Making Merry

 

Hello! How have you been? How are your days as we approach the shortest day of the year? I'm still in shock that the winter solstice is so close. It seems like yesterday it was the middle of July and I was yearning for cold and bemoaning the hot and humid weather. 

I've been keeping busy at home doing all the crafting, if that's possible. As you can see I'm making steady progress on my sweater. I might be half way through the yoke charting - I also want the color work to never end because I love seeing the pattern emerging. 

I don't know how Santa knows, but he's giving me more yarn for more color work sweaters. Santa is a clever man.


The deer started huddling in the yard the past week or so. I was lucky to get a photo before they scattered. We has some snow earlier this week much to my surprise. I don't think it was forecasted but then I wasn't paying attention to the weather news. 

I've made a conscious effort to sketch and paint daily since the beginning of the month. Sometimes you have to force yourself to focus on what is good for you and completely ignore the outside world for a bit. I've been practicing meditation and mindfulness daily and trying my best to incorporate these skills through out the day.

Watercoloring is a mindful practice! So is journaling and knitting.  I'm delighted to gaze at my holiday decorations and strive to make my own merry during this Advent season. 

How are you making merry?


Comments

  1. JuliannDecember 4, 2020 at 8:17 AM

    Do you follow @documentedjourney on Instagram? She is doing a daily sketch for December and it reminds me of your sketching here. Pretty sweater

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarthaDecember 4, 2020 at 10:25 AM

    I love seeing the deer, they are such precious animals. Sounds like you are really coming along on all your arts and crafts. Glad to hear Santa is being good to you and giving you lots of yarn. Keep on making merry and enjoy the weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. BonnyDecember 4, 2020 at 10:45 AM

    Santa is very clever and knows just what to get you! Maybe you could whisper in his ear that I wouldn't mind some yarn, too?

    ReplyDelete
  4. DeeDecember 4, 2020 at 12:04 PM

    Candles in the window. Santa on the mantel. Peppermint tea in the cup. That is merry to me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LeftycrafterDecember 4, 2020 at 1:51 PM

    Being able to be in the kitchen without melting is my biggest joy during Advent. Making sweet treats for family and friends, finding sappy Christmas movies, singing Christmas song loudly, looking at my decorations while knitting peacefully. Those all bring me great joy.

    ReplyDelete
  6. VeraDecember 4, 2020 at 2:55 PM

    I've been playing some Christmas music. Lovely to listen to. Wrapping some gifts and going slowly. Taking time to enjoy the season. Merry merry!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. kathy bDecember 4, 2020 at 11:10 PM

    Aw, your meditation progress is very admirable. Fireman started but hasn't done it in a few days. I can tell. He's antsy. He's irritable at times. I'm happily finding presents and hope to get most mailed out tomorrow. Im nervous they will be slow arriving due to covid. SO normally, a later task, is earlier . I love Christmas music. I've been playing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AsKatKnitsDecember 5, 2020 at 8:15 AM

    My daily meditation is the best thing I do for myself! Your artwork is so gorgeous! (and YAY for smart Santa!)

    ReplyDelete
  9. GraceDecember 5, 2020 at 10:29 AM

    I love reading your post and hearing how much joy your crafting brings you, Karen! I have been crafting as well, making Christmas themed embroidery hoops for the girls and working on a couple of paintings. I have to admit that being quarantined suits my introverted nature, LOL! Your sweater looks great, I have not ever tackled a sweater but maybe I will give it a try after the holidays. : )

    ReplyDelete
  10. LisaDecember 5, 2020 at 7:50 PM

    Santa does seem to know the best gifts! I’ve been focusing on my knitting. It is the perfect activity for me right now, very relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. JaneDecember 5, 2020 at 8:36 PM

    The angels are out on the piece of furniture that holds quilts, the nativity set on the mantle, the Christmas quilt hangs over the bannister and the children's Christmas books are in the basket. We are having a bit of tree malfunction so my hubby is going to work on it again tomorrow. The Santa that brings yarn is the best kind. If I ever decide which sweater to knit, Santa is going to bring me a little yarn also.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Judy S.December 6, 2020 at 1:39 PM

    Our daughter just gave us a beautiful wreath, so we gave the one we already had on our door to our neighbor whose door was bare. Around here every day the sun sets a bit earlier, so lately it's been getting dark around 4:15 PM which sure makes sleeping in too much easier! Happy Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  13. StefanieDecember 6, 2020 at 8:47 PM

    I like the art you have in this post.

    ReplyDelete

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Your comments are welcome as long as they are relevant to the post and spread joy, thank you for visiting and sharing your ideas.

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