Nothin much… just a quick racoon.

“…that’s what I’ve been thinkin. I could afford one if I did just a little less drinkin…” One of my favorite Miranda Lambert songs. At it’s best when sung by my 9yr. old.

What was I thinking?

Today I have a festive holiday treat for you. However, while drawing these peppermints I wasn’t thinking Christmas, I was remembering one of my favorite children’s books. I read it to my kids often, not because they enjoyed it, but because I did. There was usually much squabbling when I would say… “Let’s read The Walloping Window Blind.” I love the ending “…She was stubby and square, but we didn’t much care, And we cheerily put to sea. We plotted a course for the Land of Blue Horse, Due west ‘cross the Peppermint Sea.”

It’s Cyber Monday my friends! Which means that holiday stress is in full swing. Raise your hand if you bought something on-line today… Yep, my hand’s up… Happy shopping to us all, and to all a strong martini night!

Or in other words, Happy Thanksgiving! To many Thanksgiving means football, food and Christmas shopping, but in my house, it means hockey, and plenty of it. For the past 5 or so years after the turkey and stuffing have been devoured, you can find my family at the rink watching my son in his annual Thanksgiving Weekend Ice Hockey Tournament. Here’s to hoping we do well this year. Go Stars! Gobble gobble.

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A great friend from the past (whom I share fond childhood memories with) contacted me recently to commission a painting as an anniversary gift for her husband. We emailed back and forth a bunch of times. I learned a lot about them and their relationship. From their hobbies, how they met, how he popped the question, to what their bedroom looked like. But what I really got out of our conversation was how much these two really meant to each other. Yes, as cheesy as it sounds, they’re in love. So, with all that information and some nervous trepidation the above painting was created. They exchanged gifts recently and… he really liked it! Phew… I have to say, I’m deeply honored to have been a part of their celebration. Happy Anniversary Trace!

Nothing beats a comforting cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day… with marshmallows of course… and… maybe… a shot of peppermint schnapps. (wink, wink)