Yes – I finally have put up my calendar for 2011!  I’ve tried to avoid it – maybe I din’t want to think about yet another year passing – but I have finally have posted it!  Take a look.  And please – if you would like to schedule a show for the upcoming new year call me at anytime (508) 641-5336 or email me at ryanstalltales@hotmail.com

Just wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!

 

My family and I had a great weekend – and with Thanksgiving behind us we decided to go and get our Christmas Tree!  Lex’s 2nd Christmas – but last year at this time she couldn’t even roll over – let alone enjoy the festivities!

While making room for our new tree we were moving and cleaning out Olivia’s curio cabinet.  Funny enough, Lex took the opportunity to crawl right in and then give kisses through the glass.  I know, too adorable!

Then, off to get the tree – and it didn’t take long at all.  We were in and out in less than 15 minutes!  It was so nice to get home and put it right up.  Lex even helped decorate – then of course she decided to take off the ornaments she put on… but that’s okay.  Hope everyone enjoys this season as much as I do!

I love books that set a tone, give off a mood – and this is certainly one of those books. It reminded me of a former Book of the Month called Owl Moon – but this tells a set of brothers who go out in the woods waiting for the big snow to come. Reading it, I was waiting for the worse to come – waiting for something bad to happen. Happily, it did not – instead what you get is a sweet story that makes you wish for snowy days!

 

I went to throw some trash into our trash barrel the other day and had quite the surprise.  A raccoon decided to taken a nap along with our garbage.  He didn’t seem to mind me taking a few pictures before I turned the entire barrel over, allowing him to toddle off into the night.  I have heard how dangerous these animals can be – so I was very careful – but luckily I had a friendly raccoon visiting me.

I have updated the Upcoming Shows – and will have January and February up by next week!  Hope everyone has their Turkeys ready for the big day!

Sorry to everyone – my Upcoming Shows page had a typo for tomorrow show time.  Originally I posted 2:00pm – but it was a mix up – tomorrow I will be telling stories at the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy at 10:00 am – hope this didn’t mix up too many of you out there and I look forward to seeing you all at the show!

 

As the Trick-or-Treaters came and went last night there was one who was very memorable.  He came up to the door dressed as Iron Man, like MANY children were this year, and he stopped about two steps in front of my door.  I opened and said “Hi”.  He turned to his mother and said “Mom!  He’s dressed as Big Ryan!”

I’ve got to admit, that WOULD be a great costume! 

This beautifully book is a whole lot of fun showcasing some amazing art made by paper.  It also contains a sweet story about a sister and a very young brother – as we all know, little sisters and brothers can be destructive – they don’t mean to be, but it’s just how it is.  It’s also heartbreaking to the older sibling when their stuff does get ruined!  But this warm and fuzzy book shows an older sister playing and even forgiving her little brother for ripping up her paper parade.  Just a quick end note: Sarah Weeks website is a pleasure to visit – make sure to click her name at the top to see it!

 

As you can tell – we went another way with Lex’s costume – we opted for the home-made Wonder Woman costume.  My Mother made this for her and we feel very fortunate that Lex has such a talented Nana!

Speaking of talented – these pictures are courtesy of Lex’s other talented grandparent – her Granny!  Olivia’s Mother continues to stun us with her beautiful pictures of the most important and precious thing in our lives!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!  Remember to say Trick or Treat when you getup to the door – and o course Thank You when you get your treat!