The box weighed less than two pounds, but I felt like a 100 pound weight had been lifted walking out of the post office, knowing the last of my Christmas orders was complete and in the mail. I think I may have even danced a little on the way to the car, it felt that good. The good cheer continued once home. I happily cleaned the kitchen in anticipation of enjoying my Chinese take-out on the couch with a mind clear of worries about a list of unfinished work. Let the holiday season begin. Just me and my dinner and a book, on the couch enjoying the Christmas tree. I may have danced a little more just thinking about it. It was nice. The house was quiet, but more importantly my mind was quiet.
You know what's coming, don't you? Yea, it didn't last. Alyssa plopped down with a pen and paper, to help me make a list of the Christmas shopping I have left to do. Surely it can't be much, just a stocking stuffer or two right? Ha! Since it's a little late to order online with any confidence, and my personal shopper (Alyssa) works all week, I have to go shopping. Me and the rest of the slackers who have waited until the last minute. Delightful.
Portrait of me, painted by Mitch. I'm not sure why some guy Mitch works with wants a picture of me on the front of his car, but whatever.
Next year I'm starting in July. I may have said that last year too, but this time I mean it. Really. Maybe even June. Definitely. Ho, Ho, Ho!
I'll leave you with this little bit of heaven I found last weekend. 
It's 45" wide chocolate linen with a large scale print (the trees are about 9"). Birds, trees, linen. Perfection! I wish I could tell you where you can find it, because I'd love to have more myself. I bought it at a drapery/upholstery outlet and got all they had (only 3 yds) I've looked online without any luck. The only info on the selvedge is P/Kaufmann Fabrics. I guess I'll have to be very selective with how I use it.
Happy Wednesday all! It is Wednesday isn't it?
I have to do my Christmas shopping today also and I am a little scared...I am still in my bath robe. That fabric is beautiful. I see a apron in its future. I know you probably have something better in mind. Also Mitch is a great artist. You two are a very talented bunch!
Posted by: nikki brey | December 19, 2007 at 12:33 PM
I think that fabric is frame worthy. Or you could do that thing where you stretch it over a canvas. It would make lovely art.
Posted by: Sarah | December 19, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Girl, if you're a slacker, then I'm a slacker right along with you. Last night I almost finished my shopping. Almost. I still have a few to check off my list, and I am dreading every single second of it.
Posted by: beki | December 19, 2007 at 04:27 PM
wow that fabric is gorgeous!! I wonder what you will make??
Posted by: nubiancraftster | December 19, 2007 at 05:24 PM
I start in January every year and have for several years, but it still catches up with you. You just can't do the decorating, or the baking, or the caroling... early. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Posted by: Tamy | December 19, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Your fabric find is amazing! Lucky you.
Hope you get your shopping done soon and you can get back to relaxing again!
Posted by: ismoyo | December 19, 2007 at 06:16 PM
I bet you didn't dance half as hard as I did today when I *GOT* my fabulous package...
(although now I'm feeling a bit guilty for making you work!)
(are you going to blog them, or shall I? 'Cause they're waaaay too pretty to go un-bragged upon. You take better pictures than I do, so if I'm blogging about 'em, I'm totally stealing your picture...)
LOVE the portrait Mitch did of you - he is every bit as talented as you. I see you've got your own t-shirt too! Can't believe that Mitch was able to capture your likeness so dead on from that small pic. He's a rockstar, too...
heart you both!
xoxoxo
Posted by: lla | December 19, 2007 at 06:31 PM
Oh, that fabric is gorgeous! The tan and blue birds remind me of the little ceramic bird ornaments they have at Target this year.
Good luck with the Christmas shopping - I had a similar revelation while stuck in a meeting at work this morning!
Posted by: Jess | December 19, 2007 at 07:50 PM
That fabric? GORGEOUS! Great find!
Posted by: Mary | December 19, 2007 at 07:59 PM
Love the fabric! I am really into bird and trees this year. Maybe that's why my baby shower stuff all had a bird, egg, nest theme.
Glad to know that I am not the only one left that hasn't finished shopping. I had a near melt down today thinking of all the stuff I have left to do for the holidays and in preparation for the baby. But I AM SO TIRED! And my whole body hurts. I am 37 weeks this week and I keep thinking the baby is going to come before I can get everything done. At least the crib is set up. :-)
Posted by: Oiyi | December 19, 2007 at 10:30 PM
hi!
I make the same promise as you 've just done every year: get the Christmas gifts prepared and finished by the end of the summer...Never managed to achieve it though...
have a lovely thursday!
Posted by: patty | December 20, 2007 at 01:40 AM
I was trying to finish up my shopping last night. I drove an hour to shop and sit in rush hour traffic....lovely. And then I didn't even manage to get done. Dang it! I love that license plate that is too cute. Is it just me or does it not really feel like Christmas this year yet?
Posted by: Beth | December 20, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Awesome fabric find! My holiday shopping is dine, it's just completing the projects I have planned that is still daunting.
Posted by: Caron | December 20, 2007 at 10:03 AM
The brown tree fabric is an amy butler design!! i have a seat upholostered in the same with light blue background, and i have only found the fabric a while ago at my local upholostory fabric store!
Posted by: Amelia | December 20, 2007 at 06:24 PM
Good luck. I did the opposite: did most of the shopping early and left all the making to the last minute. Just one thing left now, though!
Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Lil' d | December 21, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Uh...Can you give me a heads-up reminder in July to get my rear end in gear? Once again I am vowing to get started early next year. I am a knitting and sewing fiend trying to get some things done. DON'T even talk to me about shopping. Haven't done any and don't have any cookies baked either. I feel like such a flake! Oy!!!
Merry Christmas––May we all enjoy the true peace it is meant to bring and not the craziness we create. Bless You!
Posted by: WeeBit Wonky | December 21, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Congrats on being done with orders! I felt the same way when I mailed my last piece of jewelry out and stopped at Starbuck's to celebrate!
Posted by: Erin | December 21, 2007 at 05:42 PM
That will be so me on monday when I get those last presents bought.What makes me think inspiration will strike the day before Christmas with thousands of other people around I will never know! But every year those presents get bought on the last day! Happy,happy Christmas to you and yours from me and mine. xxx
Posted by: Kristy | December 22, 2007 at 06:49 PM
That tree/bird fabric is AWESOME. What a find!
Posted by: Lori | December 30, 2007 at 11:05 PM
I've had some of that fabric for several months now, maybe even a year. I can see if the fabric store I bought it at still has some--they just might. Do you want me to check? I framed a piece of it in an embroidery hoop.
Posted by: Toni | January 03, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I've had some of that fabric for several months now, maybe even a year. I can see if the fabric store I bought it at still has some--they just might. Do you want me to check? I framed a piece of it in an embroidery hoop.
Posted by: Toni | January 03, 2008 at 10:20 PM