Monday, January 9, 2012

Getting Ready

Hello everyone,

In my ongoing effort to create a blog header that makes me happy, here is the entirety of the latest version, before I focused in on the parts I like best (see above).
It's the result of experimenting with techniques from Jude's Magic Diaries online class.  Around the edges are strips of arimatsu shibori from Glennis.

Also, I've been trying (in vain, it turns out) to escape the cold that's been going around.  Today, my voice is totally gone!  I can only squeek very softly and with great effort.  I have rested and rested and rested and here's what else I've been doing, in order to prepare for Groundhog's Day, my favorite holiday, Feb. 2.  They are sachets...the one for gentlemen is full of pine needles and smells woodsy.  The one for ladies is full of lavender blossoms and rose petals, dried.  I wasn't too good at sending out Christmas packages to my relatives this year so I hope these will make up for it.
That's all for now...I hope you are all in good health.  In case you catch this cold, here is a tip: try oregano tea with lime juice and a little honey.  xoxo, S.

14 comments:

  1. Dear Suzanna, please tell all about Groundhog day as I have never celebrated it. Should I?
    Love the little bags - are they traditional for the day?

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  2. hey, nice banner! ha. feel better.

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  3. Hi Elizabeth...well, Groundhog Day isn't widely celebrated, but it punctuates the dreary time after the year turns with a bit of light-heartedness. The idea is that a particular groundhog, in a small town in Pennsylvania called Punxatawny, comes out of his burrow and declares how much longer winter will last. It all depends on whether or not he sees his shadow. Here's the official link: http://www.groundhog.org/groundhog-day/

    I don't think the sachets are traditional...it was an idea that just popped into my head. Usually there is a bit of a fuss in the newspaper but it generally passes without much notice here in California. Each year I try to do something different to honor it...this year it's the sachets and I'm hoping to gather up some friends to go to the zoo!

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  4. Hi Jude...thanks! I'm feeling better, but I still can't talk...maybe this is a good thing...

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  5. Love the header with main streaming. Groundhog sachets...well I never...they are bound to love them. I'm not sure that this winter will ever become wintry enough for the groundhog to hibernate anyway!

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  6. Hi Penny...yes, I wonder about hibernation in this sort of winter also...it has gotten a little colder these past few days here, and that feels better to me. I like hibernating!

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  7. I wish blogger would let my replies follow the proper comment, but anyway...thanks Penny for your good wishes. I'm a little better today and my voice is returning...I think the warm weather we had last week increased my susceptibility to this bug. (I almost wrote 'bog', which is what it was like!)

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  8. Suzanna, your header is beautiful and I would be very happy with it if I was you!

    Time marches on and you've reminded me about Groundhog/Brigid's Day! I really like creating something for this time of year -- thanks for more inspiration!

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  9. Hi Peggy...thank you! I'd forgotten about Brigid's day...but remembered it's also Candlemas...halfway to spring (although it rather feels like it's spring already somedays here) I look forward to seeing what you make!

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  10. Beautiful header! I saw the movie Ground hog day.
    Hope you're feeling better.
    It must be a global thing this cold, for lots of people in the Netherlands are having a cold too.

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  11. Hi Sandra...thank you! I loved that movie and finally I am feeling better...I also know lots of people who have caught this bug...it seems to take about a week. I'm glad to hear from you...

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  12. Love your new header! Thank you for the interesting information about Groundhog day.

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  13. Hi Deb, thank you and you're welcome!

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