Christmas music was playing, snow began falling – our afternoon of decorating the Christmas tree was magical! It really was like something out of a movie. I’m glad we waited until what seemed like the right time for us. It turned out to be the perfect time.

Here’s what it looked like just after we finished.

There will be more shots of the tree, but it’s essentially the usual – vintage Shiny Brites and the large bottlebrush ornaments. We have less of the little ornaments on the tree because they were needed on the feather tree. And our tree this year is so full and wide, there’s no way we could cover it with ornaments. Nor do we do that anyway. I’m not into the trees where every inch is covered with ornaments. Though I appreciate the look of them, I like to see the tree, as well as the ornaments.

We’re really happy with both of our trees. I also have a little tree upstairs in the studio and, of course, there are the usual trees in the dollhouses. And lots of little bottlebrush trees decorating the doll shelves. Oh, and the little white tree in the den, which is always the first one I set up.

I’ll be taking more pictures soon.

Here’s a closeup of the feather tree:

Mostly vintage Shiny Brites, along with some pretty acorns I found in Heidi’s shop years ago. A little wooden Santa that I’ve had since I was in high school is hanging from the top of the tree. And a wooden angel by Debbie Thibault is guarding the tree. I’ve had the angel since we lived in San Diego.

This feather tree has to be one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever received. Don loves it and his chair is right next to that table, so he gets to look at it all day long.

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On a somber note, Jubilant Sykes, a wonderful operatic baritone who was loved and respected by everyone he met, was brutally murdered on Monday at his home in Santa Monica. He was stabbed to death by his son, who had mental health issues. I worked with Jubilant in 2013 at Hartford Stage. Darko was directing him in a play called Breath and Imagination  and he asked me to come in for a day or two and work with Jubilant. What an extraordinary man he was, full of kindness and humor. And that voice! He sang “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” at the end of the play and it was glorious. I remember him vividly and to learn that he left us so tragically is devastating. Prayers for his family who are dealing with the unthinkable.

Google him. There are many videos of him singing. His voice was a gift from God.

Rest in Peace, Jubilant.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

We left our little cottage in the morning – it was so cold out there! – and headed to our favorite nursery. We were the only customers looking for a tree – perhaps because it was early and darned cold. The nursery also has a bakery so we had to treat ourselves to their warm, freshly-made apple cider donuts. It was the polite thing to do.

Oh, they were good!

Our living room ceilings are low, so we always walk directly to the end of the lot where the shorter trees are. We found our tree almost immediately, but did the obligatory walk around all the trees in that area just to make sure we had the right one.

It’s a bit wider at the bottom than we’re used to. We really love it. We keep getting whiffs of pine tree scent as we walk by.

Isn’t she pretty?

But, for some reason, yesterday was the day where we finally crashed after the storm and the shoveling and all the errand running. Don made some lunch and afterwards, both of us took long naps. I’m still feeling it today. We had already decided to let the tree settle today, then add the lights on Sunday, and the ornaments on Monday, so it’s a rest up day.

I can’t wait until the lights are added! I love turning them on first thing in the morning.

I had a realization the other day. We had been looking forward to the first snowfall, picturing fat, fluffy flakes falling all day long. In reality, it was messy, with depressing gray skies and not a whole lot of magic. We were disappointed because what we had imagined wasn’t the reality. I realized that I have been counting so much on the holidays being perfect and magical because I desperately need that as a sort of “protection” against all the horrendous sh*t happening in this country. I’ve been counting on that. Before we hit the bleakness of January, I need a lot of sparkle and glitter and Christmas music and twinkly lights. I need my own “Christmas Blinders” to block out everything that fills me with rage and makes my heart ache.

I suspect I am no different than most people. I’m sickened on a daily basis by what is happening, and though I try not to talk about here, it is real. It is disgusting. It is abhorrent. I never thought I would have to spend my senior years fighting to save our country, but here we are.

So, I’m going to do my best to make each day of this month magical. And I pray that he and his vile administration are removed from office. Preferably by Christmas. That would be the best gift ever.

A girl can dream.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

I know many of you are getting a LOT of snow. Here’s hoping you’re all sitting out the storm, maybe listening to some Christmas carols, and decorating for the holidays. Stay safe, my friends.

A little story for you.

I have long been charmed and fascinated by vintage feather trees. I see them everywhere on Instagram  – beautifully decorated, simple, magical. For those of you who are unfamiliar with them, they first emerged in Germany in the late 19th century because of deforestation. They were artificial, made of goose feathers that were dyed green and then attached to wire branches.  They were usually tabletop size but I’ve seen taller versions. They’re still made. Very, very old feather trees go for a high price. I’ve also seen them with white feathers and pink feathers.

Okay. One day, I was scrolling through IG looking at feather trees, and I posted this in my stories:

The photo was from 7sevenlakesdesign and I added the text, which was a reference to my impatience when I want something. (You’re all familiar with that particular trait of mine.)

The next morning I saw that I had received a message from an IG follower who also reads this blog. She said she has several feather trees and has been doing a bit of purging and had one that she was willing to send me. I couldn’t believe it! I immediately said yes and wanted to pay for it, but she didn’t want any money. She was just happy to know it would go to someone who loved it. She sent it via UPS and it arrived yesterday. “She” by the way, is reader Donna Erickson who wanted to share a little joy with me. She is a wonderful person and her kind gesture has touched my heart. By the way, she bought it in the 80s from a man who made feather trees on his farm in Ohio.

I bought some small vintage ornaments this week because I haven’t yet brought out the Christmas bins from the shed. I know I have some more small ornaments there, so the bare spots on the tree will be filled in shortly.

Okay. Here it is:

I love it! We decided to place it on the coffee table and Don insisted on completely clearing off the table. He’s been in a “no more clutter” mood lately. These are the ornaments I purchased at a local antique store, but I definitely need to add more.

Isn’t it lovely? So simple, so striking.

Thank you, thank you, Donna!

Once again, I am humbled by the generosity of others. And I’m very, very grateful.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.