Today
is my Christmas
shopping day!
I last went
to Lebanon
on my
Blue Sky Century.
The sky is blue
and the wind gusts
today in November...
...as I return to
The Friendly City.
Spoiler Alert!
If you're my sister Cally
read no farther
or you'll spoil
your Christmas surprise!
Back I go
to the Stained Glass
workshop.
Diana is retiring
after 24 years
of selling...
...the most
beautiful
stained glass.
Each pane
of rich color
embedded
in classic designs.
I love
being able
to see her work
in progress.
And I love
the intense colors
of her window work.
But here
in the corner
I find Cally's lamp.
A wonderful
warm
light
for the corner
of her new sunroom.
I have
a new philosophy
this year.
I want to buy gifts
where I can see the faces
of the people
who made them.
Diana has helped me
with Sister Cal.
Now I'm on a roll.
I stop at the corner
gift shop.
Hand made wreaths.
Pretty, but I like
a more natural look.
Soy candles.
the kind made
from the soybeans
of Indiana.
Not paraffin made
from the oilfields of Iraq.
Bought surprises there.
Shhhh.
Can't tell you though.
On to Becky's market.
I loved her
home grown
apples
this September.
Now she is busy
making
Christmas wreaths
with her sister Diane.
Her daughter's
snowman
watches them.
These are more
my kinds
of wreaths.
One more stop.
On my way home
I pass Nature's Karma.
I can't see
my gift makers
here.
They are
from Africa
India
Honduras
Places
where women
need our help.
They make beauty
from unlikely sources.
Our thrown away
magazines....
newspapers...
circuit boards.
I love this basket
made from
discarded
industrial wire.
I love
the beadwork
on this clutch purse!
But I tell
Nigelle
I need to buy
this incredibly soft scarf.
of course.
Okay, one more stop.
Whole Foods next door.
Organic snack
for the drive home.
Oh!
I wish Chris and Norma
were bringing
the kids to Indiana
in time
for gingerbread houses!
Flowers
for Beth's
surprise
birthday party
tonight.
And home
to make plans
for the best Christmas ever!
