Oh my, but this year has moved by so quickly and now we are just two weekends away from Christmas. I am approaching the holiday with an attitude of gratitude. I don't mean to be flippant but I am ever so grateful for so very much.

First off, I have two incredible men in my life, Phil and the now adult age, Jake. They keep me grounded yet moving forward in what I do. They see my creativity as work and how it provides for our living. I am grateful that a beloved companion has come into our home. Our darling Clementine. Just when I had despaired of ever finding a dog, I saw her on a trading site and now she is sound asleep on the floor next to me. I feel happiest in my day when I rub my hands through her ever soft and fuzzy fur. A giant teddy bear on four padded feet.

I love what I do. I love working in my shop and talking with people. I love seeing a project through to completion with a customer. I love being the inspiration and assistant with a person's creativity. I get goosebumps when I think of someone taking their vision and turning it into reality. With a job like mine, it will never be boring, never ordinary.

Port Townsend. What can I say. I am home here, have a home here. It is my place in the world. Embracing, inspiring, comfortable, a little off center and mistress of the nicest extremes. Quiet, dark winter nights. Vibrant musical summer evenings. All this water and beach. Salt hanging heavy in the air, ready for the cleansing breath that reaches deep into the roots of my soul.

I can go on and on. I am blessed with friends, fellow shopkeepers, companions. I am never wanting for conversation or companionship. I am blessed. Just blessed.

As I wrap up this almost too sentimental post; I am especially happy and grateful for the bright Christmas lights that Jacob strung everywhere around the outside of the house. On the house, the fence, the studio. Blue lights in the salal. White dangling icicles on the porch edges. Handrails wrapped in lively colors, a visual feast for the eyes and a happy spot for the heart to come home to.

A season of delights awaits all of us. We just need to be open and grateful. A full heart is a happy heart.