I ventured out on Black Friday – but not to purchase gifts. I was looking for tarps and covers to shield my grill, smoker, and a bunch of other things around the yard. Crowds in my shopping categories were surprisingly small and I was able to get in and out unscathed! 🙂

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I know this is the craziest of days. It has always seemed like sales for Christmas start earlier and earlier. This year – even more so – as it seems there is a huge pent up demand to just GET OUT. I’m already tired of “news stories” covering the myths and realities of the dangers of poinsettias, when to start thawing whatever you have in the freezer for the next big meal, and the “must have latest and greatest never before seen” thing of the moment.

Like most artists and small businesses in general, we are not offering any huge slashing sales. But I do hope that, as people shop, they will remember all the many artists and craftspeople who create beautiful, fun, interesting, extraordinary work and who need the support of the buying public – especially during the winter months when shows are at a minimum.

In our house, we have been through a “season” of odd repair needs. The stress and expense of dealing with numerous different companies (some good – a very small number really awful), was rough. But things are settling down now and we are starting to put things back together. Through all this, we were reminded of the massive stress that thousands of people around this country and the world endure when their lives are turned upside down (sometimes for decades with no end in sight). While we were stretched very hard – we also feel incredibly grateful and thankful for the many blessings in our lives.

I hope that you and yours have much to be thankful for this year and that the holidays will be a time of peace, joy, and hope!