This and That

Here's a little James Taylor for you to enjoy while you read!

Music

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How do you feel about Christmas cards?

I love them!

I like hand addressing the envelope,

writing a short message on the inside of the card.

I put a short Christmas letter together for those I don't see often during the year.

Emails are nice, but I miss the personal touch.

I love receiving Christmas cards.

I get excited about figuring out the postman's timings! 

What gorgeous card, what beautiful message will I find in my post today?

It's like receiving a smile in the mail.

The simplest things in life are often the most magical.

What joy that simple Christmas card can bring!

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Speaking of beautiful cards.

Here is a reproduction of a vintage postcard.

Looks like they are off for a day of fun.

Delivering packages, decorating a tree, walking in the snow

and all with a furry friend.

Thank you to Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday each week.

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I love snowmen.

I love Christmas cactus.

They look happy together!

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I found a crochet group that meets twice a month

at my favorite breakfast spot in my Village.

They are a fun group of ladies and they sure know their hooks!

The last two meetings, I've been taking my Santa mug rug/coaster/hot pads.

Finally, they are finished.

I made a whole bunch of them using my stash yarn.

Jingle, Jingle and Ho-Ho-Ho!

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A  couple of holiday links for you today:

The first one is from a dear friend, Karen Harvey Cox.

Karen has made an advent calendar for all of us with her beautiful art.

Welcome to The Gift of an Advent Calendar here.

Poppytalk again this week for winter scenes in Mason jars.

I love the VW bug with the tree on top!

Your holiday photos are probably already taken, 

but here are a few suggestions from the Focusing On Life Group

on taking holiday pictures.

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Wishing YOU well, much joy and a fun filled weekend.

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Okay kitties. We still have some more decorating to do. 

Everyone hop to it!

Leave the Christmas Cactus alone, please!

Nap time is later!

Comfy Cozy

I guess beautiful cool weather brings out the comfy cozy in me.

I've been happily crocheting between cups of tea and reading. 

I think these Santa mug rugs are too cute.

Instead of putting a pom-pom on top of Santa's hat,

I'm going to put a jingle bell. 

When I've done all the crocheting (I figure everyone needs a set of four)

I'll go back and embroider the face.

You can find the pattern at Moms Love of Crochet.

You may remember that I made 4 of these last year.

I had yarn left and decided to make a couple of lapghans using the moss stitch.

I first saw this stitch on Lemonde De Sucrette.

You can Google moss stitch crochet and you'll find several You Tube videos featuring this stitch. 

If you can chain and make a single crochet you can do this stitch.

Easy!

Speaking of yarn and textiles,

I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow blogger last week.

Linda Lewis is a wife, mother, grandmother, weaver, textile artist and all around talented lady.

She loves Maine, tablescapes and roses, too.

We had a lovely breakfast.

Please go by and visit her at Lulu's Musings.

Say "Hi" from me!

Today I'm joining Sandi at HOME.

Wishing YOU well, much joy, and a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Mug Rug

I made another mug rug.

Changed it around just a bit.

This is my new Buddha mug.

It is huge -- 24 oz should get me started in the morning!

It's so big, it doesn't fit on the mug rug!

You can see the Coventry mark on the bottom.

I've been enjoying White Peach Wuyi Oolong tea by Stash.

Yes, I know ... it's tea bags, but it's good!

I keep forgetting to share the photos from my 2012 Sereni - Tea calendar.

Gorgeous photos and lovely quotes.

This is from July.

From the Brush Dance Sereni-tea calendar.

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a wonderful cup of tea.

Thanking our tea party hosts:

Tea Time Tuesday
Friends Sharing Tea
Tea Party Tuesday
Teacup Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea