Books about stuff

So I just finished reading a few books that I must recommend. The Tilting House and The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. Months ago, Fig and I were browsing Kings Books and I saw The Tilting House on a display of local authors, I think. I was immediately drawn to it because of the awesome cover art. Really good stuff. The story is pretty good, too. Lots of mystery and adventure, crammed into a small book. A really nice, quick, fun read.

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The Physick Book was one I picked up right before we left Las Vegas. Its been sitting on the shelf (and in a box) for almost six months. When I finally decided to pick it up, I could hardly put it down. A wonderful mix of history/witchcraft/New England meets Da Vinci Code/National Treasure adventures and suspense. It was one of those stories that stays with you long after you've put it down. I would read for a few hours before bed and then stay awake thinking about the characters. I couldn't wait to get home from work to start reading it again. I'm so glad I stumbled upon it and I can't wait to see more from this author.

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Blog Love: Common Threads

I've neglected to mention a wonderful encounter I recently had with fellow blogger/etsy-er, Jessi from Common Threads. She was generous enough to feature my cards in not one, but TWO blog posts! It really is amazing how many wonderful, kind, lovely people one meets when they enter the Etsy world.
Check out the creative, interesting posts on the Common Threads blog and the excellent creations in their Etsy Shop.

Source: Common Threads

Source: Common Threads

Holiday hubbub

As I am not yet fully convinced that anyone reads this blog, it is very easy for me to find excuses not to make new posts. And then, once I have put off posting for a considerable period, it gets more and more difficult for me to create a new post because I start feeling guilty and wanting to make my next one spectacular...which becomes a daunting task all on its own. I never make New Years resolutions, because I am crap at keeping them, but I am resolved to make 2011 a year that I blog consistently. Which means I still have a few days left in 2010 to slack off...

Anywho, I hope that you, dear reader, had a wonderful winter holiday. Ours was nice and low-key. Due to budget cut-backs I had the whole week before Christmas off from work. I spent most of the time puttering around Grandma and Grandpa's house, baking with Grandma and watching court TV with Grandpa. We didn't really do gifts this year, though there were a few here and there, and not having to spend weeks stressing and shopping with the masses was SO nice. I like not having to worry about buying people stuff. Of course, I did get some presents for a select few, and received a few myself, but I really did enjoy a bit of giftlessness this year. I know I'm not the only one to touch on this rant, but I do think the holidays have become too much about consuming and not enough about just enjoying time spent with people we love and being thankful for what we have.

That said, I was given quite a few wonderful gifts. I haven't taken any photos, but I do have these from the websites:

Lovely teacups from Anthro. I LOVE sipping tea from these.

Another wonderful item from my Anthro wish list. I'm still not sure what to hang on this fella's hook, but I do think he is adorable.

Hands down, coolest bottle opener ever! The clothes at Anthro are really lovely, but I really just want EVERYTHING from their home collection.

This is Barrel from The Nightmare Before Christmas...I loved this plush when I opened it! This picture is from this website, though I must say the Barrel I have does not look nearly as creepy as this one in the picture.

New listing in the shop!

I just listed this 5 pack of a few of my most popular cards, in a slightly smaller size.

Since my mom and I have both moved back to the area and will be spending Christmas at my grandparents house, my grandma decided to put up a tree this year. She has all sorts of funky, adorable, old Christmas decorations and ornaments that she hasn't used in years since no one has been here to celebrate with her and my grandpa. My mom and I spent the better part of this afternoon helping grandma put up the tree, decorating, and reminiscing over the memories we have of all of her ornaments and decorations. It was such an enjoyable Sunday afternoon and the tree looks so cozy in their living room!

Postcards!

Just listed these new postcards in the shop!

Just some updated versions of my current cards. Printed on heavy card stock with a nice glossy finish.
More to come soon!