Sunday, December 29, 2019

Joyful Christmas


True, this is several days after, but at least I made it before the end of the year, so it still counts, right?

How was everyone's celebrations? I hope you had safe travels, warm homes and full hearts. Christmas for us this year was a little crazier than usual because we added some travel to the mix to see family. Which, when one also has pets who need to be cared for while one is away, is a substantial item to add to the already-full to-do list. 

Anyway, I decided that I needed to slow down and savor the richness of the Advent season, so I pulled out my wooden blanks and paintbrushes and made these trees. I've made these with my girls before, long ago when they were still little, so I felt all nostalgic painting a whole new batch late into the night this year. It was oddly cathartic, in a way sewing or cardboarding can never be - there's something about the detailwork, I think, and the smallness of the project and the feel of wood in one's hand. 

These were gifts to my family and friends in Singapore this year - a little wooden tree for each household whose people have been in my life for as long as I can remember. If I'd had more time, I'd have painted twice as many, because when one starts to take stock of all the folks one has been loved by, fifteen doesn't even come close. 

Blessings and good thoughts to you guys this Christmas and the new year! May the days ahead be full of peace, good health and crazy-creative inspiration, buoyed by rich, happy times with all the people you love. I hope 2019 has been a year of glorious memories, and that 2020 will be same, and more. 

See you next year!

3 comments:

  1. These are so sweet. I do love the slow space of painting. We are spending Christmas back in Boston with people we love - both family and friends. And yes, finding someone to look after the dog especially was quite the undertaking...

    Wishing you a wonderful year in 2020.

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  2. Thank you for the great idea! I ordered them from your link. Did you prime them first to get such lush colors? Varnish after painting? I hope I am still in the mood to start Xmas early when they arrive:)
    Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  3. These are so cute, and your sentiment about fifteen not even coming close is so wonderful. I feel so privileged to have so many wonderful people in my life and you were so very eloquent talking about making things for the wonderful people in yours. Happy New Year!

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