Category: Random

poppy, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

We are celebrating a Japanese-style New Year’s with John’s family (and let me just add that their half-Siamese cat Tanuki immediately leaped onto my lap for the perfect furry welcome!) We slept last nite in futon spread out on tatami mats (so cozy!). After waking this morning I sat in the bedroom alone and meditated–the mats being such a perfect place for thoughtfulness in the morning light. Such peace.

Now we are gathered with extended family, my kids getting reacquainted with cousins that they haven’t seen in many years.

Tonite we will eat traditional Japanese foods prepared by John’s Mom *yum!*

I’ve not yet decided if I will set any New Year’s Revolutions. What about you, are you setting any goals for 2008?

The poppy flower in the photo above is from a plant on my back porch–it’s pink and yellow blossoms show through the window and bring me joy each time I stand at the sink!

kitty, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

CatGirl drew this picture (w/chalk and glue outlining on black paper) a few years ago and I came across it again recently and marveled at the ‘whimsy’ of this piece. And I just love the colors, too!

beach: self-portrait, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

Starting to get better at the self-portrait thing….

Here’s me, with the rosy setting sun turning my hair a warm reddish color.

IMG_5140, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

The presents are wrapped, the stockings are all full, and I am ready for bed. Deep breath….

What a wonderful season this has been. I can’t wait for tomorrow (or rather, a few hours from now!). And the joy that awaits as we open gifts, eat god food , and enjoy the peace that comes from spending time together.

Blessings and love to all of you!

clementine oranges, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

I eat several of these wee clementine oranges nearly every day. We have a big box of satsuma oranges for snacking on, too. Yum! :)

a mouse in our house, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

Yesterday I went on a Freecycle adventure (with the help of John, my lifter-of-things) and we came home with a lovely new area rug for our bedroom.

Since we acquired our living room rug I’ve been wanting something similar for the bedroom–to add some color and texture to such a simple space. The rug has beiges and greens and blacks, with just a smidge of purple. It looks great with the bed and the overstuffed purple chair in the corner.

EllyCat and TobyJoy aren’t so sure about the new rug, though. Last night they both perched near it, but not on it. As if it was invader in their space. Even placing Elly’s favorite mousy on the rug was no help in enticing her onto it. I might just sprinkle a bit of catnip on it and see if that helps.

Attempt blank of whatever., originally uploaded by mind on fire.

because I kept cracking up as Bonny was snapping pics…

me, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

I’m giving myself a month-long super-secret present for Christmas. Today was the first day of my gift. I’ll tell more later….

:)

PS: this was me sitting on the beach at sunset last year on Christmas day. fun!

persimmon, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

I’m in an agreeable state: busy, enthusiastic, curious.
~Isabelle Adjani

What’s your state?

PS: I’m just loving these two colors right now. Persimmon orange and sky blue. YUM!

with a bee, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

Are you as busy as a bee this season? I hope that you’ll find just a little time to sit back, sip a cup of tea, and smell the roses :)

color, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

This, my friends, is a hint of what’s happening in our family’s Christmas workshop…