"if winter comes,
can spring be far behind?"
-Shelley

Any northerners keeping tabs on the earth's position relative to the sun know that today is our winter solstice. Most news reports are calling it "the first day of winter" which, I think, is unnecessarily depressing...the reality is that, starting today, our days become gradually longer until June 21st when they will start to get shorter again. June 21st, then, is the day to mourn...today is for celebrating!!! More Sunlight...Woohoo! Bring it on!

"Everything passes,
everything changes,
just do what you think you should do."
-Bob Dylan

I am now officially hibernating. ;o)
The above photo (sorry, deleted) shows my car just moments before entering winter storage yesterday, so, while I will, of course, still leave the house, there'll be no more willy-nilly travelling about...now it's all about the planned excursion...till April rolls around, anyhow.
The hardest part about this ritual is admitting that the freewheeling summertime is really over, kaput, done. But there's also a certain anticipation of the long nights to come, which is when I'm at my best creatively. Wintertime in Cape Breton stands in strong contrast to our busy event-filled summer...that means fewer distractions and more time in the workshop!! YAY!!
(This Pollyanna-optimism works to keep me sane till spring...thank goodness for art, self-employment, and family support...without all those I'd surely be wintering in Florida!)

"the comeback is slow
it tears me to pieces,
When will I ever
see you again?"
-Nathan Wiley

these gift ideas are based on my own personal belief that the best gifts are ones which are totally unexpected...items the giftee would never buy for her/himself, but will be glad to receive!

note: I subscribe to the "Buy DIY Ethic", but if you can't buy independent, buy local, and if you can't buy local, then you can't complain when we're all left with nothing but one mammoth Wal-Mart, either, right? :D

the categories, then:

EXPERIENCES:
concert tickets, weekend getaways, outdoor adventures, etc. are great paired up with a CD, bottle of champagne, snowshoes, etc, giving the recipient something to look forward to.

FUN!!:
*fireworks.
*mindless games like Jenga and Rebound are a great way to say, "drop some stress"
*invisible ink activity books are perfect for snowy days, sick in bed days, or reliving your childhood summer vacation days (for me, anyhow). I highly recommend the Yes & Know book for ages 9-99.
*Science kits can be amazingly fun...my brother once gave me a "grow your own crystals" kit that rocked!
*sea monkeys!

CREATIVITY:
Something nifty from the art/craft supply store may delight and surprise even the non-artsy on your list...origami kits, lumps of clay, carving sets...having something to do on Christmas day besides eat turkey and sleep surely should be welcome!

NOSTALGIA:
*Has your giftee ever sighed wistfully while describing something they "used to own when they were a kid"? Go on Ebay and try to find one for them!
*Visit retro candy stores (like this one) and rediscover all the various forms of sugar you thought went extinct...yum!
*"Reminisce" is a great magazine for grandparents in the 75+ age bracket.

ENTERTAINMENT:
*This is extravagant, but check it out! Television-loving, retro-stylin' giftees would adore this sweet T.V set! (invite me over if you buy one!)
*anyone who appreciates sharp, daring, social commentary in a comedic vein NEEDS to own the video "George Carlin: Jammin in New York"...it's tough to find, but well worth it.

ART/BOOKS/MUSIC:
Obviously, I'm recommending that you first check out your local scene before you buy a Van Gogh print, or another Jimi Hendrix CD (both of whom are great, no mistake)...since there are plenty of living, working artists creating amazing works here and now(who really appreciate your support, by the way!)
*Pet portraits can be good gifts...have one painted in a folk or pop-art style for a twist!
*books make you smart, Joey...dig up some treasures in a used bookstore, or buy em brand new...hand-bound and altered journals are great for the writer on your list.
*Band merchandise can also be well-received...lots of bands have t-shirts/hats/pins, etc.
*you can give musical instruments to everyone on your list when you buy em all kazoos, or "the egg", or even harmonicas...accompanying Boney M on a kazoo...does it get any more festive? :D

"Everybody wants somethin'
they'll never give up..."
-the Zit Remedy

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