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DREAMS...

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On this Eve of the New Year, rather than making a list of resolutions that are so easily made and easier to break, I decided to make a 'I want...' list. Like all the little stars that link together and ultimately create the Milky-Way, my heart felt 'intentions' are my dreams and desires, woven together like a tapestry to create what I hope will be a happy and full-filling life.

What I want...
I want to never take life for granted and tell my husband and daughter that I love them unconditionally every day.
I want to be grateful each and every day.
I want to appreciate my family and relatives and love them for who they are.
I want to be a more conscious consumer, buying local, hand-made, or vintage/antique and only things that I really need and love.
I want to embody 'FairyTale' style.
I want more Romance - every day.
I want to see genuine 'knock my socks off' beauty each and every day.
I want to remember better, and not feel guilty for letting things slip by.
I want not to feel guilty.
I want to have more candlelight, actually every night, in more places in my house.
I want to listen to glorious music, and hear more bird songs.
I want to slow down, breathe deep with my lungs and pay attention to the seasons changing.
I want to appreciate more details and savor more small moments in life.
I want to be productive, and create beautiful art every day.
I want to read wonderful books that inspire and delight, and pass them on when I've finished them.
I want to lose 15 pounds, while eating good healthy food.
I want to exercise and walk the dog more.
I want to inspire my students to create beautiful art and live a life of abundant joy.
I want to teach all over the world.
I want to grow with the 'Castle' and be a better teacher.
I want to be a really good friend.
I want to have lots of artist friends close by that I can laugh, play, eat, dance and create with.
I want my home to be a refuge of beauty and grace, a place to gather, create and dream.
I want to travel, re-live my gypsy childhood and be with those who are so far away but inspire me daily.
I want to play my harp, really well, and not let it sit in the corner any more.
I want a kitchen that welcomes, and acts as the 'heart of the house', where good food is made and laughter shared.
I want financial abundance.
I want a studio space that is inviting and easy to use, with outside plumbing and computer connections.
I want a house with beautiful curb appeal, and enough wall space to hang and display all my art and collections.
I want to be healthy and grow older gently with grace.
I want my garden to be beautiful and a haven for natures little creatures.
I want to be around small children more often.
I want to sleep well and wake up refreshed.
I want to be HAPPY.

(Santos photographed last year at 'Tail Of The Yak' in Berkeley)


BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU FOR THE NEW YEAR!

GLAEDELIG JUL and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Our very traditional Danish/Swedish tree, with straw ornaments, lights and flags!

Solstice Carols and Labyrinth Walk

One of our favorite holiday traditions is singing carols. This year we decided to do a 'Solstice Neighborhood Caroling Walk', beginning at our house, and gathering a few more friends as we strolled along...

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Making the evening extra special, and starting another wonderful tradition, we headed over to Lea's garden and walked her candle-lit 'Santa Rosa' Labyrinth! She gave us each a beautiful white stone to carry close to our hearts - to mark our intention for next years wishes... Children have a way of making wishes come true with unmasked enthusiasm and joy, but ultimately everyone walked the path and came back smiling!

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Our evening ended where we began, at our house, were we drank hot cider and Glogg, and ate an amazing array of delectable desserts! (Super Elf Lea snapping up the evening and enjoying the fun!!!)
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Gingerbread Elves!

My friend Lucille does the best kids party's of anyone I know! A few days ago, she invited all the neighborhood elves, (girls) over for a gingerbread house decorating party! Moms were invited too, but truly it was the elves who did all the work! Just look at all the sweet goodies Lucille gathered! The elves spent a couple of hours in complete concentration, with a few giggles and nibbles in between! No building was the same, from A-frames, to enchanted cottages, all dripping in sugar-ice and topped with love!!!

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Solstice Wishes...

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Another Wagon made for the Castle Christmas Party Ornament Exchange...

The Ceramics of Jean-Baptiste Astier de Villatte

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Having recently seen an article about (and falling in love with) the home of French ceramist Jean-Baptiste Astier de Villatte, I was delighted to find his work for sale on line! Architect and decorator, Jean-Baptiste studied in the School for Interior Design in Lyon. He has a gallery with a permanent exhibition in Chinon (France), where he shows and sells his creations. I especially love his figural work; busts, dolls, and other wonderful treasures that have a lovely sensibility and simplicity and charm about them, that captured my heart immediately!!!

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Swedish Whimsy

Unusual and whimsical jewelry by Serena Holm from Sweden.

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A Personal Tradition

I love this personal take on 'Christmas Traditions found on the beautiful blog Housemartin. She says: "...in an article about Allegra Hicks home... here is a work of art her husband Ashley Hicks made for her. A miniature watercolor is made into a medallion each year and hung on a tree-of-life that he also made. So unique and special." I totally Agree!!!Allegrahicks

Vintage Christmas Paper Theatres...

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I wish I could remember where I found these images... Aren't they wonderful?

Ethereal Gardens made of Wire!

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In the sure hands of Sophie Touret, wire, string, bits and pieces of fabric, treasured ephemera and other sewing related items - become magical little creatures, ethereal angels, and fairytale gardens! ENJOY!!!

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