Welcome 2013

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Here's a toast to the future, A toast to the past, and a toast to our friends, far and near.  May the future be pleasant;  the past a  bright dream;  May our friends remain faithful and dear.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Quote ~ Anonymous

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, William !!

Here's to a great day and a year filled with many good things!  When it comes to cousins, you're the best!!

♥

New Year Resolutions

My New Year Resolution:

Rosato ~ Everyday !!

(:

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Not really.  Although, I developed quite a liking to this particular wine over the Holidays.  I've never been much of a wine drinker ~ just once in a blue moon.  Maybe I could have a glass of this stuff every other day!!

I don't think I'm going to make any solid New Year Resolutions.  They always end up along the roadside ~ great ideas that last for a short while and then I'm back to old habits.  

I simply want the New Year to be a better one in every way possible ~ not only on a personal level ~ I would like the New Year to be kinder to each of my family members and each of my friends.  I would like our country to at least TRY to get back on track.  I would love all the anger and hatred out there worldwide to 

dissipate.  I know that's not possible, but a girl can dream.  I would like to stop hearing news about little children being taken, school shootings, children killing parents, disasters that take thousands of lives and leave so many homeless, nuclear war, and the long list that goes on and on.  

I would love to see more stories this New Year about people helping people.  I would like to see the media cover some "good and happy" news.  We could all use some positive news every day.  It lifts us up and makes us want to do good on our own.  It would make me happy to see every person out there do just one simple little deed every day that would help another human being. It would be easy ~ a smile, pick up something someone drops, open a door, say "thank you" or "I'm sorry", give up your seat for someone who looks like they really could use it, pick up a piece of trash laying on the street when you're taking your walk, shovel a little snow off the neighbor's sidewalk when you're out doing yours, tell a stranger to have a "great day".  Simple kindness does make a difference.

I know that most of you out there agree and probably already do these things.  Maybe we could just say a little prayer every day that the selfish and greedy might "see the light" and change their ways.

If you do make New Year resolutions, I truly wish the best for you and hope you can stick with them.  No matter what, I hope God smiles down on us and blesses us with good health and helps us with the things we can't control.

Happy New Year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lulu !!

Lulu, you already live in a magical, colorful, fantasyland where miracles happen and life is good. So, all I can wish you for this birthday is that today and the next year will continue to reward you with the joy that somehow finds you each and every day ~ in your yard, in your studio, in the sky, on the mountain, on a canvas, or near the lake.

Someday, somehow, I will find my way to your castle in the woods and after I give you a giant hug, I will breathe that magic air that surrounds you and take in all the beauty that you show us everyday.

I feel blessed to know you.  

The Hope Flag Project

The Hope Flag Project is a page on Facebook that is being hosted by Leighanna Light.  Leighanna wanted to do something to let the people of Newtown, CT, know that we care, so she launched the prayer flag idea just a little over a week ago.  The flags are all 5" x 8" in size.  Once Leighanna receives all of the flags made by participants, she will string them together and mail them to Newtown.  She wants them to arrive there by the time the children return to school.  It is just a small way to let the people of Newtown know that we care and that we will never forget.
I just learned of this during Christmas, so my daughter-in-law Amanda, and I, spent a little time on Christmas Day evening each making a prayer flag that I must mail out tomorrow so they will arrive at Leighanna's on time. 
I was happy to be a small part of this project.  My prayer flag is simple but the sentiment of love for the Newtown community is big and real.

Christmas Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jesus !!

Christmas Eve

It is now Christmas Eve.  

I hope you enjoyed the Christmas Trees ~ I've posted the last one for this year and now plan to have a quiet relaxing Christmas Eve Day and Night.  I have a few last minute things to do before Christmas Day and I refuse to stress and worry.  Casey and Amanda are here for a week and that is really all I need to make my Christmas joyful.  I am looking forward to the Christmas Church Service tonight and spending the evening with family.

I wish all of you a Blessed Happy Christmas!!  

December 23 Christmas Trees

Seeing this scene of beautiful Christmas Trees makes me think of PEACE.

May we all find peace in our lives and in our hearts this Christmas. 

December 22 Christmas Tree

Here's a cool idea for the December 22 Christmas Tree.  Hang some branches, string some lights, attach the ornaments, and you have a pretty Christmas tree on your wall.  You could use the basic branch theme and add just about anything ~ it could be all stars or all snowflakes or all hearts ~ have fun with it and make it your own personal theme.  

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice   2012

Today is the first day of Winter ~ Winter Solstice ~ the shortest day of the year.

~ ~ ~
"This year may we seek the light within each other and walk all our days in peace."
~Rebecca Brooks
recuerda mi corazon

December 21 Christmas Tree

This December 21 Christmas Tree is colorful, fun, and unique.  It is at the Susan Knecht Studio and Gallery in Huntsville, Alabama.  Made from 190 hand crafted glass ornaments hung from varying lengths of fishing line, it took Susan and her helpers 50 hours to construct.  This December 21 Christmas Tree is truly a work of art.  

December 20 Christmas Tree

Happy Holidays from New York City 

Rockefeller Center

2012

December 19 Christmas Tree

This CD tree with a tree skirt made of old cassette tape is the creation of Tom Deininger in 2010.  I love it.  The CDs shine and every light and color bounces off of them like mirrors.  I think this December 19 Christmas Tree shows a very clever way of using recycled materials.  

December 18 Christmas Tree

There is no special story about this tree.  I found it on Pinterest and I am making it the December 18 Christmas Tree just because it is beautiful.

December 17 Christmas Tree

Having found two "book" Christmas Trees, I've posted both of them because each one is unusual and interesting.  Not only are they made in the shape of a tree, but they also have garland and lights.  What a great quick fix if you don't have access to a tree ~ as long as you happen to have a lot of books! I could make the December 17 Christmas Tree in a minute ~ book lover here and MANY books to prove it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Isabella !!

Sending wishes for a beautiful day that you can spend doing something that makes you extra happy.  You will be in my thoughts today.  Have a piece of cake for me ~ I love Birthday cake!!

Happy Day !!

♥

December 16 Christmas Tree

Since Venice, Italy, is where the famous MURANO GLASS is made, it is no surprise that they would have a Christmas tree made entirely out of blown glass.  Local glass-blowers made all the tubes for the tree which stands in the center of the square each year.  This December 16 Christmas Tree is unique and beautiful.

I just saw this on facebook.  It broke my heart.

December 15 Christmas Tree

This Angel carries a very special December 15 Christmas Tree.  It is on its way to Heaven where 20 innocent little children and 7 special adults will spend their Christmases from now on.  We have all been touched by the events that took place yesterday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  There is a sadness in the air everywhere. 

God, please bless the souls that were taken and help the families through this difficult time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Holly !!!

I wish you a bright and joyful day, my friend!  As always, I wish I could be there in Ohio to celebrate with you.  May this day be just the beginning of a wonderful year to come.   

Remember, Holly, that you are special and you are loved. 

Enjoy your day!!!

♥ 

December 14 Christmas Tree

This 30-foot Christmas tree is in Manchester, England, at Manchester's Trafford Centre.  The entire tree is plastic ~ it is made completely out of Legos.  Besides all the Lego pieces used to construct the tree, there are 450 ornaments hanging on the branches that are made from 350,000 toy Lego bricks.  

This December 14 Christmas Tree has to be a child's dream ~ I wouldn't mind seeing it myself.

December 13 Christmas Tree

I chose this tree to be the December 13 Christmas Tree because it is simple and beautiful against the night blue background.  With the light snow falling, it gives me a feeling of peace on Earth, something we all yearn for in these troubled times.

December 12 Christmas Tree

WOW!  In 2009, this tree was on display in front of a Department Store in Shanghai, China.  It is constructed of 1000 beer bottles.  I would have to say this December 12 Christmas Tree is truly unique and festive!!!

12-12-12

It's  12 - 12 - 12 !!! 

December 11 Christmas Tree

This tree is quite special as it would take a lot of time in both considering what you would hang on the wall and then actually attaching it.  Simple Christmas items would be sweet, but hanging favorite things or making it a tree of memories would be ideal. 

This December 11 Christmas Tree is quite unique.  Just imagine how special and different each one would be. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Anne !!!

Oh, Fuzzy One, how wonderful it is to be wishing you a Happy Birthday.  You have been through the year from hell with many sick days and feeling as low as possible.  But... God is SO good and he listened to all of our prayers and pleas to help you fight this battle.  You've been so very strong and positive through it all and you've come out a winner and just as beautiful as ever.

I look forward to another year of your John Deere escapades, scythe wielding, words of wisdom, photos extraordinaire, stunning art, fun knitting, stole making, and humor that can't be beat.

It is a blessing to know you.

Happy Day, my friend.

♥

December 10 Christmas Tree

"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree"  

Even in its most humble attire, glowing beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains, this December 10 Christmas Tree is a wondrous sight.

Peyton

Precious Peyton fresh out of the shower.  I would love to squeeze her but she's all the way down in Texas.  I sure hope brother Patrick can see what a cute little gal his daughter made.

December 9 Christmas Tree

I love this tree.  It is unique and artistic.  If you are thinking about making a Christmas tree out of pieces of scrap wood, the possibilities are endless.  It could be any size, painted any color, and just about anything could be attached to it.  You could even paint things on each branch.  I definitely am going to make a tree similar to this December 9 Christmas Tree.

December 8 Christmas Tree

This is the 2007 NYC Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.  It was the first year they used LED Lights that were fully powered by solar panels.  What a beauty to be featured for the December 8 Christmas Tree.

December 7 Christmas Tree

A beautiful lone tree in the middle of the dark forest.  All God's creatures in the forest enjoy the light shining from this December 7 Christmas Tree.

Christmas is Near

Christmas will be here soon.  Some of us will be ready... others not.  

Christmas is such a magical and blessed time of year.  I've decided not to stress over it.  I've decided to take some time each day to think about the true meaning and how Mary must have felt when she was traveling with Joseph, carrying the Christ child in her womb.  Was she cold?  Was she scared?  I can only imagine the things that might have gone through her mind.  I'm sure the only thing that truly mattered to both of them was the safety of their unborn child and finding a suitable place for Him to be born.

I will do my best this season to think about the events that led up to the birth of Christ.  With that, I will take things day by day and get the shopping done, the wrapping completed, and the tree decorated.  These are all fun things, but secondary to the true meaning of Christmas.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sierra !!!

WOW ~ 13 !

Night Blooming Cereus

My sweet friend, Linda Oma, of Old Baggs N Stuffed Shirts, recently sent me some cuttings from her Night Blooming Cereus cactus plant.  The above photo shows the cuttings after I planted them.  I was so happy to see such healthy large cuttings when they arrived all the way from New Mexico and I hope I can do some magic and make them grow big, strong, and beautiful. 

I've placed the cuttings in the kitchen with my other cacti and succulents.  My plants seem to do well here where they get a lot of good light.

These cacti that are hanging from the top of the kitchen cupboards just keep growing longer and longer.  Not sure what to expect from them.  They've been up there for several years ~ no surprises yet.

This is Linda's bloom on her Cereus plant.  Gorgeous!!!  I think it is going to be a LONG time before I see one of these.  Thank you, Linda, for sending the cuttings.  I'll keep you posted on progress.  

December

And so she is here ~ December ~ with the anticipation of much to come ....... snow, ice, cold, heavy coats, gloves, boots, shopping, visitors, surprises, cooking, baking, wrapping, parties, Christmas music, Christmas services, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and hopes for a New Year that will be better than the last.  Thinking about these things used to fill me with excitement ~ this year it just makes me tired.

Maybe this cold I've been fighting for a week is making me feel this way.  I can't seem to shake it and I have little motivation to do much of anything other than the necessities.  Hopefully, once I am feeling better, I will get myself in gear and get back to enjoying the Christmas Season and all that comes with it.

I hope everyone out there is enjoying this special time of year and having fun with their Christmas preparations.  One thing I do love is seeing the lights at night.  We are having some decent temps right now, so we should think about putting some decorations out. One never knows ~ snow could fly at any time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Pam !!!

I hope my Maryland friend will have a special day filled with fun, surprises, love, friends, family, good eats, and BIRTHDAY CAKE!!!

Sending love and ((hugs)) to you today, Pam!!

Family and Friends...

Wishing you peace and happiness on this Thanksgiving Day!

I am thankful to have each of you in my life.

♥

A Thanksgiving Eve Reminder

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Susie !!

My dear friend from many years ago...  What a wondrous God we both know and love... for He was truly kind to bring you back into my life.  Our roots are planted firmly and deeply in our childhood neighborhood we both love and remember so well. 

I wish you much joy today. 

My Soul Soars

If your artwork could talk, what would it say?

It would convey to the viewer the joy I feel when I am making art ~ my soul soars!  Being a caregiver leaves me little time to myself.  Art is my passion and I cherish those moments when I can escape into my studio and create.

Yesterday, I was honored and excited to see my piece of art, My Soul Soars, on Seth Apter's Blog, The Altered Page.  Seth is using the internet to showcase his 5x5 Project.  The author of The Pulse of Mixed Media, Seth put out an open call for artists to submit artwork created in response to one or more of the following questions:
1.  If your artwork could talk, what would it say?
2.  Who has had the most impact on your creative life?
3.  What is the one thing you have never shared with the creative community?
Submitting artists could chose 1, 2, or 3 of the questions and respond to each by creating artwork in any medium in the form of a 5"x5" square.  They were asked to include words as a part of the artwork as well.  There was a tremendous response to the call and Seth is posting each submission every Sunday throughout the months of November and December.
All of the pieces are wonderful and reading how each artist responded to the question in words, and in their art, is very interesting.  Check Seth's Blog each Sunday to enjoy the 5x5 Project.  The Altered Page

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, Peyton !!!

Grandpa Patrick is sending hugs and smiles from Heaven.