Our Noreaster hit late last night with sleet and ice. We could hear it slamming against the side of the house like someone was throwing handfuls of nails at a metal dartboard. I got up to look outside and opened the window to get the cool, wet air indoors for awhile. It was kind of exciting. First thing this morning, up-and-at-em Andy suggested we get out to the tree lot while the rest of the county slept and surveyed the ice storm through their windows. Um, okay, that sounds like a good idea. He watched me tiptoe around with another cup of coffee, looking so un-ready to do much more than gaze out the wintry window, like everyone else. I mean there was no one out, not even the squirrels or birds, nothing except for a few hard-working plow trucks. Finally he announced that heck, he'll go get a tree and bring it back. How hard is it to pick out a tree these days, they are all perfectly grown, right? O, yay, thanks, sweetie! And I'll clear a space for it. And brew another pot of coffee. And find the treestand....
So we have a tree, all set up and indeed, perfectly shaped and standing straight as a pine soldier. I always think we should just leave it that way, bare, unlit, a huge air freshener and tribute to the quiet forest. But we have so many decorations. And of course, we must make lots more. It's what we do- a handmade Christmas tradition since the children were little. Yes, we are a crafty bunch through and through. One of my favorite gifts ever is this stack of handmade ornament boxes they made for me over 15 years ago. Using recycled cartons all painted up with their artsy, homegrown snowflake pattern, they even lined them with plush white lamby fabric scraps. I love them so much- and aren't they just so cool, so contemporary? My crafty, clever, little loves, and the dear man with a fine plan. It's a wonderful life ....snowed in with coffee and crafts. And a slowly warming tree. xoC
Oh Charlotte, stay safe and warm. I have never been in an ice storm before, it sounds so scary. Have a lovely quite Sunday. Clarice
Posted by: clarice | December 16, 2007 at 12:04 PM
sounds dreamy...
those are the cutest ornament boxes! i really love the snowman with the pink hat...
have fun decorating!
:) laura
ps thank you for introducing me to silver bella...
Posted by: laura | December 16, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Oh my, it sounds like a yummy day!
Posted by: Kimberly C. | December 16, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Thank you so much Charlotte! I just returned home from a short trip to the wonderful kit you sent. We are housebound today as well with a furious windstorm whipping up the trees and beating our windows. The dining room table is all ready for me to make my Christmas card holder. I will be thinking of you and yours as I cut and glue and glitter. Happy Holidays to you!
Posted by: Olivia | December 16, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Charlotte, visually, you can make the mornings so pleasant. Thank you for your sweet commentary. It's a restful blessing. Carol R
Posted by: Carolr | December 16, 2007 at 02:51 PM
I'm so glad to hear you're all safe and tucked in, dry and cozy Charlotte. (This So. Cal. native (weather wuss), gets all shivery just reading about ice and sleet. Brrrrrrr.) What a super hubby you have to venture out and get the tree by himself.
I love your ornament boxes your darling girls made for you, so precious. & I so love that you have a tradition of crafting together.
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Sally | December 16, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Sounds so cozy!
Here is is yucky and Texas-y and we all have allergies.
I'll be imagining I'm there instead ;).
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | December 16, 2007 at 07:03 PM
I was re-visiting a favorite Christmas book last night (hmm...wonder which one?) and saw that same little lined ornament box
Posted by: julie (jane's apron) | December 16, 2007 at 10:13 PM
How cute is that little snowman with the pink pea coat??? :) Simply adorable!!! Enjoy your snow, we're still in flip flops over here in California ;) (p.s... your designs are doing quite well in my shop! Everyone asks if I made them out of my old sweaters... I'm very flattered that they think I'm THAT crafty and creative! hehe!)
Posted by: Carrie | December 17, 2007 at 01:55 AM
sounds beautiful - and how come other people's coffee brewing sounds so attractive? I'm sure coffee never tastes as good in the UK as it does in the US - must be the atmosphere! cute boxes too.
Posted by: caireen | December 17, 2007 at 02:06 AM
Now I don't feel so badly.. if Charlotte Lyons just put up her tree then I'm not as behind as I thought. :) Stay warm!! We got hit with oodles of snow over the weekend.
Posted by: deb | December 17, 2007 at 10:11 AM
I think you chose the best option staying in safe and warm. I've been reading about the terrible snow and ice storms that have been hitting over on your side of the Atlantic. Here in London it is bitterly cold and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some snow which would be rare this side of Christmas. Love the ornament boxes. I think home made decorations are the best. When I put my tree up I was tempted to leave it not bare, but with just the lights, but in the end all my lovely decorations were just too tempting and had to go up. Keep warm and safe.
Posted by: nonnie | December 17, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Charlotte, You could have pulled those thought right out of my head. The wind, the tree, (although I sent both husband and son out to get one), the weird perfectness of it. The best part, getting to stay in and sip the coffee. Susan
Posted by: Susan at Black Eyed Susans Kitchen | December 17, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Hi Charlotte,
Last week was so busy for me and I didn't get a chance to thank you for a great class at Tinsel. I loved your projects and enjoyed meeting the other new crafters. By the way, my cat, Charlie, loved the little felt house. He got it down from where it was hanging and started playing with it and dunking it into his water bowl. Now it's his. He's such a lovable rascal. I'm wishing you and yours a most happy and joyous holiday and new year! xoxo, Jillian
Posted by: jillian rosefielde | December 17, 2007 at 01:07 PM
Thank you for sharing this little piece of your world with us...my heart is now warm and cozy, as I hope you are during this winter chill!
Posted by: Rebecca | December 17, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Um, yes - I have to say that those ornament boxes do rock. :)
Posted by: Erin Lyons | December 18, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Snowed in with coffee & crafts sounds pretty perfect. Happy [white] Christams!
Posted by: alyssa | December 18, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Oh how cozy. This time of the year it is wonderful being snowed ins For me, it doesn't feel quite as cozy in March when we have had enough!
Posted by: Kim | December 18, 2007 at 03:14 PM
It doesn't get much better than being snowed in with coffee and crafts! That's what my weekend consisted of as well! ;)
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Missy Sue Hanson | December 18, 2007 at 11:55 PM
"He watched me tiptoe around with another cup of coffee, looking so un-ready to do much more than gaze out the wintry window, like everyone else."
:-)
Pah! I can totally see this, somehow, you poor thing. What a nice hubs to not make you have to explain. Merry Christmas, you guys -- xo, a
Posted by: Alicia P. | December 22, 2007 at 12:13 PM