First Open Studio Day

Yesterday I officially hosted my very first collective Open Studio sale! As much as we needed a good day-long rain, I was a little peeved at the sky for choosing yesterday to be that day. Nevertheless, a good handful of determined, wonderful folks came all the way up our mountain to pay a visit and browse some hand-made goods. Yummy cheese and crackers, along with Immortal Mountain chocolates were consumed, fresh Hibiscus-Ginger spritzers were imbibed (recipe follows), conversations flowed, and artwork was purchased. All in all, a success considering these artists and customers had a week's notice.

Now, everyone get your holiday gifts made and wrapped and then get ready for the next sale! (late January-early February)

Hibiscus-Ginger Spritzers

2 Tbsp organic ginger puree (from the jar)

2 Tbsp dried hibiscus petals (or 4 tea bags, from natural food store)

4 Tbsp organic agave nectar

1.5 cups water

Simmer these ingredients on low, stirring, for about 5 minutes. Strain, let cool, then mix into 2 liters of cold sparkling mineral water. Garnish with a fancy paper umbrella if you so desire and serve to excited guests.

Thanksgiving in the South

My favorite pics from Thanksgiving in Savannah. Better late than never, no?

My Dad and his shadow, Rip (the whippet)

A surprisingly decent spontaneous photo of Isadora and me.

OK, I apologize for the blurry pic (and sorry, Mom) but I had to put this one in. My mom as she uncovered the (in?)famous cucumber-dill-sourcream-gelatin-aspic-mold-relish. In the shape of a fish.

Food! Lots of delicious brown casserole foods in all their glory! We literally (and gladly) ate leftovers in some form or other for the next three days. Best part of Thanksgiving. My Dad petitioned for my Mom's turkey pot pie to be a new tradition. And yes, those are three types of stuffing in the foreground.

Family photo courtesy of Uncle Rick. Thanks!

Dad, me, Mom, Isadora, Rip

My Current Favorite Song

I just can't get enough of this song right now.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals "Stars"

Open Studio Day!

After much (much much) deliberation and emailing, I finally decided to host a last-minute Open Studio Holiday Sale! It's my first-ever installment of a new idea: regular Open Studio days here at my home. I have plenty of room in our studio-above-the-garage to set up a shop environment for customer-friends to come by and browse, and maybe even buy something. I was planning on my first opening being in late January or early February, and at the last minute (almost too late, perhaps?) the thought crossed my mind that I should host one before the holidays. Why oh why didn't I think of this sooner? Many more people could have participated. But even so, a handful of good friends and family members were able to round up some artwork to send me for this coming weekend. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. And I can't wait to see everyone else's work come together after the new year!

How's about this electrifying invitation??? Too crazy? Definitely.