with love from...

I am happy to show you this photo of the Christmas wreath which I found on my door when we arrived here a few days ago. A gift from my dear friends Nancy & Bill, it is now covered with snow and serves as a friendly holiday greeting to all!

Snow on New Year's Eve...

We are having a beautiful snowstorm today on Cape Cod. The wind is blowing and the snow is falling...what more could one ask for on the last day of the year?!?! It's been a good day so far...G went to his day-hab program for a few hours, I enjoyed coffee with a neighbor at the beach, and we are now tucked safely in our home for the duration of the storm.

G and I join together in wishing you a very happy new year... one of hope, promise and fulfillment!

Just hangin' out...

G and I are on the cape for this week between Christmas and New Year's. We will see in 2009 from the warmth and coziness of our Cape Cod home, with maybe a mini bottle of champagne (for me) and some chocolate milk for him! The weather has been cold and windy and the surf is wild...not the best time to walk the beach, but a quick visit each day sure does lift the spirits.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - 1, 2 & 3

I am among many who like to think of the Christmas song The Twelve Days of Christmas as a song of Christian instruction, perhaps dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian Faith. (Read more about this by clicking this link.)
Over the next several days, I will post ATCs I have created to represent these teachings ...

Christmas Day

Wishing you a merry and blessed Christmas!

Advent 24...Christmas Eve

Advent 23

Shared friendship...shared cards

Throughout 2008, my dear friend Judy and I have been exchanging ATC cards each month, themed according to each's own preference. The cards shown here are the ones I have received for the months of October, November and December.
October's flower is created with bits of fabric accented with pen; the center is sewn with a cluster of tiny beads.November's card, entitled "Giving Thanks," is entirely hand drawn and lettered.


December's "Noel" is crafted from paper & accented with hand drawn designs. The angel's face is lovely, as is the artist who drew it!
Thank you, Judy, for these beautiful works of art.

Advent 22

Advent 21

A winter wonderland...

Welcome to winter in New England. Yesterday's snow storm was a pretty one...and with today's continued ocean-effect snow, we have about a foot of the white stuff on the ground. As much as I dislike the winter, I have to admit that the first significant snowfall of the year is always enjoyable, and happening so close to Christmas makes it even better. More is predicted for tomorrow. Now I will be happy to have it here for the holidays, but once the new year arrives, I will be just as happy to see it go...but that's not very likely to happen, so....welcome to winter in New England!!! Oh, and Joey, I know you must be delighted...happy skiing dear brother!

Advent 20

Advent 16, 17, 18, 19

Advent 12, 13, 14, 15

Advent 8, 9, 10, 11

Advent 4, 5, 6, 7

Advent 1, 2, 3

A few weeks ago I participated in a class at Colorful Creations in Hyannis making an ATC Advent Calendar. The cards I am posting here are a second set of ATCs I created (satisfying my "card a day" habit), using the same papers and basic design ideas, but changed a little to my own liking.
I hope you enjoy counting down the days to Christmas with me!

It was a very good turkey indeed!

Gobble, gobble...

Wishing all of my blogger friends a day full of blessings and food! Happy Thanksgiving!

Fun with cirlces...

Another entry completed for another round-robin journal. This journal's owner requested that we create a "zentangle" for her book. I don't know if this is quite a zentangle by its definition, but it certainly is an elaborate doodle, and I quite like it! Getting started was tough, I didn't have a clue as to where to begin, but, believe it or not, I had a dream about circles filled with doodles...need it say more?!

Fortunately, or unfortunately depending upon how you look at it, we had good weather for a few hours today. On the one hand, it afforded me the opportunity to get more yard work done; on the other hand, it afforded me the opportunity to get more yard work done! My hands are sore and my back is aching, but the yard is clean and ready for winter.

This beautiful collection of the season's final blooms graces my mantel...and yes, the vase is a stone!

Into every life a few leaves must fall...

...but certainly this is more than just a few leaves!!! When I arrived at the house yesterday, I was greeted by what seemed like more leaves on the ground than what could ever have been in the trees. Well, needless to say, most of my time and energy were spent raking the yard today...or at least part of it; and if the weather holds (today was calm, sunny and 60 degrees) I hope to do more tomorrow. As much as I moan and groan about having to do such jobs, it sure does feel and look good to have it done.

Way back then...

A few posts ago, I shared with you some ATC cards I made using a childhood picture of my sister Tina. As I mentioned then, I particularly like using old family photos in my work. Here are a few more ATCs of my family, featuring photos from way back then...from upper left, my sister Barb, my Mom & my Dad.

My brothers three...

And now here are my brothers - John, Paul and Joey...

Just little ol' me...

I may as well complete the family - here I am at about age 2...