Christmas 2018

Yet another year before us.

I've got some cards to share.

Still not feeling myself

so I won't narrate - you just enjoy!

Last, but not least, is a hanging card

that I created for my friend and her family. 

Next year, God willing,

cards will be created right here in The Playground

and sent to my family and friends.

Just wasn't meant to happen this year.

I hope you understand.

Merry Christmas, one and all.

Most importantly,

my wish for you is that you all have a

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Running

No, not "running" as in one foot in front of the other!

I'm talking about running out of time.

Or running around like a chicken without a head.

THAT kind of running.

And I suck at both.

And to add insult to injury,

I am sick.

Think it's strep throat since I've never had

a sore throat like this.

Waiting for the office to open

and hopefully I can get in to see the doc.

(Cross fingers, please!)

This "throat stuff" is coming in on the heels

of surgery.

It's just been three weeks and two days

since that happened.

That put me way behind - I think I "lost" about two weeks.

No time for such nonsense.

No time whatsoever.

This is the first year - in a hundred years, maybe -

that no Christmas cards will be leaving our home

to our family and friends.

I really feel badly about that

mainly because it's something that I love to do.

But sometimes,

there's just no way to avoid it

and I refuse to stress myself out.

A couple of days ago,

I really put the peddle to the metal

and got the snowflakes finished.

You may remember I previously made 68.

Then I created 27 for The Runner

to give to the children he transports to/fro school.

Also created a few that I wanted to give

to some special people.

While digging around, I found some left over

from last year.

Only a few - but I'm not complaining.

I blew the cobwebs off

and called it a win!

That allowed me to wrap them up and

give to the girls in the leasing office,

leaving a few for me to give away

as my annual Random Act of Kindness.

Passed out one yesterday to a sweet little girl

and now I have two left.

Am hoping I will find someone at the doctor's office

or at the pharmacy.

It better be in one of those two places

because I'm thinking I wont be going anywhere else

until this crud is gone!

I also wrapped up one of those large Hersey candy bars

for a sweet lady friend of mine.

I love the silver - it reminds me so much of her

and her beautiful silver hair.

I'm off.

Time to shower so that I'm ready to walk out the door

in case the doc can take me early.

Kosec OUT.

I've been busting to share these

It's been a few weeks since they left The Playground

and I've been itching to share

even before they went to the post office.

It's now safe to share

as they've all been received.

My "hanging card" …

oh, how I love to create them.

Even more than cards.

And y'all know just how much I love making those.

Let's get to it.

How about I start off with my favorite?

I'm not sure why, but I just love this one.

Perhaps it's the non-traditional Christmas red and green.

Or perhaps it's the rusty metal snowflake?

Or perhaps the reindeer peeking out

from behind the flowers?

Perhaps the five layers of mat behind the image?

This is another good one.

It went to a couple that has a dog

so I'm sure they appreciate it.

And how about that cattail?

Haven't seen one of these in years.

The flower?

It's actually pieces of wood

and works perfectly in this woodsy card.

And the stocking was hung …

Yes, indeed.

Christmas morn will find it bulging

with all things wonderful.

Wish I could get our mantle this festive looking.

Oh yeah - just look at this dog!

A sweater and a hat, looking all festive!

Except it doesn't look all excited.

And a big thank-you shoutout to my sister.

She made the black and white flower years ago

and I've been saving it for just the right project.

Sure glad I don't live where it snows like this.

I wouldn't go out until that vehicle was free of snow.

But the recipient of this, unfortunately, does not.

The Chicago area definitely gets snow.

I'm quite sure he'll be unearthing his car

a time or two this Winter.

The recipient of this card is a young lady

with - you guessed it - red hair.

Perfect! 

As beautiful as this snow scene is,

I just can't.

Maybe if I had on a pair of cross-country skis

I might enjoy the snow more.

But I must admit - it certainly is

a Winter Wonderland.

Some may say I am a pack rat

for saving every bit and bob that crosses my path.

The sizes aren't that large

but work just great on these tags.

They measure approximately 9x5

so I didn't need much.

Merry Christmas!

Please tell me I'm not the only one running in circles

Actually, everything is finished

except for straightening The Playground.

But up until about an hour ago,

it was touch and go.

I would like to share just a few more things

that never made it up here.

I had leftover satin from the last tree I made

so decided to pick up another Sytrofoam cone

and make another tree.

Rolled only 45 roses on this one!

Will gift it to a long-time friend tomorrow.

These fabric wrapped ornaments

will be given to my friend's sister tomorrow.

I didn't realize I hadn't posted these yet.

They were on my phone - just never got downloaded.

And a few more cards.

Remember me talking about my little neighbor, Jaylen?

I've had such a great time the past 24 days

leaving little treats in her stocking

hung on the railing in the breezeway.

She told me all she wants for Christmas

is a bunny.

Or a dog.

I'm sure she means a real live bunny,

but I decided to make her this

in case Santa falls short.

The Christmas Countdown has been so rewarding.

Every evening when I put the next day's

gift in the stocking, there's a little thank you note.

Here's a couple of my favorites:

Pretty good for a six-year old, isn't it?

Her mamma told me that Jaylen

does this all by herself.

I'm impressed!

Here she is creating a Christmas card

for her parents.

This was the same day she said to me,

"What's wrong with your hair?"

I was in dire need of a haircut

and knew I wasn't looking my best

but I put a surprised look on my face and replied,

"Why?  What's wrong with my hair?"

She said, "It's a wild mess on top!!!"

How could you not crack up?

Time to wrap it up for another year.

Perhaps next year will take it's time

and December won't creep up on all of us.

The struggle was real this year, trust me!

From our house to yours,

I hope your Christmas is magnificent.

Enjoy the food, the gifts and each other.

And remember the reason for the season.

Oh - and of course, your tree!

We are definitely enjoying ours.