Holidazing

For months on end, I've been too busy to collect my thoughts. My collections have waned. My muses have been starved, living off only little scraps of my attention at a time. (Poor things.)

Which is why this year's annual trip to the coast with my family was so fought for. So hard won, and so deeply enjoyed.

Gratitude. For all of this. Even the full hands.

Back from the Road - Again

 Just when I thought my road trip time was over it turns out that I had one more journey to make. This past weekend found me traveling Washington's Highway 12 through Gifford Pinchot National Forest past Mount Rainier and beyond into the Yakima Valley. I was called that way for the family celebration of my dear Grandmother's long, full life. Just one month shy of her 90th birthday. Grandma, you will be missed.

The scenery along the drive could not have been prettier...

And the cherries jewel-like on the local orchards were the sweetest in recent memory...

Even sweeter was a child-like stop for the treat of the Peppermint Stick's ice cream. A long standing tradition!

 Since I was in the Valley I made a point to finally visit the remarkable Artist enclave of Mighty Tieton and spent a lovely time exploring the gallery, workshop space and press. If you are ever up that way it is by far worth the detour. I know I will be returning!

The Pallisades

 One other stop on my journey included a mini Sabbatical to visit an old childhood family haunt - Ohanapecosh Campground. Just a few miles off Hwy 12 it was a welcome break for a stretch and a little contemplation beside the waters that were as clear and jewel-blue as I remembered. Not much seems to have changed from the days I roved the campground looking for toads with my tribe of cousins! Course now all I want to do is return for a weekend of camping there. Tis been far too long.

Returned home late on Sunday and then spent Monday celebrating Andy's birthday. Which thankfully included a stop at my favorite local coffee house for the birthday request of dirty chai. Oh yum =) After 3 days in the valley with drip coffee Oly coffee roasters made for a happy return indeed!

Weekend Holiday Booster

Every holiday has tradition. Within each family and for each person. Ever since I left for college, my mother & I have upheld the tradition of celebrating her birthday together by trimming the tree.

Our journey begins with the annual tree stalking ceremony:

It was snowing up on the tree farm this year so hence why my parents look like abominable snowfolk.
After sleuthing out the bestest of trees and warming up heartily by the fire whilst drinking hot cocoa, we headed back down the mountain with our catch.
This hard work of course had to be followed up by some traditional festive nourishment.
I do swear that nothing is more warming on a cold day than a bowl of miso soup...

This year I talked my Mom into using only white and blue ornaments on the tree (mostly inspired by my flea market find of a whole set of antique blue glass ornaments!) I'm pretty enamored with the result. We toasted the tree with our traditional eggnog finale.
Can you spot the Rekoj original ornament front and center?

This year I also got to set up my personal favorite holiday decoration: the Christmas Village. For many a year through Junior High & High School I would paint a house a year. Until we ran out of room for further Christmas Village development...

After all that holiday tradition the NW was hit with a pretty solid winter storm. It was icing on my holiday cake. This year, I feel like I've already had my White Christmas.

The holidays are such a wonderful time to revel with close family and friends.
Here's hoping you stay merry & warm. And while your at it, toast a sip of eggnog to traditions.
Cheers!