My Craft Fair Experience of 2020

  Here where I live November is an inglorious month. It is mostly grey, the beautiful leaves are usually swept away with wind storms, and  the rain pours down. However, for me November holds a promise that other months do not and that is the promise of craft fairs.

Oh craft fairs! They fill me with so much joy. I am not someone who feels overwhelmed with joy a lot, nope it is mostly just overwhelm and not as much joy. So craft fairs mean so much to me. This year with Covid and rules there were not many craft fairs and if there were I missed them as the ones I always attend did not happen. This was so hard for me. I actually didn't let myself feel it really I just tried to soldier on with the homeschooling and the driving everyone and managing all the behavioual issues of being house bound and bored etc. Deep inside me though I was quite sad. I look forward to this all year.

However I was given a glorious gift.

The day we went to get our Christmas tree I had my own personal craft fair experience. W were driving back with our tree strapped to our roof and my husband saw a free microwave and I saw a sign for a hand made wreath. He turned around to snag the microwave for his job site and I asked if he would pull over so I could take a picture of the sign and also look at how the wreath was made. I took some photos but then I asked him if we could just try to find the place that was selling them and he said yes. So we drove a ways down a side road and there was another sign. We pulled into the driveway of a house and I saw there was a door way open into the garage area. I hesitantly walked in as Covid has stripped all innocence and feelings of being welcome anywhere new. 

And I was delighted. No one was in there as the proprietor was out back creating. There were so many little treasures. There were the beautiful wreaths, there were soaps, there were jams and jellies, there were wood crafts, and it was all I needed to feel my craft fair joy pour into me. I was tearing up with happiness and I bought some treasures. The proprietor was so kind and so glad to share her talents and treasures with me.

This moment was a jewel in my year. It was like a special gift to me.

The Annual Christmas Tree Tradition

 We managed once again to uphold our Christmas tree tradition. It was a muddy glorious experience and we found our tree without too much drama and for the second year in a row no tears.

Turning 16

 The day you turned sixteen I was thinking of your mother. The one who gave birth to you. I was wondering how she was doing and if today she was feeling the pain of missing you. You got up excited for the day and it was filled with joy and surprises but I know you were thinking of her too. This is the day that brings you so close to her and yet in so many ways it takes you farther away.

This sixteenth birthday you were blessed with so much love. There was an absolute outpouring from all the ones who have invested in you and who love you for all that you are. You received packages in the mail, letters, even speeches and blessings. You were applauded, celebrated and sung to with gusto. You are a priceless treasure.

Happy 16th birthday to my oldest baby girl.

xo