The Year I Missed Christmas

Being Christmas, we've followed a star - or was that a tsar? - to the east and landed up in....St. Petersburg!

Our accommodation, it has to be said, is a little more upmarket than the stable the three kings were heading towards. And, in these days of jet travel, our journey was rather quicker than theirs. Too quick, in fact, to catch the main event. Russians keep to the Orthodox calendar so Christmas Day won't roll around here until January 6th - by which time we'll be back in Britain where Christmas will be over.

I'm not complaining though. Our journey to the east will bring gifts of its own.

The Same View: December

As the year draws to a close, so does our series documenting this view through the changing seasons.  And we end as we began – with snow!

The reservoir is frozen and the landscape well and truly in hibernation.  But next month the annual cycle will spin a little further round and, before you know it, the first green shoots will be appearing again.

We’re leaving it here, though.  Next month will see the start of a new series (but as to what it is….well, I’ll keep you in suspense!).

Wreath Making

Yesterday was a red-letter day - the first workshops were held in the new studio!

We’d had a heavy snowfall overnight and I was afraid no-one would turn up.  But every last lovely lady who was expected made it through (plus one extra welcome guest) and lots of gorgeous Christmas wreaths were made.

A big thank you to everyone who came and christened the new space.  Looking forward to lots more creative fun in the new year.

The Apple Bringer

I’ve been cultivating a tentative new friendship recently - fed mainly by apples.

My new acquaintance is a horse who lives in a field close to my studio; and whenever I remember to put fruit in my bag, I stop off to say hello.

I don’t know the name or gender of my friend, but we both appreciate the minutes we spend together.  His/her sweet apple breath is a joy; whilst the length of time he/she can make one apple last always surprises me.

A few pats, a few soft words and I’m on my way.  Until the next apple.

Christmas Tradition

So….my gift-wrapping tradition is to listen to The Messiah from start to finish whilst I wrap the presents (I give a LOT of presents!).

What’s yours?