When did Christmas become so fast paced?

Has it always been this fast paced?  Or was there ever a time that it was nice and slow paced enough to go caroling and bake cookies and all the other traditions that take time?  It’s been a stressful busy time for as long as I can remember.  When my children were very young we had no money for gifts and we made gifts.  Of course that made the time around the holiday busy but we still had time to do things like decorate and we loved it.  It was important to have the Christmas music on and we baked and ate cookies and candy and gave it away to neighbors and loved ones.  Things changed when the kids were in the homeschool basketball program.  Actually a lot changed then and mostly I wish we had avoided that program completely!  The people in charge of that program did not have my kids best interest at heart!  It took years for me to see that clearly.  The director was a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing!  But back to Christmas,  because of this I only tolerate Christmas today.  I want to make it special for my granddaughter and each year she becomes more aware will help me to get in the spirit of Christmas.  I will always be beyond grateful for God’s Son becoming a baby and made flesh for me.

Another card...

Another Christmas song...

More Cards

i made several more Christmas cards today.  For some reason I insist on no two alike.  With that in mind they are taking a lot longer than they should.  They are a gift and most will throw the card away.  I have to be ok with that.  Just a labor of love.

One of my favorite.

Here comes another Christmas song.

RIP, Nancy Wilson.

Christmas Cards

Who makes their own Christmas cards?  This year I decided to use my hobby and make my own Christmas cards.  Little did I know that it would be this detailed and take this long.  It has been a labor of love and I had no idea each one would need to be so involved.  Now, before you think they are good or even close let me say they are a hobby and I just enjoy the heck out of drawing.  That’s reason enough to be ok with what they look like.

I’ll just leave you with a Christmas song.

Christmas Music

If you aren't sick of Christmas music yet let me help with that.

It takes something like this to make the Christmas songs a little more palatable.  At least that's what it takes for me.  I certainly love jazz so this is a no brainer for me. 

 

Here is another in the Nutcracker installment.  This has been done so many ways.  I do love this version.  It's not a new thing but it has taken me a long time to find it.  Enjoy.

A Song

The world is a better place because my SIL is here.  And an even better place because he makes amazing music to share with the world.  He put out a new piece recently and I have loved listening to it over and over.  Here it is.

I hope you enjoy this half as much as I have.  Go ahead listen a couple of times, maybe more.  

I have been drawing more lately.  This piece I’m sharing here is not finished but enough.  I have been doing mandalas lately.  This is really more of a zendala.  

Nutcracker

'Tis the season for the Nutcracker.  Over the years I spent a lot of time at Nutcracker rehearsals and heard that music ad nauseam.  So, when I heard this version of the sugar plum fairy I was pretty much thrilled.  Not only does it move, it is played by one of the greatest.  So, here goes.  I hope it is enjoyable.

It's Been a Long Time Coming

I haven't blogged in a very long time.  I am probably the only one to even see this.  That is OK.  I just need to revive my blog so it doesn't go down as one of those things I quit.  I may take long breaks, but I'll be back.

Of course I will almost always have a tune I want to share and that is true today.  One of my favorite Jazz musicians is Wynton Marsalis.  Here he presents his version of Carol of the Bells.  LOVE!

In other news, I am drawing.  I am actively enjoying the Zentangle 12 days of Christmas challenge.  That is always fun.  I continue to do the Florals Your Way from instagram challenge each month. I don't post my work but if you ask me I might show.  Some days they look horrible, and other days I can say they are acceptable.  I'm still learning.                                                                                          

Merry Christmas!  Celebrate the Baby in the manger, because that is my reason for this season!