Come October, I look forward to tucking spray-painted, gnarled branches into a rusty urn and tricking out my Halloween tree with retro-hinged, jack-o’-lantern ornaments.

On Christmas, I get giddy with anticipation as I deck out my tinsel tree in apple-green and hot-pink ornaments, carefully tucking its faux trunk into a rotating tree stand.

And on Valentine’s Day, I can barely contain myself as I accessorize the stone cherub who graces my dining room buffet with beaded garland and a flock of pink, glitter-dusted birds.

When it comes to filling the void between major holidays, I set my sights on the empty frames in our family room, perfect for displaying Tanner and Saxon’s seasonal grade-school art. Nothing rocks President’s Day like Abe Lincoln’s log cabin constructed from Popsicle sticks.

Some years I don’t deviate from protocol; on other occasions I mix it up. I love walking into my house and seeing the vignettes. They add sparkle to an otherwise blah day.

As much as I’ve been seduced by their cute holiday wares, writing about these artists, designers, and talented homeowners for Mary Engelbreit's HOME COMPANION has given me a far greater gift: the inspiration to unleash my inner artist, to be creative and play. Please just let me know I’ve crossed the line if you ever see an enormous Easter Bunny snow globe on my front lawn, or a spring centerpiece created from hot glue and a mountain of marshmallow Peeps.

For fun, quirky crafting tips, visit

www.gogoabigail.com/blog

 

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The push mower, aka "reel mower," arrived, and I assembled it using the provided diagram. I think I might have put a nut where a bolt should have been, but the thing worked and it actually cut grass.

At first, I'd just go back and forth across the lawn, horizontally and vertically. Then, I discovered circles and diagonals and squares within squares. I started playing games: If I get X amount done today, I get tomorrow off. Soon I could easily knock off three-quarters of the yard in a week. I could mow early in the morning and not rattle the neighborhood. The mower never broke down or ran out of gas. My husband actually had free time. A woman I didn't even know—and therefore had no hidden agenda—commented on my legs. (She called them "gams.")

I'll admit, I've toyed with the idea of starting some precious lawn service with a fancy title. "Mary's Hand-Cut All-Natural Enviro Lawns."  But then I'd have no time for our lawn and we'd be back to where we started. Still, just imagine the shape I'd be in!

Now, if ever I see my husband getting the lawn tractor out, I spring into action: "Oh no you don't! Leave some for me!"

Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Scotts-20-Inch-Push-Mower-2000-20/dp/B00004RA3E

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And read to me, and read to me.

My sister, Susan, tucked me under her arm and read to me, too, because I simply couldn’t get enough. I guess it’s no surprise I grew up to be a writer.

Of the many, many wonderful gifts I received from my family, the love of books has got to be near the top of the list. It defines who I am in so many ways, and it continues to sustain me whenever I need to disappear into a novel and “recharge.”

In my own little way, I’ve tried to pass that gift along. When my girlfriends started having babies, I’d always round up a pile of classic books for baby shower gifts. When my stepdaughter and daughter-in-law were expecting, they got the tried-and-true books, too. And God bless ‘em, they used those books. They read to their kids every chance they get. It’s truly a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Here are some of my favorites:Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, The Best Word Book Ever  by Richard Scary, The Listening Walk by Paul Showers, Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle,  Jamberry by Bruce Degen, and most anything by Dr. Seuss.

For other recommendations, visit www.hedgehogbooks.com, a site developed by teachers with “Top 10 Lists” arranged by age; www.parentsasteachers.org (search for “suggested reading”); and www.childrensbooks.about.com, where book lists are arranged by subject.

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On a snowbound day, the best activity is to make a list from the latest seed catalogs delivered by heroic mailwomen such as our carrier, Kim. For you techies, www.seedsavers.org will inspire you with their heartfelt mission.

For heirloom tomatoes, search www.heirloomtomatoes.bizland.com,  which has an extensive selection. Who could resist Yellow Stuffer? The color alone will make you want to play in the dirt.

Get your cup of coffee, or tea if you prefer, find a sunny spot with a view of powder-laden trees, and spend some time dreaming of summer.

                     

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