the gift of craft

Some call it structured procrastination. But I call it my new-hobbies-that-just-happen-to-get-in-the-way-of-my-job-but-it-is-my-amazing-selflessness-gift-to-others-that-I-don't-want-to-do-I-NEED-to-do. I must craft. I must draw. If I don't, I get grumpy. Luckily, with the holidays, I can tailor crafts to gifts for my favorite people. My newest interests are making books and felting. The books combine my interests in my muse, Pirate, and blends of pencil/ink, and felting combines my love of wool, cute things, and sharp objects.

fröhliche weihnachten

It was German food this Christmas. Fitting because so many German Christmas customs are holiday spirit essentials- the tree, the stockings, St. Nick. Even more apropos because the foods are familiar family favorites- sauerkraut, strudel, gingerbread. What a great time to celebrate the German way- time honored traditions for a baby's first Christmas. While the pretzels were for lunch and not part of the official dinner, they do photograph better than goose, red cabbage, spätzle,and prune wine sauce.

in a closed oven

Every year around this time I hear about these little nuts but had never tried one. If it is too cold for "an open fire" and "Jack Frost is nipping at your nose" like it is here, a little slit in the shell, a quick simmer and roast in the oven will do just fine. They are surprisingly meaty and robust and may just be a new tradition for our family.