Hearth and Home :)

Each year, as winter weather approaches (snow showers expected today!) I find myself seriously "feathering the nest" - and this year is no exception. Even in the midst of this crazy schedule, thoughts turn to making the home and studio a place of warmth and refuge, a place of comfort, a place of welcome.

Despite the holiday disarray (there are still boxes of decorations strewn about, and more than a few wood pieces stacked up in the living room) there are touches of comfort; afhgans and down lap duvets are thrown over sofa and chairs, spicy scented candles burn, herbal teas are brewed, and meals turn to comfort food. Last night I cooked up a large kettle of homemade vegetarian chili with buttermilk cornbread, and I think the howling wind blowing outside made it taste even better than usual.

Soon the holiday baking will begin, although probably in the evenings this year, as the days will be spent painting the last creations of 2007.

The Witch's Yuletide Pantry and Snow Queen's Sleigh I've been promising are still in the works, as are a few more doggie and kitty welcome signs. Listed now is the piece shown above - one I was sorely tempted to keep - a ceramic pie plate titled "Blessings of the Hearth". I could just see the holiday mince pie coming out of the oven in this one. :)

Wishing everyone all the comfort of your own home and hearth this season!

Blessings,
~ Carolee