BRRRRRR!

  We have been enjoying this winter wonderland very much despite the extreme cold!  Next week is a good friend of mine's birthday which we will be celebrating with a lovely dinner coordinated by moi, so I will share that with you soon.  In the meantime.....

a little poem written by my personal designer when she was five years old:

The snow rests peacefully on the ground.

The roses no longer bloom.

All the plants lay under the snow,

But in heaven it is always sunny.

Blow, boisterous wind, stern winter frown,
Innocence is a winter's gown, 
So clad, we'll abide life's pelting storm,
That makes our limbs quake, if our hearts be warm.
-William Blake

A Bit of Wonderful!

I have been keeping very busy since the start of the new year, but there is always room for a bit of wonderful!  Today, I will share with you a newfound (by me) artist/illustrator. 

I am steadily trying to improve my German language skills, and because of my love of art, one of my close friends gifted me a Daniela Drescher book for Christmas.  It is a wonderful gift; Drescher's illustrations are positively mystical!

Daniela Drescher was born in Munich, Germany.  She is an artist, children's illustrator and author, and a seasoned art therapist.   She now lives in the southwest of Germany with her husband and children. Her books are inspired by nature and the imaginative lives of fairies.     

For Christmas I received Ein Sommernachtstraum, which is Drescher's interpretation of a Midsummer Night's Dream.  Here are some examples of the enchanting paintings from Ein Sommernachtstraum.

Drescher's use of color is amazing!

Many of her books are also available in English.  They are excellent books to curl up with on a dreary day!  With a cup of tea, of course!

New Year 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday!  Ours was very quiet; I believe it is just what we needed!  Tomorrow is Epiphany,

 so the kings have arrived at the manger.  This was our great grandmother's creche. 

Some young friends of mine came for a tea party over Christmas, and they each received an angel that we made, along with a little poem. We sang and danced and made tissue paper rose windows.  It was delightful!

Sadly, tomorrow our tree comes down.  We have enjoyed many evenings sitting around the tree reading, knitting, playing board games, drinking tea, and reflecting.

  

Wishing you all a joy-filled New Year!