One fabulous winter not too many years ago I was hanging out with my then new friend, Dedre. We were enjoying all the winter delights: XC skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, warm fires, hot toddies, pretty lights, cold beer, colder toes, wet mittens, snow removal, icy roads, more snow removal…..all in celebration of living in the great Northeast during the winter months. One event in particular stands out in my memory.
Dee’s friend Dotty lives on a sizable farm with hills and valleys perfectly suited to the making of ice runs for inner tubes. After many years of development and design the runs just kept getting bigger, higher and more complex. Four wheelers tow the tubes and carry the “riders” up the steep hills to the top of the run. The run has sloped sides of hard packed snow and twists and turns comparable to an Olympic bobsled run. At the top one is expected to belly down on the tube and plunge oneself head first off a steep takeoff into the deep winter darkness and an unknown decent. All in the name of good fun.
Prepping for the party – hookers in a bubble bath. LOL
I was, and still am in many ways, an unworldly girl. Even in my 50th year I had not yet ridden the back of a 4-wheeler up a narrow snowy trail in the dark. I was unsure of my perching abilities and balking at the prospect, determined to walk up the hill. How hard could it be? Dedre, the bold and daring, told me that I’d never make it up the hill on foot and assured me that the ride was a piece of cake. The ten minute ride, while holding on for dear life, assured me that her assessment was correct; I would not have made it on foot.
Prepping for the party.
After the vehicles dropped the two of us at the top and their sound faded away we stood surrounded by trees, in the deep silence of a winter wood. The stars shone like diamonds in the clear sky. It was magical. And then we moved to the top of the run and I looked off into the abyss and again I balked. And I was thinking maybe I’d wait for that cake ride back down the hill. And Dee, the bold and daring, said, “Oh, Sue, I’m afraid.” and “You go first.” I thought we could go together and so saying to my new friend, set myself up; belly down, head first, inching forward and waiting. And then Dee pushed me. And I think I screamed.
This story deserved the telling to illustrate what compels the spirit to leap into the dark. The faith that is placed on self to carry one into new experiences and accomplishments. In the above tale I was pushed on to the ride. And a ride it was! It was thrilling and scary. And at the bottom of the run I was laughing so hard I could not stand. Pushed yes, but only a little nudge. I put myself on the ready at the top of that run.
A few times I have chosen to step off that ledge into a new beginning. And last Saturday night was one of them. Together with Donna, my friend of 30 years, we began a venture in sharing our love of creating with others. We have combined the discovery of creating with high spirits, comradery, and delectable delights. In doing so we hope to open eyes to new possibilities and share the sincere happiness that that brings to our hearts. We have partnered with my youngest daughter who herself is leaping into the new. Her life long love of baking has manifest into Casey’s Confections, Global Sweets Locally, which are served along side the canvas. 
Saturday night Casey made her wonderful gingerbread with a chi spice caramel sauce and whipped cream. I’m sorry Casey. It was SO good that we ate it before I could get a picture! Trust me. It was as pretty as it tasted. Our beverage was a Merry Moscow Mule. It was my take on the 1940’s cocktail traditionally served in a copper mug. Tracey from TracingGraceArts on Etsy provided these adorable copper color vintage mugs. Imagine 1970 as being vintage! Imagine too what a little vodka and ginger beer can do for a paint brush and canvas!
The laughter was loud and the smiles were genuine. It is my and Donna’s hope that everyone went home with a new piece of themselves discovered and shinning for display. Please continue to follow my blogging for updates into our journey of creating and discovering and the power of sharing happy! And maybe you can join in. I promise not to push. 
swansroost 