Day 2711: A confusing time of year.

"Texthead": ink brush drawing, collage & digital.

Want music?

 

Click here for Roberta Flack, Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

This, for me, is a confusing time of year.

I get my days mixed up or interchanged.

Christmas is mostly over, some still to do.

It's the end of 2019 and 2020 just days away.

I read that I should take time to curl up and read.

 

I could. I have a book to finish and two new waiting.

But tonight I have put on the national dog show marathon.

Comforting to watch the beautifully groomed breeds. 

I think they might have missed a good possibility.

How about a resued dog show as well, open to all.

I took a few photos of my granddogs this morning.

They love to sun on the patio couch.

Zoey & Laker

As usual, Zoey (1-1/2 years) likes and even poses for photos, 

Laker (8-1/2 years) not so much.

A smile for Sunday ...

Day 2708: A quieter day.

*Christmas card: junk mail collage.

(*If I had finished, my Christmas cards would be as above.)

Want music?

 

Click here for Trisha Yearwood, That's What I Like About You.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

Today was a quieter day. Christmas had arrived. 

You could almost feel a slower vibe in the air.

My cards didn't surface in time, but the world goes on.

My job on Christmas morning was to get myself, OJ 

and a few gifts to the house on the hill before 9 am. 

I did that. Wonderful to be a part of the family of 13.

Our cars filled the driveway and part of the curbs.

We are a casual crew, so sweats met the dress code.

GH#1

Some of us sat around the firepit waiting for breakfast.

Then all 13 enjoyed WW's casseroles, Hoda's rice,

Tarek's fruit salad and Lauren's cinnamon rolls.

Later we opened a few gifts.

 

Lauren, GH#2, GH#3 & GH#1

Maddie with Laker and Zoey.

Grandma with gifted "Sloth", & Laker

We had Christmas earlier than in some years since 

Superman and WonderWoman were going into 

the Laker game at the Staples Center in LA.

Laker - Clipper game, Christmas Day.

Wishing you a quieter day when you want it.

Wishing you the holiday season of your dreams.

Wishing you a wonderful, healthy 2020 ahead. 

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate you.

Just because ...

Chinese Ringneck Pheasant

A smile for Thursday ...

Day 2699: SoCal, cold.

"SoCal": photography.

Want music?

 

Click here for Joe, I wanna Know.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

64 Degrees, Blue Skies, Santa Ana, CA

Demura Sensei is back home from Japan.

A smile for Tuesday ...

Day 2698: Finally ...

"Why You?": junk maol collage.

Want music?

 

Click here for Michael Jackson, Butterflies.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

Finally, I am getting my few special Christmas ornaments in place.

They have been down from their perch since last Monday,

when GH#1 came by to help me. I just today got busy.

During the young WonderWoman years & 

33 years of married life, the holiday decor was in full tilt.

Big tree, lights, too many ornaments ... excess.

Later, I handed down all the good stuff to WW & family.

Now it's ...

My precious little tree. Perfect. I heard a personality saying

you could tell so much about a person by the tree selection. 

I thought about mine, yes, perfect!

Bought at an art fair years ago, it's just under 12 inches.

Minimal is an overstatement?

                      

My 4" Japanese Santa from high school best friend 

                        Karen Tamura, almost 60+ years ago.

                   The ancient door decor with bells and an angel of me.

Christmas cactus in full bloom at the front door.

My Grandmother's 4" high nativity, 100+ years old.

My 1" high wooden Christmas train a gift from Colin Morris,  

                                      over 30 years ago.

An antique steel car ornament by artist Sherry Goodloe, 2014.

A 28" primitive canvas angel,  

that watches over the studio 

year-round.

Daruma, a new Daruma doll 
comes without the eyes painted.   
This tradition of painting the Daruma 
eyes is symbolic in Japanese culture. 

The doll is a representation of Daruma (Bodhidharma) who founded Zen Buddhism around the 5th century. The story goes, Daruma meditated against a wall for 9 years and as a result, his arms and legs fell off from atrophy. This is why the doll does not have arms and legs. There is a weight placed in the bottom of the doll so when it falls over it stands right back up every time. This is symbolic of the saying, Nana Karobi Ya Oki  (Fall down 7 times, get up 8). When starting a new goal, one eye is painted in while making a wish. By looking at only the one eye painted, one is reminded of the goal they wished for.  Once that goal is realized,
the second eye is painted to represent the accomplishment.

 I am just beginning to work on wrapping a few gifts.

TMI?

The kicker is ... I love my smaller take on the season.

It takes an hour to put up and takedown.

What do you think?

 

Are you ready for a Merry Christmas!

A smile or two for Monday ...