my crepe myrtle. crape myrtle? cloudy day today, but still so bright.So thankful for God's blessings always, and the gorgeous colors of fall. Sigh. Just so so so my
favorite time of year. There's an automatic lift to be had by just looking around at these eyeball-socking trees. My mom and I have been exclaiming over them for the last three weeks every time we drive around my town. They look like they are on fire. I'm not sure what kind of year it was for tree peeping in the northeast US, but down here in the south it was a banner year for color.

I've also been enjoying the company of my wonderful mom for the last three charmed weeks and we're reluctantly taking her home to Huntsville this weekend. I'm thankful she agreed to come, but why does she want to go off and leave us like that? She's great to have around.
Now who am I going to drink coffee with in the morning? Huh? And who's going to make afternoon tea and watch Gilmore Girls with me? And read those torturously long Disney books to the kids? And do laundry? What about my needs? I'm plotting her next visit.
I'm also feeling grateful that all the food prep for Thanksgiving with my delightful in-laws is done. Our smoked turkey is in the fridge, and the overnight pea salad is too. Love pea salad. A southern staple. Don't let the words 'pea salad' fool you into assigning it any nutritional value. I think the mayonnaise, cheese and bacon piled on top cancels any vitamins out. We are looking forward to being part of the crowd of 25 folks gathered there tomorrow, giving thanks to God and eating everything in sight.
And relieved. Did I mention I'm feeling relieved? Because all my book submissions are
done, baby. Done! yeeeeeeeeeee (Doing a dance of joy - picture Elaine Benes only less coordinated.)
Four different projects designed, obsessed over, tested, tutorialed, sampled, and sent. I just cannot cannot cannot wait to see the books coming out next year, and to show and tell. But for now, huge sigh of relief over here. Because now it is time to play!

Here's some material for a dress for tomorrow. Yep, tomorrow. So, yeah, guess I need to start on that. I'm hoping it will go quickly, it's just a black knit shirt up top from my closet with the wide elastic waist and a skirt from one of the fabrics pictured. Easy, right? Fingers crossed.

It's almost winter and a crafty girl's heart turns to Christmas ornaments. I actually bought some kits this year I couldn't resist from
here and
here. I will be working on these this weekend. Also looking forward to coming up with some new felt ornament designs of my own.

And I couldn't resist buying this one from
PetiteHouse. I just love her little dwellings and I finally have one for my tree this year.

And lo and behold, the thrift store had all its fabric for 50% off! I ask you. I ended up with (from L to R) grey knit ribbing because one day me and that serger are going to formally meet, plain blue cotton, royal blue with a raised pattern (so pretty), green poplin, fabulous orangey corduroy (this one is destined for girls dress of some kind), cozy plaid flannel for some jammie pants, and some plain red. I'm in a winter clothes making mood, folks. 'Cause I can. Yeeeeeeeeee! (more dancing, sorry)