sticks and strings and little play things

november is the month. the final countdown to winter solstice, Chanukah, and Christmas. the time to embroider blanket stitches on the edges of felt ornaments, to bake gingerbread, apple hand pies, and molasses bread, to steadily knit and purl back and forth until shaping the neckline of a newly knit sweater. yes, that time has come. the official countdown is thirty days. 30 days. one more time, thirty days. thirty days to string popcorn with maybe a few cranberries to add color, light scented candles, bake six types of cookies (two dozen each at least), decorate the Christmas tree, wrap presents in glittery papers and bright bows, sing carols around the house while drinking hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. let the craziness commence. the hours of toiling in the kitchen for the perfect meals and snacks, preparing the peanut brittle at the right degrees, cleaning pine needles off the floor because of a curious cat, trying to make sure i get the perfect gifts. this year a few will made with yarn, wood, paint, and jingle bells. let the crazy crafting commence…