November!

It’s here!  When do you start planning your Christmas decorating?  I usually begin decorating the day after Thanksgiving.  This year COULD be a very depressing Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The first without my Mother.  It’s all still so surreal.  You know, you think of something you need to share, and almost reach for the phone.  BUT…….I will not give in to this depression.  Certainly my Mother would not want me to.  SO…I’m decorating BIGGER and BETTER this year.  Creating Christmas vignettes is my favorite thing to do. 

My new banner was taken from this picture.  I found those little felt angels in my mother’s decorations.  They were, each one, lovingly handmade by my great aunt.  Her name was Florence, but we all called her “Tootsie.” I never knew why, but the name certainly fit her.  She was silly and happy and always had a smile for everyone. 

SO……my banner honors the holidays, my mother and her aunt.

One of mother’s Christmas houses.

A closer look.

A few of my favorites.

I found some really really ugly Christmas ornaments with these cute little doll heads just covered in ugly green silk and lace.  I tore all of that off and was left with these little sweeties.  I may use them in a project or not.  They’re cute as is.

And so……the decorating has already begun.  It always begins around November 1st when I decorate BIG.  Which isn’t often.  This will be a holiday infused with laughter, glitter, beauty, and fun.  I am determined!  Which is not to say that there will not be crying.  I’m sure there will be.  But that’s okay.  You have to work through these losses.

You notice I didn’t say cooking or baking.  Any volunteers?  NO? 

Huuummm……..now who will see all of these fabulous decorations?  I’m scheming.  Yes I am!  Stay tuned for more……………………………..