{love}

Here and gone, the time together disappearing so fast, but by far an enriching and rewarding time together with my two sons.

joy to all

The house is decorated, the smell of cookies baking wafting through the house, the kids arriving tonight and in the morning, and then the family descending later in the afternoon for our family holiday gathering (19 of us this year), the cards have been arriving in the mail, and as well as some wonderful surprises from some special friends. Here are two birdhouse ornaments made by Carla that I hung immediately on my tree, love them!! And today I got a package in the mail from Denise filled with birthday/christmas magic (even her handwriting is lovely)! I am in awe of all her generosity, very special. Lots of delightful things I will treasure from two dear friends - thank you girls, from the bottom of my humble heart - love you both - xoxo

when you're not feeling quite up to par

a free download from the multi-talented Keri Smith. http://www.kerismith.com/ask.html

where is the time going?!

Still so much I want to do and need get done for the holidays, packages to mail, gifts to buy, food to make. Argh!!!!

love the impromptu!

I bought this jar intending to put all my white/off white buttons in it - well, this is as far as I got in the sorting! One day my work table was strewn with holiday items and I stuck the bottle brush trees inside, then rummaged through my xmas postcards and stuck on in as well. Liked the look so took it upstairs to enjoy through the holidays.

tagged

I've been tagged by Carla, to list 6 weird things about myself:

1) I always eat the same thing every morning for breakfast, a bowl of cheerios with vanilla soy milk.
2) there are days I shower and put pj's back on if I'm not going out (guess I just love the comfort of pajamas).
3) I vacuum every day but cringe each time I empty it, can't stand seeing the dirt or the thought of it touching me.
4) I love christmas music and play it nearly constantly from thanksgiving to new year's.
5) I don't like the telephone much but have both a land line and cell phone.
6) I am a klutz, usually have all kinds of little bruises on me and most times don't even know where they came from.

it's a wonder land!

Has been snowing all afternoon, those large fluffy and puffy flakes that make everything so pretty. I haven't really driven in it for a couple years and decided to brave it today. My car isn't really the best for this situation but I did ok - whew, I was nervous to give it a go. This dog of mine just loves snow - tries to catch the flakes on his tongue, such a kid!

it's beginning to look alot like christmas...

This is an old window frame made over with a couple brackets and a shelf. I'd bought it years ago now ~ in another life time, literally ~ and is the first I've hung it as my house was for sale when I acquired it, and there never really was a place for it in the subsequent one I bought in NC. But the other day I dug it out of the basement as I was inspired to hang it over my red couch - because I'm in holiday decorating mode! For most of the weekend I've been having fun, played christmas carols, there was snow softly falling outside, a frenzy of activity as boxes were opened and favorite & beloved things discovered all over again. Last year I was up here looking to buy a house (this house!) and then had to bypass any holiday decorating as I needed to then get ready to sell one, so it's been awhile since I've seen these things - family mementos, old things that have been passed down, traditions upheld and new ones formed; a comforting time of year.

and...

The snow has subsided for the time being, may not have any more until sometime tomorrow (and the next day, and the next, and the next...). The storm wasn't nearly what they predicted in terms of inches of snow, but I went out and shoveled it and let me tell you, it is heavy from all the sleet and freezing rain underneath. Earned myself a cup of tea and a cookie for that job! Ernie has been out reveling (sp?) in the whole experience, I no sooner get him in and he wants to go back out - well, glad one of us is glad to be enamoured!

I have the most talented and thoughtful friends! The print pictured, titled "Peace Within" was created by Marie Otero, and she has just opened an ETSY shop where she has more for sale - check this out at http://lostaussie.etsy.com. (excuse the photography, that part is me)! And speaking of photography, the Journey to Creativity book and cards were put together by Cathy Anderson, a very talented photographer. You can find the book for sale on her website, www.catherineandersonstudio.com. These were my great gal pals from Charlotte, and although we all three are in different parts of the country now, continue to encourage and inspire one another. Thanks for thinking of me today girls, wish I could give you each a hug!

{retro}

Well, today's the day I turn, gulp, {49}; this obviously a vintage photo! I now have this cake plate, it is tourquoise - very retro cool right now. Guess that's how I will think of myself on this, the last year of my 40's - retro (as opposed to just plain old)!

We are beginning (I can hear on the windows) to get the first sleet/ice/snow storm of the season which will most likely curtail any celebrating I do - we're predicted to get anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow with ice underneath - just a mess and not a time to be out and about. Flights are already cancelled into and out of Chicago so I'll be spending it by myself as even driving across town for the breakfast with my family that was planned just isn't going to happen. I have had a serious headache all week which just laid me out flat so will concentrate on getting the house decorated for the holidays as all my good intentions to do it earlier in the week were derailed, will play christmas carols, and most likely romp in the snow with my shovel. Yee-ha.