Hi, remember me? I’m still here. It’s not just a stereotype, this sure is a busy season. Days seem to fly by, in and out. If only they would wait for me to get something done before they leave. But often it is not to be.
Since the holidays are coming at an even faster and more furious pace, we should all take a moment and find some time to relax and be together. I’m not sure how you go about doing that, but it’s a darn good suggestion, you have to admit.
Our family will be together this season with Liana and her boyfriend coming from Denver. And this year we get to meet his parents, who are also coming and tagging on a ski trip to Lake Tahoe or Squaw Valley. We’re not skiers and will not make fools of ourselves, no worries there. We’ll do what we do best and that is host people and wine and dine them.
Toby will head over from Grass Valley with girlfriend and her mom. All this on the evening of the 24th, when I actually celebrate Christmas. And this year it will also be the last night of Hanukkah. How much better does it get? I think everyone is relieved that I lay claim to the 24th and let them do their thing on the 25th.
A few more presents to wrap by candlelight and some incense burning, and I’m happy as can be, for now. Being who I am, I’m sure I can find something to be unhappy and upset about. Right now my pet peeve is the movement to diss saying ‘happy holidays,’ in favor of ‘merry christmas.’
Come on, that’s pure crap. This is a huge extended holiday season, and a ‘happy holidays’ is in order. Unless you count all your consuming in malls and online shopping as a merry christmas, you are plain wrong. You will have bought into a consumer mentality that makes people downright mean and selfish at times.
I prefer to look at this time of year as one big celebration of everything. Whatever you want to name your celebration: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Yule, St. Nicholas Day, St. Lucy’s Day, etc., lights play a crucial role. It’s December, it’s dark, shortest days of the year and all. We need something to cheer us up. This is when gifts of candles are appreciated. I always make sure I have hundreds of candles lined up from Ikea, I’m an Ikea candle fiend.
But let’s get back to the topic of giveaway, meant to cheer us up. You’ll have 2 chances to win. One of them is a package of 5 chocolate truffles, flavors will be the maker’s choice. And you have to be able to pick them up at our house, here in Nevada City.
The second gift is the purple cowl. I’ll give you a picture below, so you know what you’re getting into. The colorway is called avalon. It’s one of those hand-wash lay-flat-to-dry items knitters are so fond of. Now how to get into the drawing for this? Hmmm, let’s say you have to be a subscriber to this blog (look to your right and up), and how about paying it forward. Just make a commitment to do something good for another person next year, I trust you and don’t need the details. And let me know in the comments below or in a private email if you would like to be in the drawing for the cowl or the chocolate truffles or both.
The cowl and truffles are for pickup at our house if you live locally, or if you live outside this area and have a U.S. address, I can ship the cowl to you (not the truffles).
A happy holiday season to all!
How could I not want to be a possible winner of these amazing things Marianna? First I love you and your creations and I love winning things. And I promise to do good…for many people…yep I do. But it’s ok to not win too because I know whomever does will be very happy and that’s great! Also, I can’t wait to hear about your time with the (almost) in-laws. xoxoxo
marianna you are doing it again. such beautiful gifts. you are an amazing person. your truffles are the best. your cowl is gorgeous. like everything else you do. perfect immaculate work. can a good friend go in to the raffle for the cowl? just in case i win i will pay for postage. i did a good deed today. my grand daughters sister called and asked me if i would teach her how to knit. i said sure, she came over for 21/2 hours. i think she got the hang of it.even though i did not feel up to it. marianna i agree with you happy holidays covers all holidays. judith
And who appreciates the magnificent handwerk of a fellow knitter more? Who better understands the love and energy in every stitch looped through and throughout? To marvel in amazement at the very end? To appreciate that it was made by two hands and not a machine every stitch of the way? The colorway is beautiful! So, who more than me would cherish it?
Post Script: Enjoy the season with the glow of goodness!
Hello again. Here I am again, entering your drawing. Those truffles sound awfully good, and so does ZuZu’s Petals. I love that you’re doing this. It’s so Marianna-like, for you to offer stuff from your hands/heart.
xo
G
Hi Marianne,
I love your take on the holidays. This is definitely the time to celebrate having come through all the challenges of the past year and to bring light into the darkest days of the year. Thank you for all that you have given many of us during the past year. Here’s to wishing you and your family a lovely, lovely set of holidays!
Lovely, please count me in for the shawl as I’m not a big chocolate fan and would hate to deprive someone else of your truffles.
Enjoy all the candlelight in this time of darkness and the love of family and friends gathering together. Peaceful holidays to you and yours.
Oh my goodness, Marianna! I love & appreciate you, your generosity, & your astute commentary. I pledge to do something good for at least one person & pay it forward, were I to win in the drawing. I will go for the truffles, although the cowl is indeed a beauty! A heartfelt Happy Holidays to your family! Love & peace, Janie
thanks all. i’m going to add some chocolate almond bark into the mix, so 3 prizes/winners. and perhaps nightly hanukkah surprises?! if you won before, rest assured you can enter again, and again, and again.
wow – so glad I checked if I entered or not. No wonder I didn’t win those truffles !!!
Happy Hanukkah, and in just a day or two we’ll have more daylight for knitting. A good Solstice to you.
Marianna you are such a wonderful woman. Not only sharing your artisan creations but spreading love and joy. We are so blessed to have you in our community. Happy Holidays to you and the family. And may your trip to the Bay be a comfortable one!
Marianna, thank you for sharing your beautiful artisan truffles and amazing cowel with us. You also share love and joy. We are a richer community with you here. Happy Holidays to you and the family. May your trip to the Bay be safe and comfortable.