Paint Party Friday... Elf

Hello everyone...here we are... Friday once again!

 With only a few weeks until the holidays begin, I thought I'd do a Christmassy sketch this week. 

Hopefully something to inspire me into all the preparations.

The only trouble is that this is kind of mixed up... a Santa look-a-like if you will. 

I did have an elf in mind but then Santa intruded.

 I wouldn't say that I'm a negative person, but as I come to write this post I begin to wonder?

I'm normally a half glass full kind of person, but yet again I'm posting something that I don't particularly like. I'm hoping that the Paint Party Friday gang will be able to help me. 

It seems the trouble is that I've lost my passion for painting. 

I think a lot of it is that I don't have a theme, or subject matter that I can progress with. 

My subjects just seem so random and individual. 

I think if I kept to a theme it might help.

I'm trying out new paints and with each painting I'm learning, but the end design isn't quite what I'd like. 

But it's a journey...right?

I'm going to be with family over the next week, so they'll be no time for painting.

But hopefully I'll find inspiration from somewhere.

I'm determined that in the New Year I'm going to devote more time and energy into my art.

(Where have I heard that before?)

I started sketching the design below a few months ago and I feel maybe it's time to revisit.

I apologise for the photographs.

Unfortunately it's difficult to get enough light at this time of year.

I hope you can see it.

Now don't laugh but we are making plans for the girls (hens/chooks) to stay in a 'Hen Hote'l whilst we are away. I know it sounds ridiculous and I would be laughing along with you... but I feel this is the best option.

It would be a lot to ask someone to come a few times a day to see to them and the Hotel sounds brilliant.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to do a blog post...if all goes well once I get back.

Yet again we've found a mass of feathers and a wiped clean breast bone on our garden this morning, so the fox has ventured here once again. 

Poor wood pigeon by the look of it!

The hotel option is far safer.

Thanks for visiting my place and if you'd like to see more artwork, then why not join in the party over at PPF by clicking HERE.

Have a great Friday everyone.

Enjoy

My Christmas Photo... Christmas Tree

I wanted to link up with Photalife tonight to pass on my sincere best wishes to everyone.
(Thanks Darren... I hope you have a wonderful time with your family)
Enjoy!

I'd like to just take this moment to thank you all for your friendship during this last year. 

Your visits have meant so much to me and I hope we'll continue to natter in 2017

Merry Christmas Everyone 

HO HO HO....

Christmas Pud Painting

There has been an incredible amount of sport on in our place this weekend, which is just the motivation and incentive that I need.

No not to get physical, fit or anything along those lines... now that would be too much to ask. 

It just means that I have no excuse but to play with my paints to my hearts content!

 Don't ask me why I chose to paint Christmas puds because firstly, I've just finished eating a huge Sunday roast dinner and secondly, I don't even eat Christmas puds! 

Do you ever have that happen... that you get and idea and just have to go with it when there's really no logic to it? 

I'm going to link up with Alexandra over at her Blue Chair Diary blog today.

Alexandra is creating illustrations for her very own Christmas Illo Advent and she has some fantastic cute illustrations.

It's not the best time of day to take photographs, but then it's dark by 4pm at the moment, so there's not many hours of daylight in which to capture an image. 

I've tried to be loose with this painting... something I find very hard to do. 

I hope you've had a great weekend and are ready for a fun packed week ahead.

Thanks for your visit and I hope to see you again soon.

Christmas Elves kicking back!

I've changed my post slightly today with the events that have happened over the last 24 hours.
People have seen the weather reports and news footage from the UK, and have sent messages and notes to check on whether we're okay here, from the four corners of the globe.
Canada, Australia, Middle East, South of the UK to way up high at the top of Scotland.
When something like this happens you realise just how technology keeps you in touch with family and friends.
I have to say I was deeply touched and appreciated each and every one of them.
I should state right here and now that we are fine after the storm 'Frank' visited yesterday... but I know we are extremely lucky and many people out there haven't been.
We live on a high hill and so were not effected by the River Dee flooding it's banks.
I've seen incredible footage of familiar places that are virtually unrecognizable now.
But as with disasters there are always wonderful stories of good will and incredible caring people pulling together from the local community.
So thank you to all of the emergency services, agencies, helpers, carers and anyone who has been a helpful elf in one form or another at this time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now onto my original post.... about more elves.

It's time for all of the helpful Christmas Elves to put up their feet and kick back.

All of the hard work has been done and it's time for reflection. 

Personally, I had a lovely Christmas with family and friends and I hope that you did too. 

We had lots of incredible food, lots of fun and enjoyed all of the festivities.

But it seems to be over far too quickly, but isn't that always the case. 

When you are really enjoying something... it is over before you know it.

I'm contemplating many things at the moment and feel the year to come will have lots of changes.

Hopefully all of them for the good. 

Have you decided on any new year resolutions yet?

I'm quite pleased that even with being so busy... I managed to do a quick sketch and painting.

After being 0.3kg overweight with my flight luggage, I felt I had to use my art supplies at least once.

As soon as I saw my sister's new addition to her Christmas decoration hoard, I knew I wanted to paint him. He is so cute... but I'm not sure that the sheep who normally sits on that shelf has the same opinion.

Just look at him peeping from behind.

Here he is... although a little rushed I was still pleased that I actually managed to do one painting!
I now see that I should have added more shade etc but hey ho... it was a busy Christmas holiday after all. 

I'm linking to Paint Party Friday as usual for inspiration, encouragement, friendly banter and sheer pleasure... why don't you join me.

And so onwards to the New Year...

I wish you all Good Luck, Health and Happiness for 2016.

I've loved sharing a little of my world with you this last year.

Let's hope 2016 is a good one for us all.

Enjoy xoxo

Happy Christmas Everyone....

I have escaped the dust and renovations and flown to Lapland.

Well not quite Lapland but it's certainly close.

I'm at my sister's for the holiday.

To say that my sister adores Christmas is an understatement. 

In fact, I think she may well be Mrs Claus!

Both she and her husband pull out all of the stops out to ensure that everyone has a special time with all the magic of Christmas.

Here's her tree.

I'd like to just take this moment to thank you all for your friendship over the last year. 

Your visits have meant so much to me and I hope we'll continue to natter in 2014.

Merry Christmas Everyone 

HO HO HO....

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

After so many years of wishing for a white Christmas it looks like I may finally get my wish this year.

I've tried the Aussie way celebrating on the beach with burgers and snags on the barbie during the heat of summer. I've also roasted the turkey during 40 degree temperatures looking like a roasted bird myself, but determined to have a traditional meal no matter what! 

But it's just not in my gene's...In my book Christmas has to come during winter with all the trimmings! 

If it can be accompanied by snow then that's all the more perfect.

It's all about having short days with limited daylight hence having to decorate the house with fairy lights, taking time to prepare for all the celebrations ahead. Cooking and baking up a storm to keep cosy and warm because everyone know you need to take in more calories in order to keep warm. ;D

And guess who arrived yesterday? Our Christmas Elf suddenly appeared!!! 

I hope he's not suffering too badly with jet lag...but he seems to be fine so far. 

At the moment he's sitting on the mantle but we have ambient lighting so it would be useless to try to take a photo at the moment...but I'll be sure to keep you posted on his antics.

The photo below was taken yesterday and we suddenly had the thought that maybe we should perhaps stock up on previsions in case the forecast of a good snowfall comes true.

By the way the barrel on the left of the photo isn't a LARGE keg of beer or heaven forbid whiskey. 

It is in fact the sauna. I can't see myself using it on this trip because basically I'm a wuss. 

I've never been brave enough to do that thing of heating my body to near melting point only to then run out into the snow and freeze my bahookey off! 

There's also a hot tub just out of the photo which unlike the sauna I haven't fully ruled out so far. 

This photo was taken this morning...yep more snow fell and I have to say I've never seen such beautiful snow. It is so dry, white and perfect. I didn't realise it could be like this. 

I remember during my childhood in the UK being so excited by a few little flurries but this is SNOW!

In one afternoon we have had about 15cm!

This shows our driveway and thankfully the cavalry arrive at various times of the day to ensure you are able to drive in and out. How thoughtful is that? :D

It's great to have good neighbours who can bring in the big guns when needed.

I'm aware that to feed the wildlife isn't really recommended here due to raccoons, little meeces and critters taking advantage of the situation. I remember last time we were here I bought a bird feeder and filled it with seed, placing it in full view of the lounge window. During the evening we became aware of a movement outside of the window...once we dismissed the thought of The Yeti or Abominable Snowman we were privy to a fantastic show of determination, aerobics and ingenuity as a raccoon worked out a plan to take the seed.
The next night he appeared again but this time he brought his date...out to impress her, he shimmied along the branch but alas the night before he'd obviously overindulged and 'CREAK'...timber! The branch broke and he landed on the ground bruising his dignity. 

Meanwhile she just headed into the broken feeder and chomped away.

But I just can't resist...I just wonder how anything can live out there and they need my help! 

I haven't seen a bird yet so my feeder might be lonely but my son said he saw an eagle flying over the frozen lake this morning. I know the humming birds won't visit for many months yet but I would like to see a cardinal in real life...so I'm crossing my fingers. 

Mmm....smell that? Dinner is nearly done so I'd better get busy.
I hope you are having a great day whatever you are up to. 

Remember today is a gift...what are you going to do with it? :D

Catch you later......

Christmas is coming....whoohoo!

I'm hoping you've been as busy as I have and haven't noticed my lack of posts lately. Or maybe you've been devastated. Nah I thought not...
Anyway, I'm almost there and beginning to have the frame of mind if I don't get there, well it’s not life threatening and we'll have a fantastic time anyway....do I sound convincing :- /

Nah...I didn't think so....

But really I am nearly there and hopefully I'll post some photographic evidence to prove it. The trouble is that I'm seeing wonderful wonderlands out there in blogdom. They keep giving me more ideas and jobs to do....plus I can't get to read all of them and I'd like to. I suppose if I gave up sleeping this week I might manage them all.
I'm not sure I'll be in some of these blogs league, but I love seeing all the difference traditions and ideas. I'm beginning to feel quite contented with my decor though.

It's at this stage where you have to be firm and say enough is enough. Besides I have to concentrate on the food now.

Look where the magic Elf landed today....I think that's a prime spot. I'm going to have a quiet word with him just in case he isn't aware that I've been a very good girl this year  ; D

Although my Christmas present is already loaded onto the sleigh and is heading this way....this is where I have to calm myself because I'm beginning to feel sick with anticipation....Yep my daughter is about to arrive. {Breath....breath.....} I imagine there are masses of relations passing between here and the UK over the next week and everyone is as excited as I am.....well maybe not!

 

I've even put in a special word for the weather to be cooler at the beginning of the week and slowly warming up just to let her get acclimatised. It can be a shock from Scotland to here, but thankfully it'll be perfect this week. Around mid 20 degree's celsius heading up to 30 degree's for Christmas Day. Perfect...But then we have to remember it is Melbourne and that could all change with the wind direction.

Maybe  I should have had a little word for a flurry of snow for Christmas Day...well you never know???!?! ;-)

Well I'm off to bath Muffin...she's going to be thrilled  ^..^

Its all written in the book...

So how was your weekend? Yeah mine too! Phewph.
By Sunday afternoon I was losing the plot....and needed to stop the madness for a few hours.
It would have been nice to chill on the beach as the temperature was quite high as well as the humidity but I never managed that.....

For one thing the Christmas tree lights that were working when I tested them, decided they didn't want to play once I'd spent about two hours placing them strategically on the branches. I may be slightly exaggerating? Anyway I had to go on a shopping trip that wasn't planned but still came home without any....don't ask?

We also had a Christmas evening with friends booked at a fabulous Italian restaurant on the Southbank called Scusami. All twelve of us raved about it. The Artisan Pasta starter was my OH's favourite and the Duck was fabulous, I can recommend it.

It was also Muffin's birthday too, but she didn't get an invite nor had a pooch party...poor thing. The thunderstorm was the main event for her so she wasn't happy. Or maybe she's reached that age where you'd rather not have a birthday or changing the numbers around works better!

She's still a cutie and ready to play at anytime so she's doing well.

I've had great success with my 'to-do' tick list today and finally my Christmas cards are winging their way to the four corners of the world... my purse is feeling extremely lighter. I think it's probably the only thing that does lose weight at this time of year!

I was thinking yesterday when organising my cards etc that I suppose in our modern technological age that we happen to be in ~ whether or not we want to be ~ we will see the art of keeping a stylish delightful festive book possibly disappearing. Mine notes down all family and friends details ie addresses, gifts given and how to plan and organise events...it helps to keep me sane. Or as sane as I can be!

We'll have entries in our mobile phones and computers....but I like my traditional practical record book! Am I being stubborn and showing my age maybe? Don't answer that on the grounds that it might incriminate me!

But this book is stored carefully away in my Christmas storage boxes with all the other decorations...safe and sound, only to appear to keep me on track with my festive organisations. I can't remember last week never mind if I sent a card to my Great Aunt and if I did what was her address? All these questions are answered so there's no anguish over the finer details.

I know it’s all written there...on beautiful gold pages with tips, tear out shopping list pages, a plastic wallet for receipts instead of tucking them away in some safe nook or cranny, that I can never find! I've also just found a letter to Santa from my son written years ago when he was just a little toot....priceless.

There are lots of beautiful sayings and Carols written in it too, some I'd never heard before. So I thought I'd share some of them with you....

I have a list of folks I know,

All written in a book,

and every year when Christmas comes,

I go and take a look.

And that is when I realise

That these names are more a part

Not only of the book they're in,

but of my very heart......          

~ Author unknown

Don't shake that package,

don't peek 'neath the wrapping for a better view.

And don't ask too many questions;

It might be for you.                 

~ Author unknown

The holly's up, the house is all bright,

the tree is ready, the candles alight,

rejoice and be glad, all children tonight!   

~ Peter Cornelius

I'm heading back to dress the tree now....hopefully to complete it this time.

Have fun and whatever happens...just keep taking long slow deep breaths and enjoy! ;D

        Merry Monday!

Creating Christmas Cards....

As much as I'm trying to stay calm and not get wound up by all the hyp, I have to admit I'm failing miserably. I'm beginning to get very excited and in a little tizz because I'm reading so many blogs that are way ahead in their Christmas preparations. There's decoration ideas, recipes, gift idea's...you name it, it's all out there.

But I'm trying to stop the hyperventilating because that's not going to help anyone. I know I'll get to everything I always do, but that doesn't stop me losing the plot at times. Once I get the decoration boxes out of the store room I'll feel much better. But I'm not sure I can wait until the weekend for this to happen, when the muscles are available...I had a sneak peek into some of the boxes yesterday and the Christmas smell hit me! Wow...if you’re not feeling Christmassy just smell a few mixed spices, Cinnamon and nutmeg etc it’s sure to help....otherwise have a little nip and put the Christmas music on. That always works for me. Whoops....little secrets ; )

Moving on swiftly, I mentioned yesterday that I've been creating my own cards so here they are.....

Obviously I had to feature 'Merry Muffin' and also because I love books I thought the 'Book Tree' was perfect for Book Clubs or anyone in fact that loves to read. What do you think?

If you're interested in either one or both designs of these cards just add a comment below and I'll get back to you how you can obtain copies.

And finally to add to the build-up, guess who arrived this morning.....the magic Elf
So let the fun begin...

For the wine lovers among you...the rack that he's perched upon is only the little handy accessable one in the kitchen....I'm saying nothing on the grounds that it might incriminate me.

 Notice the screw tops....yep no corks here! {shock...horror and sharp intake of breath if you're reading this in France}

Enjoy your day ; D

Find the Magic Christmas Elf

So how stressed are you with all the holiday preparations? I know me too, although I do feel that I'm finally making some progress. Whilst I'm trying to get organised, I thought I'd carry on with the Christmas Elf theme and show you some of the places that he's appeared so far.

Snuggled up with the Gingerbread Man
Getting cosy in the stocking

Sitting on Santa's knee...well not quite

Where did he go?

This hiding place took us quite some time to find....

Hanging precariously in the holly decoration

He's even visited the crib....

My mother knitted these figures quick a few years back now and I remember commenting when I saw the empty crib that she'd forgotten to knit the Baby Jesus. She opened a drawer near by with a wink to show me that she hadn't forgotten, he just hadn't arrived yet and wouldn't until Christmas morning. I've been carrying on the tradition ever since.

I'm away now to carry on with my preparations. This afternoon baking Mince Pies.

Hopefully some will last past the weekend!

Our Magic Christmas Elf

Well, once again we've been lucky to have our annual visit from our magic Christmas Elf.
Yet again, he's managed to find us, in fact over the years he's found us no matter where we are in the world. Even when we've been travelling - he's so clever he just knows where we are.
He normally appears on the 1st of December and there's always an excited buzz when he's discovered.

Christmas is coming....

My children over the years have loved him visiting because he doesn't just sit where he lands. Each night whilst we're all sleeping he moves to a new position. Normally somewhere where he can see everything and to make sure that we are all behaving. That way on Christmas Eve he can tell Santa if we've been good or bad! Once his job is done he then vanishes - puff!
When my son was a wee toot, first thing in the morning he would dash to find out where the Elf was hiding and on occasions we would see him standing very close to the Elf having a very private conversation.....so cute. I would have loved to have been privy to those conversations.
Thankfully, the Elf doesn't live with our Christmas decorations because upon setting up for this years celebrations, I found that we are missing quite a few items, garlands, wreaths, table candle displays etc. I think one large box appears to have been 'lost' in transit shall we say....

Just to make it perfectly clear, my son no longer talks to the Elf and certainly doesn't rush to get up in the morning to check his location - well I don't think so anyway?

A Book Christmas Tree

Well I now know that I have a problem.....yes I'm an addict - to my laptop! It became apparent to me when my son accidentally sat on it and all the lights went out. I cannot describe how traumatic it felt. The following morning I rushed to intensive care and they hit it full on with the paddles and whoosh it thankfully came back to life. Ahhhh....

So that's the reason for the delay in my postings and here we are in December already.

How can that be? Surely its only about April? Going by today's rain showers here in Melbourne it could well be. The calender tells me its December, so it must be true.

So with that in mind, I thought I'd send out my first Christmas card today.

This is for all the book lovers of the world.

A Christmas Book Tree

I have to confess I saw one similar in the Sunday Age Magazine and just had have a go.
Happy Reading

Christmas is coming....

As a family Christmas tradition, every year I always buy a new decoration to hang from our Christmas tree. Something appropriate or suitable for our current destination.

This year is no exception....especially as it will be our first Christmas celebration in Australia. Although I wasn't particularly hunting out Christmas decorations yesterday - in fact they were very far from my mind - the lure of the chiming bells, familiar tunes and twinkling lights drew me into the Christmas display area.

Well, who should be sitting there but Santa chilling before the Christmas rush

I couldn't resist him and thought how appropriate for this year's contribution to the tree. Isn't he cute?

I think he's perfect for the job.

Now then on to source the turkey....any ideas anyone?