The Simple

...the simplicity of a brown envelope, waiting to be opened.  Waiting to reveal its sweet surprise.

Valentines Day is to me...

 ...a time when you experience the special, simple joy of pasting together colors, shapes, and patterns and writing sweet nothings to the one you love.  It is sitting beside Matthew at the table, leaning over as he pulls on my sleeve, whispering in my ear his idea for Sarah Anne's valentine... as of course, she looks suspiciously over at us, from across the table.  Valentines Day is the excitement in my heart as I open a card made especially for me, whether there be a drawing, a large pink heart, a button, or maybe some lace on the front, it has my name written all over it.  And it is special.

What is Valentines Day to you?  Do share!

[P.S.  Don't forget to check Emma's shop for new loveliness and inspiration. :)]

To Explain

Yes, dear friends, we are renovating the blog, and adding quite a few exciting new elements.

First, you'll be hearing more about my business.  Remember this post a little while back?  I'll be sharing new products, asking for ideas from you, our friends, taking a trip into my studio to see where I work and what inspires me, and even some giveaways!

Second, we want to know what you think of the blog.  What is your favorite part about our blog?  What would you like to see more of?  What would you like us to share?

Thirdly... Johanna will be making a small announcement of her own very soon.  Stay tuned for her post.

Last of all, we want to change our focus, to make this blog more a part of our lives, more than just a "blog because everyone else has a blog".  Johanna and I love to work and create together, we love our family, and the gifts we've been given, here, in the place God has put us, and we have a passion to share all of that.


So, are you ready to take this journey with us?  Let us know what you think of our ideas, and share your own thoughts about A Banner of Crimson.

Emma and Johanna


Before You Go

Vote in the poll on the sidebar...

And check out the latest item in my shop.

In Transit

... something exciting is on its way!

And I am bursting with anticipation!

Construction

Yes, dear readers, I am doing a major remodel on our blog,
giving it a whole new look,
a fresh start, 
and a new beginning.

Stay tuned!

Emma

Quite Suddenly

Suddenly, I am bereft of words.  How weary one grows, taking step after step, day after day.  So many, many things crowd my days... but, despite their frantic tugging at my soul, despite how they wrap around my thoughts, at every moment, they are joyous things.

Things such as... 

When I've finished my Math, I'll be ready for college in the fall.

If I keep, working, keep striving, my card business will become something.

How excited all my family members will be 

When they unveil, on Christmas morning,

 the treasures being created under their very noses.

If I don't stop, if I keep on, I'll have my driving license before February.

How much I will enjoy, once I have practiced to my satisfaction, 

standing in the third floor closet, recording the vocals for our newest song.

And then, waiting its turn at the back of my mind...  

When I get a moment, a blessed, empty moment, 

to sit down, and write a description of my book, 

what it is about, why it is important in today's market, 

and what genre it fits in, then, Oh Then! 

 I can package it up in a large yellow envelope, 

and put it in the mail..  in the mail, 

on its way to a publisher, to see what we can see.

Mmm.... and now the night grows late, and sleeps tugs at me.  Tomorrow is a new day, a full day, and, hopefully, a successful day.

Good night, dear friends,

Emma

Cobwebs

I was finishing the last of the supper dishes when Matthew came running into the kitchen, pulling at my hand and saying, "Jo, I neeeeeed you!! You have to come!"

(And yes, he's usually this intense about everything:))

I giggled as I followed him, thinking he needed the hall light switched on so he wouldn't be scared while putting his winter pj's on.

He raced me up the stairs and then came to an abrupt stop near the top of the stairs and pulling me down to his level, he pointed straight across to the hall ceiling.

"Someone needs to get a broom fast and clean that cobweb!!"

My mouth opened in shock that such a cobweb even existed in our household, (unseen and out of sight that it was) and then my shock turned to a smile at the simple things that Matt notices and that are VERY important to him... the things that we're too much in hurry, rushing up and down the stairs, to notice.

Little brothers are the best.

Goodnight dears!

Johanna

About Angels Again

Yep! I finally listed my first Christmas Card... 

Visit the listing here.

I so loved sketching this little angel.  

I like to think of her as a little girl dressed for a Christmas play

standing in the dim light of her Christmas tree...

holding up her wand to wish you
 a Merry Christmas.

I should be listing two other sets 

from my Christmas line this evening.  

Hopefully sometime before midnight.   

Hopefully.

Until then,

Emma