Almost Christmas!

As Christmas approaches, I'm finding myself caught up in the usual preparations and enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. This week I made a floral arrangement for my sister,

with a final touch of battery operated lights! She loves bling, so it was a big success.

Our first snowfall coated tree branches, utility wires and rooftops with a heavy white frosting - really quite beautiful to see. Our snow thrower was in the shop for repairs at the time, and my husband gallantly shoveled everything by himself. 

 Rosie is missing her brother Angus, sometimes wandering around the house meowing, but she is also enjoying her new stature as queen of the house. She seems to enjoy all of our extra attention. Although they didn't seem to get along that well, Angus and Rosie were together with us since they were kittens, so I'm sure she is wondering where he is. Really miss our little boy.

On the creative side, I made this cut paper picture for the feast of St. Lucy on December 13. Her face is drawn and shaded with colored pencils and a bit of acrylic paint. It feels so good to create something, I have to ask myself why I don't do it every day. It seems to be a constant question for me, with an obvious solution - just do it!! Hmmm...New Year's resolution?

In any case, in a few days we'll be heading off for Toronto to spend Christmas with our daughter - the perfect Christmas gift for us! Can't wait!

Meanwhile, whatever holiday you are celebrating, even if it is just the beauty of the winter season,

may you have a wonderful week, filled with joy.

xo Judy

Christmas Blessings

My husband and I arrived in beautiful Santa Barbara last night to spend Christmas with my husband's family. Tonight our daughter Kate joined us. We will be celebrating Christmas with three other families and the holiday promises to be filled with conversation, children's laughter and the warmth of companionship. This is truly a blessing and we are so glad to be here.
Another little angel, this time a fabric and felt ornament, came out of a box of my Mom's things. She had it hanging up all year long, as she did many of my fabric creations.
I think of her and my Dad often during this season, but know that they are sending down their love and blessings especially during this festive time.

Holly Angel

Here's the little paper angel from two entries back, this time done in fabric over felt with a painted face. Over the years I've made angels in many forms and always enjoy designing and embellishing them.
Lately I've been preparing for Christmas, decorating and buying gifts. Can't wait to spend time with family and especially my daughter. I'm hoping to have some good "hanging out" time with her and my husband. We'll be visiting some very dear relatives and I know we'll have a great time.
Knowing how antsy I get if I'm not working with my hands, I'm preparing some hand quilting to bring with me. We'll have plenty to do, but I'll bring some sewing and the old sketch pad for whatever ideas that happen along!