kicking bird

winter stands with clenched fists, & we are thankful for a home so warm.  we have barely left the house these days (except for a few snowy walks), but have had many guests to brighten up our home.  

meanwhile, the little lady has a new nickname:  kicking bird (must be pronounced in mary mcdonnell's accent in "dances with wolves")

josh & i have been immersed in creation, & his album, in particular, is coming along glowingly.  i have been pouring much time into art, but still have little to show for my efforts.  the thinking + the practicing are laying the groundwork, though, & i hope to have some finished projects by spring!

here are some signs of life around the garrels household:

: mama bird + kicking bird :

i have enjoyed the company of girl-friends lately!  erin & megan came bearing gifts of sunflowers, dark chocolate + oranges (my favorite dessert!), & made a delicious lunch.  megan even changed the litter box for us!  

        

the next day amy & sherwin joined us for the weekend.  while we enjoyed cooking for them, they like cooking even more than we do, & left us with an incredible pot of leftover dahl (amy is from india, so i truly mean incredible) so that i can take a little break from cooking this week!

p.s. neither of us is sick, so i don't even know why people are taking such good care of us!  megan even sent over home-baked ginger cookies, bread, soup, tea, & coffee today.  i guess we just have really amazing friends!  thanks, guys!