End of Autumn Update
We woke up to the first snow of the season here in West Michigan! The children were delighted, of course, but we were scrambling to find coats and mittens this morning: the highs were close to sixty just a few days ago. I don't know what's been going on with the weather this year, but I feel bound to record that it's been as close to perfect as you could want. Michigan gets such a bad rap, but it has been LOVELY.
The spring came early and lingered, fresh and fragrant: none of those false starts so common in the Great Lakes region that leave your crocuses and daffodils battered by sleet. Summer was incredible--warm and sunny, but not TOO hot, and so much rain that the grass never reached that crispy stage. Autumn has been almost heart-breakingly gorgeous. Despite concerns that the dryness would diminish the highly anticipated fall colors, our maples put on a splendid show, and the temperatures have been absolutely wonderful. My garden was still putting out new zinnias just two weeks ago!
With our senses sated by all that luxuriant warmth and color and sunshine, we can welcome this snow and the bite in the air as a welcome change, pulling our cherished waterproof and fur-lined footwear out of storage with all the smug satisfaction of Aesop's wise ants.
Now that I've done my part to ensure justice for my home state's meteorological reputation, here's what we've been up to in the woodshop lately:
- Gorgeous redesign of the popular reversible mantle signs! Moody and medieval, this version is double thick and striking.
- We only attended one craft show this season, but it was an unqualified success. I loved connecting with people in the local community who were drawn to our products. My daughter was my right-hand woman for the event, and did brisk business in her handmade rubber band bracelets on the side ;)
- I'm excited to share that plans are underway to offer an engraving of the St. Andrew's Christmas Novena very soon. Our family has kept the tradition of saying this prayer daily during Advent for the past couple of years and it has been transformative for me. It's a short, potent reflection on the moment of Christ's birth that captures your imagination and your heart in a very powerful way. St. Andrew's Day is coming right up, so I hope to debut this one quite soon--stay tuned!