Signs of Spring: Tuesday's Treasures

Surely it can't be much longer, not when you go out in the melting snow and find daffodil shoots seeking out sun and warmth, as I found on Sunday afternoon. Definitely a welcome sight!

After our last round of snow and ice on Friday and Saturday, we were without power for just shy of 48 hours, the storm wreaking havoc on our county and the ice covering the pines and hardwoods all throughout our area and especially on the tops of the mountains. All over these country roads you can find evidence of the pine trees really taking a hit; many of them fell across the road and will now become wood for campfires for the upcoming hiking and camping season. Here are a couple photos from our brief excursion on Sunday, before we went out to collect more firewood:




But... what I really wanted to show you today are these wonderful pieces from Etsy shops, all of which give us hope that spring will surely arrive, and it won't be too soon for me!

A beautiful altered photograph by dahliahousestudios...

Metal art and wallhanging by frivoloustendencies...

A happy little painting by loveartworks, who typically works in clay...

Ah... bicycles are surely a sign that warmer days are coming, by studio1212...

And finally, fun flowery earrings by wildwomanjewelry...

Until next time, remember to buy handmade and shop Etsy!

A Curse or a Blessing?

We just can't decide. Fresh new snow is always a gorgeous thing to behold: magical, mystical, quiet, refreshing. But what does it become after a couple of days when you are tired of cold feet, wet dog tracks on the floor, and grey, grey skies?

This morning we awoke to another layer of snow, this time covering the trees as well as the ground. Our last snow... just one week ago... was very dry and those ten inches had begun melting with a nice warm sunny day on Wednesday, only to be topped off with another 5 or 6 inches today.

On Wednesday, John and I trudged up the hill to collect some oak to be split for firewood. Flexible Flyers are not just for sledding!





So we've got some splitting to do, but it won't be today...



Tomorrow there is a 60% chance of more snow showers. It's so unusual for North Carolina, and I'm not sure I like this new side of winter 'round here!

Look What Came in the Mail!!

Besides the usual crap and the bills, which I consider crap too, I got a few packages today, and I was sooo excited. Of course we hadn't been to the post office since Monday, and we knew we better go today because more snow and ice is on its way to our neck of the woods tomorrow and on into Saturday. Sigh.

But this grey day brightened when John carried in these packages:

New slippers from my brother-in-law, Shepherd's Flock, to replace my 3 - 4 year old ones! I wear these EVERY day, and they last a really long time, but my old ones have seen better days and will now be worn only for emergencies... whatever those might be.

These are so snug and cozy and warm, and I love the neoprene sole which means I can wear these outside to the painting studio or to take the dogs out, except in the snow and sleet (although I have taken my chances in the past and done just that!)

These are also great because the cuff can be worn up, for more warmth on my legs, or down. And best of all... they are handmade in Vermont by two very wonderful people!


I also got these great star buttons from claynfiber on Etsy which will probably be put to use in some new jewelry... aren't they great? I love the earthiness of them!