CHRISTMAS IS FOR THE BIRDS

For the last few weeks we have been observing the most unusual phenomenon.  It is heard before seen - the great whirring of thousands of wings in concert, rising, dipping, creating a dark wave in the sky.  When the wave shifts, dives and finds ground, every bit of earth in the orchards between the trees is blackened.  And then the chanting begins - a sound so vast that I'm convinced neighbors can hear it all the way down the river to Nyack! I have searched through my National Audubon Pocket Guide trying to identify the species, with no luck.  The only bird that remotely resembles the gathering throng is the European Starling.  Hmmmmm.  I don't think that I could ever grow tired of the majesty of these birds when they suddenly, as if on cue, rise into the sky.

I have birds all around me.  This origami swan keeps good company while I sit at my computer.

Over the weekend I started a project that didn't go as well as anticipated.  It's going to be one of those UFO's that haunts me until I complete it.

I had a vision of a Christmas tree skirt unlike any other -

While the background fabrics will be the traditional greens and reds of Christmas, the motif will be decidedly non-traditional!!  No Santas or reindeer or snowmen on this piece.  

Of course I am making this for Hilary, who longs for her Florida sunshine.  There will be palm trees and bikinis and flip-flops.  I have grandiose ideas for this one!
I wish you all a blessed Christmas.