Don’t worry, I’m still here! I just recently finished my Master’s in Writing for Children from Simmons College (hooray!) which turned out to be pretty all-life-consuming. And now that all the papers and the manuscripts and the mountains of reading are done, I’ve been revelling in all the good things, like travel and friends, that I missed out on during my grad school hibernation.

I had a vibrant summer full of birthday parties, vacations and new babies and already my fall has launched with good friends, farm fresh food, my first attempt at canning vegetables, and camping.

I’ll try to get back into the swing of things posting pictures of my handmade crafts and local adventures, but in the meantime, please visit me at ShopTalk, The Eric Carle Museum Bookstore’s blog. I blog there regularly about my one true love – picture books – and would love to have you join in the conversation. Hope to see you there!

 

Some days you just feel beat.  After a fun, but crazy busy week at work, I’ve felt like doing nothing but crashing.  And my cats, who play hard during the day, really know a thing or two about taking it easy.  They remind me that once in a while, after a hard week, it’s okay to go to bed early or sleep in late.  Just take it easy.

Yesterday, I was finding hearts everywhere!

This year I was a bit too busy for valentines, but I did find these fun ones I made a few years ago.  I took around a pink paper heart around my yard and took photographs of it in the snow, in the tree branches, in the flower pot.  Then I printed the photos and glued them to card stock and sent a little love of nature to all my valentines.

Did you make or receive any cute valentines this year?

In honor of this bright and sunny Valentine’s Day, I have rounded up some of my favorite love-related finds:

Lovebirds print by Geninne.  I just can’t explain how cute birds are in knit hats.

I would love to make one for my front door!

Photo by Studio Dreyer Hensley via sweet paul.

Photo: polyvore via Design*Sponge.

I heart woodgrain.

Knot Love Gocco Print by paperdaystudio.

The cutest printable valentines from Sarah Jane Studios.

A mailbox full of love letters.

Photo via The Storque.

Celebrate love with sparklers and a party.

Photo: Green Apple Photography via Ruffled.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I just love seeing the magic that talented sewers and fashion designers create.  I especially love salvaging a thrift store castoff and turning it into fashionista heaven.  Over at Grosgrain she’s done it again.  A big lipstick-red mumu has been transformed into a gorgeous cocktail dress – just in time for a cute Valentine party or special date.  And best of all, she’s giving it away!  Now that I’m all inspired, I wish I could put all my grad school work aside and break out that sewing machine.

Love these stylized book jackets and matching bookmarks by artist Igor Udushlivy, especially the arrow bookmark for Robin Hood and the White Rabbit’s ears for Alice in Wonderland. Looks fabulous and makes reading even more fun!

(via Kitsune Noir and Icoeye)

Strange snow formation on skylight or Jackal-headed Snow God?

2009 was lovely.  Full of happy moments with family, friends, nature and two fluffy black cats.  Winter walks, easter egg hunts, gardening and hikes, birthdays, weddings, and good homemade food.  Here’s to many more beautiful moments in 2010.  Happy New Year!

It’s really cold today, but I am cozy inside pretending I am in a forest of beautiful white birch trees, tromping pleasantly through the snow.  And as I peruse the wonders of Etsy under the warm comforts of a hand-crocheted blanket and two dreaming cats, I am pleased to find so many who share this birch tree love.

1. Screenprinted art print by strawberryluna.

2.Tealight candle holder by snowowlwoodshop.

3. Forest wall decal by HutchMe.

5. Original gouache painting by lisacongdon.

6. Silver birch bark ring by esdesigns.

Stay warm!

After a stressful, chaotic October, this New England November has been in contrast extremely mellow and calm and well…quite mild.  I’ve never seen this before, but my sweet rose is still blooming.  Just one of those magical months, I guess…

Happy December!

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