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Holiday Memories

12/1/2021

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For me, the holidays are filled with memories of special foods and fun activities. These memories remind me of the people who are a part of my life – past and present.
One of my most cherished memories, was going to see Santa. My mom began taking me to see Santa when I was one. She didn’t drive. So, we took the bus downtown to Famous-Barr one of the three major department stores in St. Louis at that time. We walked around the building oohing and aahing at the fabulous Christmas windows. One had a huge train set in it. Then we went up to the top floor where Santa sat in all his glory. My last photo with Santa was when I was six. I was four in this photo. I still like to wander through stores enjoying all the Christmas decorations.
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I remember waiting eagerly to see what St. Nick left in my stocking (a.k.a. sock). On December 5 my brother and I hung a sock on our bedroom doorknobs certain St. Nick would fill them with goodies during the night. Of course, we always looked for the biggest of our socks to make sure there was plenty of room for candy and small toys. And if you weren’t good, St. Nick just might leave a lump of coal in your sock. So, we were really well-behaved in the weeks leading up to St. Nick’s. Even now, my brother, sister-in-law and I exchange silly little gifts for St. Nick’s.
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Another memory is of baking holiday cookies. My mom made the cookies and my dad decorated them and did the dishes. I still bake the same cookies my mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother made. Last year I made fruitcake (liberally soaked with 151-proof rum) and 8 kinds of cookies – I go just a little crazy with my holiday baking. And no, I don’t eat all the cookies myself; I share them with family and friends.
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May your memories warm this holiday season!
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Local Artists Make the Best Gifts

11/2/2021

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​The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re like me, you’re thinking about special foods and finding just the right gift for those on your list and yourself. Look no further than local artists and crafters for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and yummy foods (also good for gifts).

​The Prescott quad-cities area, where I live, is home to an amazing number of artists and craftspeople. And if you look, you're sure to find them where you live.
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They create an astonishing array of items including jewelry, paintings, woodwork, ceramics, glass, clothing, home décor and food. The benefit of buying from an artist, either in person, at a gallery or on their website, is learning something about them and how they create their items. Including that information with your gift, makes even a small gift important.
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Here are ways you can find the perfect gift and support local artists and crafters.
Local Galleries – Buying from a local gallery supports both the artist and the gallery owner. Many feature local artists as well as artists from around your region.

Craft Shows – They provide a wide range of items and prices. I’ve found some of the most appreciated gifts at craft shows.

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Artist Websites – Many local artists have their own websites or Etsy stores where you can view and purchase an array of items. You may also have the item shipped directly to the recipient; particularly nice if you’re unable to travel to be with family or friends.
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Local Artists – If you’ve purchased from local artists in the past and have their contact information, call or email them. Many may be willing to have you visit their studio or direct you to places displaying their art.

​This year, I encourage you to look locally for unique and interesting items for those on your list and yourself. You’ll contribute to a happy holiday for the artists and keep the money in your community.
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Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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New Holiday Traditions

12/1/2020

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​This year, like no other, marks a time when we must find new ways to celebrate old holiday traditions. As I write this, the coronavirus pandemic is raging. Getting together to celebrate the holidays is something many health experts suggest we forgo this year to limit the risk to ourselves and those we love. So as resourceful Americans, we are finding ways of making new holiday traditions.
I usually hold a holiday get together for friends and neighbors. But since we’re all of a certain age and don’t want to risk getting or passing the coronavirus, I plan to meet with them individually outside, socially distant and masked. We can share a cup of cheer on each other’s patios or porches. Even though we won’t be together as a group, we’ll still have time with each other.
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I will decorate my house. I love the holiday lights, the tree, wreaths, and garland. Just looking at all of them makes me smile! I’ll share pictures on Facebook and Instagram so everyone can enjoy my decorations even if they don’t visit my house.
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I won’t be traveling to Denver to be with my family. It’s just too risky for my nephew who is a transplant recipient and highly susceptible to infection. But we can still unwrap gifts together via video phone calls.

I do plan on baking cookies as well as my infamous rum-soaked fruitcake. I’ll spread holiday cheer by leaving them on friends’ doorsteps and mailing them to my family. As my nephew in St. Louis said, “by the time the cookies arrive any virus will be dead.”
And this year, I’ve promised myself that I’ll spend time playing Christmas carols on my piano. I’m sure my dogs and cats will be an attentive audience!
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The holidays are a time of hope, laughter, and good will to all. We can still share these things with family and friends via Zoom or FaceTime or Skype. Who knows what new and wonderful traditions we’ll create this year.
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Wishing you a healthy, safe, and joyous holiday season!
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Support Local Artists & Crafters

11/2/2020

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The coronavirus has made 2020 a difficult year for most of us. Artists and crafters have been particularly hard hit. Many craft shows have been cancelled and galleries were closed for months resulting in a loss of income.

​As you know, I think handcrafted items make perfect gifts whether you choose a painting, jewelry, or crocheted potholders. The creativity and love that went into producing the item make it special. Here are ways you can find the perfect gift and support local artists and crafters.
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Artist Websites - many local artists have their own websites or Etsy stores where you can view and purchase an array of items. You may even have the item shipped directly to the recipient; particularly helpful if you're unable to travel to be with them.

Local Artists - if you've purchased from local artists in the past and have their contact information, call or email them. Many may be willing to have you visit their studio or direct your to places displaying their art.

Local Galleries - many are open, some with reduced hours and many requiring face masks and physical distancing. Buying from a local gallery supports both the artists and the gallery owner. You're sure to find work by wonderful local artists. Check local directories to find a gallery in your area.

Craft Shows - there may be a few shows before the holidays. If you go to any, please wear a face mask, try to stay physically distant, and use hand sanitizer. Doing so not only protects you but also the artists and crafters. Craft shows usually provide a wide range of items and prices.
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This year, more than ever, I encourage you to look locally for unique and interesting items for those on your list and for yourself. You'll contribute to a happy holiday for the artists while keeping the money in your community.

​Make handcrafted gifts a part of your holiday tradition!
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Marvelous Moms

5/9/2020

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On one special day each year, children let their mothers know how much they're loved and appreciated. But did you ever wonder how that custom started? Read on for a little Mother's Day history.
The tradition started as a spring celebration in Greece honoring Rhea, the mother of all gods. In the 1600's, early English Christians designated a day to honor Mary, the mother of Christ. That religious holiday expanded to honor all mothers and became knowns as "Mothering Sunday." Unfortunately, that tradition faded away about the time the Pilgrims came to America.

​Then in 1870, Julia Ward Howe issued a peace proclamation urging women, especially mothers, to rise against war. It became known as the first Mother's Day proclamation. Her Mother's Peace Day was widely celebrated but she was unable to get it declared a national holiday.
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Almost 1 with my mom and her mom
When Anna Jarvis's mother died in 1905, Anna missed her greatly and realized children often neglected to appreciate their mothers while they were still alive. She started a national campaign to recognize mothers - living and dead. Anna's dream came true on May 9, 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May was to be observed as Mother's Day to honor all mothers.
While Mother's Day is celebrated in most parts of the world, it is not celebrated on the same day. For example, Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent in the UK and Mother's Day on May 10 in Mexico.
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40-something with my mom
There are as many ways to pay tribute to a mom as there are children. And this year as we shelter in place, many of us will be using Facetime, Skype and Zoom to say "I love you" to our moms and other special women in our lives. Now more than every, remember mom's admonition to "wash your hands."

​Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy and Happy Mother's Day.
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Yummy February Holidays

2/5/2020

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There are all kinds of February holidays that may not be as famous as Valentine's Day or President's Day, but I think they're definitely more fun. This year, I'm focusing on food-related holidays with jewelry to match - enjoy!
National Dark Chocolate Day - February 1
Not only is dark chocolate yummy but it's also good for you - indulge! Jewelry made with chocolate jasper would be perfect for this holiday or any time you crave chocolate.

​National Pizza Day - February 9
Lots of flavors to choose from not to mention styles of crust. One of my favorites is pepperoni with a thin crust. Jewelry in red or white will go with any pizza you choose.
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​National Almond Day - February 16
In addition to being healthy, almonds are a very versatile nut - eat them raw, turn them into flour or milk, roast them with honey. Jewelry made with golden metals - brass, bronze or gold - is as versatile as almonds. It can be any shape and appeals to all appetites.
National Muffin Day - February 20
There's a muffin for every taste - English, blueberry, and bran to name just a few. Celebrate this day by trying a new flavor. And while you're trying something new, try a different style of jewelry and shake up your wardrobe.

National Dog Biscuit Day - February 23
Spoil your dog (or a friend's or neighbor's) with tasty biscuits. Right now, my two dogs are enjoying chicken and apple sausage treats. Spoil yourself with a new piece of jewelry, maybe something pet-themed.
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Chase the winter doldrums away by observing these yummy holidays. Have a fun February!
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Oh, the Holidays Are Here!

12/10/2019

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 A wonderful, special crazy time of year! Over-the-top decorations, twinkling lights, good food enjoyed with family and friends, shared laughter, and silent moments of wonder in the still of the night all make the holidays a extraordinary time of year.
When I was young, we began crafting holiday decorations right after Thanksgiving. The "Christmas Ideas" issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine was our guide. I still buy it, although I don't think there are as many crafts in it now as there were then. And I still make decorations and ornaments. One year, I made small wreaths out of bells which I tie to the back of the stools at my kitchen island. The jingle as I move a stool makes me smile.
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Thanksgiving also marked the day on which I could begin playing Christmas carols on my piano. Now, Christmas carols are about the only thing I play on the piano and I do so purely for my own enjoyment. That was also the day we pulled out the Christmas record albums - Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters, and Frank Sinatra to name just a few..
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Holiday baking started a couple of weeks before Christmas. My mom made the cookies; my dad decorated them with a little help from me and my brother. My dad also did all the dishes. I go a little crazy with my holiday backing. Last year I made 9 kinds of cookies and fruitcake liberally soaked with 151-proof rum. All of which I share with family and friends.
When we were little in the weeks leading up to Christmas, my mom and dad blocked of the living room where magical things were happening - oh the excitement of waiting to see what was there. All was revealed on Christmas Eve night - a glistening tree, a fabulous train in a winder wonderland setting, and packages that Santa brought. With 2 rambunctious dogs and 3 inquisitive cats, I've given up having a tree. But garlands, wreaths and lights still make my living room magical.
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Wishing you a magical holiday season!
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Handmade for the Holidays

11/6/2019

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It's holiday shopping season! And if you're looking for unique gifts, look no further than arts and crafts shows, galleries and the websites of individual artists.
The Prescott quad-cities area, where I live, is home to an amazing number of artists and craftspeople. And if you're looking, you're sure to find them where you live.

These artists create an astonishing array of items including jewelry, original paintings, woodwork, ceramics, glass, clothing and home décor. Each lovingly made by hand with many one-of-a-kind. Prices can range from "oh so affordable" to "sky's the limit." You'll be surprised at how affordable handmade art can be.
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A benefit of buying from an artist, either in person, at a gallery or on their website, is learning something about them and how they create their items. You can include a note with your gift gelling the gift's story - who made it, how it was made, why you chose it, or where you found it. This makes even a small gift important. A handmade gift with a thoughtful note is a wonderful way to create a special memory.
Here's a tip so you don't misplace a gift or forget who it's for. Attach a note to each gift listing who it's for and any information you want to share about it. then, place the gift in a special holiday box - I use a plastic bin. When it's time to start wrapping, you'll know where all the gifts are. Before I started doing this, some gifts were so well hidden I didn't find them till long after the holidays!
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I really love making jewelry. I get even more pleasure helping someone pick just the right piece to give a friend or family member. The icing on the cake for me is hearing from the customer how much their gift was appreciated. If you can, let the artist know how much the gift was enjoyed. You'll make their day.
This year look locally for unique and interesting items for those on your list and yourself. You'll contribute to a happy holiday for the artists and keep the money in your community.

​Make handcrafted gifts part of your holiday tradition!
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A Little February History

2/6/2019

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February wasn't always the second month of the year. It started out as the last month in the Roman calendar. January and February were added to the Roman calendar about 713 BC. Prior to that time Romans considered winter to be a monthless period. About 450 BC the Roman calendar was re-arranged, and February became the second month of the year. At certain intervals, February was truncated to 23 or 24 days and a temporary 27-day month was inserted immediately after February to realign the year with the seasons. The reforms that created the Julian calendar in 45 BC did away with the temporary month and created leap years which occurred every four years. During leap years, February gained a 29th day. the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in 1582 which further refined how leap years and leap centuries are handled. The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar today.

Februarius, the Roman name for February,  comes from the festival of ritual purification Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old Roman calendar. The festival celebrated Spring washing or cleansing. The festival of Februa was later incorporated in to Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture. Lupercalia was deemed un-Christian in the fifth century when Pope Gelasius replaced it with St. Valentine's Day. Over the years Valentine's Day became the day to celebrate love and romance
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February's birthstone is amethyst which symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom and sincerity. Amethyst, from the Greek amethystos meaning "not-intoxicated," was believed by ancients to protect against drunkenness. It is also believed if you place an amethyst under your pillow you'll have pleasant dreams - perhaps about the one you love!

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Holiday Traditions

12/10/2018

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The holidays are filled with traditions from special foods to fun activities. As we age old traditions are modified and new traditions are added. But all traditions, old or new, have one thing in common: they connect us to family and friends.
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My mom began taking me to see Santa when I was one. She didn't drive. So, we took the bus downtown to Famous-Barr one of the three major department stores in St. Louis at that time. We walked around the building oohing and aahing at the fabulous Christmas windows. One had a huge train set in it. Then we went up to the top floor where Santa sat in all his glory. My last photo with Santa was when I was six. I was three in the photo below.
Even when I was too old for Santa, we still went downtown during the holidays to see the windows, do our shopping and have lunch. It was a tradition I continued when I married and moved away. Only then it was with my mother-in-law in Minneapolis. Oh, how we loved looking at all the holiday decorations.

​Now during the holidays, a friend and I visit all the antique stores in Prescott. We enjoy the decorations from times past many of which we remember having as children. I guess that makes us antiques too!
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Another family tradition was making ornaments and other decorations. I was particularly adept at making paper snowflakes. Now, I create jewelry from wire and gemstones and craft wire angel ornaments. I enjoy making things and learning new techniques, so the styles of jewelry and ornaments are continually evolving.

​And of course, I adorn myself with holiday jewelry and clothes. Wearing Grinch socks or snowman earrings just makes my day more festive.

Whatever your holiday traditions, have a wonderful joyous holiday season!
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