Happy New Year Everyone…

FIRST e:PUB POSTED

Heads-up:  I’ve posted my e:Pub for this new year, which you can get to by visiting my website, www.cathytesta.com, and clicking on e:Pubs.  There you can see the activities I have planned for 2012 so far – some becoming annnual events.  Perhaps you will join me at some of them. Each is a horticultural learning event and fun to attend, at least in most plant and garden lovers’ eyes.

CATHY T DIY CLASSES

I also recently updated my DIY CLASSES on this blog, featuring the first class of the winter 2012, Encaustic Painting.  See the DIY Class link from the menu bar above to read all about this class, using beeswax to encase your treasured creations.  I’m thinking of making my piece to represent my mother, using her favorite colors, a pressed flower she adores, and words like “twin, mom, sister, mentor” in the artwork along with photos of her as a child, then giving it to her for her birthday later this year.  This class, scheduled on January 21st this month, utilizes items from nature or special items you collect.  Each a piece could represent someone or something you love, then hung on your wall as a painting or lean against a shelf for decor, or presented as a unique hand-crafted gift made by you.  If you have a special event this year (say a wedding, anniversary, special birthday, even upcoming Valentine’s Day gift), and you would like to learn to make a personal craft for someone that will be preserved forever, this is a great class to attend.  See the DIY CLASSES Link above for more.

TAKING DOWN DECOR

As for me, this week kicks off getting ready for 2012, as I noted in my e:Pub, and the task of taking down holiday decorations.  I am going to hate taking down my Boxwood Kissing Ball – it is gorgeous, if I say so myself, but that’s the fun of “changing seasons” – Soon it will be time to get ready for the next set.  I will start two designs on my list, and get the Philadelphia Flower Show booked on my calendar, scheduled in early March (see my latest e:Pub for more information on these types of events).

PHILLY FLOWER SHOW

This year, the Philly show is themed Hawaii style – I can not miss that!  Last year, we booked a package where the hotel and show tickets were combined, so I will look into that.  I loved being able to walk directly from the hotel to the show convention center, it saved time and was super convenient, but you can also take a tour bus via the Connecticut Horticultural Society’s organized tours.  Visit www.cthort.org for information.  As a member, you get a great deal on travel, and if you don’t want to drive yourself – they bring you right to the doors of the hotel, show, and dinners.  You can’t beat that.  Plus you spend time with other plant love enthusiasts, and the show is something to see if you have never gone before.  Be prepared for crowds and wear good shoes.  See my post from 2011 on what else we did when at this show, by clicking on the ARCHIVES-events section at the top of my blog wall.

FIRST BITTER COLD OF THE SEASON

And today, it is finally cold outside – brrr.  In fact, the weather man said it is the coldest day since last February!  This weather is so odd and keeps us guessing.  I’d like to see a bit of the white stuff though – I miss my snowshoe activity outdoors.  The way the sun reflects off the snow when doing the snowshoe gig makes me feel revived.  I think that is why I enjoy it so much and don’t find it difficult.  But until the white stuff arrives, I will be thinking all things gardening and plants – and I suspect you may be doing the same from time to time.

OK, time to get to work.  Have a great day,  Cathy T