Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for you...

My helpers from Edgewater High School visited the tree on Thursday. I kept the prize it won a secret and were they surprised and so proud to see the big blue ribbon for Best of the Festival. What a huge help they were to me. I think they almost single-handedly created the purple section.

I can't believe Walgreen's has photobooks you can make and pick up the same day. I made one for Harriett Lake as a thank-you and will mail it to her today. (I couldn't resist buying one for myself too.) It felt really good to get the pictures organized and document the tree's story line. Here is a link to my book if you want to take a peek-a-loo. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

It was post-festival boxing day at the museum with everyone taking down their decorations. I retrieved my display materials and I let out a huge sigh of relief that I didn't have to dismantle the tree. If it hadn't sold I would have had to remove every last plastic bottle from the 12 ft tree returning it undamaged.                                                                                          

James got us hooked on this new show called "Quirky" about a company by that name that takes inventions to market. Their web-site allows the public to vote on people's ideas, then one or two get chosen each week to be developed. I WANT THIS MOP! Why can't there be a mop with a loop of fabric like the old fashioned hand-towel dispensers in restrooms? You can vote for my idea at Quirky's web-site. You might enjoy surfing the crazy inventions people submit. Mine, however, is beyond sane. It is brilliant! (That is a powdered-sugar canister posing as a mop by the way.)

                                                  Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I have so much to be thankful for. When I finished up my silly photo book, I read it aloud to John and James in case I missed mistakes or it didn't make sense in some way. To my surprise, I got choked up, and blubbered "I just can't believe I did this." And I didn't do it alone. I did it in community with all of you who keep me motivated, who eagerly offer your help or welcome my requests, who pray for me and email me that my voice matters in the universe. I have a husband of 32 ( or is it 33?) years and I know it hasn't been easy. John considered starting a support group for "husbands with wacky wives" once, but he only has one friend with a wife as nutty as I am. I adore my four stellar children, my parents are still living and involved in our lives,  I have a network of friends and family I can count on (and who collect innumerable bottles for me), and I get to do the work I love. If you are reading this, you are on my thank-you list. Happy Thanksgiving! 

(Wreath I made for mom and dad)