this season we are trying to hold true to giving handmade and simple.
and at the same time we are trying to remain in the moment and not beat ourselves up if something does not get made or if we give less than last year to someone.
i have to try hard not to keep score and compare from year’s past.
we don’t put much focus on lists. i do however listen to what the girls might tell someone who asks them what they want for christmas to get some sort of idea.
they usually say what i used to say when i was young, “i like to be surprised.”
it’s funny how some people are just not satisfied with that answer. “you must want something!” they’ll say.
and so the girls usually reply with a thing or two to make them happy.
i remember when hannah was about 4 years old she replied “world peace”
i love this…. these simple things… i love looking at the simple ways you ‘spruce’ things up… the simple way you choose to live. it’s so refreshing. (and i would love to know some of your favorite artists… i know i’ve seen some of these artists before… etsy, maybe, but i can’t place them all…)
I love that piece of art of the fallish looking houses. What artist did that? Your house is so lovely and inspiring! It’s true, all the little things. Just darling!
Amy,
Thanks so much for the links to my work. I really appreciate the support. Also, please tell Chris I am totally inspired by his wood projects… We have some HUGE spalted maple trunks salvaged from a neighbors sugarwood and I’ve been having a bunch of fun with them. I like the bottle opener idea very much.
Take care,
Ben
thanks for visiting ben. i really enjoy your work and am looking forward to your new book! we are so excited you will be speaking at pasa this year! we will try to introduce ourselves after. have fun with your maple trunks:)
Your house is so beautiful!! it was good to hear from you again. I like how you use natural ways of decor.
I love seeing interior shots of your home. I too have gone for handmade gifts for everyone except my children this year, due to my husband being out of work for 6 months. I feel very proud and satisfied with what I have made and the fact that I have not got a huge visa bill this year. Hope we hear from you again before Christmas, if not Merry Christmas and all the best for 2013.
hi friends,
for those interested in my artwork i have several pieces from ashley goldberg. i love how many of her pieces are of bearded men. i was tickled to find the one of the bearded guy and gal with dark hair that looked so much like chris and i:) i also love the work of christopher david ryan, and those little ones including the one of the houses are cards that i bought at terrain that i will look on the back to see who the artist is. there are so many wonderful artists out there. i wish i had more wall space.
the two prints i was really admiring were the owl and the houses with fields in the foreground. you’ve got a great eye!