It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

The tree is finally finished, and not a moment too soon, as I still have quite a bit of baking to do and Courtney arrives the day after tomorrow!

I always have a horrible time taking tree photos - shot over 60 of them trying to get the right balance between that nighttime glowy, sparkly look (which is what the tree REALLY looks like) and daytime clarity. But it never fails - without the flash, the whole thing looks monotone and out of focus, and with the flash, it looks like the tree lights are off....Ah well, it is what it is, and I have baking to do, hehe...

Yes, it's artificial, *sigh*....Not my preference, but it suits our hectic lifestyle...

A close up of some of the more sparkly pieces. The glittery copper bird's nest is a favorite....

I just love these ornaments - made of mercury glass, I found them in a shop in downtown Lancaster a few years ago. The Sun is winking at the moon....

And aren't these guys great?! Old Sylvestri ornaments, mass produced, but they remind me of folk art woodcarvings (something I've always wanted to try!)

Now, on to the baking.....I've just finished whipping up a batch of chocolate fudge with walnuts, and thumbprint cookies are next. Last Christmas, my Mother gave me the most wonderful gift - the very same Betty Crocker "Cooky Book" I used as a child in the '60s! It's in print again, and I'm having sooooooooo much fun trying all the old recipes, hehe....Have to add, if you look very closely at my kitchen countertop (the old formica "boomerang" pattern), it SERIOUSLY matches the retro cookbook, lol...

As the cookies bake, I'll be painting a few last minute gifts....The only problem with being a painter and making a commitment to hand made gifts, is that the holidays become a little too much like WORK...Note to self: start knitting much earlier next year so as not to have to PAINT all these gifts!!

Speaking of painting, I have a few new pieces coming just after Christmas for eBay and Etsy too, including a witchy and whimsical salt box. Until then, there's the sparkly black cat clock and a bunny sign listed on eBay (although I think the clock ends tonight!) Talk about time flying....

I'll end with a heartfelt apology to all of you who've been kind and thoughtful enough to send us Christmas cards. My intention was to do the same, but it never happened. Between the time crunch, and financial challenges which necessitated working non-stop, it just wasn't possible....But please know I love you all, and send wishes for a joyous and blessed Christmas!

Until next time,
~ Carolee