Blanket of White

I've been missing in action for a while. It may not even look like a hint of Spring is near but the blanket of white comes and goes in Upstate NY. While the gardens are still tucked in, I'm gaining momentum in my studio to unfold my ideas into Spring items for my shop.





I've been just a little busy lately and spending time with this little guy who inspires me to not only dream and create a little better
but be better.

Love Has No Season

Another December has come and will be gone in a few days. The anticipation of making it just right for my family has passed for another year. Every year I tell myself it is not about choosing perfect gifts for my family but I find myself thinking about each person for many weeks and hope the gift I match them with will be right.

This year family has changed in some ways. Not all could be gathered together even though they are quietly present in my heart. I found myself thinking of Jesus' mother. This song brings the  miraculous moment in time to the heart of any believer as the gift for all time.

In all the Decembers of my life I cannot focus on any memory greater than this gift of God's perfect love. Merry Christmas and wishing you the love that has no season.

Diana Krall - Blue Skies (Audio) - Seneca Lake

My littlest loyal love

This April was almost 18 seasons of Springtime with my little yorkie. I had to say goodbye on Easter. This time of year will ever mark a day when my heart broke for my longtime loyal companion. I tried to prepare for this day as he was failing in health over many months and as my vet told me 6 months ago "he is just an old man in assisted living".  Dog lovers and pet lovers know the agony. It is part of the commitment of sharing love with one dependent upon you for survival, affection and quality of life. Seeing him through to his last breath and bringing him back home again to rest beneath my daffodil gardens is done. I know I will add many beautiful flowers to his place of remembrance.

Many memories are tucked away in my consciousness for now. The journey of grief seems to unfairly bring forth the years of family snapshots crowding the mind and cascading the tears. One day they will bring such warmth and joy to my heart. For now, I just miss a little 7 lb terrier who when he was at his best, thought he was a lion.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017

Wishing every person who takes a moment from their day to visit patricepastel a most wonderful beginning to 2017. Christmas holds its wonder for each of us. For me, I end up back into my childhood thinking of my grandfather who made everything special. I grew up having a real fir tree in the living room, stockings hung on the mantle, a roaring fire in the fireplace with chestnuts actually roasting on Christmas Eve and my mom playing classic Christmas carols on the upright piano. Oh, how I miss my grandparents! I have vintage ornaments I so carefully preserved from my grandmother. How would I know that as the years pass by each and every ornament would take me back to the smell and the sights and the feelings of being less than 5 years old?

May your Christmas hold memory that is kind to your heart. If it be past, present or a future memory that makes it dear - think on that! May 2017 be a year that brings you peace and hope and love. The God kind of love that never runs dry and restores.
Best to You!
Patrice

Oneida Lake Late Summer Love

It may be September, but the lure of a breezy,balmy, late Summer beach memory is made for a 6 year old. There is no better way to clear out one's mind of cluttering thoughts than the rushing sound of sunlit waves upon the sand with my loves.

August Sunflowers

Reaching for the sun, these small but tall beauties announce that Summer can be endless. Not rain nor drought seems to cancel their late Summer sun dance. Faithful no matter what late August brings ~ tends to be their message.  Some days I feel kind of knocked down by the winds. These golden faces seem to say just get up again for the season always passes. You can count on it.