the last few moments

Hi friends!  I'm just checking in once more before the end of the year.  We have had lots of visitors (and are expecting my brother tonight!), but enjoyed a quiet Christmas day at home.  One of my favorite parts of Christmas morning was that Arthur wanted to read each book he opened before opening any other presents.  It made the few gifts we had stretch out throughout the morning and I loved that he was interested in appreciating each one before dashing on to the next.  

This afternoon, I'm finishing up a few orders and enjoying the smell of the Cranberry Pot Roast I have going in the oven.  It's chilly outside and I'm wishing for snow.  I hope that you enjoy the last few moments of the year- meet you back here in January!

we celebrate

In the midst of all the Christmas hubbub, Arthur turned four this week.  We celebrated at his school, we celebrated at home with a few friends, we celebrated just the three of us.  

His favorite part, hands down, was the cake.  He helped make it, which I think may have been more exciting than actually eating it.  

This week, we also celebrate ten years since that night at the tree where Steve asked me to be his wife.  Every time I think of it, I'm just so glad he asked.  

The holidays are a tricky time of year.  Every joy seems greater, but so too does every sorrow.  Some of the disappointments of the year that I thought I had shaken have come back to hit me full force and I find myself grieving all over again.  We lost Steve's grandmother this week, one of our very favorite people.  We have alternated between remembering her with stories, and sitting in disbelief that there won't be any more.  The troubles of family and friends weigh on me and I wonder about why it seems that some people are given more than their fair share.  

And yet, we celebrate.  Life moves forward, and there are still so many things to find joy in.  

                       He did not wait
                       till hearts were pure.  In joy he came
                       to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
                       To a world like ours of anguished shame
                       he came, and his Light would not go out.

                                            -Madeleine L'Engle

I asked the boys to put lights on the tree while I was in the shower...

...and this is what I came downstairs to.  So, the usual.  

The holiday decorations are going up rather slowly this year, but, other than the tree, most things are just "wintery" and can stay on into January.  This year's winter decorations include new curtains for the family room and six new throw pillows...all made by yours truly....during my busiest work month...and my busiest life month...I know.  You don't even have to say it.  If there were a support group for people who make extra work for themselves at the worst possible time, I would be leading it.  

L. Perkin 2014 gift guide

Confession: I love gift guides.  No, like I love them.  I don't even know what it is.  Something about a grouping of lovely items and the information about how to buy them is just so much fun for me.  

After drooling over tons of gift guides this holiday season, I started craving some of my own.  What I really love are gift guides aimed at a particular type of person, but this one has a little bit for everyone on your list.  

Clockwise, from lower left:

Plaid Travel Blanket with Leather Strap: We have a blanket specifically for out-of-the-house events. It lives in the trunk of our car and I am always so thankful for it.  

Pocket Squares: Pick three and make it a gift set!

Bow Tie: Always a great gift- this brown and blue plaid is one of my winter favorites. 

Men's Scarf in Houndstooth: Because black and white look good on everyone!

Kid's Scarf in Hunter: Arthur loves his flannel scarf.  I think he feels very grown up when we're all putting on scarves to leave the house. 

Waxed Canvas Wallet: A new product I just designed- super simple and guaranteed to last. 

Wool Pencil Pouch: Will a bright mustard yellow zipper cheer the recipient every time they reach for this pouch?  Most likely. 

Striped Clutch: Leather, black and white stripes, and a shiny gold zipper- I want to give one to all my friends. 

Herringbone Tech Case: It's the perfect size for an iPad mini, or whatever else you like to tote around. 

I don't know about you, but it's gray and rainy here today.  We have the tree lights and Christmas music on and finishing up my Christmas shopping from home sounds like the perfect thing to do.  

Happy gifting!

we're all alright

I feel like I should preface this post by saying that everyone here is fine.  I tend to get panicky when bloggers disappear for months without warning, so I certainly feel bad about doing it myself.  Life has been busy and sometimes difficult, but overall just regular life.  It takes up so much time, doesn't it? 

I'm also redefining what I consider a proper "blog post" and hope to post more frequently with shorter updates.  Like this one: eleven years ago today, Steve and I started dating.  

I read the Anne of Green Gables books late in life, after we had been married a year or so.  When I came upon this quote, I almost couldn't believe how much it described my feelings about falling in love with Steve.  

“Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one’s life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one’s side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm and the music, perhaps . . . perhaps . . . love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath.” 

― L.M. Montgomery

I'm feeling thankful today for a beautiful friendship that unfolded into love.