Friday, December 24, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Originally uploaded by linfrye
9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

A MOST JOYOUS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!!!!

These days when families are a mix of all sorts of relations - steps, grands, aunts, cousins, sisters, brothers, and when you add to that the blending of varying traditons and obligations, the holidays can be even more stressful as we all try to meet each of those expectations, wishes, desires, obligations, 'shoulds' and 'woulds.'

For our family, spread across the miles with steps and grands, being with 'everyone' over the holidays is a challenge in logistics. So we've taken a more 'relaxed' view and decided to, like the seven days of Hanukah, spread our holiday over a number of days.

Today begins our Christmas celebrations with my son and his children - our traditional Italian dinner, opening gifts. Tomorrow, C and I will have a quiet, reflective, morning - then celebrate with my daughter and her family. After that, a more leisurely celebration with nearby friends.

By then we'll be quickly moving into New Year's celebrations.

I like this 'long view'....it makes the holidays a bit less frenetic, spreads the cheer over a longer period, extends the spirit.

And so on the first day of our celebrations, I'd like to wish you and yours a most joyous, blessed, friend-and-family filled holiday. May we each remember 'the reason for the season' and may our hearts be filled with the joy and wonder of our God.

And to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your visits, comments, encouragement, invitations, kindnesses -- and most - the gift of your TIME and your FRIENDSHIP.

To me, these are the true meanings of Christmas .....

Merry Christmas -- one and all!

8 comments:

Cristina Dalla Valentina said...

I wish you a merry Christmas, Lin, with all your dear ones! Cristina

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas to you & yours, Lin. I so understand and applaud your celebration decision - we've been doing that for years with our blended family.
Your poinsettia painting is gorgeous. I've really enjoyed watching your progress throughout the years.

annie said...

I agree,Lin, your celebrations leave so much room and space for people to share the gatherings in their own ways.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
annie

Lorraine said...

Your poinsettia painting is so colorful and gorgeous Lin. It is perfect in every detail -- colors, shape, just like the real thing. You really have the botanist's eye for flora and fauna. Thank you for that very special gift to all of us. You give us much more than we give you with our comments and I feel very special to be able to have the gift of your paintings each day.

Have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Travel safe, stay warm and well, and savor the joys.
Love and hugs,
Lorraine

Lorraine said...

Test from my nook

Lorraine said...

Bruce loves your gorgeous poinsettia!
Lorraine

Ann said...

Beautiful watercolor! Merry Christmas to you too!

Teri said...

Just gorgeous Lin! Sounds like a perfect way to celebrate Christmas so you can enjoy everyone.

I know you will have a wonderful time and thanks for all the years of fun and friendship!!