Sunday, December 30, 2007

Don't pay the ransom, I've escaped!

Christmas was lovely, here at Trails End. All the mom's will relate when I say how happy I was to have all of my family around the table. Ahhh, life can be so good!

Due to these crazy holidays, and some wonderful babysitting days, I have not done a lick of art. My husband surprised me with many art supplies so I am eager to get painting pasting again.

In the meantime, just to put a bit of color on these pages and to share some camera fun I've had, I'm posting a little bit of "the ranch". I want you all to realize that I use the term "ranch" with my tongue firmly in my cheek. This place used to be a working ranch, but not on our watch! We enjoy the peace and quiet and the lovely wilderness this has all become.

These are shots of the court yard at twilight. Those of you who live in So. Cal. will likely agree when I say that the light right at sunset can be magical.





I took these through the windshield driving on the ranch road on a rainy day. As I recall, several other bloggers also love to take pictures from the car.




I've been enjoying all of your Holiday posts and look forward to a great year of making art and sharing here. I can hardly explain to people I've known for years what this blogging thing means to me. And how much I enjoy all of you. OK, it's time to sign off. I'm getting all soppy.
L

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Cards


It seems that once I started making cards I can't bring myself to give store bought.

This birthday card is for my new daughter-in-law had who is seriously into swans. I have a friend who makes quilts and it was my conversations with her that inspired this cut paper card. I have the itch to do more like this.

Then there is my annual Christmas card. I started making these about 9 years ago. Here is this years greeting made from last years cards recycled. The photo is of my parents and baby me.

Christmas brings tidings
from heaven above.
Ancient myths tell us
of peace and love.
But for many, then,
that's not how it was,
or is today simply because,
not every head has a place to lay.
not every manger is filled with hay,
not every window glows with a light,
not every star outshines the night.
The glorious goodwill
in the angels song
for so many
has never come along.
Some live in darkness,
no stars for them shine,
until you come bearing
that light so divine.
You bring Christmas
with shepherds and a king.
You cause heavenly choirs
to rise and sing.
You, the joy of the season,
make the days bright.
Reach for another,
make holy the night.

However you celebrate this time of year, I wish you all the riches of your traditions.

I have been working on my holiday shopping, which I tend to make into a production, and now it is time to decorate the house. For the past few years I have had a young friend come over to help put up our tree. We have a 7.5' beauty that we fill with years and years of collecting ornaments. All of this, plus the ever growing Santa/Angel/elf/Village collection are stored in the attic, which means many trips up and down carrying large and sometimes heavy boxes. My young friend could run those steps without a huff or puff. And, he was raised in a house that did not decorate for the holidays so he really enjoyed "playing". Drat! he has a new job and is not available to help this year. So, my husband and I are on our own. We have dedicated next week to this project because next Saturday we will host the annual Holiday party for our Kiwanis club. There are usually 50-55 friends attending but our club has enjoyed an influx of members this year and I have rsvp's from 60 people--so far. We will be bursting at the seams, but enjoying the party that kicks off the season for us.

I've enjoyed seeing all of the holiday decorations that many of you have posted so I'll try to get some pictures up as we get done. Looking forward to enjoying the Season here in blog land.