Ginny's Small Studio

Odds and Ends

Last to be in the Loop: That is me. I just found out about Martha Stewart's new alliance with Avery labels.

I think these are only available at Staples. I really like them and the way they look a bit like the vintage Avery labels we all covet.  Martha's are even a bit yellowed. Have I mentioned that Martha and I both lived in Westport CT at the same time? She used to cater parties I attended. I was at her home once for a fundraising event, but that would be another post.

Am I the last person to be reading "Unbroken" by Lauren Hillenbrand? I am engrossed in this book.  I may have to close the store to finish it. Well, no, I wouldn't do that. It is intense and full of history and very well written.

Do you need ideas for Easter eggs? 

There are some lovely ideas here.

Before you go, here is another use for the trendy tapes we all love right now. This is a great way to keep your flowers upright. The photo below may have used ribbon, but the tissue and washi tapes would work great for this.

This unintentionally seems to be a red/pink post. That is okay because red is my favorite color, although I am really drawn to red and yellow together. Do you have favorite color combinations? 

Gasoline is $3.65  a gallon in our town today, down from $3.89 over the wekend.

Have you signed up for our store class March 31st?  Mix it Up is all about combining layers of paper and other materials to make a sturdy craft paper-cloth. It will be a fun class with Candace Rich. Call the store to sign up: 440-808-8599

Small Studio Workshop Series sign-ups are strong, but there is still room in all workshops.Fill out a registration form (the paintbrush at the bottom of the page is the link) and mail with a check to secure your place.

May: Leighanna Light

June: Michael De Meng and Andrea Matus

July: Carol Owen

August: Teesah Moore and Tracy Moore

September: Pam Sussman

October: Keith Lobue

 

For Better & Worse

You know that old saying that sometimes things need to get bad before they can get better?  Well, that is definitely true in the case of fixing up the new store. 

We actually got possession on Dec 1 and that is the day that the floor guys came to remove the old carpet and much damaged floor.  As often happens, they ran into trouble and did not finish until today. So the construction crew that was scheduled for today had to be rescheduled.  In the meantime cabinets, a sink and faucet have arrived ready to be put in place for work stations in the soon to be classroom.

We have ordered a few display units.  An IPad based cash register system is on the way.  Paint colors have been picked out and mixed, tables for the classroom have been ordered, but we have not found chairs that are both sturdy and reasonable priced.

And two Christmas presents have been purchased.  Before you clap your hands in approval, take into account that we have 31 people in our close family that we like to gift.

Be happy! 

 

Decorating for Christmas

Have you decorated your home for the Holidays yet?  

I haven't decorated the hearth yet, but I have acquired store insurance.

I haven't decorated the front of the house, but I have arranged for the old store carpeting to be removed on Thursday.

I haven't hung wreaths around the house, but I did meet today with a contractor to add a wall and build our cash counter in the store.

And I haven't decorated the living room, but I have started the outside sign process for the store.

I had better put "decorating" on my calendar!

Be happy.  

A Little Road Trip

It has been lovely weather here all week and John and I have been gone almost every day, antiquing and driving and just enjoying the last days of warmish weather. Today we went up to Ann Arbor MI to visit one of my favorite stores, Found, in the Kerrytown shops.  This is an awesome store.  The owner has a keen eye for old things, new things, quirky things and especially for display.

The store was all decked out for Christmas and shoppers were snapping up the items as soon as they laid eyes on them.

The owner always has some interesting art items on display and for sale.

I couldn't resist some canvas placemates that say "SIT. EAT" and little hand appliqued stockings that they had displayed with silverware tucked inside. I love the twill "Believe" ribbon, too.

Visit Found soon.

Valentine's Day

I went to Costco today to get some shrimp to stir fry for John's Valentine dinner.  A friend recently mentioned that Costco had some huge fresh shrimp. Expensive per pound, but not so much when there is just the two of us.

Costco did have huge shrimp.  It was from Indonesia.  Then they had extra large shrimp from Vietnam.  I couldn't buy it. What did it cost the universe to get this shrimp here? What was the carbon footprint of this shrimp?  Was it worth it to me to purchase it?  No, it was not.  I have no idea how to estimate the carbon footprint, so I tried to Google it.  I didn't find out, but here is a small bit of info that I came across: To farm shrimp in Vietnam and other Asian countries, mangroves are destroyed to make way for the brackish ponds needed for the shrimp. Mangroves protect the coastal areas, provide barriers to storms, habitat for wildlife and all those other environmentally important functions. In Vietnam 90% of the mangroves have been destroyed.  In their place, the shrimp ponds are making the farmers rich due to the huge demand for shrimp from Japan and the US.  Our demand has gone up almost 25% in just a few years partially due to the Gulf oil spill. Unfortunately, the ponds last much less than a decade before the chemicals used in the farming process poison the shrimp and make the ponds useless for any living thing. So the farmers move on to another location. The governments in this area of Asia encourage the shrimp production and in fact the World Bank finances it.  Short term, very short term, the farmers, are making money but at what cost to their environment? Do I want to support this?  No. There used to be a saying " If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem".

I really am not a fanatic, but just concerned about all the things I might be doing unknowingly to hurt the lives of my grandchildren.  Most times I feel helpless to do anything that will really make a change, but there are so many little things that can make a difference if we all try.  Isn't this what love is all about, protecting those we care about? Hug those you love.

By the way, John took me out to dinner.

More new stuff on Etsy today.

post #662

I went outside today.  

It was the first time I have been outside this year.

After John and I returned from CA after his mother's service and helping the siblings clear out the old family home, we returned to OHio for just a couple of days to check on things, have Christmas with my son and his family and then we went back to NV & CA. We were only in OH for a total of 5 days in Dec. Returning on New Year's Eve, we both came home sick. I was laid out completely with stomach flu and I am still pretty weak.  I seldom get sick, but when I do, I make up for the healthy years. Poor John who wasn't much healthier became nursemaid. He is is the best.  We both survived.

While we were in the West we had several of these beautiful big roasted turkeys.  Nothing says Christmas dinner like turkey.

The most hilarious gift of the year was exchanged between my two brothers.  Better than the gift itself, were the many jokes that bounced around the room when this unique kitchen knife holder was opened..

I was so pleased to attend one of my friend, Tamara's, art parties.  We did felting!  The company was wonderful, the dinner delicious and the project fun.  I had never felted before.

No trip to CA is complete without some mockery.  The sign below assumes so much:

*that the food will be ready

*that the take out staff is organized

*that change/charges can be made quickly

*that anyone really cares enough to mark the time

Have a happy and healthy New Year.  I have missed you all.

This and That

1. Ya want fries with that?

These "hamburgers" are built out of cookies and candy. The buns are Nilla Wafers with sesame seeds held on top with a tiny bit of honey.  The meat part is a York mint and the rest is done with frosting.  Cute.

2. Someday I want to go to Kansas to shop at Curious Sofa. Wouldn't you?

3. Time to wrap presents.  Here are some ideas from the internet.

 

Because we were unexpectedly gone all month, we have not made a dent in our Christmas shopping and when one has five children (between us) plus spouses, 10 grandkids and 5 siblings with spouses (between us), it is a daunting task. 

 

 

Over the Top

Some people have such great holiday enthusiasm, spirit and money to pay the electric bill.

KerstFeest

I am half Dutch so I have been told. I have not been able to prove it really, although I do have proof of my great, great, great grandmother being born in Hoorn Holland (Netherlands). In the late 80s, I had the opportunity to live in Wassenaar, Holland. I have mentioned before that my daughter had a Dutch boyfriend while we lived there and several years later, after we moved back to the states, they married. They have 3 children who are more Dutch than I am, but they haven't visited there...yet.

Dutch Christmas (KerstFeest) is differently celebrated than our American Christmas.  First of all they honor Sinterclaus who arrives dressed as a Bishop on a white horse in early December on a boat from Spain accompanied by a small black man call Swarte Pete.

 
Chocolate Letters are given out at this time among other treats.

Then on Christmas Eve the children leave wooden shoes filled with hay and berries for the horse.  If they have been good the shoes are filled with sweets and toys.  If they have been bad, Swarte Pete leaves little brown cookies that resemble droppings (instead of coal).

When we lived there, it wasn't as commercial as our holiday. Less gift giving, but just as many parties and dinners. I loved seeing the windows of the major stores which were predominately filled with elaborate gingerbread house or whole village replicas made of chocolate. The Dutch love their chocolate. 

Holland is filled with open squares where stalls are set up for Market day in the warmer months.  In December Hot Chocolate cafes/huts spring up in the squares. Generally I never, ever drink hot drinks, but oh, that hot chocolate was wonderful.

A wonderful tradition in winter in Holland is highly anticipated every year.  The citizens wait for the canals to freeze over.  It doesn't happen all that often, but when it does, there are many ice skating competitions on the frozen canals.

I have such wonderful memories of living in Holland.

 

Dreaming of Christmas Decorating

I don't know why I like  photos of "white" decorating so much when I have done my house in a dozen deep colors.  The white photos are dreamy and calming and impractical for the way we live.  We are a feet-up kind of family.  We own our furniture, it does not own us. Christmas decorations come in all colors. I own mostly traditional red and green stuff, yet I love the photos of the white stuff.  

Here are some photos that appealed to me today.

I also love red and white and look at the black and white checkered floor.

Our bedroom is red and white whereas this one above is white with a bit of red.  Great headboard.

I like the apple green accents and the hardwood floor in this photo.

I just like this black hutch with the wreath.  I can picture the family sitting round the table sharing stories and laughter.

These plates would look great in the cabinet above.  Red and white again.

I like this little pinecone tree, too. All photos are from Country Living, Elle Decor and Fresh Home.

Odds and ends:

1. I can't believe how many catalogs we are receiving in the mail lately and many are for things we never have or would shop for.  We recycle them at our library.

2.  We saw "Morning Glory".  It would make an good tv movie.  Rachel McAdams was over the top perky and Harrison Ford was over the top grumpy and Diane Keaton was the character she always plays. It was cute and predictable.

3.  We have noticed more outdoor Christmas lights already up.  Maybe it is because we had a warm spell and everyone decided it would be easier to put them up early rather than in the cold. Many of the lights are a combination of red, blue and purple.  This color mix doesn't show up as well as plain twinkle lights.

4.  Monday and Tuesday were about 60, Wednesday about 30 and snowflakes that didn't stick.

5. We have confirmed Michael deMeng, Teesha and Tracy Moore and Pam Sussman for our workshops next year (2011).  I will let you know who els as soon as they are confirmed.  Registration will begin in late January.

 

Not Even December Yet

Maybe when the stores begin pushing Christmas very, very early, it seems as if this is old stock already.

Holiday Road Trip 2

WE CAME TO A FORK IN THE ROAD...

AND A LITTLE UNEXPECTED HUMOR IN SOUTH PASADENA CA!

A trip to CA is never complete without a trip to Zinnia's.  

When I was there in September they had just moved to their new store a few doors from their old store. This visit the store was overflowing with goodies that I had not seen before.  I am so fond of owner Tamara and in awe of her creative displays and inspiring inventory. She is unique to say the least.

Look at this chandelier that hangs in the store.

It is decorated with a zillion ribbons and paper ornaments. Tassels and dolls and trinkets have been hung from it with abandon.

I guess I said all the right things while I was in the store because I was invited to an art party at Tamara's creative and whimsical home the next night.  Talk about a great Christmas present!

(L-R: Tamara, me, Joe, Sukie, Tyn, Paul, Shar and Linda.)  Photo by Storey Tolkin

Tamara gave us all a stack of 2"x2" mini canvasses to finish (she also gave us a great dinner) in a given amount of time. The locals brought their own materials, but lucky me I got to use Tam's stuff. When we were finished we were able to chose one from each other's work.  Great idea and we had so much fun.

Mine

Some of Paul's

Joe's

Linda's

Sukie's (one of Tamara's bling-y ones on top right.      

I didn't get a photo of all the canvasses and I am truly sorry for they were all very wonderful. 

Thank you Tamara for including me.  I had a great time!

This and That

Yes, it is me, Ginny, standing on my head trying to complete the tricks of the season, getting everything done that I want to get done.  You too?  Somehow the tasks have not lent themselves to anything of blog interest unless you really want to know how long I had to stand in line at the post office to mail the last of my out of state Christmas parcels and Small Studio orders.  

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER FROM SMALL STUDIO UNTIL AFTER CHRISTMAS.  Just a heads up.

Pat Pleacher sent me this lovely envelope and some fun ephemera inside.  For some reason it won't load in the proper orientation on my blog.  You can still appreciate the lovely calligraphic work, stamping prowess and attention to small details.  Thank you, Pat!  My local postal employees thank you, too.

John and I made some handmade gifts this year.  I cannot show them to you because the someones who are receiving these gifts read my blog. We intended to make almost all our gifts, but the gifts we chose took much longer than we expected and I spent way more time at the PO standing in line than I anticipated.  I am not complaining (I always appreciate your orders), just rationalizing my lack of true handmade efficiency.  Do good intentions count?

We did sneak off to see "Brothers" on Monday afternoon. It is a very heavy emotional movie but the acting is superb and all three main actors should receive Oscar nominations, particularly Toby McGuire. 

Have a great day.

 

The Holidays

Wrapping presents while listening to Christmas Carols with the tree lights and maybe a Santa watching me work, is one of my favorite holiday traditions.  The tree cannot be trimmed without carols in the background.  Cookies cannot be baked and presents cannot be wrapped without holiday music.  There has to be something peppermint, something that imparts the smell of cinnamon and of course cookies shaped like trees and bells.  I love the mess of wrapping paper, ribbons and tags.  I love all the preparation and anticipation of the holidays.  Since my kids are grown up and have families of their own, it is not my kitchen or my tree that is the center of the festivities anymore.  I miss that.  John and I are working out our own traditions and ways of celebrating.  It sometimes requires us to travel great distances during the holidays and means that we have more than one "Christmas".  We celebrate with my middle son's family in Ohio, my daughter's family in Nevada, John's family in CA and also my brothers in CA.  My oldest son's family has their own traditions.  Miss him too.  It is hectic, but lots of fun.  It also opens my eyes to traditions that are a little different than the ones I had as a child and as a young mom.  

When I was growing up, the family was large with many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Trees were buried under the mounds of presents.  There were dozens of dessert platters, lots of food, maybe skits that my aunt and uncle would do and one magical Christmas Santa visited our Christmas Eve party.  I was three or four and I believed I even saw his reindeer.

We moved away from this big family when my kids were young and had to start new traditions.  We had Christmas tree parties with other families where we all converged on a Christmas tree farm, cut our trees and met back at our house for a big party.  We joined other families for a caroling party every year, We went into New York City on Christmas day to see the 5th Ave store windows, the lights, the tree and the ice skaters at Rockefeller Center and finished up with a big Italian dinner at Mama Leone's because it was the only place open in the city.  

Traditions change and adapt as we move through our lives. Sometimes we only appreciate them in hindsight.  I love the comfort of old traditions, but I also love the freshness of the new ones.  My daughter carries out many of the traditions handed down to me from my mom and now they are hers.  I like that too.

What are your favorites?

 

First Day of Winter

I know.  It isn't really the first day of winter, but it seemed like it for several reasons. The season has started for me. John and I decided that today we would go forth and conquer our Christmas shopping list. We started the day with breakfast out which we only do when we are traveling.  But we needed to fortify ourselves for a long day of shopping.  I am not a good shopper.  I think it may be because I was a shopkeeper for so long.  I get annoyed at poor service, unfriendly clerks, unmarked product, and other "givens' for customer service. Plus, I know when a store is charging more than suggested retail (for some things, anyway).  Maybe John suggested breakfast out to fortify him against my lack of enthusiasm to go shop.  But off we went. list in hand for our families.  

As we sat at our breakfast, we laid out our plan of attack. There was a table of four men next to us in deep and serious discussion which seemed odd since one man had a Santa hat on and a lovely and obviously real white, nicely trimmed beard. Sometimes their low chatter almost sounded musical.  But wait!  Listen, I said to John.  I think they are singing.  All of a sudden, the men started singing louder and then burst into full four part harmony.  They were wonderful.  This old time barbershop quartet sang a couple of carols from their table, finished their song and left amid loud applause from all the other diners.  Things like this only happen in the movies, but here it was happening in our own regular old life. Such a great start to the day.  Life is good.

We stopped by the post office and we carried all the packages in to be mailed.  These were Small Studio packages and since I mentioned what great gift ideas we had, many of you took this to heart and I spent almost all weekend packing orders. Thank you to all who support my little business. The post office was empty.  This seldom, if ever happens,  Lucky us.

We drove over to the shopping center and pulled into a place right in front of the store we were aiming for.  Unheard of. The same luck happened all day.  Every store we hit had exactly what we wanted to buy. There were crowds, but everyone was smiling and polite and friendly including the helpful clerks. Life is good.  

The mail lady brought Christmas cards with long Christmas letters, which I love receiving  and cards with photos of families I love. Do you like Christmas letters?  I know some people think they are tacky, but I really want to see how big the kids have grown and where this year's vacation was and how the job is going, etc. Thank you to my friends and family that continue this practice. Life is so good. 

We had yummy leftovers for dinner.  Easy and quick and then we began wrapping gifts together.  This is hilarious because John wraps in a very unique way.  He likes to use all the bits and oieces...on one package.  

Now here is the "frosting" on our day.  Outside we are having our first snow.  It isn't really sticking, but the flakes coming down are big and soft and lovely.  It seems like the first day of winter.  Life is definitely oh so good.  

Holiday Gift Ideas

The parking lots are full and crazy.  The lines at the stores are long.  Maybe it is really cold outside (32 F here tonight with a wind chill of 20F!!!!) and you have decided to look online.

I have some ideas for you from our Emporium at Small Studio and we ship within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends).

We have a variety of blank bezels that can be filled and made into great gifts. The board above has samples that Pam Sussman and I made one night before ArtFest a few years ago.

How about a canvas bucket to help organize or display rolled papers, magazines, towels, etc.  I love these.  They crush down for storing and have a great look to them.  We also have French themed canvas tote bags.

We have just a handful left of these limited edition cards made for a special exhibition by artists Kahn & Selesnick a few years ago. Your arty friends will appreciate them.  They commemorate a fictitious event. Very cool.

Then we have a zillion (or at least 25) kits that you could make or gift to someone who likes to play.

The three photos above are samples of a) Dash Shrine, b) six compartment slide cubby and c) La Guardarropa (wardrobe).  The latter sample is by Linda Cain.

We have a good variety of embellishments, kits, paper goods old and new, postcards, blank books and a number of special find items for all.  Check our etsy shop too! 
  

  

Long weekend

 

 NINE THINGS ABOUT THIS WEEKEND

1.  Thanksgiving was everything it should be.  We were surrounded with family of all ages including adorable little children alternately laughing, playing silly pranks and being cuddly.  Great conversations among the adults with the sounds of TV football games in the background make it all familiar and comforting and fun.  Wonderful traditional food and phone calls from those family members living afar.

2.  As we drove over to son Tim's house for the day, we passed a Best Buy where we were amazed to see a great number of tents erected and people in line for the Friday sales.  This was at noon on Thursday!

3.  Our chocolate turkeys were a hit with the kids...I know you were all worried about that.

4.  My daughter who lives approximately 2000 miles away made Mom's (that would be me) recipes for all her Thanksgiving company meal.  I love that.  

5.  We decided we would not ever even consider shopping on Black Friday.  We got up early on Friday morning scoffing those who would stand in line and those who would rush out really early to shop.  Then we got in the car and went....shopping at 8:00AM.!  At Michael's, I got a $299.00 Yudu machine for $187.00!  I have been wanting one and rumor has it that Pam Sussman might be using one in a Small Studio Workshop. Now we will have two for students to play. John got some guy stuff he had been contemplating at Lowe's. We were home by 9:30.  

6.  It seems that it snowed very early Friday morning.  It seems that it snowed rather heavily.  It seems that it snowed every where except in our town. While we were out with the hoards of shoppers, we were amazed at how many cars had piles of snow crusted on them but none anywhere on the ground.  In fact, it was about 50 F, sunny and clear.  In fact, John went to the driving range after we got home from our shopping.

7.  I received an order from Papaya!  Wonderful tins of postcards, magnets and great sticker labels in that exuberant style of Anahata Katkin would make great gifts.

8.  We started a wee bit of decorating for Christmas.  Nothing looks sadder to me than pumpkins the day after Thanksgiving or for that matter a Christmas tree the day after Christmas. My favorite thing, well one of my many favorite things about Christmas, is the twinkle of those little white lights outside. The little electric candle lights went up in the windows yesterday and the wreath went on the door. At the entrance to every street in our neighbor hood we have big pine trees and the lights are on them and they are already twinkling.

9.  I found this quote today by William Wordsworth, a fitting name for this gentleman, I think:

"Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find."

Go forth, my friends, and gather your pleasures.

Holidays

My mom always told me "Don't play with your food!".  I wished she had encouraged me more to play with my food.  John and I decided to make these cute little chocolate turkeys to take to the family Thanksgiving party after daughter Amy raved about making them with a group of kids the other day.  So off to the market which turned into a trip to two markets to find all the ingredients.  We set up a work station on the kitchen table and proceeded to make a big mess.

We laughed at the cookies breaking.  We joked about the candy corn not staying where we wanted it to stay.  We got frustrated when the above kept happening.  We got tired of eating broken cookies.  Finally though it all came together and we ended up with this rafter of turkeys to take with us tomorrow. 

It was fun to play with our food and actually no more difficult than the cookie pilgrim hats we made for last year's Thanksgiving.  

While we toiled away, we talked to take our minds off the obvious inadequacy of our cookie construction skills.  I had listened to a discussion on NPR this morning on my way to the post office about a book "The Ghost at the Table". I didn't hear the entire discussion but the part I did hear was about families gathering for holidays and the ensuing arguments and tensions between family members.  The panel were all in agreement that this is such a difficult time.  John and I were surprised that they thought it was universal.  Both of us have had the experience of the opposite.  Neither of us have ever argued with our adult siblings and holidays are a joy, full of kind hearted teasing and good discussions.  We also spend many holidays with my daughter-in-law's large family and it is good there too.  What are your experiences?  Am I just lucky or are the people in the panel just unlucky?

I hope your Thanksgiving is full of love and laughter.  Be safe out there!

All-American Weekend

YESTERDAY

Our 4th of July weekend was a little bit out of the ordinary for me.  Our grandson, Joey, had a three baseball game tournament on Saturday, so the family barbeque was rescheduled for today, Sunday. The lakeside park where he played was full of families watching the many baseball games.  In another part of the park, there was a carnival with music floating through the air and the sounds of kids laughing and shrieking with delight.  Food and drinks were shared among the families gathered on the grass to watch our team.  It was fun being there and it was a nice breezy day.  Afterwards we came to our house (we live the closest to the park) and ordered pizzas since this was not pre-planned.  Joey had a couple of friends with him and they were quite impressed that a famous football player lived across the street from his grandma.  So, off they trudged with paper and pen in hand to get autographs.  I wish I had filmed it.  They were striding along confidently.  That is until they got to his door and then the pushing started, each kid encouraging another to be the one to knock on the door.  They came back too shy to finish their task.  I said to them that they had two choices.  They could tell their friends that they went to get an autograph, but chickened out.  Or they could tell their friends that they knocked on HIS door.  They discussed it and then back they marched.  Unfortunately he did not answer his door even though the kids could see there were people inside.  They were both relieved and disappointed.  It was pretty cute and the evening sitting out around a patio table laughing and talking made me quite happy.

TODAY

Is there anything sweeter than the head of an almost two year old?

 

The official 4th of July barbeque took place at my son's house.  He has a big backyard full of things for the kids to do.  Weather was perfect, the kids were happy and the food was traditional and yummy.

Here is the annual photo of the kids in their red, white and blue.

Here is a photo of the moms trying to get the little ones to smile.

It was such a beautiful early evening we decided to forego the highways. Our ride home took us through backroads and old towns and farmlands.  The normal 40 minute drive took us almost two hours, but it was so wonderful to drive along with the windows rolled down and the fresh air in our faces.  I even had my camera with me so I could share this wonderful old tumbledown barn with perfect patina.

Is it a sign of recession or the natural progression of things?

And what about this mailbox?  Is the owner just thrifty or down on his luck?

I hope your holiday was wonderful.

Blooming

Mother's Day brought a bevy of beautiful bouquets for me.  I love flowers.  I love being remembered.  I feel a loss when the flowers begin to droop.  I keep combining the leftovers into smaller and smaller bouquets.  I forgot to take photos of the fresh bouquets but the leftovers are still a bit of nature's finest work.

Aren't they beautiful even in their decay?

Here is today's giggle sent to me by a friend:

A group of nuns 

were walking 

and walking 

and getting dry 

and thirsty 

so they stopped off 

at a local tavern 

to get a cold drink.  

The Irish owner 

was only too happy 

to seat them 

on his newest 

and best stools.  

Christmas Road Trip

Regular readers know how much we love road trips.  And family gatherings.  And being together.  

We did all that and more this holiday.  We flew to Las Vegas on the 23rd to have Christmas with my daughter and her family.  Christmas eve was wonderful with the three grandchildren, Arthur, Amy  and Amy's excellent meal. The kids were cute and excited and presented us with a little Christmas program that they had worked out.

Christmas morning we drove out to Los Angeles, experiencing 50 mph winds, driving rain, fog, and heavy traffic.  It didn't matter much because at the end of the drive we had Christmas with John's siblings and celebrated John's mother's 93rd birthday.  She looked wonderful and very happy to have her kids and grandkids around her.  Another wonderful meal, gifts and then we got John's mom to tell us stories about her childhood.  She had a rather eccentric mother so the stories were particularly fascinating.  

The day after Christmas was beautiful, sunny, clear and warm.  

This is the view from our hotel balcony in Pasadena.  If you click on the photo, you can see a distant snow covered mountain peak.  It might be Mt Baldy, but I am not sure.  Here in Ohio, we have no leaves, no color, no warmth.  It was so nice to walk around Old Pasadena and see sidewalk tables filled with customers and no one wearing heavy jackets with hunched up shoulders braving cold winds.

We had breakfast with John's kids and then we walked around the shops in Old Pasadena.  The city had already erected the stands for the Rose Parade.  They fit them in wherever there is a bit of room.

See the stands tucked into the entrance to this lovely old church?  Note the Port-a-Potties on the side street.  Quite a contrast to the lovely church architecture, isn't it?  This scene is repeated all through the parade route.

Californians are always in a hurry.  We know this, but the sign below still made us laugh.

All over CA, we saw these signs on the freeways.  I can't believe people have to be told.  My next thought is to ask how many accidents were attributed to this to cause a law to be enacted.

We had a great time with John's siblings and spouses at PF Chang's.  We laughed, we ate, we laughed, we talked, we ate, we laughed.  It was pretty darn fun.  I always tell John that there just isn't enough Chinese food in our marriage.

I managed a quick stop at my friend Tamara's store, Zinnia in Pasadena.  I had not seen it since she expanded.  She has such a flair for the unusual both in store decor and product.  If we hadn't been flying home, I would have bought one (maybe two) of everything. Go visit her as soon as you can.

Our last of our four Christmas celebrations was at my brother Doug's home.  Leslie is the best cook and baker.  It was just wonderful being with my brothers and their wives.  I miss them so much.  They make me laugh all the time with their elaborate stories.  I still can't get over flowers in December. This rose is on Leslie's front walk.

Driving back to Las Vegas where John won as much money as I lost (see, we are the perfect fit), we stopped in Baker for a cold drink and I finally got a photo of this well-known stop.

Baker is a town in the desert of California.  It is out in the middle of nowhere and consists of a long block of gas stations, restaurants and one motel.  I always wonder where the people who work at these businesses live.  

It is good to be home.  Three hotels in 7 days is tiring, but we loved our time with family and friends. We enjoyed the weather in CA and we were re-astonished at the CA traffic.  It snowed last night. We're home.

The Beginning

We had our first of four Christmas celebrations this weekend.  Son Tim and his family came here for dinner and gifts and game night.  We had the traditional Italian dinner from my childhood Christmases: lasagna, meatballs, salad and garlic bread.  Of course, when I was growing up, there would have also been sausages and cold cuts and several other side dishes.  Karen brought a wonderful apple/cranberry pie.  The boys were happy and so much fun.  In spite of the pared down menu, I still made too much so Tim and Karen took home  food and John and I still have leftovers.  

Coming up, we have Christmas with my daughter's family, John's family and my brothers.  We will be Christmas-ed out sometime around New Years.

No luck on the autographs for the boys.  I gave them the framed pictures and a nice story about trying to capture the player across the street to sign them.  You all gave me some great ideas for securing the autographs and I tried some of them, but no luck.  I hope the boys appreciate the good intentions.

Last night when John took out the bins for trash day, it was 5 Fahrenheit with a wind chill 

of -20F!!!!!!!!  He said he thought his eyes were freezing.  The wind was blowing so hard (35mph) and sounded like a spooky movie after we turned off the lights to go to bed.  

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday this week full of love and family and laughter.  

I leave you with this link from my friend "Luft"  He asked if I wondered how my blog looks with a side of cripsy bacon.  Obviously a case of the brain on holiday overload.

My Week

It has been an interesting week full of twists, turns and pathos.  No wait, maybe that was the old episode of West Wing we were watching.  John and I bought the entire seven season box of DVDs for West Wing and we watch an episode or three most evenings.  What a smart show and so entertaining.

Empty PO Mailbox:

I received this lovely card from Priya in India!

And this cute card from Marti, USA

Neighbors:

Have I told you about our neighbor Jerry, the Driveway Angel? Last winter (John's first winter in a snow state), John was shoveling the snow off of our driveway when Jerry came by with his small riding plow and offered to do the rest of the drive.  John offered to pay him, but he adamantly refused.  All winter, Jerry would show up and plow and refuse payment.  At the end of the winter we gave him a gift, but all summer kept saying that it really was so nice of him and we should do more. First we decided that John should buy a snow blower.  So he did.  Last week I took another gift over to Jerry's and said thank you again and told him he will be pleased to know John got a snowblower so he no longer had to feel like he needed to plow for us.  He actually acted disappointed.  Last night it snowed and sleeted and this morning we woke to the sound of Jerry plowing.  What a sweetheart of a guy.

Remember I told you one of the Cleveland Browns football players lived across the street?  My son and grandboys have been chiding me about getting his autograph for the boys. You, my readers, told me to be bold and just go ask him.  A week or two ago I bought photos of this player to sign and after a few days got my nerve up to go knock on his door. Well, I have been there three times when his car was there and lights were on and he never answered the door.  He has a glass front door and so it was easy to see that the television was on too.  Either he wants burglars to think someone is home or he just doesn't want to answer the door or he thought I was selling something.  I am disappointed for the boys.  

Neighbor Summary:  One angel, one not so much. Oh, and me the pesky neighbor.

If you click on the photo above, you can see the ice on the branches. It was obviously taken from inside. Too cold for this girl to go out this morning.

Announcement:

Small Studio Emporium is now closed for the holidays.  

Any orders placed between today and the 1st of the year, will be processed after Jan 1.

Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm for my little shop.  

Check back there after the new year and see what we will have new then.

A Sucker for Santas

Is there anything jollier than Jolly Ol' St Nick?  I think not.   I am sure I mentioned before that when I married John three ears ago, I gave my daughter most, almost all, of my Christmas decorations.  They were her childhood memories and meant a lot to her.  John and I wanted to start fresh. That is difficult because it takes years to accumulate a good collection of meaningful Christmas decorations.

Last year we bought some at an after sale, so it was, well, like Christmas when we opened the decorations boxes this year.  We had forgotten what we had purchased and packed away immediately.  

This year we were in a Christmas shop and decided we would each pick out one Santa.  We did and as we walked toward the cashier I spotted another I liked.  What to do.  I was trying to decide which one I wanted, but couldn't so John asked for the tie breaker vote.  He voted for both and then he picked out another one too.  

We were at my son Tim's and DIL Karen's last Saturday night for an impromptu dinner.  She has so many Santas.  In her Family Room is a floor to ceiling, wall to wall, bookcase and she has tucked dozens of different Santas on the shelves.  It looks so festive.  The boys were excited to show me every single one and every single ornament on their tree.  We went to a neighborhood Italian restaurant and they had an old, but working jukebox (or juicebox, as the younger boy kept calling it).  The selections were all old 50s and 60s music and the cost?  Seven songs for a $1!  The boys were entranced with the power of selection.  It was a fun evening.

So, now in spite of ourselves, we seem to have begun a collection of Santas.  It makes me happy.  Yes, it does. You know, there is nothing quite as jolly as Jolly Ol' St Nick.

Christmas Thoughts

I made a variation of last year's gift tags for this year, using vintage music sheets, stamps, German Christmas scrap, old paper and shipping tags.  These are not terribly creative, but they were quick and homemade and I like them.  We got about 2/3 of our Christmas presents mailed today for our West Coast families.  Now to finish up the East Coast.

As it nears the end of the year I realize that I did not accomplish many of the things that I intended to do.  I opened an Etsy Shop as planned but never stocked it.  Soon.  I intended to sponsor some classes...did not happen.  Later.  I intended to redecorate our master bedroom...still looking for the right things.  Working on it.  I did make some art, but not as often as I intended.  

I did learn to make books and really, really enjoyed it.  I did keep my blog pretty regularly...I love this Blogland community.  I finished my contract with Stampers Anonymous and that relieved a great deal of stress in my life.  I am happy every day being in Ohio, being with family and being with John.  I have reacquainted myself with my love of reading and have read more than 30 books this year.  I have so enjoyed my Small Studio shop and have plans to improve it after the first of the year.  I managed to get the whole family together last July.  It was one of the happiest times of my life.

Vintage paper packs ready for Etsy.

My daughter and I just started putting together a Yahoo group for our family history on my mom's side. I will include the link in all my family Christmas cards.  I think Yahoo will be great for this.  Everyone can add photos and documents to share.  The sisters of my mom and my mom that I mentioned in yesterday's post are all gone now.  My generation has moved all about although once a year there is a cousins' party in CA.  I hope there is interest in doing this group history.  Wish me luck.

Today's question:

How does your extended family stay in touch?