More ornaments

I've been creating tons of ornaments! Not literally. But for several days I've been very focused on making them, so that I have a little stockpile of them available for when I'm on Thanksgiving break. Although, I'm still planning to make some then. I had a hack of a time identifying some of them, but I think I've labeled them accurately. Here are several I've listed on my etsy shop:

English Ivy

Freeman Maple


Sugar Maple

Sweet Gum

Etsy Gift Guide

So, for those who aren't aware, etsy puts together gift guides of various items the etsy admin chooses. It's just one way to promote various sellers and aid the buyers at the same time. I was so excited to find out this morning that my Fly Agaric mushroom ornament has been featured in one. It is the Holiday Ornaments gift guide. I have no idea how long it will be in there, because I'm not really sure how it works. But, it has gotten me some extra views and hearts, so it's cool with me! Dan immediately suggested I make some more. Perhaps I will. I have some polymer clay left, but I thought I'd wait and see if I get any more sales. I've sold one ornament so far. On a completely different note, I went to the coffee shop today, since it was drizzly and cold and generally a coffee-type day. Man, did that ever hit the spot. For about five years now I've been drinking tea instead of coffee, but I've decided to get a French press and coffee grinder for Christmas. I'm ready to reemerge into the coffee world.

Appalachian Trail

Those of you who know me, know that I am just *slightly* obsessed with the Appalachian Trail. I have read countless books on the subject, as well as regularly browsing through hikers' online trail journals. Today Dan made my weekend (after a less-than-stellar Friday night at the local cow farm/gun auction) by taking me hiking on the AT! We only hiked about three miles, but it was gorgeous! And I forgot my camera. But picture this: steep mountain trail covered in crunchy brown leaves, and tall, huge trees with a few colorful leaves still clinging to their branches for dear life. The sun shone brightly through everything, and the views between the branches were excellent! I could definitely see myself thru-hiking. So much, that I asked Dan, in all seriousness, if he would let me if I really felt compelled to. He gave me a searching, uncomfortable look and said, "I don't know." And that has been the final word on the subject. Would I really consider leaving my husband for six months to go hiking? No, probably not. I would love it most of all if he would hike it with me. But then, he could meet up with me occasionally and we could hike together for a weekend or whatever. It could work...