Which - if you know me personally, just doesn't make any sense. But more and more I have felt the urge to actually 'blog' (read: write something on topics that didn't fit into my previously created web pages) so I thought what the heck.
So I'm all excited and get the page all set up and then realize I have no idea what to post - which gave me a chuckle. We have to be able to laugh at our selves - I think that taking ourselves too seriously puts us in a position to be more quickly offended at the reactions of others.
I've been reading a lot lately about people using images they found on Google or other sites for their web pages and running into copy write issues. Please know that all the photographs on my site are ones I have either taken myself or am using at the permission of the photographer - which I point out as needed. I try to watermark my photos - but haven't found the best free watermark software so if anyone has any suggestions - please drop a comment!
So I'm all excited and get the page all set up and then realize I have no idea what to post - which gave me a chuckle. We have to be able to laugh at our selves - I think that taking ourselves too seriously puts us in a position to be more quickly offended at the reactions of others.
I've been reading a lot lately about people using images they found on Google or other sites for their web pages and running into copy write issues. Please know that all the photographs on my site are ones I have either taken myself or am using at the permission of the photographer - which I point out as needed. I try to watermark my photos - but haven't found the best free watermark software so if anyone has any suggestions - please drop a comment!
In other news, my partner and I were driving home the other evening from the torture known as 'Holiday Shopping' and I happened to catch this spectacle in our neighborhood. Ok - so I toss out potentially dryly humorous remarks about all this but at the same time - I love it! It may be crazy but it is festive and I love the festive. Its like the wintertime version of stationary fireworks (which I also adore). I think this would be even neater if the bank in the back had their lights off, but.... it is what it is.
I plunge into Christmas as soon as Thanksgiving is over. Ok - I will admit to writing out the holiday cards prior to the turkey feast, but that's only because I send a lot of them and with my crazy work schedule, waiting till later just isn't an option. Yes - I send holiday cards - 1. because I like to get them and 2. I adore the US Postal Service and feel it is my duty whenever possible to utilize their services.
So, our tree went up the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the cards got mailed over a week ago; the shopping was finished on Saturday and the wrapping was finished by Saturday night. As a kid, wrapping in our house was done Christmas Eve night - probably because there were a lot of little ones who still believed and probably because it just ended up that way. But I love to wrap and weirdly, I feel the gifts need to 'marinate' in their pretty paper under the tree for a a few (or more) days before passing them out. (I said it was weird....) Here's how it looks:
I plunge into Christmas as soon as Thanksgiving is over. Ok - I will admit to writing out the holiday cards prior to the turkey feast, but that's only because I send a lot of them and with my crazy work schedule, waiting till later just isn't an option. Yes - I send holiday cards - 1. because I like to get them and 2. I adore the US Postal Service and feel it is my duty whenever possible to utilize their services.
So, our tree went up the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the cards got mailed over a week ago; the shopping was finished on Saturday and the wrapping was finished by Saturday night. As a kid, wrapping in our house was done Christmas Eve night - probably because there were a lot of little ones who still believed and probably because it just ended up that way. But I love to wrap and weirdly, I feel the gifts need to 'marinate' in their pretty paper under the tree for a a few (or more) days before passing them out. (I said it was weird....) Here's how it looks:
I think it looks pretty. And yes - for those of you who know how my work has taken over my living room - the Christmas tree is in the bedroom. It was the only place it would fit. Don't judge me! ;) Honestly, it is such a lovely scent to wake up to early in the morning! Our cats have thus far ignored it, but they are 14 years old and I don't think they care anymore.
I try really hard to make space to enjoy the holiday season - I have various little traditions that make me smile - hanging up the cards in the giant felt candy cane my mom made for me (it is almost as big as the door!), opening the little doors on the advent calendar, watching DVDs of my favorite holiday programs - they aren't big deals, but I think its easier to savor the small at this hectic and emotional time of year.
This year we added a new tradition - I discovered 'Wreaths Across America' which puts holiday wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery. I've seen the photographs on the internet of how it looks all decorated and it is just beautiful. I made a donation in memory of Michael's father, who served in the Navy. There are graves at Arlington that date back to the Civil War; I hope our wreath made its way to one of those long gone (but not forgotten) veterans.
Well - its after midnight and I've sent a text to my niece to wish her Happy Birthday, so it's time for me to sleep. Early around here really does mean early. Good night for now and thanks for reading!
I try really hard to make space to enjoy the holiday season - I have various little traditions that make me smile - hanging up the cards in the giant felt candy cane my mom made for me (it is almost as big as the door!), opening the little doors on the advent calendar, watching DVDs of my favorite holiday programs - they aren't big deals, but I think its easier to savor the small at this hectic and emotional time of year.
This year we added a new tradition - I discovered 'Wreaths Across America' which puts holiday wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery. I've seen the photographs on the internet of how it looks all decorated and it is just beautiful. I made a donation in memory of Michael's father, who served in the Navy. There are graves at Arlington that date back to the Civil War; I hope our wreath made its way to one of those long gone (but not forgotten) veterans.
Well - its after midnight and I've sent a text to my niece to wish her Happy Birthday, so it's time for me to sleep. Early around here really does mean early. Good night for now and thanks for reading!
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