Yawn.

January is so full of catching up. Paperwork. Computer work. Bills. Schedules. Inventories. Taxes. It's all so mundane and boring. Task after chore after task.

Yawn. I'm chained to my computer. My butt is as flat as the chair. I feel brain dead and listless.

There should have been time in there to create. Create more than just lists of other stuff to do.

I need some fresh air. A little warm fresh air, preferably with sunshine would be peachy. Like Hawaii. But there's no time (or money) for that.

The bright spot is that January is almost over. I welcome a new month. Maybe February, with it's pink frilliness, hearts and flowers will pick things up a bit.

Today: Ice Storm

It's a lot of weather in just a few short days. For a mild climate place like Seattle.

We slop around in rain puddles in the winter. But not this.

Some of my plants were still alive just a few days ago. Like this geranium. And this flowering black-eyed Susan - which was still blooming last week!

So I guess I'm not getting out of the house today. Just working inside, with short forays into the freezing rain to stand in awe.

Yesterday the cats were absolutely coconuts for the snow - racing around in it, pouncing, tossing little snowballs, running in circles, and not getting enough of it. Today? they will not leave the blankies.

I'm not getting much inspiration for writing my spring newsletter this week, that's for sure.

Snow Day

Snowed in today. This is totally not normal for Seattle. I heard we have more snow than Chicago or Minneapolis now.

A big red snowmobile just raced down the street past our house. Loaded with kids. Zipping around the neighborhood here for kicks.

Otherwise it's so, so quiet. Nothing is moving. Just a few people trekking up the hill to the rail station. Me, I have nowhere I need to go. At least today. Hopefully I can get out tomorrow with the few orders that came in last night and today.

Also, I've redecorated the blog. I've decided to keep it more consistent, and not change the wallpaper so much, seasonally or by whim. Maybe a few tweaks yet in the sidebars, but I think this is going to be it for awhile. I just want something bright, white, clean, easy to read. I'll focus more on the writing and photos.

Stay warm. Stay safe. But head out for at least a few minutes to frolic.

Talk about a sale . . .

I thought I was having a great big winter sale. But in Japan they sure know how to get attention.

http://www.japansubculture.com/2012/01/its-no-ordinary-sale-its-a-fuckin-sale/

Ahem. Maybe they want to look that word up.

But the winter sale over here is going great. Lots of deals still available.

Get some rock bottom prices on stuff!

Winter Sale!

Spring is just around the corner - at least for me. I've got to make space here in the studio for getting my spring seasonals geared up. They will be announced Feb 1st (already!), with the newsletter going out in just a few short weeks.

So to make life a little easier around here, I'm having a huge Winter Sale. All the autumn and winter holiday seasonal products are on sale, most of them for half price. Soaps, sprays, lip balms and bath salts - all for a super great deal.

It's a great time to stock up on favorites that won't be around for awhile. Or to buy more of a little something you got as a holiday gift and need more of. Who doesn't love a bargain?

Click Here for the quick link to the sale page.

Happy New Year!

Wow, it's been quite a ride through 2011. And now that things are winding down a bit, there is time for quiet contemplation. What to do better this year. What not to do at all. Dreams, goals, vacations, business - there is much to plan.

What I'm most grateful for is my amazing customers, who are so loyal, kind, supportive and inspirational. I continue to do this business just for all of you.

Best wishes for a new year of health, happiness, fun and adventure.

Happy 2012!

P.S. Look for my big Winter Sale. I'm loading up the sale page this weekend and will have it ready to go by Monday.

Winter Solstice

Endings and beginnings.

Today is the first day of winter, the Winter Solstice, and the shortest day of the year. So I guess as of yesterday, fall is officially over. It feels like it's already been winter. I can't really imagine that I've already listened to a bazillion Christmas carols and it's only been fall.

What I am ready for however, is more light. With today being the shortest day, I am totally ready for the return of longer days and more minutes of sunlight each day, starting tomorrow.

The other thing that's ended, is the mail ordering in time for Christmas. I think the window is closed as of today. Thankfully, the orders have slowed down now. There was one last blitz over the weekend, and I sort of felt a sense of relief on Monday as I headed home from the post office. But it was short-lived. I came home to a couple of messages and more in the inbox. But it's slowing down.

I could really use a breather from all the rush rush bustle bustle. Unfortunately we've got the big event in a couple of days, so there is the finishing up of shopping, prepping the feasting, baking the cookies, getting the house ready, the gift wrapping. Oy. So many to do lists...

Santa, I would like a little less doing and lot more celebrating and relaxing.