Birch fiber art

This season is refuted to be one of the busiest times of the year; however, this particular one has been crazy. I actually have kept my decorating minimal, adding a few pieces here and there to my already present collections of plants, feathers, and dried foliage.

We won’t have family staying with us this year and we plan to travel to PEI to visit with my daughter and grandson. 

I’ve had time for little baking and since I’m losing weight too, I don’t want masses of sweets in the freezer. Meatballs seemed like a good idea for a make ahead meal starter as they can be combined with so many things to make a simple meal - tomato sauce, pineapple sauce and pasta or rice. I made enough to take some to my daughters as it will be convenient for some fast meals when they’re working.

I chose a new sweet that I found on Pinterest which took about 20 minutes to make. They’re delicious if you’re a chocolate, salted caramel lover as I am! I’ll have a bit to give away if I need something small.

Also, I put up  my small tabletop tree along with a couple small ones, a polar bear and a Santa. 

I’ve been running to one appointment after another for weeks. It tends to wear me out and put me edge as I really need down time and the solitude of my walks and my artwork. It seems that all my follow ups have convened at the same time as well as new issues that arose - 3 trips to the opthamologist for dry eyes and inflammation which isn’t yet resolved and a cracked mouthpiece that I sleep with, so a few trips to the dentist.

I was out early to an 8:30 appointment this morning and thankfully had the rest of day to bake muffins, do a wash, write cards, and retreat to the studio where I did most of the remaining stitching on the birches and berries.

I think one more session may do it; I’ve a bit more to do on the trees, and then I’ll be ready to add the batting and lightly quilt. I’m fairly pleased with piece and will be happy to call it finished.

At night when I’m unwinding, I’ve been knitting a simple shawl.

Now I must get ready to leave; our knitter’s Christmas dinner is tonight and I have a couple stops on my way.

I’ve been enjoying watching and reading about Christmas with artists and crafters around the world on Instagram and blogs. We seem to all be trying to keep it simple and more about family and friends and the spirit of the season.