Tidings of Great Joy

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:11

(Pear Tree Primitives © 2008)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14


I was asked to paint a scene of the shepherds, lambs, and baby Jesus with the star for the children's Christmas Eve service next week at our church. (Although, the wise men followed the star and the shepherds heard the good news from the angel, I suppose it doesn't matter, they all arrived eventually!)
Last year, the adult choir sang for the Christmas Eve service, and my husband (the choir director), asked me to paint a portrait of Mary and Baby Jesus. So, this year I was honored that the Children's director asked me to paint a scene for their program. It is very simple and "child-like", fitting for the theme and the presenters of the program.

From my family to yours...
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas~
Suzanne

Solemnness of Snow

White woven blanket
a softness covers the ground
not making a sound

Snow fell on our little city this weekend. I do love watching it gently fall and how is makes everything look so fresh and pretty. Unfortunately, it doesn't stay this way. But until it turns to slush and ice, I'll enjoy the newness of it's beauty.

As I watched it fall all day (in between doing laundry, the dishes, straightening the house, etc.), adjectives for snow kept running through my mind...weird, I know!
Guess I was also thinking of school and the fact that we have one week left until Christmas break! Woo-hoo!
So, I jotted down a few of those words and put them into phrases and then composed a haiku or two! :)

Falling, twirling down
glistening diamonds adorn
branches of the trees

Now, I am not a poetess by any means, but it was a fun brain exercise for me. If you'd like to give it a try...I'd love to read them in the comments section. (But, please don't feel like you have to write one just to leave a comment.....you may not feel like being as "weird" as me!)

Here is a little info and some guidelines on the haiku if you "choose to haiku"~ ( I should probably have some more coffee before I try to write a joke!)

The haiku is a poem or verse that originated in Japan. It is written in three lines. The haiku does not rhyme. Instead, the haiku sets a mood or portrays a feeling or scenery.

The entire haiku is composed in 17 syllables. The first line contains five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, and the third and final line has five syllables. 5-7-5.

First, choose a topic or theme (mine was snow), then think of words that describe your theme:

1st line: 5 syllables

2nd line: 7 syllables

3rd line: 5 syllables

Calm, quiet, soft, bright
Illuminates the dreary
keeps travelers home




~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Crisp crunchy footsteps
Laughing child spreads angel wings
cold, wet, powder....SNOW!

An Age Old Confession

"It's not how old you are, but how you are old."

Author: Unknown

It happened, I bought my first pair of reading glasses. I'll admit, I wasn't happy about it. But, I've been fighting the inevitable for a few weeks now. Well, ever since I worked on that stitchery for Annabelle. For that, I had to borrow my husband's reading glasses and they kept sliding down off my nose the whole time. And while I was wearing them, I kept telling myself that anyone would need a magnifying glass for this tiny stitchery....it was one strand of floss over 2 squares of linen. But, I knew subconsciously that it wasn't true, I needed a pair of my own.
So this past week, I went to the drugstore and looked over the selection of bifocal reading glasses. (I wanted to be able to look up and glare at anyone who would dare to make a comment!) And I found these:




I decided to splurge a little and get the $14 pair rather than the $5 pair, since this is my first. I may regret that decision when I start losing them, as I've been told can happen.

"Youth is the Gift of Nature, but Age is a Work of Art."
Author: Garrison Kanin

And to be honest, I can read, paint and see the computer screen a little clearer.....even though they are the lowest strength!

I guess I should be mature and take William's sage advice:

"The mind that is wise mourns less for what age takes away; than what it leaves behind."

Author: William Wordsworth

Did someone say mature? :)

~Simple Greening~

Small vignettes tucked here and there throughout the house, this is our simple decorating style for Christmas here at our small "colonial cottage". I try to rotate the Christmas decorations each year since we've lived here and try not put too much out each time....I don't always succeed, 'cause I love to unwrap all of my Christmas decorations! My family hears lots of ooooing and aaahhhhing from me as I unpack a box. I can't help it- its like, well, it's like Christmas!

The "family tree" with the boys ornaments from years past, hasn't been decorated yet...the week just got away from us. Hopefully, we can start that this weekend, and I can "ooooo" and "ahhhhh" some more!

Have a safe one~
*Click to enlarge the photos, but if you find any dust bunnies, please ignore!*

Tryptophan and TDIPT Update~

....well, don't fall asleep while you visit TDIPT's new offerings for Dec. 1st!


How was your Thanksgiving? Hope you all stayed safe and were able to enjoy a meal with your family and friends. We stayed home and enjoyed the traditional Thanksgiving meal....and the subsequent leftovers! But after 2 or 3 days of turkey, I'm about ready to try another meat!
Guess we'll freeze some for another week, or maybe month? :)


~*~*~*~
TDIPT is updated and ready for viewing, and the site has gone bloggin'. The online market group now sells from a formatted site on blogspot. It really is nice and easy to maneuver....you should go and check it out!

To Dwell in Primitive Thymes

(just click on the link above and then click on one of the artist's names on the 1st of the month.... you will be taken to their page, and after you've viewed it, just scroll to the bottom and click "next").

And while you are there, please visit with Annabelle. (Who is in the photo above, just click on her and it "should" take you to my TDIPT page...if I've done the photo linky thingy correctly).
She is my latest offering on TDIPT. I haven't made a fabric round-headed doll in, well, quite awhile...but a snowgirl just called for one. She also comes with several trinkets on her snowperson.
I also did some stitching...and I haven't done cross-stitch in, well.....forever! But, it was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed doing something a little different this month, (and I guess my child with ADHD gets it honestly!) shhh, don't tell him I said that!

This weekend, I also took down, (well, had my husband take down) some Christmas decorations.
I have the main "family" tree yet to finish....you know the one with all the ornaments made with popsicle sticks and pom-poms? After the boys help with decorating that one, I'll take some photos of our home and post them later this week.

Have a happy Monday.

Thanksgiving Wishes~

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

TEA will be served.....

this morning around "10-ish", Eastern. So, please join us then to view our new offerings:

TEA Webshow

~**~**~**~**~

This weekend I got a little addicted to something, and I know I should probably stop before, well,............before everyone in my family has to be "gifted" with one this Christmas! But, they are so fun to make. I couldn't stop!

Here is what I'm talking about....

~Scrabble© Tile Charms~


(do you know how difficult it is to take a picture of your own neck?)

I have 2 (with gift boxes) over on TEA today. And I'm putting some of these charms in my Etsy shop too, with more on the way. :-)
stay tuned for next weeks addiction...I've purchased supplies for glass tiles and they should be here soon.

*This Scrabble© board game was purchased "as is" with pieces missing at a junque store. No complete Scrabble© board game was harmed in the making of these charms.

Please Have Some TEA~

....it will warm you up!

Please join us for TEA this Monday, November 24th for our online webshow update.

The artists of The Eclectic Artisans are offering Winter and Christmas goodies to help you with your Christmas list or to “deck your halls”.

I will have 2 offerings for the webshow. Well, actually 3, if you don’t count the 2nd item as a set. Hmmmmm???

You’ll just have to come and see what my ramblings are all about! Please mark you calendars for Monday Morning, November 24th~

TEA Webshow

A Couple of Plugs

Plug One:

Today's Primitive Home

Lana and I are featured on Today's Primitive Home. (November 15th article, if you visit later than the 15th, just scroll down the page to find us and read the article. The website updates with new artists each day.)

If you haven't visited this great site, please check it out. The website focuses on American Folk Art and artists, and they do it with humor and wit. It's a fun read, plus lots of fabulous folk art!)



Plug Two:


Susan of Prim and Proper Folks is having a great giveaway! (I really love snowmen, and couldn't pass up a chance to win one of her sweet softies). If you'd like to enter for a chance to win as well, just click on the giveaway pic on my sidebar...you have until Dec. 1st

New Offerings

It's time again for the artists of The Primitive Gathering to update their pages with new offerings!
I've pulled out the soldering supplies and made a few Christmas charms to hang on a tree, or wear on a jacket or with your favorite holiday sweater! Each charm is boxed in a prettily wrapped paper mache box. On the lid of each box, I've painted a single word with embellishments that complement the paper. Each box and charm is sold as a set and would make a great gift for a Secret Santa, a teacher, or for yourself! (square box and charm are sold, thanks!)


I've also painted some Holiday Tiles for seasonal decorating. A feather tree with ornaments, an angel with a gold horn and the word "Rejoice" painted at the bottom, and a snowgent with a top hat. Each is signed, sealed and a hanger is attached on the back. (snowman and tree tiles are sold, thank you!)



Please visit my updated webpage, as well as all the other artist who update on the 15th, later this evening.

Me on The Primitive Gathering

(Just refresh your page a few times if you still see "Holly")

A Circle of Leaves

Autumn Leaves

Leaves are floating softly down;
Some are red and some are brown.
The wind goes swish through the air;
And when you look back, there are no leaves there. (Author Unknown)



You'll have to indulge me a little....I love fall! (Yes, even the raking and bagging part).
We lived in AZ for nine years before we made our way back to the NW, and during those 9 years, we really missed having seasons! My sweet sis-in-law would send our boys a box of leaves every fall. We would open it in the backyard and the boys would take turns jumping on them, lol! The boys aren't as excited about the leaves now that they are older and are asked to help with the raking, however!

We were waiting for a break in our rainy weather to do our raking. This Saturday the drizzle stopped long enough for us to make our leaf mounds, (....and circles ☺)!



The Leaves

The leaves had a wonderful frolic.
They danced to the wind's loud song.
They whirled, and they floated, and scampered.
They circled and flew along.

The moon saw the little leaves dancing.
Each looked like a small brown bird.
The man in the moon smiled and listened.
And this is the song he heard.

The North Wind is calling, is calling,
And we must whirl round and round,
And then, when our dancing is ended,
We'll make a warm quilt for the ground. (Anonymous)



My husband took the photo of the rain droplets on the pear tree limbs. The pear tree leaves are falling, but not as quickly as the maple and elm in the backyard!

TIDIPT's White Christmas and Tonight's the Night!

Tonight is the night for the debut of the new selling site:

Poppets, Portraits and Playthings of the Past

Thank you all for the well wishes for our new endeavor! We are so excited to work together and offer our creations and interpretations of the past, and more specifically, share our love for Early American art. So, if you are not on one of our email lists, and would like to be informed of the updates, please contact either Lana, or me:

Lana~ lanamanis@gmail.com

Suzanne- peartreeprimitives@yahoo.com

We are planning updates every 3 months or so, and are already excited about planning for the next one! Please join us at 8 PM Eastern tonight!

~*~*~*~*~



This month, To Dwell in Primitive Thymes Mercantile is having a theme: "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas". The artists are offering items in cream and white hues. Please click the link to view all of the wonderful offerings! And be sure to follow the link to the TDIPT blog to sign up for the mailing list and a chance to win prizes and a gift certificate!

TDIPT Mercantile

TDIPT Blog

Here are my offerings for the update:

~ Snow Globe

~Chilly Chums

The Green Goo....and Other Horror Stories

I tried to lift my head, but the room kept spinning. My head was so heavy, it felt as if it would pop off!...and that would have been a relief from all the green stuff it was oozing.

Ok, I'll spare you any more details of the horror movie, but the truth was we've had the flu for the last week or so. Everyone in the family coming down with it one after the other.....dropping like flies. My poor husband had to take care of everyone and now he is starting to feel ill. It came on too quickly to get a flu shot, let's hope there isn't more than one strain of flu going around and now we are done!



Just before I went down ☺, I was given an award. Bebe of Peaches~And~Dreams gave me an art blog award,.....thank you Bebe!, it was very sweet of you to think of me. And if you enjoy art, or enjoy creating it, consider the award passed along to you.

.....and speaking of art. This coming weekend is very exciting! Lana and I have a new selling blog that will make its debut. If you are on my emailing list, I'll be sending a newsletter out on Friday with some "teaser" photos attached. In the meantime, I have one more portrait to finish!

Poppets,Portraits and Playthings of the Past

Now that my head isn't spinning more than it normally does, I'll be able to see my computer screen and visit everyone's blogs...I have a LOT of catching up to do!

Time for an Update

Tomorrow is the 15th, can you believe it? And later tonight there will be an update of new offerings on The Primitive Gathering. Since I've been busy painting so many silhouettes ....I'm kind of on a roll. I painted two silhouettes for the website update this month.

Holly~




Winter Collage~




Please follow this link to my webpage:

Me on The Primitive Gathering

(just refresh the page later this evening, if you still see pumpkin portraits)
and when you are there, please be sure to visit all of the wonderful offering from the many talented artists.

Poor Little Pumpkins, and some Bangle Wear

A Weather Update:

.....and yet an evening weather update:

I take it back, (see update below)....it IS sticking!


Since I posted about our overnight freeze, guess what? We are having snow this afternoon!
It isn't sticking, because we did warm up to around 60 today. The flakes are big and fluffy, but there are quite a few. Here are some photos from our front steps...that's as far as I wanted to go!




The temperature dropped drastically this week. We were having nice 70-something weather and then crash!....and unexpected overnight freeze! And the poor little pumpkins didn't like it one bit.
I'm not sure what we could have done to protect them. Everyone would have had to give up their bed sheets, and I'm still not sure I would have had enough to cover them. Plus, it was "unexpected" by the local weathermen. So, there wasn't much of a warning.


On a very small scale, we feel like farmers who have lost their crop!



Since we have never grown pumpkins before, I don't know if the semi-orangey pumpkins will continue to turn, or if we will lose the patch. If you have any suggestions, please let us know!
In the meantime, I'll try to do a little internet research.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The latest fashion in Bangle-wear:



On a happier note, I've had my first ever wholesale order! Now, for those of you who offer wholesale, this may not sound very exciting....I'm still putting together the order and it is a lot of work! But, I'm VERY honored that they contacted me and thought my silhouettes would be complementary to their museum shop.

I guess I should try and paint a silhouette of Andrew Jackson?



Have a great weekend!

An Award and a Pumpkin Update~

After the week I had, I don't really deserve an award, but sweet Jacquelynne gave me one anyway!

Thanks so much for thinking of me! Now I need to pass it along to blogs I think are "kreativ":

1. Artful Creations

2. Village Folk Art

3. Donna's Art

4. Tadpoles and Teacups

There are so many talented people in blogland, those who enjoy all types of art; sculpture, writings, paintings, sewing, music, mixed media. Each uses their talents and preferred medium.
What I find "kreativ", ok, the English minor in me really has to spell it correctly.
What I find "creative" about each of these ladies is that they can pick up a paint brush, dip it in paint, apply it to a surface and each will create something beautiful, yet completely different from one another, but unique to them. With every art form, we each have our own distinct style, yet may use the same mediums. For me, that is what makes "kreating" so fun......oh! "creating"!

~*~*~*~*~*~

An update on the pumpkin patch progress~


We had lots of rain this weekend, and I snapped a few photos in between rain clouds. Some of the larger pumpkins are turning orange ever so slightly.

Tagging the Blues

I've felt a little more "off" than usual this week, (my poor family!), and as you read through the tag you'll understand why. But to bring myself back out of the "blues", I just have to read Cathy's blog. Her humor makes me smile and because I was running a little slower this week, she caught and tagged me.

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers...yeah, right! Sorry, I'm not very quiet even when I want to be (see #22), and I really blew it on # 8!

1. Where is your cell phone? Don’t own one

2. Where is your significant other? Work

3. Your hair color? Ummmmm, mousey brown (with “some” gray) unless I have it highlighted (Ok, I can’t answer in just one word!)

4. Your mother? “A-broad” (hahaha, I’m cracking myself up, but seriously, she and my dad are in Lima, Peru until March)

5. Your father? With “abroad”

6. Your favorite thing? Painting….oh, wait, Family ☺…can I have 2?

7. Your dream last night? Don’t remember dreaming

8. Your dream/goal? Living it, “….when I heard that there were artists, I wished I could some time be one. If I could only make a rose bloom on paper, I thought I should be happy!.....it seemed to me that I should be willing to spend years in trying.”
Lucy Larcom, A New England Girlhood, 1889

9. The room you're in? Family room

10. Your hobby? Painting

11. Your fear? I’ve become more “fearless” as I’ve gotten older

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? With my family

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. What you're not? Good at Math

15. One of your wish-list items? A “studio”/ shed….I’m not picky, I’ll create anywhere

16. Where you grew up? Everywhere, USA ….my dad worked for the federal government and we moved around a lot.

17. The last thing you did? Painted

18. What are you wearing? Sweats

19. Your TV? Off right now, but just finished watching “Life with Father”, and oldie I checked out from the library.

20. Your pet? Roscoe, an almost 10 yr. old min schnauzer slumbering at my feet.

21. Your computer? Old….see keyboard pic. This was my husband’s laptop for his doctoral studies, but I’ve used it so much the letters have rubbed off.

22. Your mood? Quiet, solemn….probably due to PMS! (can’t believe I just typed that!)

23. Missing someone? Nope, don’t mind being alone right now (see 22)

24. Your car? Old and completely paid off.

25. Something you're not wearing? Shoes

26. Favorite store? Thrift

27. Your summer? Not long enough

28. Love someone? Husband/Children

29. Your favorite color? White (a blank canvas)

30. When is the last time you laughed? Today (see 22)

31. Last time you cried? Today (see 22)

Now I'm tagging 3 people ('cause Cathy did) and if they want to play along, it would really help with my "blues"! ....no pressure though. Patti, Jacquelynne, Lana