beauty that moves

peaceful :: simple :: comforting {1}

While looking at our calendar for the month ahead, we both felt grateful for the freedom to choose our own Christmas Vacation from 'school'... yes, we took the liberty to add a few days on for good measure.

peaceful :: simple :: comforting

December is nearly upon us, what a festive time of year it is. I feel like slipping into a posting style this month of a photo or two, and just a few words each day. Keeping things simple seems like a good way to stay present to the magic and beauty of it all.

So please don't mind if things seem less wordy around here... I'm here, just quietly soaking it all in.

Here's to a month of peaceful, simple, and comforting posts.

and finally... an art sale!

Good morning!

Thank you for the opportunity over the last week to share a few holiday offerings with you. My Cash Budget Pouch FREE SHIPPING! sale will be held through the end of the month, then I will be closing that shop for a time. I'm not quite sure how long exactly, but I wanted to let you know.

To answer your questions about the coloring pages (thanks to all of you who scooped one up for yourself!), yes, there will be more designs in the future. I love the idea of offering these! Likely however, it won't be until after the new year. I will report any news here!

And finally, for those af you who are interested in art prints... there is a sale for you going on!

Buy any two prints, get a third for free! 

Write to me in "notes to seller" upon checkout stating which third print I should include.

Okay, this should conclude my handmade holiday offerings... please know that I am truly grateful for each and every moment you all spend here. Whether you are a supporter of my work through purchase or words of encouragement, I value each and every drop of your appreciation. Your generosity amazes me.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with beauty and peace.

a simple homeschool visit today

This morning, I'd like to invite you all to join me over at Simple Homeschool. My inaugural post is up! I'm so excited about spending a little time there each month (or so). It just wouldn't be the same if you weren't there too, so... shall we head on over then?

{Oh! I forgot to mention (many of you visit from readers and do not see the sidebars), I'm excited to be offering  a blank slate downloadable coloring page! How fun to add your own quote or poem. I do see more coloring pages of all varieties in the future, so fun!}

new traditions

I'm going to be fiddling with my blog design over the next several days... please excuse things looking funky and out of place on the sidebars for now. All will be fixed up soon. I wanted to expand my photo size a bit, and let me tell you, this is a huge exercise in letting go. There is no way I could ever go back and resize photos from over 700 posts! Deep breath, Virgo girl... embrace the imbalance.

{Watching the Senior Class Video, a gift from their teacher}

We hosted a gathering of friends in our home on Sunday evening. It was a wonderful time that left me with two thoughts I wanted to jot down here this morning.

First, having a party on a Sunday evening is the way to go. We started at 4:00, and everyone was on their way around 8:00. Here is why it works so well - everyone can make it!

People don't seem to have many obligations on Sunday evenings. Sports games for the kiddos do not occur on Sunday nights, usually. Anyone who is away for the weekend is coming back into town late on Sunday, being a work/school night and all.

And, if you're a big wimp like me, you will get to bed at a reasonable hour as it isn't a party into the wee hours kind of night.

See how perfect?

The second thing I realized, was that having a gathering the weekend before Thanksgiving was a wonderful way to s t r e t c h the holiday season just a bit, which I love the idea of!

It inspired me to add a little sparkle to my home for the holidays, and I found myself cleaning into those forgotten corners that seem to only get attention when guests are coming. Now I won't feel frazzled and rushed to tackle such things in December.

{The party was a reunion of sorts, in honor of Emily's graduating class of 2010. Her elementary school offered a unique experience for families - we all traveled from pre-school through sixth grade together, always in the same classroom... always the same kids, always the same parents and siblings (with some new siblings along the way!).The bond is deep and we love to gather as whole families, not just the children. All of the kids are in different schools from one another now, but the way they pick up right where they left off is remarkable. It is hard to put into words really, and honestly, the kids have no idea yet how unique their situation was all those years. I imagine they'll get it someday though, and I do hope they feel as blessed by the experience as all of us parents do feel.}

We will certainly be making this pre-Thanksgiving, gathering of friends, a new tradition in our home. What a perfect way to start the season.