The creativity of the day

This is me ready to go to brunch at Rob and Michaele's house. The purpose of the picture and its creativity angle is to show what just a little effort with the "face paint" can do, effort I very often, in fact usually, don't make. Picture beneath is my normal way to look and makes me think I might try harder.

The flowers that I put together for the altar at church tomorrow. Now flower arranging is always original and rather fun. I am however hyper-critical of my work and find that seeing a photo of them makes me much more appreciative. They look way better to me in an image than they do in reality.

This is a vase I just loved and purchased yesterday at Marshall's. It goes very well in my kitchen and this is my favorite way to enjoy flowers, just kind of natural looking and less composed. The vase is a glass container that sits in a metal frame and has kind of a "Frenchy" look which I love.

Happy Birthday, Neona

Yesterday was my sister-in-law Neona's birthday. She was the New Year's baby the year she was born in Lincoln, Illinois. In 2009, my year of creativity, this is the necklace I made for her. Entirely my own design, made with the big beads I like to work with and the decorative hook type clasp was made by my very own self using silver wire wrap techniques. I hope she will enjoy wearing it.

Mama Ginny, baby Keira and Grandma Neona check out pictures. It's looking like Keira may be left-handed like her mommy but her parents think she uses both hands fairly equally.

This is a picture I made for Neona for Christmas more than 10 years ago. It is the only attempt I ever made at hardangar embroidery work. The picture has lovely texture and warmth and I always feel very proud of it when I see it hanging during the Christmas season.

And many more!

A sweet New Year's card from my own personal collection, (which I had forgotten I had). May the incoming year bring us all fresh hope and a fresh outlook! Peace.

The beginning

I have decided that 2009 will be my year of creativity. This sweet little metal dove was given to me at Christmas by the Tuckers. Today I made a beaded hanger for her and put her in the tree beneath an existing dove's nest. This nest though sloppy it may look is one of the nicest doves' nests that I have seen. I thought my little bird could symbolize the peace and creativity I would like to experience in this coming year. I think I will name her Maizey.

Happy Birthday!

We shared a birthday lunch with my nephew Darin and his family today. I believe he has had crab legs for every birthday that I have ever spent with them. Darin's mama, my sister-in-law Neona announced her pregnancy forty years ago at my wedding.

This is Keira, Darin and Ginny's almost 2 year old who had a great time. She kept us entertained throughout lunch and is a very well behaved little girl. Darin, may you have at least 40 more happy birthdays! Keira, you rock!

Compliments to the cook!

Becky prepared all the holiday food several days before Christmas so we could all enjoy a relaxing day on December 25. We had these two lasagnas. One was a classic lasagna with sausage and the other was a yummy roasted vegetable version.

She turned out these 2 beautiful loaves of French bread on Christmas morning with the help of her trusty Kitchenaid mixer. Their aroma scented the air with yeasty goodness.

And a green salad with homemade vinaigrette completed our meal. We had just about the most relaxing Christmas ever. Thanks, Becky!

Friendship, friendship, just the perfect blend ship

Becky and I had a an extremely lengthy breakfast with Becky's dear friend Ana and Ana's mom, Aurora. Becky and Ana were friends in elementary school and junior high. We moved to Illinois and they last contact for awhile and when Becky moved back to AZ as an adult, she was blessed to have Ana back in her life. They are a wonderful support system for each other. It warmed my heart to spend this time getting reacquainted with Aurora.

Magisterium coach

The Magisterium coach from the Golden Compass and the little Corgi copy I found at Big Lots. In spite of all the dire warning e-mails I received about this movie we watched it anyway as I don't believe my faith could be shaken by something such as this. The movie had some wonderful creativity in it although overall I don't even remember that much about it. I did find this vehicle quite enchanting and was delighted that Mandy negotiated it for me as it was the only one of it's kind in the store. It makes me happy. Next I want the cat bus from "My Neighbor Totoro."

sleepy time.

And all good things must come to an end.

Always a little play

A beautiful day for a picnic and a lovely afternoon for the boys to play. Becky and the 3 boys went to the opposite bank of the creek.

Discoveries.

It was warm enough for the boys to get a little wet.

Brazey gets a lift.

Feasting

Even though our weather has been cold and wet lately, we were given the gift of a gloriously beautiful sunshiney day for our picnic. A brief moment of stillness for our big boys.

Mandy before Aaron wrenched the arm off of her sunglasses.

Dave looking contemplative while Aaron starts in on the glasses.

The little cheeses, logs and tortes in the process of being devoured.

Up the trail we go

Hooray for the gift pack!

The boys give the thumbs up to the Swiss Colony gift pack. Even if they don't seem able to gaze upon it's wonder.

The daughters Myrick view with great enthusiasm the big ol' gift pack from Swiss Colony. We had decided to bring back the tradition of taking a picnic to Sabino Canyon on Christmas eve and in honor of faithfully recreating the feel, I ordered a plethora of tiny overpriced food items from Swiss Colony. Took it down to Tucson unopened so the girls could feel the delight.

Jack's card

My grandson Jack made me a picture of the Tour d'Eiffel or ifl tower for Christmas. All of my family have indulged my obsession with a Parisian journey. Maybe in the next couple of years, I can actually make it happen. I so love Jack's phonetic spelling. Makes so much sense.

For Evan

Even though I didn't get to see you on your first Christmas, your parents sent pictures. You were perfect in every way.

I always thought this picture of you and dad was cute and funny. I'm excited to spend Christmas with all of you.

Year of the Polaroid

and the Cabbage Patch. I remember rushing in to the new Target on Broadway in Tucson to get these Cabbage Patch dolls for Mandy. From left to right are Anita, Lukas and Landon. Lukas became the all- time favorite.

Rebecca and her dad have a very similar expressions in these. These pictures are an example of why I'm working at learning to use my digital camera. Ho ho! Merry Christmas.