Is everyone stuffed and blissed-out on holiday goodness?! We are! A big thank you to all of you who left such wonderful holiday greetings! We had a lovely celebration for Christmas on the Eve with Dear Husband's parents. Yesterday and today we have done absolutely nothing...And this sure has been wonderful! The best gift is time with those you love, and even time to just relax. After some very busy days lately, it's a slice of heaven to not rush, not be in the kitchen cooking up a storm (much as I do love to cook), or the usual household chores, or even slaving away over the sewing machine (must as I love that usually too.)
As often happens in the moment of merriment, we did not get to taking as many photos the last couple of days as we would have liked. But I thought I would share a couple that were taken. Here is the dining room, table set for a feast for four (photo above). I love the big bunch of white tulips. Also a quick shot of a display of some of the holiday greeting cards we received. In our hallway I have a Christmas wall hanging quilt on show, but had to think a of a way to corral all the cards, so I used some curly ribbon and strung the cards up, hanging them with the Christmas quilt. It makes a cheery sight on entering our house.
Something I couldn't wait to share, now that I finally can, is the patchwork scarf I made for my Momma for Christmas. I ordered Kathy's Rubblework Scarf pattern. It was easy to order and download the pattern and instructions. This was a fantastic project! Anyone wanting to try making one of the patchwork scarves that are so popular just now ought to try this pattern--great for those beginning patchwork and the more advanced. I used taffeta, velvet and cotton-blend fabrics to make this scarf--the effect is beautiful with the addition of more luxurious fabrics. My Momma loved it! I might have to make another!
I'm a bit slow to making the rounds visiting everyone...I've not been online too much in the last couple of days or so. But I hope to be seeing you all before the end of the week! I have been tinkering here with a new banner, which feels right as we soon turn the page to a New Year. And I have been knitting, as well as some sewing--a commissioned item is taking shape and I hope to share this and much more in the days ahead.
May the festivity continue...And may all your days be Merry and Bright! I leave you with a very sweet view of Charlie from Christmas Eve night...we were all very happy, but very tired after a day of feasting, new toys and fun! See you soon! :o)
Charlie looks so contented! Glad to read that you had a lovely Christmas day! (I like the way you hang up your X'mas cards!!) Wishing you more relaxing days ahead!
Posted by: Maureen | December 26, 2007 at 08:19 PM
What lovely photos! It makes all the hard work worthwhile when Christmas parties and feasts are so special.
I love the new header - very fresh and 2008!
Posted by: Alice C | December 26, 2007 at 09:14 PM
So glad to hear you had such a fun as well as relaxing Christmas time!!! I love your scarf and I am sure it was very well recieved! Time to prepare for New Year now!! Keep enjoying your days and a very Happy New Year to you and all those that you hold dear!
Posted by: Melly | December 26, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Hi TRacy.
What a cute way to hang your Christmas cards. Thanks alot for the one you sent me. I am sorry I couldn't keep up with cards this year, suddenly our house filled with so many people.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | December 26, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Hi Tracy - that is a lovely scarf - you are so clever. Charlie looks like one happy cat - I hope you and your husband were just as contented. Take care :-) x
Posted by: Kitty | December 26, 2007 at 11:36 PM
Your house looks so cheerful and your kitty is too sweet! So glad to hear you had a good holiday. :)
Posted by: Samantha | December 27, 2007 at 12:05 AM
Thanks for sharing a bit of your merriment with us. Your photos and message are delightful!
A very lovely scarf created with extra-special touches for Mom;
the patchwork theme is so appropriate.
All of the pinkpurl items gifted to my loved ones were graciously received and appreciated.
Enjoy the remaining holiday festivities---love and peace in the New Year!
Posted by: Barbara | December 27, 2007 at 03:20 AM
Lovely photos Tracy. You have such a lovely and peaceable home. Oh thanks, thanks, THANKS for the Charlie love at the end! I could just reach out and stroke his fat little tummy! I would so much love to cuddle him, but I expect he might find me a pest!!! What an absolutely lovely scarf you made for your mum!!! I am sure she quite adored it. what a special gift, made even more so by the hands of her much loved daughter I am sure! Was so lovely to get to chat with you yesterday finally after how many weeks of trying and missing!!! Wonderful, hope we get to do it again soooooooon!!!!! XXOO Love ya!
Posted by: Marie | December 27, 2007 at 09:39 AM
It sure sounds like you had some quality Christmas Days! I love the tablesetting, pure and atmospheric! Your scarf turned out so beautiful and isn’t it nice that you mama will be warmed by something that was made by your own hands with love for her! Charlie looks like the innocence himself! Soooo cute!! Happy days my friend!
Posted by: nicolette | December 27, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Thank You for your kind wishes!
I hope You had great time with your family and feeling this right Christmas feeling in your heart!
best regards from Germany
eva
Posted by: eva | December 27, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Dear Tracy,
may your days "between the years" continue to be filled with joy and peace and some time for yourself too,
hugs from Vienna,
Merisi
Posted by: Merisi's | December 27, 2007 at 03:30 PM
Beautiful Christmas!! Your table is just lovely Tracy! I love the tulips too, so soft and elegant...so lovely! What a beautiful scarf for your Mother, I am so glad she loves it! Like you, I think I will use the next few days to relax and enjoy some quiet...after the past days celebration. I think that is just what the doctor ordered LOL! Talk to you soon.
Big Hugs
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | December 27, 2007 at 05:19 PM
Ahh... I was enjoying this post so much and then I scrolled down for the last bit and it got even better! There's Charlie looking so handsome and snug! I can just imagine your Christmas felt and smelled and sounded as beautiful as it looked. Sending you New Year (((hugs))) and thank you for sharing your lovely view with us.
Posted by: Natalie | December 27, 2007 at 05:32 PM
Hi Tracy,
Your home looks so festive and your table looks lovely. You made your Mom such a beautiful gift.
Enjoy these quiet days ~
Hugs
Marie x
Posted by: marie | December 27, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Your kitty looks so relaxed! And I love your table setting. So elegant and simple. It makes me want to rush out and get tulips and clear away all the clutter!
Posted by: Nicole | December 27, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Oh Tracy, I do like your phrase - blissed out! We, too, had a lot of fun, tried very hard not to heap our plates too high, and taught our new Chinese friend some games and laughed and laughed, of course!
Posted by: nikkipolani | December 28, 2007 at 01:50 AM
Charlie looks so piecefull..purzzzzzzzz!
Yes it is nice to relax from all the pots and pans clattering in the kitchen. Of course my dear H. did all the food preparation for Christmas day and what a feast it was! I cannot STOP eating the sweets that lie around so nicley diplayed in stemware throughout the house!
I did enjoy the blessings of having family around and new memories made!
Peace love and harmony to you Tracy today and throughout the coming year!
I have been blessed in meeting you and look forward to our future communications both personally and through our blogs!
You have a B. Day coming up I see!
hugs aNNa xo
Posted by: naturegirl | December 28, 2007 at 02:04 AM
Hi Tracy,
You really know how to celebrate. Taking time out to do nothing sounds like pure bliss.
Love that scarf. The colors are so rich and luxurious.
Charlie has the right idea..so comfy and cozy.
Becky K.
Posted by: Becky K. | December 28, 2007 at 06:19 AM
Great scarf! I hope the new year brings continued health and happiness to you and the ones you love.
Posted by: Mary Ellen | December 28, 2007 at 04:28 PM
Thanks for the shots around your lovely home! Your momma is surely a proud owner of that scarf. ;-)
Have a great weekend celebrating your special day!
p.s. Hello Charlie!
Posted by: clara | December 28, 2007 at 06:22 PM
It all looks beautiful Tracy - and the new banner is lovely. I do like the scarf - maybe a good quick project with some small bits of very luxurious fabrics!
Posted by: dottycookie | December 28, 2007 at 07:48 PM
So pleased you had a lovely relaxing Christmas Tracy. Your patchwork scarf is beautiful too and your home dining table looks wonderful ~ very inviting! Gx :O)
Posted by: gina | December 28, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Well, it looks like Charlie knows how to celebrate the holiday! So nice to have a relaxing Christmas. Wishing you a bright and happy new year!
xoxo,
Mary
Posted by: Mary | December 29, 2007 at 12:18 AM
The table looks so inviting and I love the white tulips...sounds like you had a nice and peaceful holiday.
Happy New Year!
best,
carol
Posted by: carol Eldridge | December 29, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Great pictures - as always!
Have a Happy New Year! (((hugs!)))
Posted by: Brenda | December 29, 2007 at 04:46 AM