December days. The weather is dim, wet, the sky very low and filled with purple. Afternoons out, nights in, mornings dark with candlelit showers. Early Sunday morning I found myself driving out to Powell Butte where I sat in the morning-bright, cold-blowing wind and looked at the mountain. The sun rose, glowing white behind the thin layer of clouds. I had hot coffee, and one of those jacket-hoods with fake fur, a zipper that went up to my nose, and drawstrings, which I tightened. It was glorious.
Deep breath, in and out. The tree is trimmed, the lights are up, the parties are scheduled, the gifts have been shipped. There are cards to write and cookies to bake, but those are the things I look forward to. I'm still knitting the pink sideways coat. That thing is taking forever, and honestly, I'm not trying too hard to finish it. Andy's crocheting a great big whale, which is super rad. For the past few months, we've been putting together things for a tiny play kitchen for Mimi for Christmas. I'm quite sure I've already spent many more hours with it and and enjoyed it as much as she ever will (so. much. fun.) but I can hardly wait to play with it with her. The flannel sheets are on the bed, and I fall asleep before I can even open my book. I got a few chores done, and I feel like things are trickling now, and that's how I like it. That's how I like winter here. Slow, dark, and simple, molasses in a chocolate-ginger cookie. Because our girl's on a tolting run, most of the time. A beautiful whirlwind I counter-balance with hot tea and lots of sitting with my feet up at the end of the day.
I'm in search of a candlelight Christmas concert. Would you know of any pretty ones?
***I just read this post of Heather's — it's so lovely. She has such an honest, beautiful way with words, and motherhood, and everything.
The merriest sights... Especially the whirring girl as she dashes through her world!
Merry and bright... All the days, and nights!'
She's getting to be such a little girl--no more babyhood for her! So sweet. Love your pictures. Happy holidays to you all.
Lovely pictures!!! The link didn't work for me.
Can you tell me where your sweet teacup/spoon/saucer are from? Love the pattern!
The icy cold of winter is wonderful isn't it. I like your calm approach to Christmas, I'm trying to achieve the same here. Still lots to do though. But it will get done or it won't get done, either way it'll be fine. I love your beautiful carved wooden spoons, and the basket of well-used books by the bed. And it's good to see the little people doing a bit of Christmas crafting of their own. These first little decorations are the ones you'll treasure most I think. CJ xx
The link at the end isn't working?
Lovely as always-I've been following your pins and picturing the cute kitchen set up you must be making!
Oooops, sorry -- it should be fixed now!
What beautiful pictures! Everything sounds so nice and cozy! blessing to you!
Love all your images.. it's such a treat when I see your blog pop to the top of my list. I love how Mimi is running at full tilt through life! I finished my silk/alpaca shawl.. (just posted pix) and I'm going to wear it downtown in a few minutes to meet my sisters for lunch at the Brasserie Montmarte, then we'll window shop down to the Pioneer Square to see the big lighted tree! Woohoo! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
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*H*A*P*P*Y* * *H*O*L*I*D*A*Y*S*!*!*!*
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Such gorgeousness, I love the contrast of all the glittering light with the winter dark - and the busyness of the season with its deep quiet.
why walk when you can run? ;) your lil darlin' is precious. love all the Christmas cheer in this post.
oh what days you have....remembering similar times years ago makes my heart ache and smile at the same time. little muffs are just so precious this time of year (and any time of year for that matter), just a little extra sparkly and snugly and dear.
I do struggle with winter. It looks pretty but I so can't wait for spring already
That cute girl dining at the table ♥
And the girls playing..you have so many joys in store for you Alicia!
And.. I ♥ that spoon!
Hope you put some of those sweet felt ornaments on your tree. And, is that a St. Lucia crown I see? Still can't get my oldest sister to do her part & bring us some yummy buns on the 13th!! That little one is the sweetest thing ever. So much fun at that age - enjoy all of the wonders of the season. Big Hugs.
Another lovely post! I like how you put into words that slowing down we need which balances the little ones constant go during the day. Exactly! And also love the green felt project - so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing!
Such a lovely cosy pody Alicia! Love the photos of Amelia making Christmas Tree decorations, your tree looks wonderful, I love winter time :-) x
Have you seen the pattern at Ravelry called Vanilla Cloud Set? I thought of you and Mimi the minute I saw it. :) I love that so many of the photos of your beautiful girl are blurred with her rushing toward something exciting! I'm happy that you share her with us out here in blogland. :)
What a beautiful life!
I love Christmas and it is such a pleasure to see you and your sweet family enjoying it as well. Some days I feel like Amelia looks, rushing through life, but others just float by slowly in a mist of rain and woodsmoke. Your home looks so festive and I love the Santa Lucia crown!
For a lovely Christmas concert with candles but also lots and lots of glowing Christmas lights, we love to go to the Grotto in PDX http://www.thegrotto.org/christmas/
They have five different choirs each night and we have never been disappointed. They also have children's activities, food and just looking at the lights. It is outside, except the choir performances, which are in a warm and lovely chapel. So you need to be prepared with your warmest coats and hats and footwear and try to choose a night when it is not rainy if possible. Have the happiest of holidays.
Lovely pictures, lots of cozyness:)
My favorite time of year:)
I have lights strung all over. It's something I picked up from you. It's so pretty. They are on all day.
I completed 3 quilts this year: one last night and another a week ago. I just love your quilts because they are so warm and 'homey'. Now I have two of my own and another waiting for Christmas for my daughter's bed. All your designs and inspiration. Thank you.
Love the St. Lucia crown! I'm planning on making St. Lucia buns on Saturday, but didn't have the costume yet for my little girl. What a great idea for one!
I know you love to bake, so give these St. Lucia buns a try!
http://missyvanee.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-snowy-saturday.html
Your morning at the mountain sounds glorious. I love your slow and easy Christmas season- that's exactly the way I like it too. Have a lovely week.