Passions of an Odd Chick

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A Sweet Christmas



hand-carved Santa's by Wylie Worthington

Ahhh... the sweetness of Christmas. This one, for me, is only slightly bitter-sweet. This time last year my Dad was strong and healthy, playing golf three times a week, carving Santas for his kids. In February, he had a massive stroke, which he survived, but it has left him almost completely left-side paralyzed. Short of a miracle, there will be no more carved Santas by my sweet Dad. But I'm lucky that I have a nice collection.
And they remind me of how special he is and how important our time is together.



This is sweet, I think. I decorated my chairs with a little white tulle and burlap rope.

Speaking of sweet- look at my lovely, little Labradoodle- Gurdy. Hasn't she grown? She's a gem of a pet and is learning tricks almost daily. LOVE HER!!
She has made Christmas decorating a little challenging this year, however.

My Christmas tree forest will have to be on the sofa table this year. Gurdy might not recognize that my decorations are NOT her toys- and man, does she love her toys!




 
I'm pleased with my dining room chandeleir and it's cascading snowflakes!
This is a cross-stich hand-crafted by my Mom. Tiny little stitches. We moved her to an assisted living place in October of this year. Our family home was dismantled as my Dad is in a full-care facility. They can't be together because there is no facility in their area that has both full-care and assisted care. Precious items were spread among myself, my brothers and all our children. Maybe that's why my decorating reflects a softer side of myself- a little vintage sweetness of family heirlooms, and pretty things to remind me of what is dear. 
 

 
I love this little pillow. I made it myself to sell, but couldn't part with it.
I love little vignettes of collected items set together to tell a story.
I put this together with lighted LED branches in the hopes it would be an arrangements that I can keep through January above my entertainment center.
 
I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season. It really is about the goodness of love and family, of giving and sharing. May sweetness spread like raspberry jam on warm toast in your heart this season.
 
 


 

6 comments:

kraftingkarol said...

I didn't know your Daddy carved Santas. How precious that you have that collection to look at every day and remember. My Mom had a stroke two years ago, and she hasn't been the same since. It is hard, and I am so sorry!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

What a heart warming post! Loved all those wonderful Santas your Dad made with love, so talented. Your home looks so inviting, filled me with warmth just seeing the photos. Beautiful.

Jennifer Richardson said...

this sparkling post made me feel
all toasty inside:)
and i love the natural organic
beauty of the way you dress
you home for Christmas.
Thanks for sharing the story
about your dad....it helps me
linger longer over the time I
have with my loved ones
and appreciate, appreciate,
appreciate.
May these days be merry and bright,
Jennifer

Unknown said...

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family, Peggy!

Steve Emery said...

I love the way you decorate! And the way everything has a story, surrounding you with meaning.

I want to know more about that quote on the wall above the dragonfly. Is that, "I dream of painting, and I paint what I dream." ? Whose quote is that?

It is so sad to have parents apart, struggling with their aging bodies. You are all in my prayers. Your father's and mother's artwork sets yours in a new context for me. I love the Santas, particularly the balding one!

S

Tracy said...

Hoping your holiday was magical, Peggy! Your Daddy's santas certainly are! I'm behind visiting. The tail end of 2012 was so full. And I wasn't feeling too good around New Year. But back on track now. Wishing you & yours all the best of LOVE, PEACE, JOY & CREATIVITY in 2013! :o) ((HUGS))