Jumbo Sale in the Snow

We are stranded now for days and were all desperate for some exercise.It was still -20 but at least the snow has stopped and we had a lovely speck of sunshine.

After a long lay-in we had the great idea to go for the local rummage sale. I got really happy because of the idea as I was running out of some of my fabrics. I always find some nice new unused fabrics and some vintage ones which I love to recycle in my sewing.This time I again got some lovely mostly new stuff.I have some new plans for them but I will share that later.

My favorite find for the day was a lovely scarf for my doggy Cake ( yes that is the dog's name).Here he is wearing it. He loved it from the first instance!!!

Additionally as I promised to my sweet Angelina here are some pictures of the snow we have over here.Hope you only have to enjoy this site in these pictures not in your back garden.I put one picture in there of myself too in case you forgot how I look.Hihi.

Irish Christmas Traditions

I was reading a book on Christmas traditions in other countries. We have our traditions which are really different to habits in the other part of the world.I have to say that I exceptionally adore the Swedish traditions mostly St Lucia's day. I'd love to know if that is still a living tradition and be part of it once.Actually I could lose my heart to try all the different christmases.Regrettably there was no mention of Ireland in the book. I needed to make some research to find some past traditions. Here they are:

Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being supressed and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times.

THE CANDLE IN THE WINDOW

The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still practised today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was an symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter.

The candle also indicated a safe place for priests to perform mass as, during Penal Times this was not allowed.

A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'.

THE LADEN TABLE

After evening meal on Christmas eve the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door to the house was left unlatched so that Mary and Joseph, or any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome.

THE WREN BOY PROCESSION

During Penal Times there was once a plot in a vilage against the local soldiers. They were surrounded and were about to be ambushed when a group of wrens pecked on their drums and awakened the soldiers. The plot failed and the wren became known as 'The Devil's bird'.

On St. Stephens day a procession takes place where a pole with a holly bush is carried from house to house and families dress up in old clothes and with blackened faces. In olden times an actual wren would be killed and placed on top of the pole.

This custom has to a large degree disappeared but the tradition of visiting from house to house on St. Stephens Day has survived and is very much part of Christmas.

DECORATIONS:

The placing of a ring of Holly on doors originated in Ireland as Holly was one of the main plants that flourished at Christmas time and which gave the poor ample means with which to decorate their dwellings.

All decorations are traditionally taken down on Little Christmas (January 6th.) and it is considered to be bad luck to take them down beforehand.

TRADITIONAL GAELIC SALUTATION

The Gaelic greeting for 'Merry Christmas' is:
'Nollaig Shona Duit'
......which is pronounced as 'null-ig hun-a dit'.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Irish Christmas Traditions - An article provided by The Information about Ireland Site.

Christmas Hearts

Extremely cold day today with -20.Everything is white we had a lot of snow in the last some days.I was planning to visit my gran in the city near by but it is kind of impossible because of the weather.I also have a nerve infection on my face since the move which is really painful.Even this couldn't hold me back from creating, more over at least it takes my mind of the pain a little. So here are my new hearts and a half ready angel doll. I promise I will share the final result too.

I Love My New Work Station

If a bus station is where a bus stops, and a train station is where a train stops, why do I have a work station on my desk?

Just want to share some pictures of my new work station. I got it as a present from my mother-in-law. It is big enough for my crafts and  white which I adore. I also have enough space for my favorite beauties from LA, Avoca and Michael's and of course my favorite picture painted by my brother.I will buy some nice shelves next week for the wall above the desk to display my nicest frames with black and white pictures. Just cannot wait.It will be all so inspiring for my crafts.Do you have anything that inspires you in your work? Love to hear about you all!!!

Winter in our Garden

"Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again."
Bill Morgan, Jr.

Thinking of you during the holidays!

"Every friend is like a snowflake, unique in beauty and design. Each sparkles in a different way—some are playful, some refined. But, unlike fragile snowflakes that fade when the sun appears, friends grow even more beautiful with every passing year. Thinking of you during the holidays!"

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Almost Ready

I have been feeling much better these days.I had a good start on my pressies too. I have been sewing for days.I found some fantastic embroidery pattern.So I am keeping busy and positive as much I can.It is a bit hard to be really accurate but not to worry I think the baby Jesus will be bringing some help very soon. Still I feel a bit off because we still don't have an apartment.We did have a look at one yesterday which I liked a lot. It had a small craft room which even made it better. As we were viewing we could hear some music playing from next door. As it turned out the neighbor is in music college and practices a lot. I felt completely cheated. We are having a look at another one tomorrow. I hope we will have more luck especially that I have some friends in the neighborhood and it would be easier for us to meet up.
Until then I get back to work I still have 5 angels to make.

Friends

'Yes we are [friends] and I do like to pass the day with you in serious and inconsequential chatter. I wouldn't mind washing up beside you, dusting beside you, reading the back half of the paper while you read the front. We are friends and I would miss you, do miss you and think of you very often. I don't want to lose this happy space where I have found someone who is smart and easy and doesn't bother to check her diary when we arrange to meet.' ~Jeanette Winterson, Written on the Body, 1992

Remembering

Remembering to all my sweet colleagues.I hope it all goes well for all of you. Let me tell you all that I miss you all and wishing you  a lovely christmas and all the best for the new year.

'There is magic in long-distance friendships.  They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound.'  ~Diana Cortes

 

Winter Privacy

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself." ~Ruth Stout

                               http://littleemmaenglishhome.blogspot.com/

Flower Shop

Just a quickie on my favorit flower shop.Love the color scheme and the small objects especially the toads and the owls.