Life as I know It

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San Luis Obispo, California, and South Bristol, Maine, United States
Author ~ Illustrator ~ Lecturer

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Tasha Tudor would LOVE this holiday give-away


I must finally feel like I am home. Although we moved into this city house four years ago, I had never unpacked my lambs from the old blanket box. These lambs sat on my fireplace mantel every Christmas for 30 years, but when we moved, I felt like I was adrift, not really a part of this new/old house. This year the lambs came out of hiding and paraded across the top of a pie safe. I'm happy to see them and so is my family. The tradition continues.



In 2007, when I was in the throes of writing and illustrating a book, my husband Jeff signed me up for a blog. "Why did you do this to me?" I asked him. "I have enough going on." He said, "You miss all the people you corresponded with when you wrote your Heart's Ease column for Country Living GARDENER. This is a way to get back in touch." 

I ignored the blog and continued on with life. Once in awhile, I'd post something and feel good about it, but I didn't really know about visiting other blogs, and I didn't understand what the "follower" button was-until last February or March when I finally installed it and looked on in wonder as readers pushed the follow button and joined me as friends.

Since beginning this blog, I've reestablished relationships with readers who wrote to me years ago. Just last week my husband showed me a big box of letters and copies of e-mails from readers from the years I wrote for GARDENER. Lo and behold, some familiar names popped up; Nancy (Lemon Verbena Lady) was at the top of the list. "I love your magazine column," she wrote. 

Now I receive comments, real letters, and wonderful e-mails from readers with whom I've had a relationship for years, and I am so grateful for their love and friendship. To honor those of you who are followers, I want to do a drawing for one of my favorite books, The Tasha Tudor Cookbook, which is in like new condition and is signed by Tasha Tudor.  And in answer to Brenda, from Coffee Tea Books and Me, who said she'd like one of my books,  I am also including the winner's choice of one of my titles. Followers, please leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing.


Tasha signed this book plate in 1995.


Her charming illustrations are timeless. They touch our hearts.


Great recipes, too.


I can almost smell the scent of baking breads and cookies. 

GOOD LUCK! Eligibility is for those who are loyal followers, and the drawing date is on Christmas Eve. I'll announce the winner on Christmas Day. 


COOKING FOR FRIENDS



I've been turning to the Anna Thomas book Love Soup for many winter meals.


Also using Edward Espe Brown's Tassajara Cookbook and Bread Book.

Hand Fried Fresh Kale Salad

Serves four

Two bunches of kale (about 20 leaves)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Pepper
Apple
Radishes
2 Tbs. seasoned rice vinegar

Cut the kale into ribbons (I left the stems on the dino).
Add salt to the kale and start squeezing (I love this as much as kneading bread).
Mix lemon juice, honey, and pour onto kale. Taste it and add more salt if needed.
Add ginger and radishes, mix, add sliced apples.



I shop at 3 or 4 great little farmers' markets each week. Kale is on the top of my favorite's list right now. I especially love the dino kale, which is pictured on the counter along with season's end sweet peppers. We are so spoiled here.


I ALWAYS have fresh ginger in the refrigerator. In the case of the kale salad I love making, well, ginger and radishes are a must for a zinging flavor. If you can't use your fresh ginger right away, you can tuck it into a plastic bag and freeze it. I can't taste any difference.



I started with two huge bunches of dino kale, which filled the bowl to the brim. I added sea salt, fresh squeezed orange juice, and started squeezing the mixture in my hands, a process Ed calls "hand frying." WHY? I don't know, but I do know that fried kale is wonderful (as is this).


Within less than a minute of squeezing, the kale became as palatable as its cooked counterpart. Also, the dino kale reduced in size by half. Until a few years ago, I commonly made roasted kale salads and kale chips, but until I took my cooking class with Ed, I never had it raw in a salad. It is great. Give it a try.


HOLIDAY DECORATING


The tree we love to use for Christmas is being planted this year, so I had to shop for another. I chose a variegated buckthorn, which looks like it has snow on its leaves. I love it. The buckthorn is in a five gallon tub and fit perfectly into my big, old crock.


I'll keep this outdoors in a big, terra cotta pot and use it again next year.



This Edwardian paper squirrel with a flocked coat always climbs near the top of our tree. It once topped a fancy hat.


Jeff has always wanted a sailboat, but with our schedules, we would never get much chance to use one. So, a few years ago, I found this in Maine. He can dream.


This is corny, but I LOVE it. Lili (Fearless Nesting), I am thinking of you here. This is a mussel shell from Burnt Island, Maine, in the Boothbay Harbor region. We boated out to Burnt Island for a picnic with my pal Marilyn and her family. The couple caretaking the lighthouse had gathered mussel shells and decorated them. I fell for it big time. Corny, but wonderful too. On the inside it says, "Burnt Island, Maine." 


Finally, the wheatgrass that I planted on December 1st looks great. This patch of green will sit in the center of our dining table on Christmas Eve. The long, healthy grass signifies the good crops and harvest I'll have in the coming year.

On Christmas Eve by candlelight, we will toast the past year, talk about all that made us grateful, and we'll lift our glasses in joy and celebration.

Happy Holidays to you all. You are the bright and shining pieces of the quilt of life.

Sharon

80 comments:

Snap said...

Lovely post. I love sheep, so was delighted to see you had unpacked your little ones! A Tasha Tudor signed cookbook ... what a treasure! I can't live without my Tassajara cookbooks. I have Espe Brown's Tomato Blessings and Radishes that I enjoy also. Lovely give-a-way. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and don't forget the lunar eclipse on the solstice! :D :D :D

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Merry Christmas Sharon,
I think it's wonderful that your little sheep are out of their box and on display!!! They are a beautiful flock and they look SO Happy and Content to be in their new home!!! I too have boxes like that of little treasures of yesterday just YEARNING to escape. Your post is wonderful and I LOVE your hubbies Dream Sailboat! Your trees are so pretty and the wheatgrass is such a good idea! I must try this...
Merry Christmas to you and yours from Connecticut,
Hugs,
Donna

Carol said...

Hello Sharon, I love this post. I must try your kale salad . . . fascinated with this recipe . . . the way the kale shrinks from salt and squeezing. Your tree is lovely and the lambs precious . . . great for all to have them out of the box. Have a wonderful holiday!

From the Kitchen said...

Sharon: I'm so happy that you allowed the sheep to march upon the mantle for us this year. I can see how they would be missed. I've enjoyed the glimpses into your home decked out in the season's finery. The tree is very special as are the ornaments. You've managed to do something that few people can and that's to introduce new cookbooks to me. I can't believe I didn't know Tasha Tudor had a cookbook. I adore her! "Love Soup"--how appropriate! And I'm intrigued by the "Tasajara Cookbook".

I send you greetings and wishes for a happy and blessed holiday and year to come.

Best,
Bonnie

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Sharon ~ What a lovely post. I read your magazine articles and loved everyone of them. I am so glad to have found you in blogland. I still have a collection of the magazines as I hated to part with them.

I love your Christmas tree and your sheep are wonderful! Love the picture of your bowls in the kitchen.

I hope you have a wonderful peace and love filled Christmas and a fantastic new year.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Leanne said...

I am soo thrilled you blog - I always look forward to your posts & end up smiling.

I'm a Tasha Tudor fan!

Love your flock. Our real flock just has their summer haircut, now we are having lots of rain here in New Zealand. - Good for the garden & grass which was browning off.

Thanks to your dh for talking you into blogging!

Love Leanne

Claudia said...

Oh my goodness, what a lovely giveaway. I love Tasha Tudor.

As to the sheep on the mantel - I have two of them myself that I bought this year. I hope to collect more as I find them so charming and wonderful. I love your collection, Sharon!

xo
Claudia

Carolyon said...

Oh my! I just love the squirrel on top of your Christmas tree! Much better than an angel - I think I will have to keep my eyes peel for one for next year.

Caro and Abbey

Erin said...

Oh, I'm a big Tasha Tudor fan! Thanks for this generous giveaway. I'm happy your hubby talked you into blogging for this is a spot I always like to frequent. Happy Holidays :)

Susan said...

Oh Sharon, I just love your post. I actually posted today a cottage I have been working on, which is very reminiscent of Tasha Tudor. She is definitely one of my heroes. Thank you for the recipe too. Love, xoxo

Dawn said...

I am always SO HAPPY when you post, and I'm so glad you have this blog!

Thinking of you,

Dawn

The Unusual Farmchick said...

Sharon, First I must share I am in love with those sheep! Why can they not make those kind of things now?! And second, very clever using the buckthorn for the holiday tree. I may have to follow suit next year and get a potted tree for holiday decorating.
Your Kale has me rather envious. I wanted so badly to have a 1/4 of the cold frame brimming with kale for winter soups. Sadly those rascally rabbits and hens found their way through my fencing baricade while we were in texas. As always...next year's will be better.Now I msut call down to the local market and see if Kale is available thanks to a sudden craving... Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Deborah aka Miss Bee said...

When I first eyed the lambs, I gasped, thinking that was what you were giving away. I call two of my grandchildren Little Lamb as that is their last name.

Then I saw the real gem - oh how I would love the Tasha Tudor cookbook. Besides collecting cookbooks, I dearly loved that gentle soul.

I've been a follower of yours for quite some time!

Rebecca said...

I WILL be a follower by the time I leave your blog. (I have a link to you on my garden blog, but am not sure if I'm officially a follower...)

I, too, have a flock of sheep. They're on our mantel. And how I would ♥ to own that cookbook!

God bless you for your generosity!

Pondside said...

Merry Christmas to you too, Sharon! I'd love to be entered in your draw.

Unknown said...

I was so excited when I found your blog! I have bought all of your gardening books as they have been released over the years and love all of them. The ideas and projects have been part of my life, my children's lives, and now my grandchildren (I couldn't believe it when I found you had a book specifically aimed at days with Grandma!! Needless to say, I love Tasha Tudor and am thus entering your giveaway. Merry Christmas.

Diana

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I just love those sheep Sharon!
And what a great give-away, please sign me up! Tasha Tudor has always been my Mom's hero!
Lovely post and Merry Christmas to you and your's!
Hugs,
Cindy

Aunt Jenny said...

The lambs are just perfect. I love them..what a sweet touch to your mantel!
I am a big Tasha Tudor fan as well and that buckhorn tree is adorable. I have a big crock like that and years ago had a small live tree in it for a christmas. I love the idea of a buckhorn tree...I wonder how it would do in Utah????hmmmmm I will have to do some research before next year won't I??
The kale salad looks like my kind of dish. I adore kale and agree..the dino kale is the best!! I have a harder time finding it here right now...but in spring...
I am planting more kale than last year...I could eat it every day!!
Have a wonderful Christmas!!!!

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

So many of my favorite things here: sheep, Tasha Tudor, and ED BROWN?! He's a surprise! From the dough-covered cover of the Tassajara Bread Book (in my college co-op's kitchen) to Tomato Blessings, he's been a wonderful companion. Anyone who has the chance to take a class from him--do it! What a delight to find him mixed up with Tasha Tudor and a flock of sheep :-)

Unknown said...

Welcome Home! It can take a while to move " completely" into a new home. Your lambs look very happy to be out of the box..It took me a few years to get used to our new home after moving across the country. Finally, it was my shovel and a few new favorite plants that began my rooting here in New England. I believe I am firmly planted at this point! I've been pouring over my Susan Branch Vineyard Seasons cookbook and my Christmas Gooseberry Patch too.
I love your Christmas Tree! How clever! Your give away is so generous, your recipe looks wonderful, and please tell Jeff THANK YOU for signing you up for a blog. Like you, I had no idea how making new friends via blogging ( and keeping in touch with the old ones too ) would enrich my life as much as it has...:)
Thank YOU too Sharon!
Much love and
Merry Christmas,
Deb

Brittan said...

Ah, those sheep are so cute! How wonderful!!! What a great gift to giveaway, I adore Tasha's work! and How wonderful of you to offer a choice of one of your books as well!!!

Leigh @ Toasted said...

Well. I'm a new acquaintance of yours. I came to your blog via The Artful Parent. One of the first comments I ever wrote on the blog of a stranger was on yours and, lo and behold, you commented back and started 'following' mine. It was quite exciting at the time. Up till then I only had one follower - an old friend - and one blog that I commented on - hers. You visiting my blog opened up a whole new world to me too! Must have been around the same you started playing with your follower button.

I have always felt enriched reading your posts. You encourage such a rich, fertile and nutritious lifestyle - a great thing for me to be reminded of as I bring up my children.

Thanks.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Love this post - all of your sharing. The little lambs made me smile. Must make the salad and Tasha Tudor - a favorite.
If my name was drawn it would really be special - as a gift from you.

Lydia said...

A merry and blesed Christmas to you. Love the wheatgrass- gives me an idea..... prayers that if someone else wins the book- they love it as much as I would):-

Pom Pom said...

I had the Tasha Tudor Cookbook at one time. I must have given it to a friend. I love all your holiday decorations, especially the sheep!

Unknown said...

I'll have to try the kale recipe!

I just adored Tasha Tudor!

BTW, I met you years ago at a gardening with children symposium in the Washington, DC area!

Patti

Pat said...

The sheep are so adorable & I bet happy to romp across the mantle...would you like to borrow our 3 shelties to help keep the flock under control...
What a lovely autographed book - I just brought out my Forever Christmas book by Tasha...she was such a special lady.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Dear Sharon,

I still have every Country Living Gardener magazine. Still my favorite of all time. I came across an old newsletter that you wrote about Provence. I think it is from the early 2000's. So glad we finally met this year. I have this cookbook and love it so you don't need to include my name in the drawing. To you, Jeff and the family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. xxoo Nancy

Vee said...

Those sheep are a delight. I'm imagining how happy the grands were to see them out of the box. (I managed to ruin a sheep fleece and now have little piles of it tucked away. Perhaps I should fashion myself a flock of sheep.)

It tickles me that your husband signed you up for your blog. What a riot! I'm so glad that he did.

Have a lovely week...

Spinneretta said...

I love Tasha's art... so lovely :) And it looks like your Christmas decorations are lovely!

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I'm so glad your husband started the blog for you. I love seeing what you are up to. I love Tasha Tudor! I have an old fairy tale book by her that was mine when I was little. Now I get to read it to my girls.
I love your Christmas tree, one of the prettiest I've seen. I love the cozy feel it gives all lit up with special ornaments.
Merry Christmas!

Sharon Lovejoy said...

FYI all you friends out there,

Next month I'll share the turnaround of our 1930s kitchen, which had assumed a hidden identity sometime in the 1980s.

Jeff and I worked for three years to finally finish our pet project.

Stay tuned and stay happy,

Sharon

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

I've been enjoying your blog since I found you on Neil and Susans blog. I still have a lot of my Country Living Graden magazines you wrote Hearts ease for. It was sweet of your hubby to care enough to get you a blog going. I love your lambs. They remind me of the Sheep they put out to pasture in a field in back of us in January most years. I am hoping they show up there again this coming year. They make winter seem less dull as they are so much fun to watch.

Teri said...

I think that what you have described is the connection that we all feel when it comes to finding common ground with others. And blogging is a way that we can all share what is important to us, what our lives consist of, and our feelings and interests in just plain life! "Following" is a great thing to do. I always try and reciprocate when someone decides to follow me. I helps form that connection with the other person, even if we don't check in every day. I look at blogging almost like looking at a magazine. And, if it weren't for people purchasing magazines, there would be a lot of people out of a business too. We "peek" at others lives via blogs. What great connections can be forged this way. Thanks for the drawing and sharing your home with us.

Lori ann said...

Dear Sharon,
I've learned that coming here means i'll not only learn something new (or many things) but that I have to remember to breathe. literally! I find myself holding my breath as I read and look and absorb your words and photos.
I LOVE the sheep, being a knitter they are one of my favorite animals ( I adopted a navajo churro on etsy,the money helps with their feed and care and I also recieve a skein of wool) great!
And Tasha. I once did a post on her, she is one of my favorites too. I know there will be many many comments here by Christmas eve, but I can dream. I wish everyone good luck in winning her cookbook and one of your books too.

I love your kitchen, and I try hard not to be envious. I am so glad to know you anyway, all I feel mostly is happiness. Someone commented that so many favorites were here all at once, and this is true for me too, sheep, Tasha, Love Soup and Tassajara. Ahhh...

Merry Christmas Sharon and Jeff (the sweet and handsome blog starter),
with love,
lori

Claus said...

I have kale growing in a pot in my back patio!! When it's good and ready, I'll cut some and give this recipe a try! :o)
If it is OK, I would like to enter the giveaway. Would you believe that I have no cook books? It is true!! While I wanted to learn to cook as a little kid, my mom always kicked me out of the kitchen. I was noisy and wild, so she was probably in all her right ;o) These days, I want to learn to cook; to bake especially. Maybe I'll get into it just as much as I am into pen palling and blogging! :o)
Lovely - and very unique - tree Sharon! I love it! and I love the squirrel. What a great touch!
have a lovely week ahead! and a wonderful Christmas!
*hugs*

Thea said...

Hey, Buttercup, you have no idea how much I look forward to reading your new blog entries. I know you have a busy life so I sigh and wait patiently, like any eight year old would do, for a new one. lol Anyhoo, some random thoughts I had after reading today's gem: I have just one friend that I've given several lambs. And she loves them very much, even though she didn't know that until I gave her one. They look smashing on your mantel. I, too, love Heart's Ease, and I've got all my CLGardeners in storage with the rest of my stuff since I had to move 4 yrs ago. Someday I will get to touch them again. I also have a lot but not all of my old Victoria mags. But one CLG edition that made a difference in my life was an essay you wrote wherein you mentioned how in germany or austria, they call bumblebees humblebees cause they hum. and i loved that word so much I named my home humblebee farm. and i remember your essay aout the foxes who lived on your property and oh, how i wanted foxes of my own. (i already had my own herd of deer and coyotes, but those foxes are so beautiful...) so way before we could write back to each other, you WROTE to me. And if I had a birthday lunch occasion I would read your essay aloud to everyone at the table and they'd all oooow and ahhhh at your gems. And finally, some Tasha Tudor trivia. Tasha had an uncanny knack for finding 4 leaf clovers. so many that she would press them and frame them all together in big framed pictures. I have two girlfriends that love her and sometimes I have incredible luck at estate or tag sales and I find books she illustrated, first editions. okay, i'm concluding now! but your essay about losing your friend made me think and i do believe as long as we remember people and remind others of their significant place in the world, we never really lose them. So when I call you Buttercup, it's because I know you will remember your grandma. See? Have a lovely Christmas week, my dearling! t

Cat said...

Merry Christmas Sharon. I'm a relatively new follower to your blog and am always inspired by your gracious and joyful spirit.

marcia said...

I am so happy you started blogging. It has been so exciting and enriching to follow your many adventures.

LOVE the sheep on your mantel...just heavenly!

Happy cooking and baking and gathering with friends and family.

And Tasha would certainly be proud :)

LOVE to you and Jeff!
~marcia

Kristina said...

I love all of your little sheep! How charming! Your blog inspires me with each and every post! I hope you have a very merry Christmas!

Kristina

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Hi all,

Just wanted you to know that the gray flocked Edwardian squirrel is an antique (I've gotten inquiries about him). He was made sometime between 1900 and 1910. I've never run across another.

Can't you just imagine the hat that sported him? He is about nine inches tall. It would have to be about a ten gallon hat!

S

Johanna said...

Merry Christmas from the chilly and very wintery Yukon!
I love coming to visit your blog and to see what is new.
What a sweet giveaway too, Tasha Tudor books are a staple in my home at Christmas time...but I have never seen her cookbook. What a treat that would be.
xox
Johanna

Kay's flowers said...

Merry Christmas, Sharon!

I love sheep and I especially love Tasha. I went walking with a Tashaphile this morning and when she heard about your giveaway she was speechless. She doesn't have a computer so is not a loyal follower but I am.

I was so sorry to read about your friend who died. Losing someone so close is always a heard thing. My heart goes out to you.

It would not be hard to pick one of your books for me because I love them all. You would sign it wouldn't you?

I will be holding my breath until Christmas to see if I won or not.

I have so loved getting to know you in the blogging world and hope that someday we will be able to meet in the real world.

Have a great week.

Love and Blessings,

Kay

Lili said...

Oh Sharon the mussel shell Santa!! I confess I have never seen one before and a little jealous I didn't ever think of it before! Corny, maybe, but that's what those long winter's spent in Maine can sometimes do to us here! HA! Your home is filled with such loveliness, I can almost smell the aroma of all the fresh veggies and I love that tree, what a wonderful idea. The lambs are just precious and I'm so glad you are feeling settled there to bring them out again. The cookbook is so lovely, thanks so much for offering a chance at this most generous giveaway. Christmas is so beautiful at your place. Hugs dear Sharon. ~Lili

Anonymous said...

I like that squirrel!

*Ulrike* said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and for your wonderful comment. My hubby said that he has been telling me that for years so maybe I'll finally listen! I remember reading your column, and still have many of those magazines (a weakness of mine especially gardening). It seems I came at the right time too since you are having a giveaway. Love the sheep, do they have real wool on them? Wishing you and yours a wonderful week with lots of joy.
Ulrike

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How sweet you are to think of us at this holiday season! I love your beautiful collection of lambs and all of the pretty things in your home! Merry Christmas sweet lady! ♥

Tanya Boracay said...

Hi Sharon,

Wow great, beautiful photos.

Just like to share with you a beautiful quote...

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life" - Albert Camus

You can get more happiness quotes at http://www.quotelandia.com/category/Happiness

Rebecca said...

Merry Christmas Sharon!
First, I love your sheep. There is an alpaca farm not far from here that sells little woolen sheep. I may have to take a trip back and pick up a few for my children. They are darling on your mantle.

Second, I had no idea there was a "follow" button. I have read your blog for a long time but follow it on google reader. But I just clicked the button in the sidebar to see what happens. Not sure I understand all the technology yet. :) Nonetheless, keep writing as you always make me smile.

Blessings,
Rebecca

Sharon Lovejoy said...

OOPS, my bad. I should've explained that the sheep are German "stick" sheep, probably because the legs are little carved sticks. Their heads are some sort of composition plaster thing. They're covered with fabric that looks like fur. I bought most of mine in Pennsylvania in the 70s when I had my shop Harvest Country Store. Most of the bigger ones were sold and one small black one, the only black one I ever saw, was given to a friend.

I think you can buy reproductions of these for a fair price. Maybe even, if you keep your eyes open and shop at flea markets (like Brimfield), you'll find some originals.

Good luck!

Sharon

P.S. Some of the ears on mine are chipped off. In 2002 when the BIG earthquake hit all my sheep flew off the fireplace mantel and shot across the room. Many were broken beyond repair, some were just damaged.

sweetbay said...

Your sheep are lovely! Especially featured on a mantel like that. The squirrel atop your Christmas tree is adorable too. I'm trying to imagine that on top of a hat. lol

Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Vicki Boster said...

Sharon - how wonderful that you have shared your beautiful Christmas decorations. I adore those sheep - I have 4 little ones just like them - they are precious to me. I envy your fabulous collection!

Your tree is beautiful - I love that it is a boxwood - not a traditional tree. It is so beautiful - love the sailboat!

This is such a lovely post - so many things to enjoy about your traditions~~

Thank you for this wonderful giveaway - a Tasha Tudor book is a precious treasure - that it is signed is even more priceless. Choosing one of your books is the icing on the cake - this is indeed a fabulous give away - count me in - and in - and in!!

Vicki

Merry Christmas dear Sharon. Thank you for sharing your life and your passions with all of us.

Courtney at SL's No Ennui said...

We got my mom a gift for Christmas this year that will make you proud! I can't say what it is here because I know she reads your blog... so I'll have to pop back over once she opens and tell you all about it!

I'm so glad you will be making melted snowmen! They were such fun :)

PLEASE, please enter me in this wonderful giveaway!!!!!!! I need one of your books right in between my "South Carolina Gardener's" and JULIA CHILD cookbook (oh, yes, I would definitely put you with Julia!)

Your wheat grass looks beautiful (a lovely idea!), I LOVE the sweet lambs, the Christmas tree, and the generous giveaway of such a precious book. I also enjoyed reading about your journey into blogging! How neat!

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Dear Sharon,
I love when you come to visit..Thank you..
Your tree is delightful and I got such a kick out of your edwardian squirrel climbing up the tree! Also your family of lambs are so sweet a wonderful collection!
I love how you cook from fresh herbs and veggies from the market or garden. With my 5.5 hour commute each day to work I don't seem to find the time to "really cook", so on the weekends I try to prepare a meal that goods for the soul..
Tasha Tudor's book sounds charming with all the beautiful illustrations and recipes.
Please drop my name into the hat.
Merry Christams to you and Jeff and your family and may God bless you with all the joy your heart can hold this year.
Big hugs, Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Sharon,

As soon as I walked away from my entry, I realized my daughter saw Barbara Cooney at the farmers' market in Damariscotta, not Tasha Tudor. I'm embarassed by confusing these two beloved authors.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Yes, two women beyond measure. I often saw Barbara Cooney (when she was well) in downtown Damariscotta.
She was lovely with that wreath of silver hair and her perfect complexion and sweetheart face.

She did so much for our town. Our library is amazing and it features her work, two Caldecott medals and more.

Miss Rumphius (Hilda Hamlin) lived a mile from our cottage at Christmas Cove.

Tasha once lived in Connecticut-Jeff and I found her little cottage after delving into town records, but I always think of her as a Vermont woman.

Dee @ Red Dirt Ramblings said...

Wow, dear Sharon, that's a nice giveaway. Of course, you like Tasha Tudor too. We have several of her books, but none signed by her.

I love your lambs,and I'm glad you feel at home again. Wish I lived nearby though.

Merry Christmas.~~Dee

Carol @ A Bird in Hand said...

Love your post and the giveaway. Both books are quite a treasure! I always enjoyed seeing Tasha Tudor's pictures and works in the original Victoria magazine. And your tree...I really do love it! I love the idea of it becoming your tree for every year and it living in your home year-round.

A very merry Christmas to you and yours!

Zuzana said...

Your images are always so incredibly inspiring and beautiful.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011 to you and yours from a very cold and snowy Denmark,
much love
Zuzana

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

I'm so delighted that you were talked into blogging! I love my visits here. So MUCH to enJoY! Love to hear all your plans and see the pretty things... Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
hugs,
Leslie

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

I'm not much for cooking, but I love Tasha Tudor's books. My daughter & I really enjoy "Corgiville Christmas" especially. I'd probably just look at the pictures & be too afraid to use this book in the kitchen. What a treasure.

Suzanne said...

Sharon what a wonderful giveaway! You know I love Tasha and I know which book of yours I would pick. I am glad you are blogging:-)

rebecca sweet said...

Ahhh... memories of Tassajara Bakery! For years, I lived 3 houses down from their bakery on Cole Street in SF, and would stop there each morning while walking to work. Thanks for the delicious Kale salad recipe, I will most certainly try it! I couldn't agree with you more about the world of social media. Garden Rant recently asked their readers' opinion of SM outside of blogs, and while many scorned Facebook and Twitter, I couldn't help but let everyone know how enriched my life is because of the friendships I've made (virtually AND in person). If I couldn't read my favorite blogs (yours being one of them, of COURSE), my light would be a little less bright. Have the merriest of Christmases, my friend, and may 2011 be filled with peace, health and happiness.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to Sharon and all whom enter her home over the holiday,

This is my first time writing to you, even though I've been reading your blog and enjoying your words and photographs since 2007. I want to share with you a very special Christmas memory you reawakened in me by offering the Tasha Tudor Cookbook for Christmas. My daughter is now 26, but when she was just a little girl in 2nd grade, a friend introduced her to Tasha Tudor one Christmas, when they read, and then reenacted "A Doll's Christmas". They did this for several years, and for one of those years I gave each of them a copy of this wonderful cookbook. I kept the cookbook in my collection, until my daughter married, and now it's in her home. Seeing the lovely illustrations has reminded me of how my daughter and I felt like we were peaking in through Tasha's windows and seeing how she and her corgies were preparing the recipes.
My daughter lives in Ohio now, and her friend is in Washington, but just for the moment I can see both of them having their Doll's Christmas together in front of the tree. Until grandchildren arrive, Christmas is about remembering these cherished moments, and anticipating the fun we'll hopefully have some day with those new little ones. We look forward to sharing our homes in Bremen, ME and Arlington, VA with them. Many thank you's to you for letting me share this with you. Merry Christmas, Sharon (When he has time, I hope my husband will show me how to have a Google account, until then, I'm signing out anonymously. So sorry.)

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Well Sweet Rebecca, you know how I've always felt about you (since you were a youngling) not that you're OLD now. I love visiting you too. Yes, Twitter & Facebook are good for what they do, but the blogs keep us in touch. Jeff was so right to do that for me. He is my stage mother in many ways, pushing me out there.

Anonymous, oh goodness, signing up for a Google account is easy and free (like I am really up on all this).

Thank you for visiting my blog since the beginning. And we're nearly NEIGHBORS! Bremen, heaven-on-earth, Maine.

I can just see your daughter and friend having their Doll's Christmas. What a gem of a memory you gave both of them.

Sending all best wishes and joyful hope to you and yours-that goes for you too Rebecca dear.

Sharon

P.S. My grandchildren will do the drawing on Christmas eve.

Dan said...

Hi Sharon, thanks for the Christmas wishes - I'm sure you'll have a great one!
I love this post with the decorations, hopes and dreams!
(I do sympathise with your hubby and the sailboat - one of my dreams too)
Dan
-x-

jaz@octoberfarm said...

oh your tree is so cute! i love the squirrel. did you make the no-knead bread? if so, which one did you make?

farmlady said...

Merry Christmas Sharon,
That Tassajara Cookbook brings back so many memories of Berkeley in the 60's and my friends house in Mendocino. That cookbook was such a staple for so many of us.
The use of the variegated Buckthorn for a Christmas tree is a wonderful idea. I'm always looking for an alternative to the traditional fur or pine. My Mom use to put her tree in a big old crock at Christmas. It was a sturdy and beautiful way to keep the tree steady.
Oh, Tasha Tudor. I do love her illustrations. She led a life that was so amazing and true.... she was an example to us all. She is truly missed.

moondiva said...

Merry Christmas Sharon...I love your collection of sheep and have started one of my own. I also have a tiny yellow book entitled "More Prayers" compiled and illustrated by Tasha Tudor printed in 1984. Found it recently at my favorite thrift shop for 49 cents...a treasure indeed!!! I squealed in delight when I found it, much to the dismay of fellow shoppers. ;D Blessings, Deb

suzanne said...

Dear Sharon

Your Christmas tree gave me such goose bumps...I am inspired for next year. The squirrel touched my heart. Sharon, thank you so very much for your wonderful blog. I find myself wanting to enter your pages. A very merry Christmas to you and your husband....

All my love
Suzanne
Down in the meadow
XXXXXX

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. It is lovely to meet you. Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays. Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Tammy

Barb said...

I really enjoy your blog. I ,too, love the coast of Maine even though I live all the way across the country in beautiful Washington! My daughter and I have long been fans of Tasha Tudor. Have a very Merry Christmas.

Donna said...

love your blog and books...Tasha Tudor has always been one of my favorite children's books illustrators...when i started in teaching I would find her books and read them to my classes....I especially love The Night Before Christmas version that she illustrated...what a great present a cookbook with her illustrations...aren't you wonderful for giving it away!!!!

Farmhouse Soaps said...

I love your sheep! what a delightful collection! My husband would truly appreciate such a collection instead of me wanting the real ones!
I also love Tasha Tudor. Her books are so inspiring. She is the loviest woman! I hope to be as busy as her when I reach that age. Thank you for your kindness with sharing her book! Merry Christmas!
Marianne

Nan and =^..^= said...

Hi Sharon,
Happy Holidays to you!
I'm writing from southern Maine where we just have about an inch of snow!
I'm just catching up and was so happy to see the mention of Tasha Tudor which brings back a very special memory from years ago. Also, the dino kale caught my eye for somehow we managed to keep some dino kale (it seems very hardy) alive in our vegetable garden til last week. It's so nice to see your recipe for it gives me some interesting ideas of how to use it!
with best wishes!
Nan

Gabby said...

Sharon, Your tree is beautiful. I had never thought of a living tree that wasn't like the traditional, and I LOVE it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Gabby

Susan Freeman said...

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Anonymous said...

I just want to wish You a Good Yule!
Christer.

Meems said...

Dear Sharon,
Thank you for the visit to my garden blog. I've long been a distant fan. So happy to have found your blog to bring me a little closer to your writings. My grands are the lights in my life and there is nothing more satisfying than passing along some gardening fun with them. All the best and a very merry season to you and yours.
Meems
(Oh, I've just recently joined the Lowe's garden-blogging team as well... so I'll be seeing you there. Lucky me.)

Anonymous said...

I know its strange to comment on such old postings but I enjoyed this one so much,, i'm playing catchup,, (newbie ) but I'm enjoying so much