Catch Up Time

It's been a super cold December for the most part. Today though is oddly warm (upper 70's) and muggy, which makes it feel even warmer. Weird.

It's also been quite awhile since my last post. December is always a hectic month for me and this one was no exception. With my mother-in-law living with us now, I have even less free time for writing. We had a couple of looonnngggg appointments at the hospital this month - a series of tests - to see how her cancer is doing and to see what the radiation did for her. We have to wait until January 7 to hear the results. That's so far away and waiting is hard. Especially since she has not felt well at all these last few days. We think a medication is bothering her stomach. Today is really bad and I feel so sad for her. She is a trouper, but it is no fun to have a belly-ache.

Regarding my storytelling career:
I did do a few storytelling events in the first half of the month. A big one was for NorthPark Mall here in Dallas. The crowd was so huge that not everyone could stay to hear my stories. I had a really good time telling holiday/seasonal stories for the Plano Homestead too. It was a very cold night, but we were cozy in the ram barn. Yes, I said "ram barn". The critters were out in the pasture and the barn was cleaned out, hay laid down, lights strung, and bales put out for sitting. It was rustic. A victorian era St. Nick came in to warm up and listen to some stories, and Starbucks was giving out free drinks and pastries. Fun, fun evening! My local storytelling guild had their party and it was a brutally cold night, with the weather people advising folks to stay in. BUT, we had a wonderufl turnout anyway and when it was over we all had the task of driving home in ice covered vehicles on roads that were rapidly icing over. We storytellers don't like to miss a gathering!

Regarding my artistic creations:
I have discovered felting!!! It is so much fun. I bought several old 100% wool sweaters at the thrift store and shrunk them. Then I cut them up and sewed two funky neck scarfs that I patched together and embroidered on. Currently, I'm working on a tote bag. I also sewed a wine gift bag & added old jewelry and buttons into the design.

Jeff gave me a new camera and I'll take pictures of my new creations as soon I get a memory card for it. I have a new blog that is just for my art and when I find the time (hah-hah-hah, I crack myself up. >snort<) I'll get that ready for viewing.

Oh dear one last thing, my sister Ruth was supposed to fly in from Albany, New York for a few days and due to weather her flight was cancelled and she couldn't reschedule it and leave enough time for a decent visit. She didn't come >sniffle<>

So, that's it for now. It's back to work for me next week. I have to organize my papers for taxes - YUCK! I also have a story program early in January on birds for the DMA that needs touching up. We are going to look at a lot of Japanese ceramic art...etc. There a lots of birds in their designs. I want to create a mini shield too that will relate to an African piece made out of bird feathers. One thing is for certain folks - I am NEVER bored.