Okay . . .

I just had to share this picture of these two gorgeous grandchildren. Here is Weston - 4 and Walker almost 7 months. Christmas blessings around!"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
-- Dr. Seuss

Rethinking things . . .

First - I want to thank everyone who has sent me notes here and privately after Dad died. It really means a lot.

I have been rethinking things and I feel very free - very confident - very sure of my path - quite unusual for me on all fronts. I am going to put this blog on the back burner for a while. I may return after Christmas with the New Year - or maybe not.

After a while, it seems kind of like drivel to me - I mean of course I have gorgeous grandchildren and I even make some nice stuff and buy some pretty things. I have a great Scotty dog and we take fun trips with friends. But if I am going to continue to blog, for me, it will have to be about something more - and I am not sure what that might be that would be worthy of my writing the words and of your time to read them. If I were to start a shop, then I would want to blog again. If I were to teach again, then I would want to blog again. If I were to create patterns or write books, then I would want to blog. If I could find the wisdom to solve the world problems, then I would blog again. So far, I have done none of those things. But, I thank you for stopping by as you have.

And - I want to wish you all a wonderful holiday season - whatever season you celebrate. It is my plan to have a Merry Christmas with all that comes with that joy. And to everyone, blessings on you with a Happy New Year!

continuing . . .

Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.
-- Flavia Weedn

Dad's funeral was Saturday in Missoula. Lots of family and friends gathered to share good memories and some tears. We got home Sunday and yesterday I was a vegetable. Today was only a bit better -

Weston and Walker were out here today. They are cute guys and make my heart sing. Weston is getting so grown up. I guess I don't realize it until they are here together.

Then I went into the mall and did my walking and some shopping. Macy's had a good sale on Fiestaware and I have always wanted red dishes - now I have them - a set of eight and a pitcher. I will add more later - or not. Red makes my heart happy and I will eat on them every day and remember Dad. He would have loved these red dishes so I have them in his honor.

My Dad . . .

Dad passed on December 1 - at about 5 pm. He would have been 91 the day after Christmas.

He was born at home on a family Montana homestead in 1918 during the horrible flu epedemic. He was one of 8 children and his mother died when he was 16. He was then not able to finish high school, but went to work to help with the 2 younger children so they could finish. Education was important to him. He loved my mother with all of his heart - his face would light up when she entered the room. That never changed.

He taught me to draw as a child. We drew many pictures of horses together. He taught me geometry when it didn't make sense. He would give it meaning from his memory of the "postulates and theorems". He taught me the Gettysburg Address from his memory when we rode to town to take wheat to sell at the elevator. He taught me to love family and work hard. He always said, "never make decisions of the heart based on finances".

I love him and I will miss seeing him, but I know he will always be with me.

I love you, Dad.