Terribly Cold Tuesday

It is really cold outside and I am once again so thankful that I don't have to go out unless I want to. I slept in today and when I awoke and raised the blind in the bathroom, I could see that the creek was frozen all the way across. It is positively (or negatively) arctic out there.

I am planning to stay inside today. If I had a fireplace, there would be a roaring fire and a plush reading chair nearby and that is where I would take up residence for the duration of this cold snap. I made a large pot of pea soup yesterday and I plan to have some for lunch. I just wish I had a bit of sliced ham to make a sandwich to go with it.

Since I don't have a fireplace and I am in the middle of things I will instead stay inside and play. I have begun work on my next book. I've separated the covers from the text block and have chosen a selection of drawings from the text to use as endpapers. I've also made my signatures and put them under a weight to compress them. I just love the color and the title:

I'm leaning toward using the two darkest drawings as the endpapers.

I have been mentally painting some watercolor flowers and planning to get out a piece of watercolor paper and go for it. But right now all my work space is covered with bookbinding materials, so I drew a simple vase of flowers instead. I have been meaning to use a fountain pen to draw with, but have been hesitant because I am finding them to be a little messy. I think it is me and not the pen, however. At any rate, last evening I attempted a small drawing of a vase of flowers using my Lamy Safari pen. For whatever it is worth, here it is:

It is a little messy, but I rather like it. Maybe when I use pen I should try stippling for the darker parts.

I also took a picture of the cutting board the hubster made as a custom order for a Christmas present. It is made of cypress, cherry and black walnut and measures 16" x 22". I think it is absolutely beautiful. I love the light and dark woods together and am sure the recipient will be very pleased with it.

It is not the best picture, but I think you get the idea.

I haven't been feeling well the last few days and think maybe it is from too much coffee. My stomach is on edge. I am going to try cutting back to one mug in the morning and one in the afternoon instead of two or more each. I am hoping I will get through today without that raw feeling.

Meanwhile, I need to get on the treadmill today and then do some work on my latest book. I was wanting to try two needle coptic stitch, but I think I would want to use curved needles and I only have 3 of them. I would need at least four of them, and for a book this size, I should probably use 6 of them. So for now, I am thinking of finishing this book with one needle coptic stitch.

I have all my holiday shopping done now and need to set aside some time for wrapping. We are celebrating our Christmas a week from today so I'd better get busy.

I hope to have something more to share with you tomorrow.

xoxo