Wednesday, December 24, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas 1982 - Ta-daaaaa!! Me, my brothers and cousins usually provided the after-dinner entertainment for the family gathering, jacked up on some sugary dessert, no doubt. (that's me - crazy girl with the braids)

This was an especially memorable Christmas (1976) because my grandfather made me my own mini stove and refrigerator in a dazzling varnish-coated plywood, long before Pottery Barn Kids' more souped-up versions. The doll was named "Pumpkin".

This is me and my little brother, Josh, circa 1978. Dig the bedhead? I got my first pair of roller skates and he got a shiny new tricycle, so we were definitely happy campers.

I want to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a very special time for me and always has a way of stirring a lot of different emotions. It's a time to reflect on not only the year past, but the years past as well. To remember all that I've been blessed with, but also to remember the loved ones who are no longer with me and all of the special Christmases I spent with them. When I was little, there was the rush of expectation and euphoria associated with what presents I would receive. I could never eat or sleep very well because I was so excited. That's not quite the case any longer, but as I think about why I celebrate my Saviour's birth, deeper feelings leave more of a lasting impression on my heart than the fleeting excitement of what was under the tree for me. I am truly blessed and no matter what the future holds or what tough times I have faced in the past, I have a lasting hope and peace that transcends time and circumstances. I always think about that scene from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" where the Grinch is poised looking over "Who-ville", gleefully anticipating the devastation that will inevitably result in their community because he has done everything in his power to steal everything that he thinks holds value for them. Much to his surprise, his gloating is met with the sound of joyful, grateful, overcoming voices. Voices demonstrating the fact that celebrating Christmas has so much more to do with where your heart is, than what you may have or do to celebrate it. That kind of joy can't be stolen by anyone or anything.

I am so grateful for each of you (readers, clients and fellow bloggers) and wish you a very Merry Christmas. For my wonderful friends who don't celebrate Christmas, a very Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanza - you guys get to spread out the fun!

21 comments:

Villa Anna said...

Dear Anne, wishing you and your family a truly magical Christmas and a healthy, happy, safe and prosperous new year. I love my Atlanta Swan House painting more and more each day. I can't wait to see what amazing beauties you create next year.

Anna xox.

Oliveaux said...

Warmest Christmas wishes & blessings! Amanda xx

Joyce said...

The photos are adorable!
Sending you warm wishes for a golden Christmas!
I can't remember how I found your site, but I'm glad I did! xoxo

pve design said...

Thanks for sharing your Christmas's past. Now to the present, good tidings of joy to you Anne. May each day bring new excitement and peace.

Mary said...

I SO love seeing your real photos - there is so much posting of published work....I want to see the true people who's work I read everyday. Thank you for that Christmas gift
Have a wonderful Holiday

My Notting Hill said...

The stove your grandfather made is wonderful!! Cute pictures too. Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Michele

Leciawp said...

I love these sweet photos! Merry, merry Christmas to you Anne.

Karena said...

Anne, Happiest of Holidays and wishing you all the best in the New Year ahead!

Josh Harwell said...

Great post Annie... I love you and hope you have the best of Christmases! I love the picture of us with our goods.

72 and sunny said...

happy holidays anne

xoxo

Megan

rebecca said...

Merry Christmas, Anne!!

Christmas is my favorite time to reminisce, thanks for sharing some of your sweet pictures and memories!

Big hugs!
Becca

cotedetexas said...

You were sooo adorable!!

Merry Christmas Anne - thank you for the beautiful card!!!!

JOni

MIMILEE said...

Anne, what a wonderful post of your Christmas memories.....I loved it!!
What a darling little girl you were and what a lovely lady you have become!

Happy New Year!

Harwell Photography said...

Merry Christmas Sis!

Great photo of a turkey (me) with all the trimmings!

I know this will be your best year yet!

Kisses!

Melissa said...

Such precious photos. Thank you for sharing.

And Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Melissa

Melissa said...

Such precious photos. Thank you for sharing.

And Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Melissa

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

What a wonderful post with you and your siblings.Your grandfather done an outstanding job on your stove and frig.You were one lucky little girl.Do you still have them?I hope you and your family enjoy a very bright New Year.Hugs Marie Antionette

Julio Muao said...

A belated Merry Christmas Annachovie.
Thank you for the wonderful compliments. I love your childhood photos. It's inspired me to look for my own. No matter how beautiful or festive I try to make the holiday seasons as an adult, it can never be as thrilling and memorable as when I was a child. Wishing you and your loved ones the very best for 2009.

Ivy Lane said...

Anne, Best wishes to you and yours this Holiday Season. Your blog has given many an wonderful insight to your talent and your fabulous person.

Happy New Year!

Fifi Flowers said...

GREAT CHristmas memories! Hope you are ENJOYing the holiday season!
Fifi

Topsy Turvy said...

I love those plywood appliances - I see now where you get your talent! Happy New Year!

-Lana

 
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