Counting Bits of Joy

Many of you are posting photos of your beautiful finishes for the Year 2011 or your plans for the coming year.  I look back and think, not a lot of stitching took place.  Yet, with all it's challenges, the year was indeed one to hold dear.  One has only to review their blog to see all the "joys" life gives.  Spending time with family and friends are the true "jewel" in each of our lives.  I've never made New Year's Resolutions, however in 2012, I am going to wish for more patience. Whatever you wish for, may you know Peace, Love & Joy!

From  A Schoolgirl's Work  was a fun little stitch.  One would think it could be finished in time for Christmas...one would think, but not so. Not a lot of stitching, or should I say finishes recently, but I'm hoping she still wants it anyway. What do you think, too little, too late?

  Plays like this on Christmas Eve day?

Now one of my favorite Christmas songs. I wonder...could hearing these two grandgirls singing it in their Christmas program be the reason?

Of you have been posting photos of your Christmas decorations, some even rethinking this year's decorating. Few changes take place here, which may seem boring, but I think of it as tradition.  Every year when I begin to decorate fond memories come to mind as I place each ornament, Santa and treasure in it's usual place. Yet simple as it may be, I did rearrange the deer tray and... The Santas came down from the mantle... Allowing one of my favorite samplers to shine without the clutter. What changes did you make this year?

On "First Saturday", no less. The "jewel" had the idea to visit historic hotels around the City to view Christmas decorations. Having been in the hotel industry in another life, sounded like a great idea. More gawking than picture taking on my part...lights and photos are not my thing. The Hotel Phillips still holds fond memories for me. So glad it was renovated and is now on the National Registry of Historic Places. As is the Aladdin . The art deco decor in the lobby was of more interest than the tree. No pictures of the Hotel Savoy building...you wouldn't believe them! Not only is the china the same, so was the very old and worn pink, yes pink, flowered wallpaper. Supposedly this Hotel has ghosts, a couple very well may belong to me. The President Hotel was filled with beautiful decorations and a favorite! The Windows on Main , decorated to raise money for various organizations, were a slight disappointment...tiredness and the cold were setting in...

Is upon us and I'm having fun. Fun doing a lot for "joy" that is...like a staycation. Oh yes, the tree and house are decorated, but I'm told I should be shopping. I'm just not a shopper and since there hasn't been a road trip for a good long while, time spent playing in our hometown seemed in order. A lovely room with the view of the Plaza Lights. Christmas Acoustic Concert New place for breakfast and best coffee ever! Visit to Irma Starr's studio with an addition to the red ware collection. Of course, First Friday shopping in the west bottoms . Why is it I'm drawn to disco balls and teasel ? The upside down tomato cages are just a fun way to hold greenery. There was much more packed into twenty four hours, but you tell me... Can you have too much fun?

That Thanksgiving has come and gone and the flurry of the Christmas holiday begins. Yet before turkey, we had a birthday dinner party two days before. At the request of the birthday boy, we had cheese cake. No surprise, since it's been that way for at least the past twenty years! Tradition, one would say. However, this year was almost disastrous. I cannot remember ever having a failed cheese cake, not so this birthday. After many tears and a trip to the grocery store, another one was baked and it was delicious! A sweet little tradition was started with the scrabble pieces. Every one took turns thinking of words with the Happy Birthday letters. Oh my, the words and fun. Thanksgiving was wonderful...easy for me to say, I just fixed a cranberry salad and spent the day with a nice glass of wine or two. Lucky me. Yes, lucky me...the teen grandgirl spent the night and helped set up the tree. Another tradition that is so loved! I hope to concentrate on the "Traditions...