Thank you for your Christmas wishes. I hope everyone had a wonderful day and received lots of happy surprises.
It wouldn't be Christmas for me without books, and I was not disappointed.
While sick (I got a sinus infection for Christmas too!!), I finished the newest Seaside Knitters Mystery, A Holiday Yarn. I am now on page two or three of Love's Shadow, but am looking forward to all three Bloomsbury books. They are like Persephone Books; out-of print titles by mostly British authors with cool graphic covers. I think the writing is smart and witty, similar to The Uncommon Reader or Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
Chris and my sister L also treated me to some art supplies. After not "doing" art for a long time, I started to pick up the pencils again this fall, and am hoping to spend some regular time in 2011 with the practice books and travel sketching set in the photo below. I especially love the manikins, used to practice sketching the body in natural poses. I'm having fun arranging them on my work table. After I took the photo, I turned them into ballet dancers. They need fun names!
Not only am I inspired to draw, but I've also really missed knitting and have been working little by little on my skirt:
I know it doesn't look like very much progress, but on size 3 needles with fingering weight yarn, it's taking forever. I am determined to finish!
What did you receive for Christmas that inspires you? And what are your goals for 2011? I'll share some of mine next post. Happy New Year!
Tim and Rosie wait to open the kitty present: Purr Pads!
Such lucky kittens!! You are very determined with your skirt, I am sure in Spring 2011 it will be a favourite thing to wear!!
Posted by: 2paw | December 31, 2010 at 07:03 AM
Merry Christmas! I also got some new books (and one is a Persephone title!) that I can't wait to dig into. Those Purr Pads have me intrigued - I may have to look into them for my two hairy monsters. I hope the New Year brings you all good things!
Posted by: Robin | December 31, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Awww, that's some great loot - for both you and the kittens!! Enjoy, and happy New Year!
Posted by: Karen | December 31, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Oh, let me know how those books are. I have been eyeing those and think they look very good. Especially that Miss Hargreaves.
Glad you had a wonderful Christmas. And Happy New Year, my friend!
Posted by: Kara | December 31, 2010 at 01:25 PM
Wishing you a happy new year! My only goal (or resolution, you might say) for the new year is to turn out the lights by 12:30 AM every week night.
Posted by: betty | December 31, 2010 at 07:26 PM
I love your little tree! And those pastel covers on the Bloomsbury books look perfect next to it! Happy New Year and Happy Reading in 2011!
Posted by: Danielle | December 31, 2010 at 09:33 PM
What a wonderful bunch of new things to keep you busy for some time to come! Happy New Year!!!
Posted by: Sarah | January 01, 2011 at 07:15 PM
I love how your tree, books and knitting are so color-coordinated. :) Happy New Year!
Posted by: Meredith | January 01, 2011 at 08:38 PM
You have a lot of fun in store for the new year with books, knitting, art, and happy kitties on their Purr pads! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kristen | January 02, 2011 at 08:37 AM
Your new books look really nice! I haven't read any of the Bloomsbury books, but their colors and cover designs make them look so tempting.
Posted by: Dorothy W. | January 02, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Your pink skirt is looking great! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Leah | January 03, 2011 at 12:04 AM