Plugging along adding more patterns and writing instructional articles.  I am currently tossing around ideas for March/April Chip Chats issue... anything you all want to learn?  Patterns you'd like to see?  send me an e-mail :)   Until then keep warm!

Been a while since I blogged.  right now I am racing to finish commissions, new patterns, a book proposal, helping plan a wood art festival, baking cookies, singing songs with the kids, shopping for the perfect gifts, and trying to stay awake long enough to have quality time with my wonderful husband.

There are many exciting things coming up in 2011, here's a sample...  My first article as columnist for Chip Chats comes out in January and includes a great new pattern with instructions (be sure and check it out (www.chipchats.org for information)... Then there is the Winter Wood Wonders Festival  check that one out at www.WinterWoodWonders.com.  Many exciting events at Lifeforce Arts Center in Chicago, check that out at www.Lifeforcearts.org

Well, gotta go... cookies are done and it's time to decorate and eat.  Blog ya later!!!

Earlier this week I looked out my studio window, the ornamental glass reflected a kaleidoscope of white. Snow covered the ground with a hushed beauty.  I pondered this wonderful time for creative hibernation.   

For a change… I had no where I needed to go.   

It reminded me of the Bear. 

Giving birth in the silence of Winter, nurturing new life in the warmth of her den all energy focus within that private space.  Now, I know bears don’t actually hibernate, their bodies adjust to allow them to retreat within during the long winter months.

They remain completely alert and ready to act, they rest but remain conscious.    During this time they don’t need to eat, no outside nourishment is necessary all is contained within.  

They don’t need to eliminate, bowel and bladder shut down during the winter so there is no need to leave the warmth of the den.  Nothing is discarded.  

There is a true joy in the forced isolation, the gift of time to work with minimal distraction allows me to pursue new avenues of thought, ideas, experiments.   

When I come out of my studio (den) in the spring I will have given birth to exciting new art.   

I hope you will all take some time to enjoy the blessings of the remaining winter.  The days grow longer, and soon the silence will be a memory as we welcome the joyous awakening of spring.

Continuing to work... Thanks to all of you who stopped by to give feedback.  It was a pleasure meeting you all.