End of the month-February Review

For a short month, this one seems to be never ending...up until mid-month, we've had fairly decent winter weather...no snows since mid-November, some pleasant days (February 7 comes to mind...61 degrees, sunny...a glass of wine on the porch kind of day).  Then the dreaded cold, snowy, icy weather hit Southwest Indiana.  I'm certain no one feels my pain...those folks on the East coast have had more than enough misery to last a lifetime.  Most of the country has...and we're all ready for a beautiful Spring, right?

I'm really looking forward to the Country Living Fair in the Nashville area.  For years a friend and I have talked about going to the one in Columbus, Ohio.  We're both transplanted "Buckeyes" and would love to wander around the many (fabulous) places in Ohio.  Seems like the September dates of the Ohio CL Fair are never do-able for us.  As soon as I saw the Nashville (Lebanon) location advertised, I ordered tickets.  

 I've been in an "order it online" mood recently...so much easier than traipsing around in snow and ice.  I've received my seed order from Heirloom Seeds:

Flower Seeds from Heirloom Seeds

 I've become almost obsessed with, of all things, stringing and knotting pearls.  It's become a sort of meditation.  I've assembled many parts of of to-be-completed jewelry.  One day soon I need to put it all together!  This is my practice necklace of champagne glass pearls.

First completed strand of hand-knotted pearls

 I'm in the process now of making a mala bead strand.  The lotus charm will be incorporated.  The charm and the blue beads in the following photo are from Lima Beads in Ann Arbor, MI.  It's my new favorite place to shop!

Lotus Charm

Pacific Blue Apatite

 I'm still working on my Alabama Chanin-inspired sweater.  Never-ending stitching and beading.

The month has been fueled by caffeine, as are most months.  I finally purchased a Chemex coffee carafe and now I'm part of the "slow-brew" crowd.  If I'm in a hurry, I fall back on the Keurig...so fast, so easy.  I've always been a fan of the 60's vibe Chemex with its glass and wood beauty, and now it's part of my coffee station.

Hope you've all had a productive month!