonight and tomorrow. We are truly blessed and thankfull. I send you love!

Taking a quiet moment

The season rushes on. I am taking a moment to breathe and appreciate. My life is blessed....not without its challenges. Isn't it funny to call the s**** that comes our way a challenge,but it would be even better not to think of it as "stuff "and just do it with ease. That is my goal!

I have been winding down on the decorations from the show. It gives me time reflect on new plans for creating......next year and even next week. I have heard some new people have visited this blog and Santa has stopped by to pick some things up for those new friends. I guess that would be one of my new goals, to expand the things I put here on the blog....to make new friends and make time for old. I miss some of family not with me anymore but am ever gratefull for good health good friends and the "old things" I come accross and lead to create

A Season Bright

Blessed and rested from a wonderful evening. Thank you to all who came and enjoyed Christmas with "The Withies". It was so good to see everyone and it was fun to share my "art" with you all. It is wonderful to show Friend's who don't know that part of me,what I do and am. That is one of the best things about doing shows and an open house like this. It is hard when people ask me what I do.........IT ALL..... is generally the answer. I have to create!

New things are in the works. New doors open and the journey continues. Excitement abound in the New Year. Just wait and see.........one thing for sure I will be hard at work expressing what is in my heart.

A BIG thank you to my children and grand children who helped me welcome as I opened my shop and home. They are the next best thing to cloning myself and as always my dear David.....supporting and cheering me on. Those of you who are with me at show know his quiet helpful presence. Thank you all!!!! Merry Christmas and New Year Blessings

I still have things all up and decorated[it may be this way 'till spring]. Many are returning and some have asked to bring friends. More are welcome!!!!!!!

the lights are up!!!!!

The shine is on and the proverbial stockings are hung by the chimney with care....and me, I will be ready to share.......all the goodies and lovelies. This Friday will begin the season and also mark the dated after which I will begin to simply enjoy the work of others. There are so many creative people who have been busy and Now I can enjoy!!!!!!!! Hope to see some of you on Friday

been too busy!!!!

I have not had time to blog or think about blogging. I am so amazed with you wonderful women who keep up with others blogs and have time to spend on your own.........in the midst of life as you live it. You all seem to know what everyone is up to. I want to play... I feel like I am standing outside the sand box.

Things like this Christmas show at my house have taken up so much of my time and I do need to create...but unless I am playing with others at a play date, it is a solitary thing for me. I don't feel lonely when I work... Only when I read others blogs.[Sigh] Back to work for me. It will be worth it when I can share all this with others. Please invite anyone who might enjoy what I have been creating

AN INVITATION

This is an invitation to a magical evening at my home. Come celebrate a "Withie's Christmas".
795 6th st. Lake Oswego 97034
We live in the First Addition neighborhood on the corner or 6th an E street. We will be lighted and welcoming. My family will be here helping and serving goodies.
I have been busy decking the "halls" for weeks and woud love to begin the season with your visit!!!

I've Been Busy

My house has been taken over by Christmas!

I have been busy as an elf. I am setting up trees and am making magic happen. I will be sending out notices for the evening of December 4th. 6pm 'till 9pm. Keep a look out for a reminder[formal] and come share some magic with The Withies. I will be assisted by my dear family.........in the house and the shop and........ In the kitchen!!! YUUUUMMMMMM! HOHOHO!!!!!!!

Yippeeeeeee!!!!!!!

Oh ,I love creative ladies!!!! We had such a great day creating magic!!!!! I could take hours going on about the real creativity I rubbed shoulders with today. These are women I have met at the shows I have done. I will mention names later but I could spend a posting about each!!!!!!

CREATIVITY........ how do I name thee!!!!!!!! I am in awe of the women ..... I would love to call them friends.......I would love to be among those you call friends. Sweet ladies..... sweet friends.....beauty is thy name!!!!!!!!! We will have fun!!!!!!!...,..... together.

A Good Read

I just finished reading "The Shack" It was so wonderful.... for me.......I heard ones either loves it or NOT. I did love it. It spoke to my heart. Just try it and if it is not for you STOP reading. I will read it many times......I can tell.

a visit

Robin's picture of my wild one!

Today I had a wonderful moment! It was a fearful, anxious moment which ended in a gift I will always remember. The doors to the green house were open and I saw Winston trying to catch a bird inside. I went.........I usually do and he knows it. the bird looked bigger than usual as as I drew closer I noticed it had a hooked beak. I knew it was a wild hawk and I knew that beak on a frightened bird could be scary. I took a breath and reached for "him" or I should say "her" feet and wings as if she were not wild. I gently caught her and looked into her eyes,golden and alert. She struggled only a little and I went to call David to show him. I was enthralled! As I spoke softly she struggled but then calmed as went to find a place to let her go. A place away from Winston. I placed her inside the laurel hedge and released my breath. I felt so blessed....not just because I helped her evade the fate that Winston had in store..........but I have always admired and felt some strange kinship to birds of prey. I love seeing them perched on freeway lights. I wonder when I see one take a sharp dive to catch the tiny morsel she has spotted. What an experience........ what a gift......what a visit.

beach memories

Still travelin'! We are now in Yachats and oh the memories..........we used to come here with the kids so many years ago. Yachats, a lovely small town still has a local feel and is a little too far from Portland to have the caught the "up scaleness" of local beach towns .

It reminds me of Morro Bay ............. more happy times with family.

Today we walked. The Overleaf Lodge is right up against the path that follows the cliffs all the way into town. I am a beach comber in spirit and fact. I love to pick my way down on the shoreline; remember me with my tail in the air in my garden. The same is true here at the beach. I used to collect agates with my little ones, sitting in the rocks and searching for little glowing pebbles. Sometimes I would find bigger pieces and you would think I had found true treasure. Today I picked agates again. David kept lookout for the sneaker waves. I think he just plane enjoyed sitting and watching..........several families of sea lions were fishing. We are so used to seeing them either lounging on the rocks in the sun or being fed fish in a zoo, and they are a real treat to watch in the surf. More picking... more finding.... a lovely time. I love the beach. I don't think I will ever give up my dream of living with a view of the water....any water will do. Oh well,dream on Julie. That's why they call them dreams.

get away on the south beaches

This is our first get away this Summer or should I say Fall? It was a busy Summer with shows, visits and a hot spell that kept me on garden alert. Well, seasons change and we had to move some tender plants into the greenhouse before we took off.

David has always wanted to stay at the Crater Lake Lodge. So we spent a lovely night there and were surprised to find out it was their last night before they close for the Winter. The lake is truly amazing. It was a bright and sunny day when we arrived.......... this made the lake a deep blue. When we left we were rushing ahead of an expected snow fall and the lake was a steel grey. Crater Lake is a real treasure and we would love to share it on a family vacation.

We are no over on the coast in Bandon. From 7000 feet down to sea level is quite a road trip. The rain arrived last evening and it appears it will be with us for the remainder of our trip. No problem........ I have some creative work with me and lots of books. David doesn't mind walking in the drizzle. We will do just fine!

Smiles and feathers

I am always amazed that there are so many times in each day that a little tap on my shoulder would be very appreciated. I have my children on my mind more than I would like. Or should I say I worry about my children......"duh" I am a mother, you say. Much of my spiritual work is in allowing my family to travel their own path and for me to bless them and send them on their way. This is a lot easier said than done but I guess that's the LESSON.

Each of "my babies" has taken a hit by this terrible economic climate. Keeping a positive outlook is a mater of survival and sanity. Again I say"much easier said........." I don't want to focus on problems or challenges. This will only give those "illusions" more energy. thus I come to the reason for this blog. To remind myself and anyone who might read this note to LOOK for and pay attention to the little messages that come our way. I find them in all sorts of places and opportunities. I receive my daily"notes from the Universe" sent directly via email. I also find them when I look down and find a feather. I collect those feathers and keep them in a jar. What is a joy to bend over to pull a weed and find a sometimes, a very tiny feather looking back at me. I am reminded I am not alone. Perhaps an angel was passing by and left me a tiny reminder to hope, breath and let go....!!!!!!!! My spirits are lifted.

Spirits can be lifted and funny bones tickled in other ways. I took Jason and Kate out to "happy hour" and believe me they need some. We had such a nice time being together and catching up with news about Lauren and Ashton[my grand children]. Other things always come up..........but there in Kate's glass was another "little message" or at least we laughed and looked at it that way. Thus the picture of the smiley face you see in the picture. You may not see it right a way but it changed and stayed and morphed into many charming smiles. We captured this one felt "tapped" and realized we are blessed and on the right path..... each....his and her own path.....plus our path together.

Fond Friends

It was so nice to be in the Tarte flea market. Thank you as always to Cindy for including me. I was a lovely day as well as a beautiful location [even with allergy issues]. We were next to the horse pasture and enjoyed his saying "hi" every now and then. It was as always so nice to see friends and make new ones. I had not had the opportunity to see Martha "Vintage Trifles" for some time. I use to be next to her often at Willow Nest shows in Mount Pleasant. Martha is an amazing artist as is her elf Patty. It was good to see the Christine Lefever doll artist extraordinaire and dear Gregory, her other....Yes a good day all around.

Did everyone see the Oregonian article yesterday? If not.... run to read the great article by Bridget Otto. She has become a regular at the shows and a fan of Barn House and Tarte. The bow to Willow nest as a friend and mentor was heart warming. The entire article picks up and breathes the air of all the creative souls and the bloggers who share the wonderful gypsy world of.......I have not found the proper word for who we are what we do and how we are all intertwined but I appreciate and love them all.

A LAND OF TARTE EVENT

I am sure the blog world is buzz with the news of the upcoming Flea Market at Tarte. This Saturday I will join Cindy and special vendors and guests for an event under the Autumn trees. I am very excited as I have been busy. I hear there is a friendly goat so my Fall produce will have to come out right before show time.... and believe me it will be show.

This picture was taken in England last year.

Autumn Arrives

The summer!!!!

The last days of Summer! My yard has that blowzy feel of blown roses and arching hollyhocks. They lean as the blooms have extended to top,spreading seeds along the length of tall fading plants. There are some younger plants just beginning to bloom at the base of the seniors. This and the new buds on the roses remind me that it is not the end but merely a transition. This is a good reminder that middle age can be as lovely as youth. Maybe the garden as well as myself does not have the vigor of spring but is still a joyous time blooming and spreading the bounty.A treasure acquired in the fullness of warm sunny days. I look back at picture of the garden. I see roses blooming when the first snow arrived. Perhaps all this is identifying a little too much with my garden but I look up and see the leaves and seeds swirling and yes DANCING!!!!!!!!!

The Tarte Flea Market

I am very excited!!!! I am going to be doing the flea market at The Land of Tarte. I admire Cindy's talent and charm and have always enjoyed working with her. We are going to have such a good time. The day [I am hoping] will be a wonderful example of Fall Glory!!! I am getting too excited aren't I!

Signs of Fall

The sunflowers have reached their full height and begun to grow heavy as they dry. The tiny birds have stripped the leaves almost bare. Did you think you had bugs or slugs? I did until I watched them on the giant leaves. an unexpected rain brought one o the smallest to it's virtual knees. Several of the other ones are resting their heads on the green house roof.

A change in the air

Fall!!!!! The colors have begun!!!!! One only has to look at the things that sing to my heart to know that I love this time year. The leaves begin to change and glow from within. Even the dying leaves dance as they swirl to the ground[ I know I have to rake them up!] but I can appreciate the dance.

A Weekend Away

We had a wonderful weekend in Seattle. Andre was the best man at his oldest friend's weeding. He and Ted met when they were 3 in preschool. What treat to watch them still standing next to one another. I was beautiful. He and his bride,Lauren folded 1000 cranes for the reception.

While there we visited Pike's market of course and the antique mall there. Rose[Andrew's sweetie] and I dropped in and were looking around. I saw a small mannequin and it caught my eye, being that I MAKE MANNEQUIN ANGELS. As I looked closer I started to notice familiarities. My gosh it was one of mine and I saw the signature on the back. I think the ladies they use to come to Willow Nest . We continued on and I looked up and there was another one. You know I still am pleased with them.

The Flowers at the market we amazing. You know me and flower photos. Well I took a FEW. This time of year it is the dahlias. The colors were amazing. Yes I think they will go next to the green house next year. The GIANT sunflowers are so heavy that the rain made them fall. They are peeking through the glass roof.I am not sure the birds can get to them.

When we were in Fremont area I was asking some ladies in Essenza where i should go for MAGIC. They told me about a mixed media artist who has a store. MAXINE"S. Short story we couldn't find it but I looked it up on line and we were so close. Check it out. For sure next time.

getting ready

I am doing a Fall look for the Lake Oswego show but here are some things I may have there also. Some witchy things are in the works but..........

GROWING!!!!!!!!!!

A late start for these sunflowers.........they have made up for the late start and he birds have noticed.

Return to creating

It is good to have guests but also good to get back to work. Her are some powder jars Linda gave me. I did the rest!!!

On the Road Again

I just got an email from L&L. They took off early this morning and made it to near Klamath. They blew out a bearing on the trailer..Oh My! I won't go into all but they are safe. Let's send the road Angels to help!!!! They may be there for awhile. The bad news is there is no phone signal there. Oh well thanks to modern technology the is always the world wide web.

It is a long way back to Texas. We had a nice visit with them and it is always good to hug !!!!!!

L&L are like family. Willow Nest has been a big part of my creative history. I have come a long way. My work has grown and changed;much of that due to the feedback , cheers and lessons I have learned. I was really amazed at my growth and ability to take in info. with more calm and open mindedness than I have in the past. I have defended and been wounded when I should just have listened. I guess I am growing. I am definitely more at peace with my work and myself.

David and I will miss our buds!!!!! It was good to sit and share our beers and wine in our wonderful yard.We are surrounded by the projects which Ludmil has touched. We added some new touches. These things we have missed since the move.

Well Texas you are getting back my teachers, friends and creative soul mates. Enjoy them! Keep them safe,deep in the heart of Texas. I for one am not going there 'till it cools off!!~!~!!!!!!!!

Play Date/Play Mates

Oh did we have a good time1 Robin[Tweets] came to play and learn from Natalie[Sparrow] for a day of paper, soldering and snacking at my house. It took us a little while to get down to work 'cause we were enjoying the garden and touring the rest of my little world. It is such fun to spend time with soul sisters. We share,encourage and cheer each other on in all of our endeavors and challenges. WE all have something to teach to each other. We are all accomplished at something....... it is that we have to remember when our confidence flags. New cheers, new eyes to see our world and ourselves. This is the gift of girlfriends!

Peek

I was there.... for a visit at BH. They are all a buzz!!!! Busy as bees. What a treat it will be for everyone. I visited the kitten friends I made at the flea market. My how they have grown. Oops the I go with kitty talk again. I am going to share a picture Robin took on a visit......they are so charming!!! She is welcome to play at my house anytime. We had so much fun we forgot to take pictures.

I can't to hear[or should I say read] the blog buzz after the great event. Do have fun!!!!!!! I did...and you all will be buying.

FLASH

For those of you who may have marked your calender for the Lake Oswego antique fair. I really goofed. The CORRECT date Is SUNDAY ,SEPT. 13 9am-4pm. Hope to see lots of people!
I am looking forward to Barn House/ Willow Nest sale and then the Tarte/ Willow Nest sale. Good luck and see you there.

A change in the air

The cat is asleep on my lap. I promise not to keep blogging about him.

The weather has changed. Autumn is inching ever forward. Now I will begin the cutting albeit slowly of spent holly hocks. The asters will soon be blooming the autumn joy sedum will be blushing. The first of the fall blooming cyclamen are up. I will get a picture of these sweet babies ans share.

I am cleaned of projects on my surfaces. Linda and Ludmil will be back but then the projects will come out. I am enjoying seeing the cleared top of my big table. It won't last long The first weekend in Sept. is coming fast and I have decided to jump on Fall season in my booth at the Lake Oswego antique fair[1stSUNDAY] in Sept.

You did it!!!

WINSTON has returned. Unlike my other kitty Ivy,Winston did not end up as a coyote snack. He was crying at the back door when I got up. It was just like I imagined,to see him there. Thank you for the prayers and wishes. I wish I knew where he was. He is much thinner and was as glad to see me as I him.

Thanks......... See This..........

Thank you for the many wishes for my Winston. I have a hole in my heart. Every time I hear little bell my heart leaps.

On a lighter note we went to see "Julia/ Julie" yesterday. What a treat. Charming doesn't quite do it justice for me. As I sit here blogging...her journey on a blog was a hoot. It was reading others talk about their blogging that finally gave me the courage to jump in. I am still treading water but gaining confidence!!!!!!!!!!! Their relationship with food....Mine but why is neither of them fat. My picture I am sure would look very different. Just go and enjoy.

Linda and Ludmil are off at Barn House setting up the magic. they leave in their wake a lovely gift of warm time together...laughs and a new space for me to be in my shop. I only hope I can 1-find things 2-Keep it that way. Maybe I am in luck they only come once a year! I do so appreciate all they did. They are busy, busy trailing loveliness!!!!!!!!!!

cherished house guests

The Texans have arrived! So good to have our buddies back in the NW. They are loaded and today at Barn House getting the lay of the land. I do hope everyone turns out for the EVENT!

I blue today as my cat Winston is missing. Robin got a lovely picture she sent to me and I so hope that is not the final one. Thank you Robin. I am still hoping...........

The other picture are of the project dear Linda and Ludmil took on. THEY TOTALLY REDID MY SHOWROOM. You can never know what a major job that was. Such sweet friends. Linda is the master editor. Have a lot of product in my basement. I also am ready for the Lake Oswego antique fair. It is the first weekend in Sept. Come say hi! It is not nearly the event that Tarte and BH have but it is only 2 blocks from home. That is nice!

Returning to my garden

At last the days are cooler. I can go into the garden for something other than panic watering. I have missed my time in the evenings to just wander through the garden and enjoy[while picking weeds]. I am not a heat loving or even a heat liking or even a heat tolerating person. One

only has to ask my family. I never thought 90 degrees would look good

.

The garden has had a difficult time this year. Spring was cooler and things started slowly. Then the heat has burned a lot of things. Winter was hard on things too. I guess others wouldn't notice but I' bet black spot is having it's way with other rose gardens and come to think of it they[the roses] are looking much happier after the heat wave

.

The hollyhocks;from which my little house takes it's name, are much shorter this year.This has made David happy because there was less staking. The Lillies aren't as many either. I don't know why after all these years I'm seem to be noticing these quirks.

I planted giant sunflowers on the side of the green house. They are GIANT but are just beginning to develop the flowers. I love to watch the finches and nuthatches hang upside down to feed on the seeds.

All and all these are small things. I love to find the blue jay feathers as I am weeding. I love to have the hummingbirds dive at my head as I go out the back door. I love watching the sparrows bathe in the bowl hanging from the teutere and rose. My garden is a real joy and job. Am I right gardeners??????

Thank you Robin for the wonderful pictures. Please come back. There is something so nice about sharing the garden as well as seeing it with new eyes.

Linda and Ludmil are arriving from Texas. There is also something about having guests that makes one "tidy" up. Much nicer word than clean!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures from our farmers market