This year’s ornament celebrates the roots that ground us, nourish us, support us. Plant roots are a miraculous network including big, tough portions & delicate tiny roots that fill the soil & interact with the microrganisms & nutrients. We too have our roots: our friends, our family, our faith, our education, our hobbies, our outdoor escapes. These roots enable us to get through the unpredictability & challenges of life. I’ve drawn the iconic Granby Oak & even left the broken branch that is in the center. Like most of us, the Granby Oak has been damaged & been through hard times, but with strong roots it still survives. As you move forward on your journey, I hope you’ll take time to nurture and celebrate the roots that sustain you.

I’m very excited that the background paper is hand-marbled making each ornament totally unique. The marbling was done by the talented Pat Faust, box-maker, book binder & marbling artist. I love the way Pat’s stone marbling captures the essence of the tree, leaves, roots & the sky above!