..and the grand dames of the forest, the statuesque maples,
donned their gowns of scarlet, crimson, and gold in preparations for the Great
Autumn Ball....
It's my favourite time of year again! Fresh apples,
squash and pears; and the gorgeously coloured leaves looking like they've been
painted by the Old Masters. This weekend we celebrate Thanksgiving and it's a
perfect time for me to look back over the past few months and give thanks for
the wonderful experiences, opportunities and successes that have come my way.
In April I
began a retail partnership with the Stratford Festival and have had great
success selling my jewellery in their
Theatre Store. Krista Swetman and her staff are amazing and do an
absolutely lovely job of displaying my pieces. I've been invited to continue
selling my jewellery at their downtown Theatre Store, located next to the Avon Theatre on Downie Street, this upcoming Christmas season. I'm so excited to be able to extend my stay in Stratford and looking forward to creating many new pieces for gift giving or to treat yourself.
To celebrate
my mother's birthday, I joined my sisters and Mom for a weekend trip to
Niagara-on-the-Lake. This was a first for the four of us and we had a great
time. Lots of shopping, laughter and great food--oh yeah, and a delicious
bottle of Three Olives S'Mores Vodka (great with chocolate milk!) Here's hoping
we have the opportunity to do it again....and again, and again!
Turning lemons
into lemonade--unfortunately our truck broke down and started on fire while on
our way to a huge outdoor show in Windsor in early June. Thankful that we
weren't hurt and now have a new (to us) Hyundai Sante Fe....and a CAA
membership!
The Home
County Music and Art Festival took place in July, and this was one of my lifelong
dreams accomplished. This turned out to be my first outdoor show and despite
the "all day" showers on Saturday, I had a great weekend. I met so
many fantastic people and had a chance to connect with old friends. The highlight
of my weekend was being awarded with the 2014 Best Booth Design. Not bad for my
first outdoor show!
I've also
had the opportunity to spend the summer selling my romance&ruin creations at
The Village Collective. It's a delightful shop in Sparta, ON set up as an
artist's cooperative where we shared space, expenses and working in the shop.
Thanks to Shelley McVittie and the other lovely artists. It was truly an
opportunity to grow and expand my horizons!
This past
weekend my husband and I travelled to the Bobcaygeon/Peterborough area (the
foliage was spectacular) to attend the wedding of a dear friend. I was honoured
to be asked to create the bride's birdcage veil and hand ornament, and it was a
thrill to see her wearing my pieces-so lovely!! Congratulations Rebekah and
Eric!
And last,
but not least, we came home to find out that my daughter and her boyfriend got
engaged over the weekend-congratulations and much love to you both, Jessica and
Brent!
Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving weekend, and hope that you all have many blessings to be thankful for. Surround yourself with loved ones and enjoy what promises to be a gorgeous weekend!
Take care.....Marian xo
