Saving Linus, Saving Memories

Tenderly repaired forever in our hearts ~ with a smile

Leaving Christmas behind is always a melancholy time for us, which is not as sad as it sounds. It's comforting to know that all of us in our little family hold exceptionally fond memories of every Christmas we've shared. It's not anything earth shattering, the way we celebrate. In fact, we're pretty low key. We don't do anything extravagant. No Nutcracker. No trips to ski lodges or the Hawaiian beaches. Our gifts are mostly handmade or thrift store finds and not many of those. We enjoy the little things that, for the most part, defy definition or explanation. Special recipes, cooking together, playing games, listening to Christmas music nonstop for 3 weeks.

Decorating the house with our small holiday treasures is something we look forward to the most. I think it's because we tend to find ourselves in a different house each year, but these special finds we make along the way show up like clockwork each year once that beautiful Christmas tree enters our home.

So, here's the little story of Linus. We have a set of Peanuts Gang ornaments. They don't go on the tree. They stand on a base of 'snow' surrounding Woodstock perched on the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the center. I think they are from 1994-ish. Years ago poor Linus lost his head. Too precariously affixed to his body I believe. We have fixed him so many times, with no luck. So, this year, before packing him away, I resorted to the unattractive but most sensible fix - the glue gun. He needed some heft. But I didn't want the glue detracting from his look, and hence, our memory keepsake. So, I decided to give him a cozy scarf and it turns out we all love him better this way anyway. Besides, it cracks us up. And laughter is the best medicine. We all know that.

Looking forward to smiling at him upon his return 11 months from now. Sweet dreams, Linus.

Until next time.

ox
joon

LoVe is what brings us ToGetHeR

Hello 2010. I'm a little late to the party and have some catching up to do. I have plenty of photos and will start with these. Our holidays were lovely. Hope yours were, too. I went on a magnet making spree and enjoyed myself tremendously. Here is one set I made for Jon Cody and Val ~ our family newlyweds. How adorable is this? I've been saving the image and accompanying text forever. They are from a very old Maurice Sendak illustrated children's book. I added the red accents and used a collage technique on both magnets.

I love the serendipity of this ... the photo background is our Christmas card from ... Val and Jon Cody! How perfect is it? It's a sign. I hope they will enjoy this teeny tiny gift with the great big heart for many years to come in good health and happiness.

I used my new iPhone ~ a.k.a pony ~ to shoot a fun photo of the ephemeral element of Christmas. I wish the tree could last all year long. I guess that's what makes it all the more special. I'll be back soon with more of my handmade Christmas magnets soon. Peace to you all in this new year. Full of promise and surprise. Here's to a delightful adventure into twenty ten.