ONLY FIFTEEN MORE SHOPPING DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS Keep in mind that Christmas will arrive on December 25 whether we're ready for it or not. How are you doing?Anxious? Afraid? In that case, you have to calm down. Be of good cheer. Be not anxious, afraid nor angry, for like the angels I bring you tidings of comfort and joy. Today, realize that you can't do everything. Not at all. Period. Choose to do only what you love best about the holidays remain. Cross out two more "musts" on your to-do-list. Don't be a die-hard fan of Martha Stewart, a perfect American hostess and home entertainer.
I notice when I slow down..... there is more time and energy to walk around the neighborhood and enjoy looking at those beautifully decorated houses sparkling with Christmas lights. When I delight myself in the sounds of bells and joyful music, sipping hot green tea, I am more relax. Reading Christmas story from the Gospel while bashing in the fireplace, gives spiritual lift. Yes, these are some of the things I try to do every Christmas time, bring a little touch of eternity into my life in the midst of a busy holiday season.
GIFT WRAPPING Is one of my favorite things to do during Christmas time. I learned professional gift wrapping while working part-time at the Broadway (a department store) in Northridge. It was a very exciting and creative job. Not boring. Gift wrapping is an artistic outlet. I really take the time and thought about my gifts. I plan my theme and color with coordinating tags. I know many people don't enjoy wrapping gifts, but I do. They make lots of excuses for not wrapping their gifts nicely. For me the wrapping is part of the gift. Even if it's just a simple gift, when it is wrapped with creatively, beauty and pleasure, somehow the gift is magically transformed into a dazzling Cinderella. Beautifully wrapped gifts show how much one really cares, especially when the gift is a huge oil painting. Not easy to wrap but it's fun.
GIFT OF BEAUTY I painted this beautiful desert scene during a dry period in my life. In the 90's I experienced a very difficult bilateral hearing loss and my life was..... as dry as the desert. Will write more about this, on my next post. I saw a lively photo of a desert and I was inspired to paint it. This desert scene has glowing sky with mountains, leisurely pathway, cactus, trees and flowers. A desert doesn't have to be dull. This desert is singing with life and beauty. This oil painting (18" x 24") on canvas is my Christmas gift for an American girl friend named Jeanette. We became more than a good friend. She is married to one of my husband's younger brother. Over the years, we spent lots of time sharing lunch together, shopping, letter witting then e-mailing. She selflessly did many "editing" jobs for me without asking for monetary reward. When she sent me a thank you card, she said....."It must be very hard for you to part with your painting." Yes, it was hard, but the happiness I had as a giver was more than enough. I was so happy to give her a gift of beauty and art. I hope it bought a little touch of eternity to her life.GIFT OF BEAUTY A paintings is not the only gift of beauty. Ther are others like beautiful photograph you took yourself or bought. As often said..."a photo is worth a thousand words." You may not be a good writer or a poet but a photo can express everything you wanted to say. If you are a good writer, writing a book or a poem are beautiful gifts too. How about a nice water color, print or lithograph or art book? Yes. these are beautiful gifts too. As an artist. I always appreciate a gift of beauty. My youngest son is a computer-graphic artist. When he was an art student, he used to create lots of personal digital arts and gave them to me as Christmas gifts. Today, with good incomes my busy sons give me gift certificates from Aaron Brothers (art store) or Michael's ( art & craft store) so I can pick what I like. My children never gave me an oil painting for Christmas gift. I often wonder... why? As an artist, I appreciate others giving me a painting. Many of the oil paintings I have collected for our home are personal gifts for myself. I thought that if I don't get everything I wanted for Christmas, I can give them to myself. That's what I do.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This Christmas season, let's not rush and spend all our energy shopping. There is more to Christmas than shopping. Take the time to "smell the fire woods, pine leaves, poinsettias" and read the Gospel or other inspirational Christmas stories. Your Christmas season wil not only be beautiful but you will be blessed with a touch of eternity.
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4 comments:
for some reason my energy low. went to far on 3 paintings did not like results now have three new canvas very icy here for three days cant go for a walk
Lloyd, often at this time of the year people are busy and energy is low. Good, you have time to start 3 paintings. Well, I think you should go outdoor and get more inspiration.
I got a call from a friend whom I met 20 years ago while living in Seattle.She wanted to thank me for the poinsetta that my mother made out of crepe paper.She always brings it out for Christmas..she wanted to thank my mom for the time she has spent making the flowers.I wished ,now that I have watched her make the flowers.I have given them them all away.
This year I made a lot of scarves ,hats and wreaths out of all the dried hydranges from my garden
Cely, thanks for your comment. It's true that handcrafted gifts are always remembered and more appreciated over the years. will i get one of your scarves?
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