i'm here, i really am, mid life wrinkles and all. i've been too distracted, too busy, to sit down for any length of time to share anything with anyone at all. it sounds so selfish when i put it that way. i wince every time i think of the letters of thank yous that i need to write and send halfway around the world; i wake up in the middle of the night and worry about the emails i've not answered, the long list of things i've needed to do for such a long long time.
i won't go into a long litany of reasons why i've stayed away from blogging, from chatter that seemed to take too long for me to jot down here in this spot. life has been wild, it has been crazy, for all of this upside down year. i've been home away far more than not. 
my father died. this house on firefly was broken into, again. my parents' cabin was broken into as well, and when i went out to check on it a couple of weeks ago and discovered the theft and destruction, i was stunned by the mess, by the violence of the break in, by the sense of violation that this third time brought over me. but this past wonderful, incredible, full blown week was spent with the boys right here at home in the wonderland of western north carolina, the first time we three have been here together since easter (i think, if not earlier) of last year. i wish i had the time to share with you all the images of this time with them, all the photos we snapped while wandering down lush mossy trails, while we laughed and savored every moment that we had, an overflowing week of treasured memories.
when they left on monday and yesterday, the house was that much emptier. so empty! they fill up all this space with their voices, their laughter, their beautiful glorious presence. i'm not the only one who is pining for those big boys; there is one worn out pup who would love to hit the wooded trails and streams with them all over again.
(thank you, roy, for sharing the beautiful photos above with me)
this house feels too quiet right now, like it is finally settling into the autumn, like it is gracefully beginning its gentle acceptance of colder days and nights ahead. for now, i remember and hold in my heart the color that enveloped us, the way that the leaves rustled under our six feet + four, if you count those of mister walter.
goodness! life. it keeps spinning forward, and forward, and forward on ahead, while i try to find a balancing point upon which to pivot, upon which to try to stand without growing dizzy or stumbling out of control. a soothing quiet has settled here, again. 
and now, once again, my studio table is beginning to fill up with a beautiful limited edition of something special that i'm working on; i'll tell you more in the days to come. think, stocking stuffers. think, pocket or around the neck. think, metal meets tooled leather meets barkcloth meets stitched and cast and wired and sewn. i promise i'll be back here very soon to tell you more. stay tuned. xo
I am pretty sure you are in a Birthday Zone here if I remember correctly. Let me send a very heartfelt Happy Birthday to you! Not meant to embarrass you but now you are actually a bit famous and a celebrity of sorts and I imagine that comes with its own set of efforts and responsibilities, wanted or not! The balance is all within your masterful reach, I think the role will get easier with time. Lots of goodness to you and love all the way around. & Lovely photos!!
Posted by: Vickie | October 12, 2011 at 04:32 PM
What a relief to see you're well and that you've had some very special time with your sons.
Posted by: Jan | October 12, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Great to have you back. Time with one's children is so special.
Posted by: Jennnifer Thornton | October 12, 2011 at 05:30 PM
Dear Nina -- It is good to see your smiling face, the changing color of the trees, your grown-up men, Walter (love that action shot). I check most days when I am home to see if you have posted a new blog entry, as I love your words and pictures.
You have had quite a year. But you don't live your life in a blog, you live it in real time, real life, with real people who know and love you, and whom you know and love. When the house gets too quiet and the daylight is short, there will be time enough for you to blog.
Posted by: Mary G. | October 12, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Hi Nina, how lovely to see your post and gorgeous photos today!
I am relieved to see, that after the the challenges you have had this year, you are beginning to rise above it all, to see the light.
Your boys are a tribute to you - it is plain to see how they love and appreciate nature and treasure you.
Wishing you a beautiful, peace-filled autumn,
xo
Posted by: sue | October 12, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Stunning photos- and, yes, LIFE is so... SOOO. I've witnessed your year from afar and have to agree its been something. I'm glad that you popped in and look forward to seeing your new work.
Autumnal blessings and MUCH house and cabin protection, gee whiz!
Posted by: Valerianna | October 12, 2011 at 07:06 PM
I love this post...and better yet I love that you are ok. Thank you for the update.
Posted by: sandra | October 12, 2011 at 07:29 PM
You've richly rewarded us for the wait, many thanks.
And never apologize for having a life, for priorities!
Much love, S
Posted by: Sharron | October 12, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Beautiful photos, a beautiful place you live. Thanks for sharing the colors of the autumn.
Posted by: carla fox | October 12, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Goodness, the colors are so much further along there. Just got out today for a bit and was thrilled to see the colors coming down the mountains. Such a delight.
Be well ...
Posted by: Kathy VK | October 12, 2011 at 08:53 PM
i will.
Posted by: carol mayer | October 12, 2011 at 10:11 PM
this is a breath of fresh air...seeing you and the boys...walter...the mountains....and the colors! sometimes it's all we can do to just live life, y'know. it doesn't always have to be an open book...live between the lines, as you are. welcome back! hugs to you....xo
Posted by: Tina in McLeansville | October 12, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Missed your posting and so glad to have an update. The pictures are beautiful and I am happy that you had this special time with your boys.
Posted by: Shirley@Blue Gate Farm | October 12, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Thank you for sharing a piece of your life. The mountains and trees are in their full glory up the road a bit. I'm hoping to make it to the mountains this fall but life is happening way too fast for me also. Too much to do.
Posted by: Dale | October 12, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Doesn't get any better than treasured time with family and pets. I know how you feel when you're with your boys and Walter. It does make one's heart joyful, filled with love and hope for the future; makes the present such a gift. Thanks for sharing your family time with us.
Vickie in kc
Posted by: vickie long | October 12, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Hallo Dear One!
Time with loved ones is FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR more important than blogging! But you know that.
I envy you those stunning autumn colours and being able to walk in leaf litter. What joy!
I hope the new limited edition pieces will be able to clip on my 'NinaChain'! Looking forward to seeing what you have made.
My 'red dirt' clip on has been so admired. I held up the queue at the supermarket just yesterday, because the gal at the checkout said she had to look and could she touch please?
The green earrings are casting their green tinted rainbows again...thankyou so much.xo
Posted by: herhimnbryn | October 12, 2011 at 10:57 PM
So happy thinking of you spending time with your boys! Yes! And your new project sounds so enticing... can't wait to see the little treasures! Jamie V in MT
Posted by: Jamie V | October 12, 2011 at 11:32 PM
just when i was thinking how much i missed your words ... you appear .
take care of yourself and your loved ones.
i can wait ...(:
xxoo
Posted by: kathy dorfer | October 13, 2011 at 12:02 AM
how very glad i was to see your photo on my blog list today morning Nina! It looks absolutely beautiful in there. all those colors and probably also some of the same trees i see here in arboretum. i can see many many trees from North-America in here and i wonder which of them grows in your forest Nina.
Posted by: Delila | October 13, 2011 at 12:12 AM
i've missed you.
Posted by: erin | October 13, 2011 at 01:08 AM
Nina,
Glad to hear from you and see things might be going better. Love the pictures on your post. Can not wait to see your new work. Good to see Walter -- looks like he had fun too!
Hugs to you, Lori B.
Posted by: Lori Burek | October 13, 2011 at 01:17 AM
Ahhhhhh! A lovely Nina post. My morning is complete. Thanks for the beautiful photos. Despite the troubles (such is life) you are definitely blessed. Your gifts are many. I look forward to seeing your latest work. Pati
Posted by: Pati | October 13, 2011 at 07:50 AM
So good to see you here! I have been thinking of you. I have your jewelry displayed when I'm not wearing it and I think of you when I see it. How could I not think of you when you put your heart in every piece that you make. (a little piece of you is here) Happy that you got to spend time with your boys, looks like you had a great time. I love all the photos and the Autumn is beautiful in the mountains there. Thanks for sharing that. So sorry about yet another breakend and the senseless damage........ can't wait to see your next project! xxoo
Posted by: Linda | October 13, 2011 at 09:01 AM
wow!....what a beautiful autumnal gift you resurfaced to give us. we all knew you would come back! i especially like walter's portrait running through the water.
here is a meditational thought for all of us:
It’s dark because you are trying too hard.
Lightly child, lightly.
Learn to do everything lightly…
Even though you’re feeling deeply…
Lightly let things happen
and lightly cope with them…
On tiptoes and with no luggage...
Completely unencumbered.
Aldous Huxley, 1894-1963 (Adapted)
Posted by: missy in houston by way of galveston | October 13, 2011 at 11:37 AM
It is so glorious there!
xx
Posted by: Julie Whitmore | October 13, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Welcome back! Magical photos. Thanks for sharing. :)
Posted by: Judy H. | October 13, 2011 at 04:48 PM
thank you for this post, Nina - you made me smile today.
xo dusan
Posted by: susan | October 13, 2011 at 04:48 PM
Thank you. I don't want our hopeful expectations to burden you. But it is always so nice when you find the time to share with us. Lovely pictures!
Posted by: Martha | October 13, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Another wonderful and magical post filled with rich images of a life LIVED! You deserve this healing time with your sons, Nina, after having had such a year. I was thinking of you just yesterday and I'm glad I saw this lovely post =-)
I look forward to seeing the tasty treats you are whipping up for us all!
Posted by: Monica | October 13, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Nothing beats being with the ones you love.
I just got back from being with my mom during her difficult time.
I am happy to report that tests results were good and she is on her way to recovery.
Can't wait to see your new creations Nina.
xoxo
Posted by: Emily | October 14, 2011 at 12:14 PM
The combination of your writing and the autumn leaves is quite enchanting. I missed you. Be well.
Posted by: Mary | October 14, 2011 at 03:00 PM
you have been missed but glad to see that the boys and Mother Nature have been filling
your time and heart!!
missy from the bayou
Posted by: missy | October 14, 2011 at 09:46 PM
I'm so glad you're back. Life is just grand, isn't it?
Posted by: Ann | October 15, 2011 at 09:30 AM
Glad you enjoyed the time with your boys and am glad you are back. Having fun is more important than blogging. Lovely photos!
Posted by: Kelly Jeanette | October 15, 2011 at 11:58 AM
So happy to see you blogging again!
Sorry to hear about your parents' cabin, but so glad you had time with your boys in the beautiful autumnal mountains of NC.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures!
Posted by: 'tine | October 15, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Welcome back. Beautiful photos - beautiful boys (men), beautiful trees (no color in Boston; nice to see you have it), beautiful you! Happy Autumn.
Posted by: Judi | October 15, 2011 at 05:13 PM
you are looking rested and content, you enjoy your wintering down. Amazing photo's autumn is splendid in your area and what is so lovely is that you are sharing it with your treasured boys.
Posted by: Jacky Mcfarlane | October 16, 2011 at 01:07 AM
this is so beautiful...i too have two grown boys and when they all come home with children in tow, it is heaven and when they leave, i cannot breathe from the stillness that seems to envelope me for a time...thankfully it does pass somewhat but never all the way.
blessings...your newest piece is beautiful!
Posted by: linda | October 16, 2011 at 01:43 AM
~we love you~
Posted by: Sharon | October 16, 2011 at 07:19 PM
I love the pictures of LIFE, beautiful Life, that you have shared here. Thank you, sweet friend.
Posted by: Cindy Ericsson | October 20, 2011 at 12:22 AM