wish list

As I've gotten more involved in the handmade + local idealogies, I've really started thinking about the things I surround myself with.  Shopping has taken on a whole new meaning; I left Target the other night regretting half the stuff I purchased, even though I knew it would all go to good use. 

So, since my birthday is less than a month away, and Christmas not too far behind it, I've started thinking about gift plans and such.  I'm only asking for things I need or truly want (that will be used well) - and I'm hoping to gift in kind. 

Sonia and I are exchanging handmade goodies, the sister has requested arm warmers and thigh high socks (which she may get next christmas if I start knitting now), and the madre always loves handknit dishrags.  So I'll be cozying up with a lot of yarn and fabric over the next month, trying to craft my way to a happy holiday season.  And on my amazon wishlist, which is a bit of a tradition for me, a load of books and some camera accessories - nothing over $40.  It feels good to pare down, to figure out what will be loved, appreciated, remembered.  That's what the holidays should really be about anyways.

~RLM