A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS POST......................................................

Goodness....I have not posted in over a month. This one will have lots of pics so be prepared. (O:

I was not sure if I was ready to celebrate this year as Christmas day was the last day I saw my son alive....but I know Scott would want me to celebrate the day even though he is somewhere else....hopefully....having his own celebration!!!

These old clear bulbs turned into the ones in the shots above. Still loved the bulbs as they are plastic and unbreakable but wanted to make them a color so took paint and made that happen.

I have used the same decorations now for sometime....just remaking them into something new.

We did not put up a big tree this year as I was just not up to the task...but as you can see I spread little things here and there though the house.

The leather photo album in this picture is over 100 years old. It contains pictures of my aunt, my mom and my grandmother and grandfather. It is a real treasure given to me by my Aunt Ruthie on one of our last visits.

More hand colored Christmas bulbs. I actually do love how they turned out....I'll probably keep them out somewhere all year.

Old candle holders spruced up with new stuff. I think I enjoy remaking things as much as anything about the holiday...

The perfect place for my homemade wreath from last year.

Here was my setting for a Christmas dinner party we had with friends a few days ago. I swear...I have NOTHING that matches. LOL LOL At this stage I hesitate to go out and buy all new dinner ware for one evening.

O.K. I'm sure you are wondering what in the world this is. Well...I have a wonderful collection of Lunch at the Ritz earrings. I wore them all the time when I was younger. They have just be sitting up in my closet so I decided to put this to some good use this holiday season. They are so very festive.

Each one is named and comes on a little card inscribed with Lunch at the Ritz logo. I keep thinking every year I will put them up for sale on e-bay but as of yet have not done it.

Here are two of the Christmas earrings. The one with the Tree is called Merry Christmas and the one with all the toys is call Toy Box

Here is Polly Wanna which I think I am actually going to take with me on the next trip we are taking in January. It is to Mexico so these earrings should fit right in.

Each one of these pieces really are a work of art and I decided I wanted to display them in some way so Miss Minnette was the perfect solution.

I know some of my things are not in the traditional holiday decor but I have had all of them for many many years and they hold a truckload full of memories.

So I'm sure they will reappear each Christmas as long as I am able to set them out and appreciate them.

Here is wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Year's.

warm warm wishes from here

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY......I'M GOING TO HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!

I turn 67 today.....and actually I feel better as the years accumulate. Since I've gotten older I actually have decided that I will celebrate each day during the month of October...just being grateful for being healthy and alive. I hope each one of you who follow this little blog of mine celebrate each day along with me.... Here are some of the things I have planned for my birthday month: 1. Listing our current home the end of the first week in November. We are pretty excited to be moving into a little smaller spot as it means less work and maintenance. We just want to be able to live more and work less. Although we still have not found our new spot.....we know it is out there. 2. Taking a 15 day cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Budapest. We will visit 5 countries along the way. One of the stops will be in the place I was born....Nuremberg, Germany. My family left Germany right...

PUTTING ON MY GYPSY SHOES......................

Bo Bunny Paper Collection Well.......the coach is packed...the laundry done in the condo....and we will be on our way tomorrow. I often do feel like a gypsy moving from one spot to another....and each year my gratitude grows as I am able to continue this lifestyle. I truly would love to "do up" my coach in Gypsy Style...but alas....not too practical as things probably would be flying all over as we traveled down the road. (O: But.....a girl can dream.....can't she? ~~~ My suitcase is packed with memories To be opened further down the road When my caravan must be halted The bag waits to be opened Stories to be told and shared Like the gypsy's of so long ago But for now....the wheels keep turning And my case grows larger still Waiting for the day..I must be stopped And my heart, to the brim, will be filled Hugs from me to you, Jo Gypsy photos: Electric Gipsyland on Flickr

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS

This is a picture of our little tree this year. Each year our trees seem to be smaller, a function of our getting older and just wanting to deal with less stuff. I'm sure a few of you feel them same. Although it does seem to be a little weird that we want to deal with fewer Christmas decorations and give each other MORE STUFF in the way of presents under the tree. Ahhh...being human is such a quandary sometimes! MERRY CHRISTMAS Jo

mxtodis123December 22, 2015 at 4:07 PM
Wishing you and yours all the best on this holiday and throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas.
Mary
mxtodis123December 22, 2015 at 4:11 PM
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Starting Over, Accepting Changes - MaybeDecember 22, 2015 at 6:02 PM
Your decorations are lovely. Mismatched dinnerwear is all the rage and so attractive if done correctly. You certainly did that.

I wish you a beautiful Christmas and healthy New Year.
JeanieDecember 22, 2015 at 7:41 PM
You have had quite a journey this year, Jo. I wish you a beautiful Christmas and I hope that surrounding yourself with the beauty of the season helps make some of the changes this year a bit softer. Merriest of Christmasses to you.
Starting Over, Accepting Changes - MaybeDecember 23, 2015 at 3:56 AM
I was sure that I posted a comment, but apparently my iPad hiccuped. Your decorations are lovely and I wish for you to have a peaceful and beautiful Christmas.
Debra She Who SeeksDecember 23, 2015 at 7:29 AM
You are SO good at repurposing things in a beautiful way! May you have a festive holiday season and be comforted by happy memories of your son. Enjoy Mexico in January!
Babylon SistersDecember 23, 2015 at 7:51 AM
Your home looks magical! Happy Holidays! xoMary
FlowerLady LorraineDecember 23, 2015 at 8:38 AM
I'm sorry to hear that about your son.

Wishing you a love and peace filled Christmas and a great 2016.

Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady
BeachGypsyDecember 23, 2015 at 5:59 PM
It all looks lovely! Love your decorations! Ive never seen those earrings but they sure are neat!!
ChristelDecember 24, 2015 at 4:02 PM
Dear Jo, Merry Christmas, I know it is probable sad for you this year, and I understand that, I get sad at Christmas time as well. Just wanted you to know I look forward to seeing your beautiful photos,coupled with little tidbits of wisdom. I hope to see more of them in the upcoming year! Godspeed friend, Christel
AnonymousDecember 24, 2015 at 5:10 PM
you are such an inspiration, color color pow! I love it!
You do Christmas beautifully,, I'm sure your son is celebrating,, its so sad he is no longer here on earth with us,, it must be very hard but you have fantastic attitude and I must say it is infectious,, I love it, Happy holidays to you and your family, I have to say it again, I just love your style, wow, its powerful,, beautiful!
Serena LewisDecember 24, 2015 at 9:20 PM
Beautiful pics, Jo! You do mismatched dinnerware SO well...love it! I'm dropping by to wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season. xx
Serena LewisDecember 24, 2015 at 9:22 PM
P.S. - This is the first Christmas without my Dad so I understand the bittersweet feeling. xo
Jim and SandieDecember 25, 2015 at 10:51 AM
Christmas is so much about memories especially as we get older. I'm glad to see you sharing your earrings and the memories they bring. I hope your Christmas is a very special day for you.

My Grama's Soul

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