A Dusting of Snow on the Prairie...

We have our first dusting of snow for the season!

The weather man spoke of it a couple of days ago and it was to be a grand snow, arriving yesterday...

so I waited anxiously, peeking from the big arched window in my studio, as I painted.

We have just returned back home after a wonderful Christmas shared with my family, back in our home town. I am enjoying this time brushing up on my ever-so-loved watercolors. Just playing. No art commitments or deadlines at this moment. It feels fabulous to just savor Winter and silence for awhile.

The snow did arrive...

Just enough to add a splash of white to the ground!

This morning I grabbed my camera and made my way outside to capture the beauty. (It will have to do until that BIG snow arrives)!

The orange...

With all of this Winter grey is so lovely.

Back inside.

Cold hands and toes.

It was certainly time for tea!

Hey! Did you have a nice holiday? I do hope that yours was filled with much goodness.

I must show you a package that arrived by mail. It was an art exchange in which I participated in. Just look at this hand painted wrap! (Artist, Peggy Hood).

I must remember to paint some of my gift wrapping next year!

Enjoy your day, my friend!

I shall meet up with you again very soon!

XO

 

Celebrating December...

Hello!

Can you believe it? In just a few more days we will be celebrating Christmas!

I must confess, my celebrating has begun! I am all caught up on commission work and at last, am able to dabble in my own art, such as my art journal. It felt so fabulous to sit by the Christmas tree early this morning, with my cup of coffee and watercolors. Our new little friend joined in! Although we have no children...

our home just seems much more complete now with the "Elf on the Shelf"! Any name suggestions would be appreciated in the comments, please, as we have not yet named our boy elf!

Presents have been purchased, wrapped, and are displayed beneath the tree. Donations, check!

Cards were all addressed and mailed soon after Thanksgiving.

Seriously, friends... This feels so incredibly nice! I must do this again next year! All I did differently was start earlier and stayed committed! I even did a complete purge with my clothes closet!

Oh, and then I did treat myself to a set of six Laura Mercier soufflé body cremes!

 

Oh my.

If you have not tried...

You really must.

I loved every scent, however, my personal favorite has so far, been the pistache.

I will now be requesting that Santa bring me a full size jar each year since it is a bit expensive.

We have enjoyed getting out and admiring pretty things...

There's just something about all of the lights, the music, the smells, and even the tv commercials that warm the heart each December.

I pray for world peace and for those who dread this time of year due to circumstances. Please, do not let these people go forgotten, dear ones. We can all give a smile, a hug, or a greeting card to help brighten someone's day!

Merry Christmas to all...

from our home to yours.

See you again soon!

XO

 

The Christmas Coat...

It all began that Saturday just before Christmas.

A girls' day out... sushi and shopping, with my sister-in-law and niece who were visiting from Iowa.

We chose to shop downtown Lawrence because it offers so much historic charm with beautiful brick buildings, unique shops, boutiques, and antiques. (even used book stores that I could spend hours in).

We made our way into a very nice thrift store. Very trendy, in a retro kind of way. The clothing is gently worn, yet some, very old.

That's when I saw it.

"The Christmas coat". (I gave the coat this name because of it's fabulous green color and because it was so close to Christmas).

I instantly loved her! (So much that I had my sister-in-law hold the coat so that I could snap this photo).

Just look at this beautiful rose design!

The fur on the collar had lost it's fluff, but the coat seemed to be in good condition. I tried it on and to my surprise, it was a perfect fit! I twirled around, giggling at my view in the full length mirror. I always tell myself that if I try on clothing and it makes me giggle... then it's sold. A must-have.

I visualized me wearing a vintage Christmas tree lapel pin on it's breast. Oh, yes! That would certainly make it a true Christmas coat to wear year after year, wouldn't it?

I looked at the hanging tag which revealed the price: $27.00.

Really! ONLY $27.00 for this treasure?

Oh, how I wanted the coat...

but it was Christmas time and how could I possibly feel good about purchasing something for myself?

My thoughts raced around in my head. I have Winter coats. But not a green Christmas coat.

Many people in this world don't even have a coat.

Money is tight this time of year.

Save your money, Missy.

I hung the coat back on it's rack and we left the store.

Exhausted, mentally, from the debate taking place in my mind.

I am still thinking about that coat! I'm so glad that I took a picture of it. I even painted her on a page in my art journal. She's special.

Yes. I regret not bringing her home with me, but am so grateful to have the memory!

And so, that is the story of "The Christmas Coat".

Are you ready to ring in the new year?

We are!!!

XO

 

Christmas past...

For us, it was a very quiet Christmas Day here on the prairie. As I made my way into the kitchen to get a cup of java, I noticed that it was going to be a sunny day, according to the shadows on the wall. Of course, I paused. Admired and then went back to the bedroom to grab my camera. I love waking up to such surprises!

Beside the coffee pot sits my shabby chalkboard (which I now use as a calendar).

December 25th. Christmas.

I hope that you had a wonderful one!

I called my family first thing. I think that next December I am going to suggest to them that we celebrate as a family AFTER Christmas has passed. Possibly, we will be able to ring in the new year together!

As I sipped the coffee, I did browse through the photos that we had taken just two weekends ago. We had a perfect Christmas together and I cherish the memories.

I am in no hurry to take down our Christmas decorations. In fact, I would never do so before New Years Day! It's all too pretty and I enjoy the warm and cozy!

I do, however, need to return to reality and routine.

I brushed up on my painting yesterday afternoon.

Tiny greeting cards in watercolor.

I rarely do art for fun these days. Personal art. It was pure joy to simply play!

Today:

December 26th.

Christmas past.

I have three large commission paintings to produce by February so today I begin!

Wishing you a fabulous day and I will meet you right back here...

very soon!

XO

 

Pre or Post Christmas?

Pre-Christmas.

Husband and I pour the morning coffee...

brewed from an old metal percolator pot from our vintage collection.

It seems to taste stronger this way. Hotter too.

Much needed on these brutally brisk Winter mornings.

Although tomorrow night is Christmas Eve, we haven't any plans or anyone but the two of us to celebrate with since we had our family Christmases early. Pre-Christmas just doesn't feel "right" to me!

I enjoy being out and about, walking downtown shopping strips. Saturday I snapped a few photos while spending time with my lovely sister-in-law who also adores art, second hand book stores, thrift shops, and antiques. (Oh, and sushi)!

The weekend before that, my family was here. I still feel some emptiness in my heart. After all, it is Christmas. A time for family.

I remind myself that I am very blessed to have my family still sharing this earth with me.

Yesterday it was back to work for both hubby and I.

Big commission paintings...

and I am so out-of-practice and experiencing a big creative block.

Not only have I been off of my routine...

It is Christmas, right?

A perfect time for some art journaling.

Just playing with paint and holding a paintbrush is great practice!

Yes, it feels wonderful to be back in my pretty art space, surrounded by my favorite toys...

even though my thoughts drift back to Christmas!

Post-Christmas here!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Enjoy!

 

I wish...

I wish that every day could be Christmas!

Well, okay...

That might take away some of the excitement and joy if it were Christmas season all year long, but I would, however, enjoy having these warm feelings (that seem especially strong and present this time of year), every single day.

Speaking for only myself, I do feel more giving, more thoughtful and compassionate. Possibly it is because I become more aware in December. Aware that it is the season to give. Aware that there are so many less fortunate people in this world, and even in my own community.

Aware that I can do something.

I seem to become more driven to do my part in helping others and wow, that feels incredibly good!

This is REAL joy, indeed!

All of my senses really kick in when December rolls around!

I don't want to miss out on anything...

The smells of pine trees, cinnamon, candies and fudge being made in specialty shops...

The sounds of the Salvation Army bells, Christmas songs playing on the radio.

My eyes are wide open to all of the beauty and the magic that surrounds us, even while out running errands.

Lights, sparkles, and often, (in Kansas), SNOW!

We greeted our first snow of the season this morning!

Naturally, I grabbed my camera and my heavy brown coat. I through on some boots and out the door I went, careful not to leave too many foot impressions in the freshly fallen snow. That ruins a great photo opp!

Snap, snap, snap.

Isn't it great that we no longer have to ask ourselves if a subject is photo worthy or not? With digital, I feel so free to shoot!

After playing Miss photographer in the front yard, I made my way to the backside of our house.

I'm never out in the snow for very long. It's dreadfully cold.

Inside, I brewed a pot of coffee. At night I've been sipping tea or hot cocoa with a peppermint stick. I swirl the stick around and around, allowing the mint to dissolve and add a hint of "wintery" flavor. Those pure sugar sticks work best for this! (Those softer sticks).

Another special something that I only do during the Christmas season.

 

Today I finished my last custom ordered ornament so I am now officially taking a mini vacation to spend time on personal art and with family.

It was a successful year for selling and I thank my supporters from the bottom of my heart.

I never ever imagined that I would actually be living my dream.

I did make some time to finally bleach some of those charming bottle brush trees! I even glittered a few!

I purchased several of them last year but simply never found the time to get creative with them.

I had planned on dying some and adding "bulbs", but I was so captivated by the whites and the creamy colors that I decided to save the dying for next year.

For now, I sit in my favorite chair, all wrapped up in a soft sweater. Gazing at our pretty tree. Staying present!

Oh, how I wish...

that almost every day could be Christmas!

Sending blessings your way.

Peace & Love to all.