31 December 2010

Stagnant Collections and Resolutions

 I've been collecting nutcrackers for many years now, since the late 1980's I believe.  I once bought or was gifted a new nutcracker every year.
 Now my collection includes almost 30 nutcrackers.  If you do the math, you'll discover I've missed a few years.  My love for nutcrackers continues as I search for the unusual and beautiful.  Something that speaks to me.
I have a lot that are similar in appearance too.  For example, I have different versions of Santa nutcrackers and soldier nutcrackers.  What I would love to find is a collection fashioned after the Nutcracker Ballet.  One day I would love to decorate an entire tree with ornaments related to the famous ballet.  It's a small dream, but a nice one.  Afterall, what are the winter months for if one cannot dream, plan a garden, reminisce, celebrate the good things and the triumps.  How are you spending yours and what do you plan for the remaining months of winter now that Christmas festivities have passed? 

Do you make New Years Resolutions?  I do, but then, before I know it, time has passed and so has the resolution with nothing resolute about it, like the collection that remains the same and is only thought about once a year, though I absolutely love each and every piece of it.  Perhaps recording on paper and writing out a plan to accomplish them would help.  Or, so I hear. 

New Years is but a few days away.  I can hardly believe another year has passed.  It causes me to pause and ponder, like the famous line in the song that goes ".....and what have you done?  Another year over and a new one just begun".  My next resolution....to accomplish things.  Not to let time pass by.  To tackle and complete dreaded projects.  To make every minute count.  Perhaps then, once another year has passed, I will look back with satisfaction upon my accomplishments, oh, yes, and record them in my journal too(another one of those goals that has slipped by the wayside).  So, now they are written, recorded for all to read.  There should be an amount of accountability in that, right?  Do you have anything that you are working towards?  A plan in place?  A resolution? 

I want to wish a Happy New Year to one and all.  May you strive to reach new horizons, conquer that which holds you back, and reach for the stars.  May joy and happiness enfold you in comfort and may you find peace.  "God bless us everyone" (Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens).

Reflections

 Reflecting on the year...
 Of good times and trials...
 Of momentous occasions...
 Remembering it all...
Looking forward to a new year, new opportunities, new joys...

Happy New Year everyone!

For virtual and life reflections visit:

30 December 2010

Skywatch Friday - Early Winter Morning




Dawn on an winter's morning this week. 

You cannot see the sunrise here until about 8:30 am now.  We don't quite have 12 hours of sunlight each day.  Now that the shortest day of the year, December 21, has passed daylight hours will be more abundant.  I am really looking forward to the longer days of light and warmth.  Though the warmth will be a few months coming.

Today the forecast is -8 Celsius.  Wednesday and Thursday were -20 Celsius.  Snow is also in the forecast.  What is the weather like where you are?  I hope you are all warm and safe whereever you are.  Joining the Sky Watch meme http://skyley.blogspot.com/ .




29 December 2010

An Ugly Betty Christmas and Colour Trends

 One of mine and my daughter's all-time favourite TV series is "Ugly Betty".  Betty is a young girl from Queens, a recent journalism graduate, keen on getting her break in the magazine scene.  Hired by Mode magazine, a division of Meade Publications, Betty is on her way.  It is not so easy though, Betty discovers. She works for a fashion magazine, surrounded by super models, designers and editors who are beautiful, immaculately dressed, and living the high life.  Poor Betty, a girl from Queens, brought up in modest circumstance, with braces and an awkward taste in clothes, simply does not fit in.  She must prove her worth against all obstacles and despite opposition.  A mix of fashion faux pas, journalistic integrity (or lack thereof), and comedy combined with an enthralling story line, making this series a hit.
In the first season there is an episode featuring this gorgeous white Christmas tree decked out with black ornaments including black pumps in miniature!  The colour scheme is stunning in a white and black theme, very much classic chic.  We love the decor of this office setting, especially at Christmas.
Accents of colour, dotted here and there as gifts and decorations, are a good example of how to use a neutral palette and jazz it up, season by season, with a changing accentuation of colour.  A good rule of thumb in the garden too, I dare say, depending on your garden style, but particularly if you go for the classic or traditional look.  Home decor follows the fashion world in terms of colour and style, as garden decor tends to even more.  Take a look at your local garden centre and you will see for yourself.  Oranges, purple and turquoise are all "hot" right now in the fashion industry.  You see the same in decorating magazines, and, yes, in the local garden centers.  Take a look this spring, or now for that matter. What is the newest colour trend in the landscape?  Check out the accessories.  There's a lot to be said for a little "update" in the home and garden now and then.  Who says change is a bad thing?

24 December 2010

Merry Christmas!!

What are you doing on here Christmas day?  Seriously?  Well, hello to you!!  This post has been scheduled in case any of you are early risers or are collapsing at the end of a busy and fulfilling Christmas Day.  Wishing all of you the Merriest of Christmases surrounded by loved ones.  May the spirit of the season bring you blessed peace, comfort and love. 


Merry Christmas!  or in the words of Tiny Tim from the
Christmas Carol "God bless us everyone".

I am taking at least a couple days off with the family.  See you soon!

Southern Christmas Memories

 Reflecting upon Christmas, my son, T, was in Bossier Louisiana, two years ago during the Christmas holidays.  These are some of the photos he sent me.

Minus the snow and cold, Christmas in the south is beautiful.  My son's favourite Christmas dish was a pumpkin cake rolled like a jelly roll filled with cream cheese icing.  I simply must find a recipe for it now that he is home this year for Christmas!  Anyone have a good one?

Further reflections from around the world can be seen here:  http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/

23 December 2010

Sky Watch Friday - Sunrise

 Wednesday's sunrise.  You can tell it is cold here, about -20 Celsius, the morning this was taken.


Look skyward, enjoy the beauty that nature blesses us with.  Each morning the sun rises, a new day, new opportunities, new beginnings.  Follow this meme, Sky Watch Friday http://skyley.blogspot.com/ here.



Visions of Christmas

The countdown is definitely on, the streets backed up with last minute shoppers, and the stores are crazy.  I too shall enter the thronging masses later today for the last few items on my list.  If you are out there, like me, today please drive carefully, be courteous, and take the spirit of Christmas whereever you may go.  Merry Christmas to all my readers.  You have made this first year of blogging fun and I have learned so much from all of you.  God bless.

22 December 2010

Glitz For Glory

Image via Daily Mail

The now infamous 40 foot evergreen tree adorns the lobby at The Emirates Palace Hotel.  The tree alone is valued at $10,000 notwithstanding the gold and silver bows and jewellry which increases its value to $11 million!!  Imagine 181 diamonds and pearls and other precious stones including sapphires and emeralds draped upon the limbs of this giant of a tree.  Style Gallery boutique, which provided the jewellry, confirms the value of the jewellry.  Now that's decorating at the max!  Or is it?  Is this a publicity stunt?  A bid for World Record fame? 

The marketing team at The Emirates Palace Hotel wanted to do something a bit different this year and they did!  In fact, they got the world talking about it!  There are plans to involve the Guiness Book of World Records to ascertain if this is indeed the world's most expensive Christmas tree.
 
The hotel has received numerous complaints that this tree is in poor taste, especially in this time of economic crisis.  One reporter went so far as to state this is an attempt at flaunting the oppulence and vast riches of Dubai.  We know this area is oil rich.  But is it too much to deck out an enormous tree as a statement of wealth?  Do you think that's what this is all about?  Or is it a gesture of welcome to tourists in style?
 
What do you think?  Should it be redecorated?  Should it be removed all together?  Or, is this fine?  Each to his own, so to speak.  Why can't we just accept this for what it is, a grand gesture of welcome which incidentally may be the most expensive gesture of its kind, and move on?  Tell me, what is your opinion?

21 December 2010

The Moon Eclipsed and I Slept Through It!


Last night/early this morning was the last full lunar eclipse the North Americas will see for another four years and I slept through it!  According to the graphic above, courtesy of Shadow and Substance site (see link above) the eclipse began at 11:33 pm and continued to phase through until emerging again at 3:01 am today.  Incidentally, it is uncommon that this happen on the date of winter solstice.  This lunar eclipse falls on the date of the northern winter solstice. 

 "Geoff Chester of the US Naval Observatory inspected a list of eclipses going back 2000 years. 'Since Year 1, I can only find one previous instance of an eclipse matching the same calendar date as the solstice, and that is 1638 DEC 21,' says Chester. 'Fortunately we won't have to wait 372 years for the next one...that will be on 2094 DEC 21.'"  (quote from NASA site) Unfortunately, most of us will not be here to see that one.


Today is the first day of winter, with the winter solstice beginning at 4:38 pm MST.  Winter Solstice is the exact point in time that the earth's axial tilt is at the furthest point away from the sun.  It is the day with the shortest period of daylight hours.  From here the period of daylight lengthens.  (yay!) And the approach to summer begins!  (do I hear gardeners cheering?)

Happy Winter everyone!!

20 December 2010

Lunar Eclipse Tonight

The moon appears totally covered by shadow as the earth passes between the moon and the sun, during the lunar eclipse in this Jan. 9, 2001 file photo taken in Kiel, Germany.
HERIBERT PROEPPER/AP FILE PHOTO
Tonight and early tomorrow morning we have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the last lunar eclipse of 2010!!  Beginning at about 11:30 pm, it is best seen with the naked eye or binoculars.  See the following post which contains a link for more information about this event.

TheStar Catch a glimpse of a rare lunar eclipse early Tuesday

TheStar Catch a glimpse of a rare lunar eclipse early Tuesday

Every Little Girl's Dream Tree

 At the Festival of Trees was one tree that won every little girl's heart.  This tree, called the Fairy Godmother, depicts the story of Cinderella.  Each "egg" portrays a cutout of segments of the fairy tale.
 The "egg" looks like a replica "Faberge" egg with a paper cutout, possibly decoupaged, affixed within.
 This tree was in the same "pod" as Sparkle Wonderment,/a> and Picasso Gold and was a hit with girls young and mature.
 The tree topper contains a dancing Cinderella and her Prince.
 Here's a close-up of some of the ornaments on the Fairy Godmother Tree.
And at the base of the tree sits Cinderella in her carriage drawn by two exquisite white horses.  What girl wouldn't love this tree in her house?  This was my sister's favourite fairy tale as a child.  I'm sure she would have been thrilled to have had this in our living room back then.

This "tour" of the Festival of Trees is the second segment devoted to My World.  You too can be a tour guide of your world by participating the meme My World or pop by for a visit.  You are always welcome.

19 December 2010

Floral Arrangements and Planters - Festival Continued




 Above and below are some of the planters and floral arrangements submitted for the Design Competitions.


 Which is your favourite?



Still to come mantles and sculpture.....


Thank you Mary for hosting such a delightful meme.  See the submissions here:










18 December 2010

Mantle Marvelous

 Again from the Festival of Trees, here is an assortment of mantles on display.  

 Some have been awarded ribbons in the design competition as above and below.

I like this last one.  With all its sparkles and lights, it fulfills the Festival Theme of Sparkle and Shimmer. 

I'm sure your decorating is finished by now.  Have you incorporated something new this year?  Perhaps a little sparkle and shimmer?

All images are straight from the camera without editing.  You may click on any to enlarge.  Visit other straight shooters here:  http://www.murrieta365.com/

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