We were “pied” by Lucien–apple-cranberry

Grateful and birded or not-birded, family-ed or not family-ed, here we are in the next stretch… On this Tuesday, my thoughts are squarely on work—and getting my house ready for a not-so-little craft show on Sunday. The thing started very small—and grew. As someone who came to a love for handmade things early (I was ten when I declared my wish to work at a local craft store called The Little Nook in Chestnut Hill, the shopping neighborhood nearby in Philadelphia where I grew up), to host a craft sale is a pretty natural extension for my adult self.

Crispina ffrench blanket above, Liz Ryan necklaces below

If you’re local enough to make it, you are so invited.

Molly Hatch Fortune Teller above, book available at Essentials below

Meantime, I note three things: first one, how interesting it is to watch a friend’s career grow, like my pal Molly Hatch’s is, or my former babysitter-longtime friend Colette Katsikas, who just bought the Main Street staple Essentials and giving it her stamp. Second thing: I enjoyed myself so much at the Eric Carle Museum over the break; it was fun to bring teen and preschooler, and to remember the one small like the other—and to feel so awed by this institution that’s grown up right in front of my eyes. Having been part of its early days, I feel a little like an auntie there. Third thing: because the parental people came our way over this holiday (for which my second son outdid himself in the chef realm—and in general, to be honest), the dear husband and I snuck away. We had plenty to talk about—and there was something about the reminder that we really like each other I so appreciated. It’s really so very nice to get time together (thanks, Liz and Bob!).

Three things to share:

I’ve been meaning to read this article about the beginnings of Free to Be, You and Me for a good month—and finally did. It offers a dash of perspective and history. And if you don’t have the book or CD and you do have young kids, add to the holiday list now.

I have some very smart writer friends, feminist writer friends. Two things I’ve read this past week I must call to your attention: a piece on Craigslist adoption and another on classism in a diverse school community, one written in DC, the other in Australia. PS: the Internet is cool.

Lastly, Paul Rudnick’s mash note to Nate Silver by a teenage girl is the funniest thing for a while and I suggest you enjoy it.

PS: You’ve gotten past Black Friday, Shop Local Saturday and Cyber Monday. Congratulations.