Where Hands Create.

Thanksgiving is such a special time!   Not only is there a nip in the air, leftover turkey in the fridge, and pumpkin pie - this is also a time to reflect on our many blessings.  For me, I cannot believe my blessings particularly since we opened The Tinsmith's Wife.   These blessings primarily come in multiple interactions with a tremendous group of people - some we only have one great interaction and others become family.

The first week of November, Cindy Morawski came in and began to share her first experience with Comfort and our shop.  After this first visit, Cindy left with pictures of the shop and our shop kitties (including Lily).  With her return - she came with a great story of painting Lily and the comfort derived from her visit to Comfort.  Her paintings are great - and the face of Lily staring out is just a treat.  It is definitely worth a hop over to Cindy's blogspot to see more of Cindy's work and travels; the blog with Lily's story is from November 13th.

Courtesy of Cindy Morawski - "Comfort Cat"

There is also a tremendous joy in our "regulars".   Their faces and smiles grace many a blog from The Tinsmith's Wife, and they are the heart of the shop.  As I have been a bit behind in blogs - some of the pictures go back a few weeks... 

Here is a great snap of Connie and Jane prior to a Halloween party.  What fun to have a quick stop into the shop to share the costumes!  Jane's was particularly brilliant - she is a "Cereal Killer".  This idea was shared with another customer who took this home to her husband - and he won in their costume contest! 

And here a great picture of Merrilie sharing her new "Maid Marian" hat with the group!   Cathy is just behind her.  Again, great smiles!

Speaking of finished projects - another great customer came in one day and wanted to make a stuffed animal.  We shared the Knitting at Knoon animal pattern with her - and here is the super cute Elephant, which is sure to be loved!

Talk of blessings would be absent if I didn't once again celebrate my family!   This is the one item in my life that is without a doubt the best thing (and yes, my cats are in the mix). 

Obviously, Mom and Dad are the super tops of my list!   November is a busy time for us - and it does call all of us in to duty!   Kid 'n Ewe and Alpacas Too is a fiber fest in Boerne that we have been participating in annually - and it is a very different pace.    Here is a picture of Mom in our booth!  Doesn't she look great?!

Just prior to Kid 'n Ewe, Mom and Dad finally went on a much-deserved vacation to Portland, Oregon!  This is just a small thank you for all that they do for me.   Got some great postcards from places like Tillamook Cheese!   They also took some great pictures at Multonomah Falls - which is awesome as this also one of our favorite shawl patterns!  Obviously from the pictures below - this is a cooler season than what we have had in South Texas....  Plus the great color and trees in the picture of Mom!

Rarely does the shop see Scott - but without him, my balance would not be there. I am lucky to have such a husband to tolerate all my crazy. And he does... 

To close - I have to add a few shop cat pics!   The first is Ms. Laurel greeting at the front door.... 

...and Noro being a great model for a finished necklace (Nelkin's Rippled).

It is easy for me to share my blessings...when I stop to reflect.  Just need to be sure that I spent each moment recognizing how lucky I am.

What are your blessings?  Do you always recognize them?

Happy Thanksgiving!