amaryllis

If I had another daughter, I would name her "Amaryllis" - you know the origin of the word, Amaryllis, name for a country girl in pastoral poetry.

My holiday favorite is one simple Amaryllis bulb waiting to blossom!

Do you have one?

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day. It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken. ~Bill Dodds

Happy Labor Day to each of you !

tucked away

Wishing each of you time to tuck yourself away, time to reflect and to give pause to the true meaning of Christmas and making room in your heart for mankind. I shall be taking time off, tucked away with my family and friends.

california dreamer

pve design - home illustration - commission artwork

When Mel contacted me to illustrate her "crumb" and the above home illustration for a friend, I of course jumped up and down but at the same time, was a tad nervous about living up to fulfilling the expectation. It is like that for me especially when I know that I am working to achieve something for someone with such a lovely style! Surely you all know Reverie-daydream, hop on over and see what Mel is dreaming up today!

sugar

Truly, the month of December already seems a little sweeter with all the wonderful cookies around. These came from over here.

(sweetness from etsy)

Bear hugs are sweet too.

My Dad loves to say "Give me some sugar, Sugar" which means a hug.

Congrats to this sweet lady "Emily" who won the Jess LC Necklace. She selected gold. Emily has been an avid blog reader and commenter. Hope this makes your day sweeter Emily!

Emily actually lives just outside Chicago, so I am in hopes she can meet JessLC to get her gold necklace!

(Winner selected via Random number generator)

Just this morning, I was awarded The Fabulous Sugar Doll blogger award. Thanks to these chic ladies for such an honorable award. Back later with my acceptance speech.

Holiday smiles

It is that time of year, Holiday greetings, photo cards and the opportunity to see how families have grown and how they have changed. The addition of a pet, or a new family member is always such a treat to see. I am in awe of those who give birth, adopt or become a foster parent.

In the midst of all that December entails, take time out to go see "Blind side" and feel your heart fill with holiday cheer. Based on a true story, this movie touched me in a real way. As a mother, I left the theatre thinking that taking in someone less fortunate, opening my home is all that we need to know just how fortunate we are. We can so easily get caught up in the material side, and lose focus that it is a time to renew our spirit and hope for a better world full of joy and peace.
Sandra, you should be smiling at your incredible performance, you rock! The role she played of "Leanne" was touching and empowering. I left the theatre feeling stronger, hopeful and proud of women who plow ahead, stand tall and live fearlessly. Have you seen it and what did you think? Did it make you smile or cry?

gathering

I love gathering greenery and filling containers. Branches, pine-cones, magnolia leaves and lights are a lovely way to begin the holiday season without trying too hard. Plus, the added bonus of the smell is wonderful too. What are you busy gathering?

elephantine crush

Very often as an artist, certain "things" or elements catch my eye. 

Lately, I seem to be on "safari" of sorts and loving elephants.  I spotted the one above on e-bay from Hermes.  Would that not be sweet dangling from a cord, worn as a choker during the holidays.

 This sweet golden elephant is from here, it said sold out, but surely there must be more elephants somewhere like this one.  He has an "Indie" vibe with his trunk up and the tiny motif forming a pattern.  The tot chair below, I had hand painted several years ago for a child coming from India and I remember thinking that an elephant would be a nice welcome.

Children love elephants, and as a child, I loved this little golden book along with Babar.  I adore the drawings as well as the fact that Babar wore a "green" suit.  Babar would take me away in the stories as well as the drawings, on one of his many "voyages."

How sweet is this holiday card with Mommy and baby elephant bringing home a fresh cut tree.

Are you currently craving elephants or any other creature?  

The Nutcracker

Yesterday we had the excellent fortune of attending "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center.  One of my favorite dances of all times.  I adore the music, the set, the costumes and the dancers who dedicate themselves to dance.  

We awoke to snow falling and it continued to fall in this dance which was magical.

Uncle Drosselmeir is atop the clock casting shadows that frighten poor Maria (or Clara) as I remember from seeing this as a child.  The Christmas tree that grows is also a magic moment.

My favorite scene are these elegant children at the "party scene", making merry mischief.

A dear friend has two sons that are dancing and we were able to see them on stage.  It is a tremendous feat to make the cast of the Nutcracker as well as perform many shows a during the month of December.  I commend the parents who dedicate themselves to providing such and enriching cultural experience in any of the arts.

What are some performances that make your holidays merry and bright?