Thanks at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2020 Style

If there has ever been a bigger year for reflection I don’t know one. My own family tradition at this time of year is to cook a big meal, eat and share with friends and family and use the time to really reflect on the blessings of the year. I usually write a few handwritten letters of thanks to a few select people who I feel need to know I am thankful for their work or help. This year I think everyone needs that letter especially with a national lockdown in November.

This year feels like swallowing a cactus… it has been a slog. Yet I feel it has offered a slower pace, and a chance to really reflect on the importance of health, family and friends.

I have taken essential services for granted. I know we all have to some degree. My life would be awful if my bins weren’t collected, delivery persons weren’t delivering and my local shops were closed. I am especially grateful for our teachers. They are bravely out there helping the rest of the country by keeping young people in school. The NHS is absolutely amazing too and I know some fantastic doctors and nurses out there doing much more than they ever bargained for. Coming from a family of nurses I can say no one works like a nurse or a doctor. So this is my huge thank you to all those who make this all a bit more bearable.

November is traditionally a time to feel really homesick for California sunshine, it happens every year when I realise Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Over the years I have fought that feeling with lots of plans with friends, charity events, and a Xmas open studio. This year I am embracing the upcoming quiet winter knowing the spring will be better than ever. I hope you can too.

Please stay safe and keep looking after each other. -Rachel

Hello from the Studio,

Well here we are the 11th month of this weird year. And to my delight, at the 11th hour, I’m breathing a sigh of relief over the US election results. I know not everyone will feel the same, but I personally feel it has given me a bit of hope for a fresh start to the upcoming year.

This has been a very tough year for us all in many different ways. I would like to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, your patience and most of all your dedication to supporting local business. Your continued phone-calls, emails and social media comments have really kept my chin up. Thank you.

During lockdown I have been plodding on with studio renovations and improvements, rescheduling courses, making commissioned heirloom pieces and playing catch up from months of homeschooling kids. I feel incredibly lucky to be in a position to carry on with my work, I know so many others are not in that place.

I am currently looking into offering a Xmas Open Studio Event online so keep your eyes peeled for more details on Facebook and Instagram. I am also working on getting the LoveLinks Project online in time for bidding though this site. And I have scheduled several courses for Spring 2021.

If you would like me to make something unique for the Dec 25th get in touch asap.