Looking forward to the New Year.

My Mom painted this pine tree branch and made greeting cards out of the original. Isn't it great? I totally had to steal it out of the pack because I feel like she wasn't planning on sending me one.

Has everyone been eating and drinking like I have? Man, I packed it in over the past few days (and weeks). My house guests have now departed and it's that odd in-between week where things kind of hang at a standstill while we gear up for the start of the new year. I feel really ready to welcome 2011 for some reason. I'm going to make a list of goals for this year.

This Christmas I felt really blessed and grateful for my wonderful friends and family. More than once I thought about how lucky I am. Things felt very "holiday" this year. It snowed perfect snows and the tone was one of packing a house full night after night and melding personalities with a nice balance of chaos and calm. Looking back I can't believe all the things we did over the past week. It was a whirlwind for sure, but we got a lot of quality time together too.

Are you making "resolutions" for 2011?

Woot!

Steve and Swan got me the shuffle!! This is like the fun present I never expected to get... Thanks Zies!!!

Tree 2010 (and some other stuff).

I know these pictures are blurry but I wasn't about to run out and get the tripod from the garage. Plus that "night scenery" setting captures the color in the room so well – I'm sacrificing clarity.

Even with the perfect snowstorm last night – it truly was beautiful outside – it still doesn't really feel like Christmas time to me? I can hardly believe it's in 3 days? Maybe because I didn't do a bunch of art projects? To be honest I still feel pretty art-projected out. I didn't do as much around the house either. I broke so many of the glass ball ornaments last year I could hardly believe it. Then Target didn't have the $2 boxes of plain old red and gold ones I like. They were all glittery designs and "sateen". So I didn't do a few bunches here and there that I normally do. Which actually is just fine.

Then my 1-year old light strands were dead. The lights at Target were all that LED blue-white kind, which I caved in and bought even though I knew I'd never be able to stand them. I find the atmosphere they create awful! (Sorry if you have them). So, I ended up putting them outside. They still bug me but are not as offensive considering the limited amount of time that I actually see them. Then I got some great lights at a good ole hardware store and I am quite thrilled with the glow inside now.

The winter berries. I LOVE them. Here's something I don't get. They were $3.50/branch cheaper this year – $1.50 less than they were two years ago. The price of these things really fluctuates and I wonder why? Even with the price drop, these are a splurge. The ones from Stems & Twigs in WS are so solid and long and perfect. I'd love to have them all over my house, but I stop at a vase full. I think they are totally worth it and totally wonderful.

Anyway, now that I finally have the mood right in the house, a poinsettia, my parents have arrived, and for the first time in YEARS I'm not rushing around like a lunatic finishing all the gifts at the last minute, I'm hoping the next 4 days I can just settle into the holiday. I'm looking forward to some long visits, the real deal hot cocoa, and enjoying making and eating some good food.

Christmas Fatty.

When I decorate the house for Christmas, I swap out the everyday snapshots of friends and family in frames around the house and display pictures of our Christmas trees from years past. When I rotated one of them, this was the Christmas picture behind it. Aw Fatty! She looks so healthy and happy... and FAT. It was nine years ago she looked this good, came out from under the bed and was totally social. Then it kind of broke my heart to realize this is the first year in 13 I'm missing out on having Christmas with her.

If you were lucky enough to be part of it, the gifts under this particular tree were part of the Christmas Extravaganza year. The deli meat slicer, deluxe pogo stick, quesadilla maker year. The year budgets went ridiculously out the window and we went nuts buying presents. That was a good one.

Teaser.

This one's for you, Steve!

Merry Holly.

We had our annual Dinner Club Christmas Party at Hook & Ryan's last night. I think this year was a first: More food that booze? There was a whole other table full of desserts. Clockwise from left: 7-layer taco dip, bleu cheese/tomato/balsamic on crustini, meatballs and cheese wrapped in biscuit dough and dipped in marinara, pickles/cream cheese/ham rolls, buffalo chicken dip, vegetables and hummus, melty cheesy bean dip, jalepeno popper dip...

Great night, but missed Becker and the other out-of-town Dinner Clubbers.

Tugboat Printshop.

"BARRACUDA"
Series: THE DEEP BLUE SEA
12x18" Color Woodcut Print on Pale Pink Arturo Paper
by Paul Roden & Valerie Lueth, 2008.

Saw this booth at the Renegade fair and I can't stop thinking about this print! I want it. Actually all these sea prints I am taking quite a liking to. I'm gonna have to check if this one fits the bill for bringing "fish" into my "wealth". Read more about this print shop and the process to make them. Amazing!

drawing.

printing.

"THE ICEBERG"

So cool. Also can be found on Etsy.

Renegade Craft Fair.

This looks like it might be good. I've glanced around at some of the artists doing it, and I'm pretty sure I'll find a gift or two for people on my list. (Lucky People). If you're free Saturday or Sunday, and in the area, check it out? Then go eat brunch at Flo or get the burger from Branch 27.