It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

... did you sing-song the title? :)

One would think that I would be hyped up and ready for the season ... and, honestly? That is farther from the truth than anything! I can hardly believe that it is the eve of December 7th and not only have I not pulled together recipes (let alone bake them!), but I haven't even shopped!! Of course, this is not completely unusual for us - - it would not be the holiday season if I were not cross-eyed with exhaustion and nearly cutting my fingertips off instead of ribbon while watching Christmas Vacation for the hundredth time!! It's just how we roll ... it's tradition. However, one of these years - I swear! - I will have gifts purchased and wrapped before December - - how lovely that must be for those on the ball (sigh).

The one thing that is checked off of my list - - we are decorated and the tree is up! Truly, an accomplishment as this year was trying ... we were all suffering from head colds and what normally takes me a couple days of decorating, took me practically a week! It was making my son crazy ... he kept reminding me of our need to decorate (as my dining room table was HEAPED with decor!) and how Santa will be so upset with us - - too cute! Then, I would find little decorations placed here and there, and when I would go to move it, he had a fit saying, "I'm decorating! Go lay down and rest." :) My helper.

So, I decided that since my daughter was having major drama over our tree being in a different place this year ... really? Does it matter? ... I figured that I would have to put up the village. Lord knows that a hissy fit would have occurred if all of our tradition took a different spin this year! So, up went the village ...

My ode to Charles Dickens and Norman Rockwell :)

Some other new do-dads to note ...

A large, grungy ornament...

A sweet, little Christmas mouse ... perched atop my favorite flea-market find ...

... that also houses my seasonal books and snow-bound memories. BTW, loved this book! Dorothea Benton Frank ... awe, just the best!!

... and something not so new - - our nativity. It's as old as I am! Just don't ask HOW old ... :) My dad had built the manger when I was a little girl ... I love having this in our home.

Something else treasured ...

My daughter's skates. The last ornament given to my daughter from her great-Pap-Pap.

And, finally ...

... our tree.

I'm thinking that our visiting elves should be arriving this week to spread a little magic - - perhaps that will be the kick in the pants that I'm waiting for!

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

~Burton Hillis

Pining for evergreen ...

So, my mind is planning the de-autumn-izing (new word!) of our home, as my eyes are weary of all the orange and rust that seems to be everywhere. Don't get me wrong ... I love fall. I was so anxious to pull it out and drape it everywhere in August! Now, I am pining for my evergreen! Truly, I could never be one to live in an area that does not receive all four seasons - - they are such gifts! Yes ... our winters do seem to last FOREVER ... but I try to look at it as "longer sled riding weather!" You should see my sister and I race down my mother's hill - - it's exhilarating - but quite a sight! ... especially when I am decked out in my husband's hunting suit - - hey, that baby's warm! And, yes - at first, we all try to hop on the sled - kids and all. But, then - my daughter likes to fly solo and my son - well, he prefers to eat snow. We've guided him against the yellow .... :)

Back to decor - - Realizing that the autumn wall hanging in my living room would not look so great next to our Christmas tree and I really did not want a bare wall (I'm not a sparse decorator by no means) - - I decided to turn the wall hanging over and paint the other side! BTW, the wall hanging is made from the same canvas that I use for the family tree wall hangings.

I wanted a winter scene - not Christmas - as I want to be able to keep it up until spring has sprung. So, I decided on a tree (shocking, I know ...) and the kiddos. Hmmmmm. What shall they be doing? My daughter suggested ice skating - already did that. Building a snowman? - already did that. Humph.

Cardinals - they must be part of it! You see, cardinals hold a very special meaning in our family. They were my pap's favorite bird (as well as my Gram's - didn't want to leave you out!), and every time that the kids and I, as well as my mom and sister, see one - we like to think that Pap had sent it from heaven to remind us that he is still watching over us. Silly maybe ... but it gives us such comfort.

So - we have cardinals. Cardinals = Birdhouse ... Birdhouse hung in tree ... Feeding the birds - - can you see my brain churnin'? LOL.

I settled on my daughter hanging the birdhouse ...

... and my son feeding a bird ...

And, the cardinals? Why, they are nestled in the tree ...

This is the illustration for our Christmas cards this year, as well as a decoration in our home ...

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

~Edith Sitwell

Break out those Christmas Carols ...

... because I'm ready! Now, by "ready", I mean that my holiday mindset is in place and I'm feeling all sorts "Joy to the World" nostalgia. I, in no sense of the word, am "ready" by way of preparation! Heavens no! My core make-up is one of a procrastinator ... which usually suits me fine, with the exception of excess of clutter and lack of sleep that usually accompanies such a trait. But, since my husband is incredibly easy-going and my kids seem to fuel their creativity from my paints and pencils strewn on the counter tops - - then, so be it. :)

Now, you may ask ... what prompted my release of sweet, silver bells prior to their airing on the air waves?? Why, illustrating Christmas cards!

I created these for a friend from high school that I was blessed to have just reconnected with (gotta love that Facebook!), and it turns out that we are neighbors! Not next-door neighbors - I'm really not THAT unfriendly! - but another street, a few house down.

She requested an illustration to capture her two daughters baking Christmas cookies and to include her two pups.

So, I popped one of the favorite holiday movies ...

Can you guess which one it is?

Pulled out the ol' Coldpress and began sketching ....

Next, I brought out the acrylics ...

And, about three this morning, I set down the paintbrush ...

A Christmas Illustration for the Comperatore Family ...

(BTW, the movie ... "The Family Stone" ... by far - one of my most beloved films!)

Meredith: So, you never told me what I was doing in your dream ...

Ben: You were shovelling snow.

Meredith: I ... What?

Ben: You were just a little girl in a flannel night gown. And you were shovelling snow from the walk in front of our house. And I was the snow, I was the snow. And everywhere it landed and everywhere it covered. You scoop me up with a big red shovel. You scoop me up.

- Sarah Jessica Parker as "Meredith Morton"

Luke Wilson as "Ben Stone"

The Family Stone

Halloween Sparkles ...

Since my mother is quite the Queen of Halloween, as she loves to dress up ghoulish and decorate with all things spooky & frightful -- my children seem to be under the impression that we are lacking in our spirit of spook-tacular fun, as I seem to embrace autumn rather than witches and the undead. I tend to keep my mind in Pleasantville, per se, as I am quite the scaredy cat! My Halloween movie list consists of Hocus Pocus (my all time favorite! "Look Winnie! It's a chocolate covered finger of a man named Clark!" - - priceless.) and It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Pathetic perhaps, but I do not go to bed checking beneath it first! :)

Now, I have - on occasion - endured the scary slasher films, but do so with my hands covering my eyes and my thumbs in my ears ... so really, what's the point??? This weekend should be interesting, as my sister has talked me into a local amusement park's version of Fright Night. I know. What the heck am I thinking, right? Well, I'm thinking that I love to go on amusement rides; we did not make it there this summer; I have a soft-spot for corndogs; and I'm hoping to have a cocktail or two beforehand! LOL!!

So, back to the lack of Halloween in our home ... my daughter (Scaredy Cat #2) decided that bats, witches and ghosts were tolerable, so she set out to decorate her bedroom ...

Construction Paper, Glue & Glitter ... Glitter ... & more Glitter. Seriously, this stuff is like the Easter basket filling - you know the kind that sticks to everything and you find strands lurking in corners six months later! :)

I think I can handle these decorations ... :)

When witches go riding,and black cats are seen,the moon laughs and whispers,‘tis near Halloween.

~Author Unknown

A New Project ...

Ah... What joy in the prospect of a new challenge!

The project/request: Birthday present to wife of calligraphy of poem (self-written by husband I might add - definitely some nice brownie points heading his way!!) and photo mount & design.

Info given: A tribute to her grandmother; Home decor is navy with stars.

Hmmmm - my brain began a-churnin'...

I new that I wanted to incorporate some primitive stars - perhaps to represent the heavens as her grandmother had just passed away, and something to signify "family"... And for me, that is a tree - - love, love my trees! I thought that this would be a nice effect since she is an autumn birthday gal. And, so the design began to form ...

Since I ran into some trouble acquiring the right mat, I decided to try something new ... layering/mounting. I created my own layered mat, adding details, torn edges and stain around the photograph to compliment the poem design. Thereafter, I settled on painting the tree onto coldpress to cut out and mount on the piece, as well as the individual leaves and berries. I really liked the depth it gave to the design - - I think that this may just be the start of something new for me ... I've always just added depth by my paint strokes - this is fun!

After pulling an all-nighter (so much easier to create when all are asleep!), I closed the frame ...

Happy Birthday, Jodi! :)

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

~Leonardo da Vinci

Geez-Louise! Time sure does fly, does it not? October is here - - what happened to September??

Well, my apologies for lack of posting. I've been absorbed in getting the kiddos settled in a school routine, cheer season (rah.......rah. I know. The enthusiasm is just entirely tangible, isn't it? Sarcasm is certainly not one of my finer traits. :), and preparing for our book club's debut gallery - - which profited nice donations for our library and renaissance association! Whoo-Hoo! We even received notice by our local paper!

I realized that I have yet to share with you the enchanting portraits painted by the girls. Therefore ... I present to you, the Friends in the Park Book Club's ... The Wonders of our Community...
The festival was one of the most loveliest experiences - - the weather was breathtaking, the scenery was capturing, the welcome was heartwarming and the postcards and baskets were a hit! Yea. Truly, there were moments during the day that I felt as if I were nestled within a Norman Rockwell painting ... children playing along the banks of the river's shore, sunshine reflecting diamonds off the water, beautiful hymns swelling the air among the soft rustling of leaves and conversation, and the gentle, happy spirit of the community bustling about embracing it all. Yes. A lovely weekend by far.

Our booth.

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

-- Antonio Smith

FINALLY!! Paintbrushes in my hand ...

Summer, in these parts, has not been very seasonal; thus, my delay in painting my porch steps ... rain, sun, rain, rain, part-sun, rain, rain, calling for rain, peak-of-sun ... well, you get the drift. So, I needed to wait for a suitable time that was clear with both - my schedule (really the kids' - who am I kidding?!) and the sky!! And, well Girls ... the rain held off for a few days (not the threat, I assure you!) and I decided that, really & truly, will there ever be a time that both will be clear?? Doubtful. Therefore, I threw caution to the wind and pulled out the supplies; only putting them away for Book Club (another post to come)!

So, I decided on a soft yellow (actually called "Tucker" - why?) ... something different and fresh, but could adhere to all seasons ... even though it's lookin' a bit spring-y here ...

Then ... oh yes ... I did it. Polka dots!! Love, love Polka dots!

... and since I'm in my whimsy mood - why not add a checkerboard in the mix?

I tend to be drawn to a "cottage" style, as I love to play with different plaids, florals, stripes, etc. So, I brought in a delicate, floral vine to add some color and interest.

On a side note - - it was during these two photos that I entered a blissful, peaceful, artistry-heaven. The sun was shining, my children were visiting friends and family (...peace in the valley, y'all ... hush now, every mama needs a few stolen moments of time when there is not chatter & demands clamoring between her ears, right?!), and I dabbled my paintbrush to my favorite music that peels the years right off ... Taylor Swift. Yes. Guilty as charged. I just love that girl!

After adding the vines with buds & berries, I applied an antiquing stain to add depth & warmth to the background. Then, one of my favorite sayings ...

Voila!

... a bit of whimsy that touches my heart.

Strollin' & Scootin' Around the Neighborhood ...

One of my most favorite pastimes is to stroll ... take in the sights of wherever I may be ... and breathe. Since retiring our stroller (which I still feel pangs in my heart to push that thing!) and (sniff, sniff) our dear Red Flyer Wagon, I now "stroll" behind our children as they scoot. Just another reminder how time just keeps on marchin' on ... BLAH! Finally remembering to take along my camera, I snapped shots of my best-loved homes that I find simply inspiring. My dad just shakes his head at me and laughs.


This is the home of a childhood friend of mine.

Her parents were incredible artists.Being in their home as a child, I felt in awe of the creativity that it exuded. I can recall walking through room by room and feeling as though it was magical. Portraits in the making erect on easels, sunlight filtering through colored glass along windowpanes, attic cubbies filled with vintage Barbies and dolls, worktables overflowing with canvas and paper with tubes of paint and stain scattered in disarray ... everywhere I looked - my heart felt full. I suppose the art bug bit me early ... (*smile*)

Our walk continues on this street to a home that should it ever go on the market ... I would beg and plead for my husband to consider it's purchase! I find it dreamy & cozy ...

A more stately home with lovely gardens ...

Bunnies at play ...

... led us to a door fit for a whimsy, storybook cottage!I want that door!!!

Our stroll, of course, was wrapped up when we arrived at the playground ... but I didn't mind ...I got to place a check mark on "Our Summer To Do List" - - Swing Barefoot.

(Don't judge me, ladies ... I wish I had time for a pedicure!! :)

Invent your world. Surround yourself with people, color, sounds, and work that nourishes you.

- SARK

PJs & Sandcastles

" Ta - DA!"

"...I don't know much about sandcastles. But children do. Watch them and learn. Go ahead and build, but build with a child's heart ..."

-"Making Sandcastles," Author Unknown