Kirjahaku

Nita walked away from her family when she was seventeen years old, determined to never look back. But forty years later, when her mother died and her father descended into Alzheimer's, Nita returned to New Orleans to care for him in his final months. Now her father has passed on, leaving to Nita her childhood home as an inheritance. But she soon finds she isn't the only resident. The house is occupied by ghosts of her past, playing out scenes of the life she fled. What are they trying to tell her? Will they ever leave her in peace? And are they really spirits, or only visions, emerging from sealed-off depths of memory as from the shell of a chambered nautilus? ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson, a retired historic preservation architecture consultant, is the author of several novels, plus books on such diverse subjects as soapmaking and baking with cookie molds. A former resident of New Orleans -- the setting of "A Chambered Nautilus" -- she currently lives in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE At the restaurant, we found a corner table a little away from other patrons. When we'd ordered, Enid sipped her ice water. "Tell me more," she said. "I've been seeing ghosts in the house," I said. "Or maybe they're not ghosts. A friend of mine calls them visions." A bad start. I tried again. "I think I told you I'd been a caregiver for my father? Well, he was living in the house I grew up in, and now it's mine. But I keep seeing him -- and my mom, and my sister and brother, and me -- all over the house." "Really? What are these visions about?" "Scenes from the past. I suppose it sounds crazy." "Not at all. You said your dad passed away recently? What about your mom?" "She died a few years ago. Suddenly. That's when we found out Dad had Alzheimer's." "So you were his caregiver after that. Are your brother and sister still living?" "Yes. I'm closer to my sis than to my brother." "My guess is the 'ghosts' are leftover emotional energy from intense experiences in the house. I gather they're not doing everyday tasks like peeling apples and mopping floors." "Mostly not. But even the everyday, normal things they do feel intense." She nodded. "I can see why. What else did your friend say? The one who called them visions." "That it was a form of teaching. That they'd go away once I learned what I needed to."

In this companion to "Baking with Cookie Molds," Anne L. Watson presents cookies and molds for many holidays and all seasons, as well as for special interests and occasions -- weddings, kids, storytelling around the fireplace, and much more. With nearly 150 photos of molds, cookies, and processes, "Cookie Molds Around the Year" features new techniques and new recipes, along with a month-by-month diary of the seasons on San Juan Island, Watson's home. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author of "Baking with Cookie Molds," as well as a number of other popular books on home crafts and lifestyle, plus many novels. In a previous career, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne now lives in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE DECEMBER HOLIDAYS It's cold now, here on San Juan Island. Snow is a possibility every morning, and frost is a certainty. The trees are bare, but we bundle up in layer upon layer of coats and sweaters. And the days are so short. The sun comes up, far in the south, long after breakfast, and it sets long before dinner. This is the time of year when many cultures have celebrations to drive away the dark -- Christmas, with all its lights and its star; Hanukkah, the festival of lights; Kwanzaa; Santa Lucia; midwinter festivals in several cultures; and many others throughout history. Many homeowners on the island put up Christmas lights, of course, doubly welcome outside the town limits, where there are no streetlights. There are decorations, too. I have a tiny model village I put on the mantel for Christmas, and it usually stays for most of the winter. The merchants of Friday Harbor help drive away the dark with a competition to decorate their shop fronts. On December 5, we celebrate St. Nicholas Eve with molded cookies in the shape of the saint with his horse or donkey -- some cookie molds show one, some the other. The story of St. Nicholas is not well-known, but he was a real person who performed great acts of generosity and kindness. It was St. Nicholas cookies that originally sparked my own interest in molded cookies. My husband, Aaron Shepard, is a children's author, and his children's storybook "The Baker's Dozen" is about a baker who learns a lesson of generosity from St. Nicholas himself. Near the end of December is the winter solstice, that turning point that tells us that the sun is coming back, even as we see only cold and darkness. The month ends, of course, with its cornucopia of Christmas cookies These include almost every secular and religious motif you could think of, from jolly snowmen to medieval manger scenes. Baking cookies for family and friends is a special holiday joy, and in the spirit of St. Nicholas, let's bake some to give away as well. For this month, I feature both traditional and new recipes to bake and share.

SPECIAL NOTE -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS In this standalone companion to "Smart Housekeeping," Anne L. Watson presents tips on cleaning, organizing, decluttering, furnishing, maintaining, and managing your home, as you'd face those tasks around the year. Travel with Anne through the calendar as she deals with every aspect of keeping the things around you just the way you want them. New homemakers will gain skills and perspective, while even veterans will find unique tips and insights. All delivered with a wit and frankness not seen in housekeeping books since the days of Peg Bracken. Anne's almanac also features the return of her photogenic family of felted mice. After their brief introduction in "Smart Housekeeping," LadyMouse and the rest now return, joined by even more critters, to help Anne illustrate many of her tips and add a touch of whimsy for readers' delight. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author of "Smart Housekeeping," as well as a number of other popular books on home crafts and lifestyle, plus many novels and children's books. In a previous career, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne lives in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE Housekeeping has gotten a bad rap. Somehow, the subject has shrunk to discussions of clutter control and cleaning, a bit like when your mom told you to pick up your room. But that's the dull part. Necessary, of course -- I wrote a book, "Smart Housekeeping," that's mostly about getting to a state of order. But housekeeping is no more about clutter control than gardening is about weeding. Yes, you have to do some of both -- but why stop short of the interesting stuff? Housekeeping is making yourself comfortable in your home, whatever that takes. A lot of housekeeping is about what you do, and why you do it, after you've taken care of the obvious chores. How do you set up a guest room? Unclog a sink? Keep garbage odors out of the kitchen? Arrange toy storage so that the kids will use it on their own? What's the best way to wash a family quilt? To be safe on a ladder? To choose appliances? Housekeeping isn't just housework -- it's setting the stage for your whole life at home -- which includes play, enjoyment, and creativity. This book is arranged as an almanac because the more skilled housekeeping tasks tend to follow the calendar. We do what we need to for seasonal celebrations, and we try to get the weather on our side when we paint a room, air dry a comforter or get the carpets steam cleaned. Other tasks and concerns are less linked to the seasons, but also don't need to be revisited often, once you've arranged things to please yourself. So considering them on an annual basis is probably about right. You may want to use this book as much as a reference as a read-through, especially if your seasons are different from mine, or even nonexistent. "Smart Housekeeping" featured felted white mice, at least on the cover. As mice will do, they have now taken over the house, and are shown throughout this book, doing their chores, handling household crises, and entertaining other small animals. And they "step out" each month, enjoying adventures together and just having fun. I recommend that for all of us.

When Coco the mouse slips under a young spruce tree on his morning walk through the forest, he discovers a village of gingerbread houses and "Gingers" -- gingerbread men and women brought to life by magic. But all is not well in Gingerbread Village. The Magic that built the village and protects it from outsiders seems to be fading, and the Gingers don't know how to revive it. Can Coco find a way to help the Gingers? And even if he does, can they trust him enough to let him? Anne L. Watson creates a magical tale of friendship offered, rebuffed, but finally rewarded. For ages 4 to 9. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of the Katie Mouse books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. Her illustrations are imaginative collages made from photos of felted animals, miniatures, and real-life objects, along with graphic arts creations and textures from Etsy and elsewhere, all assembled and manipulated in Photoshop. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE "But how did you come alive?" asked Coco in wonder. "We don't really know," said Leo. "When Cassia and I woke up, we were in a batch of cookies cooling on a kitchen counter. But none of the others came alive." "Somehow, we knew we were going to be eaten," said Cassia, "so we climbed down and ran away." "We didn't know where to go," Leo went on, "but the Magic led us to this forest. Then just like you, we came in under the Tree -- the door to Gingerbread Village."

When Coco the mouse slips under a young spruce tree on his morning walk through the forest, he discovers a village of gingerbread houses and "Gingers" -- gingerbread men and women brought to life by magic. But all is not well in Gingerbread Village. The Magic that built the village and protects it from outsiders seems to be fading, and the Gingers don't know how to revive it. Can Coco find a way to help the Gingers? And even if he does, can they trust him enough to let him? Anne L. Watson creates a magical tale of friendship offered, rebuffed, but finally rewarded. For ages 4 to 9. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of the Katie Mouse books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. Her illustrations are imaginative collages made from photos of felted animals, miniatures, and real-life objects, along with graphic arts creations and textures from Etsy and elsewhere, all assembled and manipulated in Photoshop. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE "But how did you come alive?" asked Coco in wonder. "We don't really know," said Leo. "When Cassia and I woke up, we were in a batch of cookies cooling on a kitchen counter. But none of the others came alive." "Somehow, we knew we were going to be eaten," said Cassia, "so we climbed down and ran away." "We didn't know where to go," Leo went on, "but the Magic led us to this forest. Then just like you, we came in under the Tree--the door to Gingerbread Village."

SPECIAL NOTE -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS In between writing several of today's most popular and innovative beginner books on soapmaking -- including the modern classics "Smart Soapmaking" and "Milk Soapmaking" -- Anne L. Watson engaged in a number of projects, experiments, and investigations into areas of advanced soapmaking. A lot of it never got into those books Now Anne shares with you her explorations into such topics as herbal soaps, chocolate soaps, silk soaps, sea soaps, "wood" soaps, citrus soaps, cucumber soaps, oatmeal soaps, egg soaps, beer and wine soaps, castile soap, and even laundry soap. Along the way, she shares hard-earned tips about soap equipment and ingredients, choosing soapmaking suppliers, designing and resizing recipes, troubleshooting, trace accelerants, soda ash, essential oils and fragrances, natural colorants, gift soaps, and soapmaking as a business. And as a special bonus, she provides a fun and instructive look at the history of soap ads, using antique trade cards from her personal collection. Looking for new challenges as a soapmaker? Anne's soapmaking almanac will keep you busy, engaged, and entertained throughout the year. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author of "Smart Soapmaking," "Milk Soapmaking," three more books on making soap and lotion, other popular books on home crafts and lifestyle, and many novels and children's books. In a previous career, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne lives in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE Almost any kind of soap will get you clean. But beyond that, what do we look for? There are so many things to consider -- lather, fragrance, color, and effects on the skin, to name just a few. Then there's the whole process of making that soap. Is it easy or tricky? How long does the soap need to age before it's safe and pleasant to use? What additives are beneficial? Which affect the chemistry of the process? How can we get around difficulties? How do you turn soapmaking into a business, if that's what you want? This almanac started life as a monthly "magazine" posted on my web site, where I shared projects, experiments, and investigations I took up between writing my first three books on soap and lotion making. There was a lot that never got into the books Along with practical questions, I gave some attention to the social and cultural side of soap -- to attitudes and prejudices and myths. I'm fascinated by soap advertising and its claims, and by the history of the daily process of cleaning ourselves, our homes, and our clothing. All of that says a lot about where we've been, and maybe something about where we're going. I'm glad now to offer all this in the more enduring form of an almanac -- something to keep in your collection of soapmaking references. Before we start, though, here are just a few practical notes: Most important, this is not a beginning soapmaker's "how-to" book. It contains many recipes, but they're mostly just ingredients lists, because I assume you already know how to make soap. If you do need basic directions, please see one or more of my other books -- especially "Smart Soapmaking" and "Milk Soapmaking" -- or any other reputable resource.

It's Christmas Eve, and Coco the mouse stands beneath a tall fir tree in the forest. On this night, he tells himself, the forest needs a star for the tree top. If he climbs the tree, he can reach up and fetch one from the sky But it's a long climb for a little mouse, and along the way, he's sure to meet other forest creatures who help or hinder him. Anne L. Watson offers a magical fable of hope, determination, the kindness of strangers, and the wonder of Creation. For ages 3 to 9. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of the Coco Mouse and Katie Mouse books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. Her illustrations are imaginative collages made from photos of felted animals, miniatures, and real-life objects, along with graphic arts creations and textures from Etsy and elsewhere, all assembled and manipulated in Photoshop. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE With a dizzying swoop, the bird flew all the way to the top of the tree and landed on the highest branch. Coco climbed off. Now he could reach up and fetch a star But when he looked up, the stars were still far above. "The owl was right," he said sadly. And then the bird burst into the most beautiful song Coco had ever heard. "I didn't know a little gray bird could sing like that," Coco said. "I'm a mockingbird," she said, "and we learn the songs of other birds. A long time ago, I heard a nightingale. That was his song." "I am only a mouse," said Coco. "But you heard a nightingale, and I heard you." He stretched out his paws and, with a nightingale's long-ago song, he sang to the stars.

"'Twas the night before Christmas, When all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, Not even a mouse." Everyone knows these lines from Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." But how many know why all those mice were already in bed, or what they were up to before that? Here at last is a companion poem to reveal all: The holiday hustle and bustle in the mouse house since early that morning. The evening party for all the mouse friends and relations, with presents, feasting, and dancing. And to top it all off, a visit from Santa Mouse himself Never before told, this mice-eye story is sure to find a place in your heart beside the original classic. ///////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of "Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding," "Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door," "The Secret of Gingerbread Village," and other children's books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband and fellow author, Aaron Shepard. Wendy Edelson is the award-winning illustrator of "The Baker's Dozen," "Quackling," "Christmas Truce," "Which Shoes Do You Choose?", and many more children's books. She has applied her talent to a wide range of illustration projects, including picture books, pet portraits, posters, and puzzles. Among her clients have been Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the U.S. Postal Service, Cricket Magazine, McGraw-Hill Education, and the American Library Association. ///////////////////////////////////////////// 'Twas the day before Christmas, and all through their house, The mice were preparing. There wasn't a mouseWho didn't join in for the holiday flurry.From top floor to bottom, they'd bustle and scurry. Their party was planned for that evening at eight, With so much to finish before it got late So, they scrambled and scampered -- no task was neglected -- To deck out the halls for the guests they expected. * * * Excitement kept building -- while patience did not -- Till the clock in the hallway reached eight on the dot.As the chimes started sounding, the door was thrown wide, And the guests in their finery crowded inside. Good wishes and greetings turned into a dinOf merriments traded again and again."Merry Christmas to you " "And to all in your nest ""I hope that the New Year will bring you the best "They chatted and drank steaming cider from mugsThat often got spilled in affectionate hugs. * * * They were dancing in lines, they were dancing in pairs.They waltzed down the hallways, they polkaed up stairs.They spilled out the doorway in time with the tuneAnd danced with the snow mice beneath the full moon. And as they were dancing, what sight caught their eyes?A colorful, fast-moving blur in the skies Then clearly they saw it: a brilliant red sleigh.And lo and behold, it was headed their way

"'Twas the night before Christmas, When all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, Not even a mouse." Everyone knows these lines from Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." But how many know why all those mice were already in bed, or what they were up to before that? Here at last is a companion poem to reveal all: The holiday hustle and bustle in the mouse house since early that morning. The evening party for all the mouse friends and relations, with presents, feasting, and dancing. And to top it all off, a visit from Santa Mouse himself Never before told, this mice-eye story is sure to find a place in your heart beside the original classic. ///////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of "Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding," "Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door," "The Secret of Gingerbread Village," and other children's books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband and fellow author, Aaron Shepard. Wendy Edelson is the award-winning illustrator of "The Baker's Dozen," "Quackling," "Christmas Truce," "Which Shoes Do You Choose?", and many more children's books. She has applied her talent to a wide range of illustration projects, including picture books, pet portraits, posters, and puzzles. Among her clients have been Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the U.S. Postal Service, Cricket Magazine, McGraw-Hill Education, and the American Library Association. ///////////////////////////////////////////// 'Twas the day before Christmas, and all through their house, The mice were preparing. There wasn't a mouseWho didn't join in for the holiday flurry.From top floor to bottom, they'd bustle and scurry. Their party was planned for that evening at eight, With so much to finish before it got late So, they scrambled and scampered -- no task was neglected -- To deck out the halls for the guests they expected. * * * Excitement kept building -- while patience did not -- Till the clock in the hallway reached eight on the dot.As the chimes started sounding, the door was thrown wide, And the guests in their finery crowded inside. Good wishes and greetings turned into a dinOf merriments traded again and again."Merry Christmas to you " "And to all in your nest ""I hope that the New Year will bring you the best "They chatted and drank steaming cider from mugsThat often got spilled in affectionate hugs. * * * They were dancing in lines, they were dancing in pairs.They waltzed down the hallways, they polkaed up stairs.They spilled out the doorway in time with the tuneAnd danced with the snow mice beneath the full moon. And as they were dancing, what sight caught their eyes?A colorful, fast-moving blur in the skies Then clearly they saw it: a brilliant red sleigh.And lo and behold, it was headed their way

What is a "coloring storybook"? It's a coloring book, a storybook, and more You can color just the pages you want, and enjoy it like any fine coloring book. Or finish them all and create a wonderful storybook, a keepsake all your own, or one to lovingly share with children and grandchildren. Imagine their excitement and delight -- and yours too -- when you read to them from a book you helped illustrate yourself It's a gift your loved ones can treasure forever, a true family heirloom.This coloring storybook from Skyhook Press reveals what ELSE happened on that famous "night before Christmas."*************Please note: This "grayscale coloring book" (or "greyscale colouring book") has pictures already shaded in gray, calling for a different kind of coloring. But that doesn't make it harder -- in fact, it makes it easier to get stunning results For tips, search online for "grayscale coloring."/////////////////////////////////////////////////ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S BOOKThis coloring book is adapted from the children's picture book "The Mice Before Christmas," by Anne L. Watson, illustrated by Wendy Edelson, published in 2021 by Skyhook Press. It was conceived as an imaginative prequel to Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem "The Night Before Christmas."ABOUT THE ARTISTWendy Edelson has applied her award-winning skills to a wide range of illustration projects, including picture books, pet portraits, posters, and puzzles. Among her clients have been Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the U.S. Postal Service, Cricket Magazine, McGraw-Hill Education, and the American Library Association. Her more recent projects have included several picture books and coloring books for Skyhook Press. The pictures in this coloring book were converted to grayscale by Skyhook Press from Wendy's original watercolor illustrations. ABOUT THE AUTHORAnne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of "Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding," "Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door," "The Secret of Gingerbread Village," and other children's books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband and fellow author, Aaron Shepard.