Cheshire Cat grin

Little did I imagine the flurry that would grace my inbox!

Many thanks to cordelia_v, titti, ziasudra_fic, aubrem, midnitemaraud_r, and ravurian for the holiday cheer.

What a lovely LJ gift. Happy holidays to you, too!

Time to tout one of my favorite holiday events: Crafts at the Cathedral. The crafts fair will run this Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday in Synod Hall at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Amsterdam Ave. at 110th Street in New York City.

This is the major annual fundraiser for the congregation at the Cathedral, and the money keeps funding education programs, children's programs, contributions to the soup kitchen, and more. I was on the original founding committee fourteen years ago, and served on the jury for many years after that. I still do some volunteering -- if you come on Saturday afternoon, you'll probably find me working at the cafe. The $6 admission fee* is the only money the Cathedral makes, besides renting the space to the crafters. All money spent with the vendors goes completely to the crafters.

And the crafters are amazing. Most are local, and all are selling their own handmade work. No imports, no antiques, no kits. Everything for sale is completely original. There are potters, jewelers, painters, knitters, and practitioners of many other arts. Past years have included soap, candles, leather work, pewter smiths, and more.

So please, New Yorkers, consider dropping by this weekend to raise your holiday spirits, help out a worthy cause, and get some beautiful handmade gifts for your family, your friends, or youself.

*Print the coupon on the web page for a dollar off admission.

Today is our last day in California. If you're around and you're feeling spontaneous, join us this evening for burritos before we head off to the airport.

Sunday, 5:30 pm
El Farolito Taqueria
Mission Street at 24th
San Francisco

Hope to see some of you before we fly away again.

Happy Thanksgiving to my US-erican friends!

After a rather harrowing travel day, we are now in sunny San Jose, getting ready to go out to a fancy restaurant buffet with my mom, sister, and BIL. We took a lovely walk along the river downtown, and we're hoping to go see the butterflies nesting down on the coast this afternoon.

Enjoy your feasts, everybody!