One of my favorite publications to read cover to cover is Victoria Magazine. Actually, I not only read it, I savor each and every page, usually while sipping a hot cup of tea. The engaging photography, articles about enterprising women, and their unique gifts shared with the world enthralls me every other month. As a subscriber since it began in the late 80's, I cannot count how many tear sheets I still have in my library of inspiration. Yes, this is what all us creative folks did before Pinterest! I have a shelf of binders filled with magic next to my desk.

There is a portion of the magazine which asks readers to submit letters for considered publication based on creative prompts in their aptly named Reader to Reader section. Over the years I have submitted several pieces, but this time around, fortunate to have my article selected to grace lucky page thirteen of the January / February 2017 issue! Glad to be home alone when I read the email, I literally jumped up and danced around the kitchen when I received notice. This is such an honor for me. Let me share the experience with all of you here...

~‘Tis the season to pull off the ivory cotton slipcovers and get reacquainted with the weathered denim sofa and warm brown suede chairs in the family room. All the cushions get their seasonal makeover too, as we cover the lively batik florals with patchwork shams. The crochet-square throw resumes its spot on the chair closest to the fireplace, preparing the favorite napping spot for our cat Kit in the colder months ahead. The adjoining kitchen sheers and patio door panels are all replaced  with a rich paisley pattern, swirling colors of crimson and toffee. The handmade birch bark candle holders are pulled out of storage and grace the coffee table, while quilted place mats in plaid set a cozy counter for our weeknight dinners. I love to keep the windows open just a crack and let that crisp air whistle into the rooms, enough to encourage couch cuddles. Now we are ready for the falling snow, the flowing hot cocoa, and ladles full of my signature sweet potato soup.~

Had enough of the Nutcracker? Already taken in the tree at Rockefeller Center? No time wasted letting bah-humbug set in, here are some other holiday events that will bring a smile to your face and twinkle to your eyes. 

1) Take a "Ride Back in Time" on the hidden vintage fleet of rail cars on the NYC subway, all "for the swipe of a Metro card". I found this terrific article by Ben Gilbert of Business Insider with loads of pictures illustrating the experience. This is the last Sunday to jump on, but if you can't make it, the cars are on display year-round at the New York Transit Museum.

2) On one of the opening nights, we engaged in the delightful experience of A Child's Christmas in Wales, the Dylan Thomas classic play presented by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Merriment, music and childlike wonder portraying the simple pleasures of yesteryear grant audience members of all ages a genuine feel-good experience. You cannot help but leave the theater feeling gratified from all the warmth and laughter enjoyed. The show runs through January 1, 2017.

3) Once Brenna returns home from college for her holiday break, we will assemble in the car after dark to view the annual Skylands Christmas Light Show. Two million twinkling lights on a mile-long route is literally being merry and bright. Grab a thermos of hot cocoa for the driver (and hot toddy for the carload) and go! The show is on display until December 23, 2016.

4) As members of the New York Botanical Garden, each season we visit their annual Holiday Train Show. Every year it is bigger and better, exhibiting the wonderment of miniature New York landmarks all made with bits of bark, leaves, onion skin and more. Of course, visitors follow the fleet of miniature trains that travel all around, but just to appreciate the artistry of these nature-made monuments revs up the child in you every time. On display until January 16, 2017.

5) Take a charming candlelight tour of the Jacob Blauvelt House . Just as we enjoyed last year on a cold winter's eve walking through the home by lantern, visitors encounter docents divulging a plethora of historic nuances. We were enraptured by the traditions of the 1830's and quiet holiday decor, all amid a backdrop of classic music. At the end of the tour, we divulged our inner child with delicious soft home-baked ginger cookies and hot cocoa. The tour is available select weekends in December and January.

Got to go... Time to schedule some more family holiday happenings for 2016... xoxo-Sonya

Once I run out of wrapping paper and ribbon, the question is whether or not to buy more. Of course at holiday time as long as gifts will be delivered, there will be a need to package them pretty. But traditional wrapping paper and trimming can be replaced with inventive alternatives creating festive suites of decoration from recycled richness.

Let's Go...

With Waze and Google Maps on our Smart phones, the folded state map in the glove compartment has become obsolete. Salvaging those old maps and a USA road atlas, various sized gifts can easily be accommodated. A yard of printed remnant fabric is ready to be converted as well. Ripped in strips on the lengthwise grain, a novelty ribbon is born.

To accessorize the travel theme, vintage postcards are cut to create gift tags, and old postage stamps nestled in ribbon become a whimsical focal on tiny packages. Lucky for me to have the red and white print, so easy to add a striped candy cane in the mix for additional pattern play.

In the House...

Whenever I come across a fabulous roll of stray wallpaper or lively border in a thrift store, I snatch it up for a fraction of the original price. The paper quality is prime, and the colorful patterning rich. And what about those free paint chips collected from your neighborhood Home Depot? Match colors and use them to create gift tags! I have a circle punch to make the tags round.

Since the patterns on the wallpaper borders are so intricate, I ripped strips of ivory cotton muslin to use for ribbon. With the paper, a single carefully cut snowflake tops the package with a fresh dusting.

When ripping the strips of fabric, it is a good idea to press them with a hot iron and roll the yardage on cardboard so it stays neat and ready to use anytime. Twisting the soft muslin strips, rosettes can easily be sculpted to sit pretty atop a box. 

Gift style is recycled, wrapped and ready... xoxo-Sonya

Make a wish, then tuck it in tight... Just believe and it will be in sight! ™ 

These are delightful additions to themed gift packages, going away mementos for teens off to college, or a little something thoughtful for the person who has just about everything. With such a variety of materials, it is easy to choose a coordinating fit in color and character.

A little something...® is the perfect gift package featuring a cozy assortment of goodies expressing your thoughts and creating a mood to stimulate the senses. I often fill corporate or personal gift giving needs with supreme attention to detail, made to suit any budget. All specially designed gifts are bundled in a choice of traditional basket, leatherette, wood or antique pannier containing a selection of gourmet home-baked goods, themed items or any combination you desire. Themed packages are a lot of fun to design because once my creativity is flowing, the result is always very unique.

Taste gourmet home-baked Almond, Anisette, or Coconut Biscotti, Gourmet Pretzel Picks and Epicurean Sweets paired with your choice of dessert wine, coffee or tea. Upon request, I have also included seasonal baked items in a ceramic ramekin to blend flavors even further.

Endless ideas fill packages with an abundance of coordinated items. For a baby gift, padded hangers, picture frame and keepsakes become a festive Welcome Home for a new family addition.

A Magic Art Box is filled to the brim with art supplies for a young creative spirit.

A handmade Wish Pillow is accompanied by a lovely picture frame and Instagram album to keep memories in sight. Include an instrumental CD to complement any gift with soothing sounds.

Void of expectation, there is much freedom to be enjoyed. In such a way, having an open mind, one can look and really see, rather than project and expect...

Ambling up and down the aisles of the New York Art, Antique & Jewelry Show, we stopped to admire the numerous paintings, sculpture, glass and classic jewels as one would in an art gallery or museum. So many beautiful representations of various classic periods were on display for collectors to purchase on Pier 94 and the time passed quickly during our venture. Though I love many of the Chagall, Picasso and Tiffany, the contemporary art discovered here stole my attention.

Something called out. Maybe it was in her eyes, her gaze upon me as I passed, or her poise. When I see art that illuminates feminine beauty, I am instinctively pulled closer, coaxed into the work, seeking freshness, spirit. I have always loved the female personified, especially in multiple medias.  I suppose there is something I inherently seek in the art to mirror some aspect of myself, stirring, awakening. The following pieces captured me. Three present-day artists are now my new favorites...

Last Look Back - mixed media on canvas, Christiaan Lieverse

Helianthe - oil and acrylic on hand-knotted carpet with steel frame, Christiaan Lieverse

Ophelia - limited edition bronze, Michael James Talbot

Solstice - limited edition bronze, Michael James Talbot

Pure Soul - mixed media on canvas, Niko Mathieu

Pink Emotion - mixed media on canvas, Niko Mathieu 

She speaks, she moves, she is art... It is all about her... xoxo-Sonya

It was as if nature handed me a day pass, telling me to get out and enjoy. How was it known what I really needed? This sunny, crisp mild weather is restoring, energizing. So with Android in hand, I typed in the destination, grabbed a water bottle, slung the camera over my shoulder and stepped up into the Explorer. 

I already missed the comprehensive fall palette. Many of the trees have lost their leaves, but there is still a stunning burst of peppered color... turmeric, cumin, curry. Those trees in the distance resemble heads of seasoned baked cauliflower! The winding ride on 9W was absolutely beautiful. Driving along either side of the road, north or south, just around a major bend, you come upon this incredible vista that just takes your breath away. Lucky for me to be driving the truck sitting a little higher as not to miss it. It's all trees lining the sides of the mountains down the valley. I was a few moments short of pulling onto the established shoulder to take in the vastness when I drove past. Oh well, I would be able to see it again on the ride back. The ride up to Storm King is part of the whole day trip experience.

The last time here was with Brenna on a hot summer day. Her recollection is dominated by the high heat of that afternoon, but I knew I would travel back here at some point. Visiting an outdoor art center, you are part of nature and part of the art. Looking at the scope of the surroundings compared to size and spacial relationship, the personal interpretation is subjective to what you are looking for, how you see what is before you, and how it all makes you feel.

Leaves fall in my path while the gentle breeze caresses my face. The trees are losing their shade, but the color left is bright in the sun and provide ample opportunity for me to use my old school Canon. Storm King Art Center, endowed in 1960, began simply with the Normandy-style stone Museum Building and a formal garden. The colossal sculptures started the permanent collection in 1972.

Glancing at the map received upon entrance, whatever path you take, there is so much to see. The park is seamlessly divided into the North Woods, Museum Hill, South Fields and the Meadows. I just picked a direction, and let my feet take me along, sometimes crossing fields to see the art a little closer.

There are many children running about, groups of them squealing with delight up and down the hills in the beautiful autumn air. They must enjoying guided tours of class trips from nearby schools. What a great day for this! Against the sweeping background of Storm King Mountain, this 500 acre park is one of the world's famous sculpture museums where the collection of over one hundred pieces have found a home by some of the most renown artists dating from the 1960s to the present.

Enjoying the numerous opportunities to sit and absorb the day, here it is easy to feel presence of moment, experiencing something outside of yourself. Between the vastness of the landscape and enormity of the art, it is humbling and exhilarating at the same time.

The Arch, 1975 by Alexander Calder

Mirror Fence, 2003 (refabricated 2014) by Alyson Shotz

Electric Kiss, 2008 by Dennis Oppenheim