I suppose it is time to start decorating for Christmas....since they have had all the decorations available for purchase as of October 11th. It only seems fitting that I attempt to adorn my home with something remotely Christmasy. In an effort to not have to completely unload my attic to find everything....I have elected this year to go around my house gather anything that is childlike, red or green. Assemble them in fun little vignettes and declare Christmas decorating complete. I'm basically reassembling some already pre-existing stuff and hope for the twinkle of Christmas to cast its festive spell. I will dig out the tree and a few traditional decorations...but, I have officially acknowledged my lack of interest in becoming all sparkly this season. Perhaps the less pre-meditation is exactly what needs to happen. Less hassle, stuff and more family and fun. Keep your fingers crossed!

Drinking Buddies!

Yes, I have three daughters. One that walks on two legs, and two that walk on four legs. The two furry variety are quite interesting. My husband and I have had a pet for nineteen years. Always a Boston Terrier and loved every minute of it. We are no doubt pet parents. But, when it was discussed to purchase a second Boston, I had a weary feeling. I only thought of the "double the problem...cost...mess...care..." side of the equation. The "double the joy...humor...pleasure...love" side of the equation was no where near the surface. My "glass is half empty and that half is full of dog hair" voice was waaaaay in front of where it needed to be. It took time, watching them play together quite happily, and more importantly, seeing them lounge on each other as they nestle down to sleep. There is no doubt they thoroughly rejoice in the others company. Plus, our family enjoys watching two animals enjoy each other. If you have had a bad day....the "girls" as we fondly call them, tend to eliminate the negative. There is nothing funnier than watching two dogs shred a former credit card advertisement into microscopic pieces of paper pulp and get it stuck in between the teeth of their bulging under bites. Simple, goofy pleasures created by innocent, loving animals can out weigh any TV show available. These two are such a happy addition to our little family. Daisy the older pet is stable and obedient, and the total counter point is Lilly, the wild and disobedient one. It is possible for the glass to be full of dog hair and enjoyed.

It's Not Just An Elf!

I have a friend who collects all things. She embodies my philosophy of..."if you have one, there is no doubt 6-8 would be much better." My friend has always collected these little elf/nymph type figurines. I'm sure they have a name....I don't know it. I found one a few years ago with every intention of giving it to her. She tucks them in her bookcase, little eyes peeping around ancient novels...and I just love it. We live in distant cities, and I never got around to mailing my little treasure to her. Now over the years, I've found a couple more...thus, I now have a collection of little elf/nymph type figurines. My intentions were to give my friend the elf/nymph with her in mind, but I selfishly kept it because I began to be charmed by their happy, childlike faces too. I first thought my affection was for the elf/nymph itself, but I have now come to know it was the association of quirky junk enjoyed by a friend. Generally, I only purchase the tiny 2" tall variety, just like my friend, but last week I found a elf/nymph on steroids identical to my mini elf/nymphs...and I found it spectacular! My elf/nymphs sit around my house year round. Every time I pass them (which is every time I go up the steps to the second floor) I see them, and I always think of my friend. Plus, now I have the mega-elf/nymph added to the collection, and it even more reminds me of my giant friendship. This friend always surfaces when I need her (husband included), no matter the situation. So, the morale of this story...sometimes what appears to be a cheap, ceramic dust collector in some eyes, is really a mutual admiration for a true friend in others.

The Tree Means More To Me!

Have you ever heard the phrase..."you are only as good as the company you keep"? Well, I happen to be blessed with a very inspirational, creative and artistic friend. Her work is wonderful, her essence is defining...and her company makes me feel at my creative best. She is the most perpetual Mom and person I know. She made me believe that my art was worth hanging in a more prominent place than my studio closet. With her encouragement and acquaintances, I now have a piece of art hanging in a local restaurant. Now, your meal can be enhanced or ruined as the result of the wall garnish. Thank you my friend.

"There are three requisites to theproper enjoyment of earthly blessings: a thankful reflection, on the goodness of the giver; a deep sense of our own unworthiness; and a recollection of the uncertainty of our long possessing them. The first will make us grateful; the second, humble; and the third, moderate." ---Hannah More.