Merry Christmas and goodbye 2017!

Happy happenings

The last two months have brought a return of health to the Hestand-Webster household, finally. After colonoscopies for both of us (What?! No two-for-one discount?!) we were declared free of possible problems and ready for the holidays. This was terrific news.

In The Great Bathroom Remodelling Saga I’m pleased to tell you it’s (almost) finished. In fact, it’s at the point where I can show you a couple of pictures – a before (way before, like in 2006 when we moved in!) and an after.

Jim did a magnificent job picking out cabinets, lights, bowls, faucets and paint colors without me. I helped choose the mirrors and toilet. With this project completed it’s time for Jim to relax in his studio. More on that below.

Grass fire aftermath at the Webster Ranch

Meanwhile, back at the ranch….. The day after Maui experienced major flooding, hours-long power outages and an amazing electrical storm, the Webster Ranch in Southern Alberta was threatened by a huge grass fire. Tremendous winds knocked a tree over a power line, starting the fire which headed directly at our property. A neighbor arrived within minutes and started up the hoses, soaking the lawns and buildings; the fire department sucked up water from our lake and dropped it on all the roofs. Between them, no structure was lost. Tony and Debbie’s Chimney Rock Bed & Breakfast was saved, as was Mom’s house where Jim and I live when we're there. No animals died and no people were injured. The fire did burn a lot of grass and a few poplars on the lower levels, but it didn’t get into the forests on the ridges; the huge stands of pines, firs and spruce were spared. Whew. In this photo you can see Tony and Debbie’s house in the middle right, and Mom's house to the right of theirs.

Art department

As I mentioned, Jim is back to work in his studio. His latest, shown here still on the easel, is “Mechanical Advantage” and is 24”x30”. Cool, huh?

Joy of Recycling

Hawaiian print Hostess Helper

I try to spend a few hours in my own studio every day, designing and creating bags and accessories, including the very popular Hostess Helpers – can’t keep enough in stock.

The latest one is shown here, made of upcycled upholstery sample fabric, handmade handles, and including a built-in, usable cutting board.

This year, I’m offering gift certificates in any amount. They have no expiration date and can be used for any item in my inventory including sale items and specials. If you have someone on your gift list who is tough to buy for, a Bag of Joy gift certificate is ideal. And if they’re not on Maui they can go to my Etsy store or Facebook page and select from all the products shown (provided they haven’t sold already, of course). Every item is one-of-a-kind so if you see something you like, let me know asap.

Note to Maui friends: I’m holding a quick sale at Makawao Union Church this Sunday from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to the preservation of this lovely old church and hall. Hope to see you there.

Back by popular demand: Bags in Books! This little contest is for all my book-loving, book-reading friends out there. If you are the first to tell me what book this quote came from you will win a Bag of Joy gift. And to get it going, I’ll give you a hint: You probably need to be Canadian to know this book and this author:

“The singing diminishes and finally dies away – an echo lost in the silent hills – as, one by one, the choristers drop off to sleep, pillowing their heads on dunnage bags or sweaters or on the inflated sides of the rubber boats.”

Maui SCRAP

Supplies for Creative Recycled Art Projects! It's time for my annual Boxing Day giveaway that lasts all month long. Every December I hold a giveaway in the Maui community, offering bags and boxes of “stuff” that would otherwise go to the landfill: lots of fabrics, craft supplies, odd things like blinds and tubes. I list these things on my MauiSCRAP page on Facebook and the first person who asks for it, gets it, as long as they come pick it up in a day or so. The giveaway starts today, so check it out at MauiSCRAP.

That’s it for this year, folks. It has been a rough year for many friends and family members, so let’s keep the faith and plan on a much happier, healthier and peaceful 2018.

Calendar of special December days

7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

12 – Hanukkah begins

25 – Christmas

26 – Boxing Day and Kwanzaa begins

31 – New Year’s Eve