I can’t precisely put my finger on it, but there is something special about this Open House, something warmer, livelier,  more focused.

Part of it is the depth and quality of the art Maria has assembled (above, a pincushion paradise by Jane McMillen), and up on the left the very beautiful knitted scarves by Suzie Fatzinger, who will be here spinning Saturday all day.

Maria’s studio is a wonderland, filled with great and inexpensive stuff, her eye for art is getting sharper all the time. I imagine a lot of these things will end up as Christmas presents.

When we imagined the Open Houses, we had two goals – to share our lives with the people who follow our work, and to celebrate the art of rural life. Maria and I have both veered off track at different times and for different reasons, but we are on track now.

This is Maria’s shot, I am here to greet people and show off the dogs, maybe give a talk and introduce some talkers. A lot of people have followed our stories – a couple from Idaho arrived in town today for the Open House and headed right to Battenkill Books, and, I imagine, the Round House Cafe.

Our town is hospitable, and fun to walk around. There is even a play – Peter And The Star Catcher – at Hubbard Hall Saturday night.

We are thrilled to see Ed Gulley’s great farm and folk art, some wonderful poets will read, as usual, the artists will all be here to talk about their work. And the dogs, donkey and pony will all be showing off, they know all about Open Houses.

Maria’s studio is crammed with good stuff, the farrier and shearer will both be coming on Saturday. A full day, the art of rural life on full display. She is making this art available to people who can’t make it, after many requests and complaints. If you are interested in buying a pincushion, you can e-mail Maria at: [email protected].

We are so grateful to have found one another, to be in our beautiful old farmhouse, to be living the lives we want to live. We are lucky to be able to share these things with you.