* Ready for a Day of Relaxation

This has been a very special Christmas for me. I'm pretty sure I'm beginning to feel like this is 'home'. I still have more photos from the soiree, however, Jackie took them on her camera and I shall have to wait until I see her. Their internet is down -  therefore no transferring them through cyber space.

In the mean time, Christmas day was fabulous. I was awake, as usual, in the middle of the night, so I got up and made the stuffing for the chicken. :o) Wendy had a beautiful Christmas breakfast - and I toddled off down the road to join she and her friends. We had a lovely time together.

Wendy had made wonderful Christmas crackers from scratch - so it was fun wearing our Christmas hats, getting little goodies and candies in the crackers. My fortune told me, "all your dreams will come true".  Good one, don't you think?!

The Lady Katherine

Roberta of Port Townsend, WA. and San Miguel, and Robert, of Mexico City and San Miguel, The Lady Katherine's significant other

After a lovely morning with Wendy and her friends, I came home to whip the house back together, set the table and cook Christmas dinner for three.  We had a very traditional dinner, Chicken and stuffing (with cranberries, apples and nuts), gravy or course, mashed potatoes, creamed carrots, cabbage, onion and walnut salad,  For dessert, poached pears and cream.

I took photos of the table, however when my guests arrived, got so involved in the conversation and enjoying their company, my camera set idol.  Unfortunately I don't have any photos of the fun.

Do hope you have had a wonderful Christmas.  A little rest now before a Birthday party for Sylvia and a New Year's party.  

Thanks for coming over for a visit.  Looking forward to hearing about your celebration over the holidays.

Wilfred A. Peterson, The Art of Living
Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow. It's lighting a fire inside the heart. Good will and joy a vital part. It's higher thought and a greater plan. It's glorious dream in the soul of man.

 

* A little peak at my Soiree and Happy Happy Christmas

Joy and love were both present last night at my little soiree at Quinta de Luz. I'm only giving you a little peak at the moment, because I'm waiting for more photographs. The weather was perfect. The guitarist superb. The company divine. Here's a very small glimpse.

Salvador.  So in love with his music.

 Wendy and Sal.  Couldn't help dancing.

There is much more, however I will fill you in after the holidays.  Christmas dinner for three at my house today.  I am very much looking forward to some great friends and good conversation.  I've been up since 4:00 am making the dressing for the chicken.  A combo of not being able to sleep, the the fireworks.

My wish for you today?  I wish you happiness.  I wish you love.  I hope you will make wonderful memories today.  Most of all, I wish you peace in your heart.  I wish us all peace. 

Take care of each other today and always.  Enjoy the moment.  Thanks so much for dropping by.  I so appreciate each and every one of you.  Happy Happy Christmas.

 

* As My Life Changes - it would be a good decision to change with it

I picked up the mail today.  Two presents arrived and a few Christmas cards.  I was excited to get home and open them.  On the short drive from the mail service to my house, thoughts of Christmas's past popped into my head.  All the people, all the presents, all the wonderful little rituals we had developed over the years.  Suddenly I realized I had never considered Christmas's with a dwindling supply of people, rituals, and gifts.  The thought saddened me somewhat, however I knew I had a choice to make.

Today I began to create new rituals.  After dropping groceries, etc. inside, out of the way, I placed the gifts and cards on the terrace table.  It was sunny and warm, and gorgeous.  Into the house one last time, opening the fridge door, I popped the cork of a bottle of champagne, poured myself a glass, and sauntered out into the sun.  I knew I wanted to take my time.  Dilly dally over the small details.  Also knew I wanted this to be a special time.  I set the intention.  I would open the cards first.  Every one had notes and letters inside.  Some were hand made from artist friends.  I savored each one, gave it due attention, and enjoyed the small, intricate details.

 Next, I chose a long tube from a dear friend in Chicago.  Much to my delight, huge sheets of paper emerged as I gave the roll a little tug.  Beautiful paper, ... maps of France ... gorgeous designer flowers, a map of Canada, and two large sheets of Christmas paper.  I ooooed and awwwed.  You have no idea how I love paper - makes my heart go pitty-pat!  A letter was rolled inside along with some Parker Pen writing paper - a Parker nib sailing smoothly across the page leaving behind the words "Parker - write your own story".  I laughed.  I shall covet that paper!  Each piece of paper ran through my hands as I sipped champagne and sat in the sun, Habibi by my side.

Next, a box wrapped in brown paper.  Familiar hand writing graced the front and I felt a little lump rise in my throat -- those good memories kind of lumps.  As soon as I began opening the end I could see red and white poka dot paper.  Be careful, Donna -- this is gorgeous -- we can re use this in our art.  My muse was muttering in my ear.  I slowed down until the red and white paper was off in one piece.  Sipped more champagne, folded the paper neatly and stared at the handwriting, wanting somehow to hug it, in place of the person.  Opening the box top I spied everything was RED (my favorite colour in the entire Universe) - red envelope, red tissue paper, red sparkly star twine.  I was in heaven. I read the card with it's lovely heart felt note.  Then to slowly open the first package.  I giggled when I saw the beautiful little silver glittery birds in their nest of paper straw.  Silver glitter with names around their necks - "Wish", "Hope" and "Dream".  Ah, they are so gorgeous and will be perfect to hang in my window.  Another package underneath revealed two round magnetized containers to help organize my studio.  Love at first sight.

I glanced at my watch.  Over an hour had passed.   One hour of pure delight.  Very different from my past - however part of who I am now.  I sipped my champagne and smiled.  I shared my champagne with Habibi - did I tell you he's a lush?  He is! What I know for sure?  I only have the moment.  Enjoying it, in whatever way I have to invent, would seem to me to be the thing to do.

It's Solstice today.  Here in Mexico, with Myan energy close, I celebrate the coming of the light.  Candles lit - a quiet evening at home.  I celebrate being here on this earth at this moment in time, when our planet earth is exactly in the middle of her own galaxy, the milky way, and the planets are aligned in a perfect cross.  Just as the Myan's predicted.  Awesome.  Thanks for dropping by.  I adore reading your comments.

"It may be when we no longer know what to do,
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go,
we have begun our real journey." (Wendell Berry)

 

* 'Twas the mess before Christmas

and all through the house - unfinished projects lay still as a mouse ....!  Need I say more.  As you may know, my house is 'cottage size'.  Getting one thing out of place is bad enough, however when the clutter begins to spread I want to scream.  Somehow, things are a little out of control.  I'm preparing for a little party which seems to have morphed into a soiree I might have created in the old days when I had the help of a husband.  I do get carried away creatively, and keeping it simple .... well, lets just say that's not simple for me.  :o)

I know everything will turn out in the end.  Just because I have an under the counter fridge, instead of a large fridge and separate freezer as I did in the old days - doesn't mean I can't pull this off.  No.  it.  doesn't.  I just haven't quite figured out how to keep everything fresh for two days ... the food for Christmas Eve day and the food for Christmas dinner.  Never mind ... things do seem to have a way of working themselves out, and I'm sure I will, in the end, come up with some creative solutions.

In the meantime, my kitchen -- well let's not even talk about the mess in the kitchen.  The living room is strewn with leftovers from making decorations.  My studio ... not even sure what happened there.  It suddenly just went out of control ... all on it's own.  I swear!

Studio Chaos.  Oh My!

It all seemed to spread to the downstairs living area ...

This weekend I must try and get my head around this whole thing.  Make lists, delegate certain tasks to certain days.  Fresh chicken for Christmas dinner .... hamburger for chile - was going to do that the day before Christmas eve, however the rental tables are arriving so I'll have to be here .... hmmmmm.  As Miss Scarlet used to say ... I'll think about that tomorrow.  

Nite nite all of my friends in blog land.  Hope you are feeling calmer and more organized than I am.  :o)  Perhaps a little cognac ... Papa always recommended a sip or two of that when stressed.

Everything will soon be back to normal and under control.  Thanks for dropping by.

“It turns out that an eerie type of chaos can lurk just behind a facade of order - and yet, deep inside the chaos lurks an even eerier type of order” Douglas Hostadt

* Getting in the Spirit

No doubt about it.  It's time.  Time to get a little Christmas Spirit percolating.  Sometimes, here, with all this sunshine, I forget what time of year it is.  Then I go into Centro and see all the decorations.  It gives me a nudge in the right direction.

This year is soiree time at Quinta de Luz.  I feel like this is the house warming party I wasn't able to have.  Christmas Eve afternoon we are all gathering here to celebrate the season, the friendships, and to help the bond between all of us grow just a little stronger.  I'm quite excited and plans are in full swing.  Can't reveal too much at this moment as some guests read this blog - so there would be no surprises. 

I am having fun decorating though.  I decorated some Christmas balls the other night.  When I was finished, I thought for sure my friend Wendy (the Queen of glitter) had been here. I was up to my knees in the stuff. They look pretty though.

Driving by the nursery yesterday gave me the urge for poinsettias.  Good thing I went in when I did.  The supply was diminishing before my eyes.  People were loading their cars, drivers were picking up dozens at a time, and the delivery truck was being loaded.  I managed to get a few and tucked them in with the plants in the entry garden.  I may move them down to decorate the fountain the day of the soiree.  I'll keep you posted.

Nothing like a little hit of red, is there?

The mantle is decorated.

Christmas is coming - ready or not.  So I'd better get going and finish my list.  What about you?  What are your Christmas plans?

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."
~ Peg Bracken. 

 

"With You Always"

Remember when I began this painting and she told me, "I am resting to restore myself as we all must do".  She hasn't spoken a word since.  However, today as I was putting the finishing touches on her, she quietly spoke and said "I will be with you always."  I am naming the painting "With You Always".  Hope you enjoy it.

"With You Always" 24" X 32", acrylic on canvas, original painting by Donna Parker

Yesterday I went to Pato's (the fine art supply store) and purchased another canvas.  I really get antsy if I don't have one on hand.  When I am finished a painting, I never quite know when another will show up.  Must be prepared. :o)

Thanks for dropping over.  Create something wonderful.

Everyone has their own angel.

* A little bit of bliss

 My gardenia is blooming ... profusely.  The perfume is heady.  Sometimes in the early evening, I draw my chair near, put my feet up, close my eyes, and allow myself to be enveloped in the fragrance.  .... a little bit of bliss.

“I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.”
― William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

 

 

* A little gold leaf ...

I'm almost finished.  She needs a little more work on her face and neck and perhaps an earring.  I gold leafed her halo today.  Never did that before on a painting, so it occurred to me, after the fact, it would probably need to be sealed to prevent tarnishing.  Sure enough it does - a good varathane will do.  Of course, I don't happen to have any - so will have to wait until Monday to get a little tin.  Then I can seal and antique her halo.  Here's her latest portrait.

Thanks for dropping in.  Nice to see you.  LOVE your comments, thank you so much.  Take care. 

Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway.  Mary Kay Ash

Today in the Studio ...

Getting there.  Thanks for the visit.  xoxo Donna

These things I warmly wish for you: Someone to love, Some work to do, A bit o' sun, a bit o' cheer, And a guardian angel always near ~ Irish Blessing

* Wings appear

The wings appeared today - different than I expected.  I like them better.  Had to stop painting early, my eye was bothering me.  Annoying.

Lovely to see you here - wish we could stop and chat.  Take care.  xoxo Donna

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato