the wonder of Christmas approaches

While I always have good intentions for doing more art and crafting in preparation for Christmas, this magical time always seems to come spinning in upon me. And that is just as well. As my new friend Curtiss Anne has stated, "It seems that my plans get things done (or not), while life’s plans make memories."

In her recent post, Curtis Anne has also mentioned about Christmas approaching. Take a moment to have a look and to comment about one of your favourite Christmas traditions. You could be the fortunate winner of one of Curtiss Anne's very own books.

As for myself, I can say that I have noticed some Christmas trees being up and glowing. I personally quite enjoy Christmas shopping and try not to agonize about it. I had decided to browse through Michael's yesterday in search of some extras for in this year's Christmas shoebox. I ended up spending quite some time there and getting lots of Christmas shopping done. It was fun. Of course I got a couple of things for myself too.

The following are creations I have managed to start making for Christmas. I will be interested to see if I can finish them before this Christmas.



My plan at this very moment is to sit quietly for a few moments. I will listen to the Christmas music I love so much. I find it right here on my blog. I hope you might find some joy with it also.

Wishing for you much peace and contentment through this time of preparation. May you find some strength within to change those areas which for you may be difficult. I will hope that in this time when finances may be a concern, you might find some joy in creating homemade gifts and giving, as well as receiving graciously, gifts of the heart. I would also hope that if finances are not a concern, you might consider giving, and requesting, "gifts of magic" or something similar.


May angels be with you as "the wonder of Christmas approaches."

Take Joy

Merry Christmas dear friends.
Angels be with you,
Wendy

berries in black

David Bowie and Bing Crosby

a lovely piece:

The God who made giraffes

"Where is it written that we should be so serious all the time? The God who made giraffes, a baby's fingernails, a puppy's tail, a crooknecked squash, the bobwhite's call, and a young girl's giggle, has a sense of humor. Make no mistake about that."


Catherine Marshall (Adapted)
American Author
More Quotes About 'God' Today's Story: 'The Pretty One'


from "Inspiration Peak"

I LOVE CHRISTMAS

Huge absence as I try to wend my way through last part of another difficult year which has been filled with tons of healing.
I am excited to be working on a submission but need to focus my everything on it. I was thinking I was allowing myself really lots of time for it lol - that was three months ago.

angels be with you,
Wendy

music in the air

One of my favourite parts of Advent and Christmas is the music that fills my senses with joy. For many years, nearly thirty, I have sung with a group called St. Peter's Chorus Our Advent concerts are this Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. The Sunday concert is very close to where we practice. It is at St. Peter's Cathedral at Muenster. I hope you will take a moment to enjoy "Where have all the flowers gone?" which we originally sang at last year's Advent concert.



I will hope to have some of the songs from the 2008 Advent concerts to present in videos sometime in the next couple of weeks.

I also love listening to Christmas music and have spent quite a lot of time developing a playlist which is at the bottom of the page here. When time allows I just put the playlist on, and enjoy. I hope that you might enjoy my selections also.

If you want to listen to your own choices - accuradio is a good place to which to tune.

I will also mention that I put a couple of more recent art journal pages on my windyangels blog. I'd be pleased if you take a moment to look and comment.

Wishing you moments of stillness and peace through this Advent season.

there's something about Christmas

that makes me
want to smile

simple things
like light
and berries
on a string
are all it takes
this time of year
to bring a rush
of joy
into my heart

© Wendy B Burton

Looking through the window

my eyes caught the sparkle
of a mystical, magical land

The horses ready to alight
on the minutest of sleighs
barely visible to mine orbs

"Wait for me"
I whispered
but the light
was changing

As I turned for my cape
snowflakes floated
no longer sparkled

Looking through the window…
© Wendy Burton
November 2006

Hark the Herald

angels sing
glory to the newborn King



A small gift canvas I made for a friend in 2007.

white dreamland

To me this feels like a dream - to view this photo of a "Paris shop window" taken about a year ago. Please click on the post title to find the original or go here to my dear friend's flickr.

The Tasha Tudor Christmas Book TAKE JOY

I love Tasha Tudor. I was so pleased to acquire this book at a book sale which our local library holds every year for a couple of weeks in May. I have had it for quite a few years now. It brings me MUCH JOY. Especially pleasing to me was the discovery of Fra Giovanni's letter - Take Joy from A.D. 1513. I have shared it with many friends. The words bring such peace. I would like to wish you peace and joy today and every day.

thinking of others - especially at Christmas

For quite a number of years our family has chosen to do an "operation Christmas child shoebox" to recognize those that are not so very, very rich in material things. We always end up buying much more than we can fit in the box. It's just the way we are - very loving and caring in most instances. Here's a video of a few years ago of a wonderful song to remind us.

A CHRISTMAS FAIR

My friend Karen has hosted a Christmas fair. I decided to start this blog in response to Karen's invitation to participate. Karen has had a Christmas blog for a few years already. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to do my own special place for Christmas and this special holiday season. Take some time to look around. Get into the holiday spirit. Tell me about your favourite place online to prepare for Christmas. Watch for a give away to be announced in the next few days. Take your time. Grab a cup of your special Christmas tea or some apple cider and relax.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah for those who celebrate in that tradition.

words by which I am very inspired:

Take Joy

I SALUTE YOU! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.
Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy. Take Joy.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and shadows flee away.

FRA GIOVANNI A.D. 1513

preparing for Christmas

winter sunrise

solstice light

a winter sunset

Christmas in blue

winter berries

Billy alerted

a child's view

lights and colours

Christmas dreams