There's Talent in Buttercupland

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Not me, but we have some very talented citizens!
I usually put a list for Christmas/Chanukah shopping together some time in the summer. I like choosing things while I'm on vacation or at weekend craft fairs. But this year was different and I didn't even think about gift giving until last Friday. Chanukah is three weeks away and Christmas will be right behind. I wanted to find fun, useful and special things for friends and family, and not necessarily mass produced. I turned to my very talented friends in Buttercupland to begin shopping. Thanks, Etsy and thanks, friends. 
I've written about Becky of "Hospitality Lane" before and am happy to chat about her latest project, Tommy Candles, which benefit orphan adoption. Two of my work friends will have these beautiful candles to look forward to. I ordered the Christmas Cabin scent and it will be difficult to give them away. 
I then turned to Marie's art blog, "The Artful Heart. Marie is a talented artist and her beautiful prints will gladden the hearts of three friends. I will still have to frame them when they arrive, but I love the idea of giving original work done by a friend. 
My next stop was ordering copies of Terra's book on motherhood firsts. I've written about this wonderful collection before, but am happy to give it a shout out again. She is also the co-author of a book on Christmas firsts that is perfect for this season. 
This was fun shopping. I skipped the long lines, chose from beautiful, crafted products and bought from friends for friends and family. I think I may have started a new holiday tradition. 
Central Park, Manhattan
This was the third day of a three day weekend, of which I am so appreciative. The weather was warm and sunny and I sat outside for an hour reading the newspaper.  I started the morning with a quick medical appointment, sat outside and then took a quick trip to Michaels.  I've had a quiet afternoon and am about to go and hear Barbara Kingsolver, one of my all-time favorite authors read from her new novel. Of course I didn't accomplish everything I hoped to do in the last three days, but have gotten a lot done and am feeling better rested. The latter was a big goal of mine. Hope your day was as sunny this photo of Central Park!