Today I bought a Christmas tree! I was wishing for one to show up on my doorstep, or if I had to buy one, it would cost $20.00. Sure enough, the Tractor Supply a couple of miles down the road from me had trees for sale– for $20.00!  Not quite on my doorstep but very close. I got a small Douglas Fir, maybe 6′ tall, very full and bushy and lovely. Oooh, the fragrance of fresh fir, so divine!

I moved my sewing machine into my bedroom so the tree could go in its usual space, then vacuumed the floor and wall and shelf above the tree. I hung my backdrop of a sheer embroidered cloth on the wall to enhance the tree, then finally brought it indoors to set up. Unfortunately, the tree is heavy and so full of lower branches that I could not get it positioned correctly in the stand by myself; it was leaning heavily to one side when I tried! Finally laid the tree on the floor, propped up the trunk end and positioned the stand over the trunk. It’s still rather cockeyed, however, it works. I added lights and called it done for the night. My body is not feeling so great with all the lifting and kneeling I did! Ah, well, that’s the price.

I’ll share photos when the tree is decorated. Meanwhile, here is an image of my very tall tree from last year, just for fun. EnJoy!

2021 Tree

We had some snow today! So pretty when it was falling. Mostly gone now though; I’m grateful for the moisture!

I have been feeling sorrow over the loss/ending of yet another close friendship, for reasons unknown and unstated, plus feeling the loneliness of not having family nearby to share Christmas with–yet again. I’ve invited some friends for a little gathering next Sunday, and hope to have my tree by then. Part of me really wants a lovely big tree, part of me doesn’t want to go out to cut one or be bothered with decorating it. Sure would help to have someone to share preparations and celebrate with!

How about you? Are you approaching this holiday season with excitement or uncertainty? Eagerness or dread? I do hope that wherever you are and however you celebrate, you will be with loved ones and not all alone. Let us all remember that we’re never truly alone, for our spiritual guides and masters and angels are with us always.

Sending much love and light to the world, and hugs to those in need of comfort today.      ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Tiny Joy Journal

Oh, dear! I managed to miss posting for two days! Oops. I’ve been super focused on getting my custom print products designed and into my boutique, and have been too tired to remember to post over the previous two evenings.

Today I received the gorgeous mug and greeting cards that I ordered from my shop; I am thrilled with how beautifully everything is turning out! My wall calendar will be arriving soon, too.

Have a look at all of these lovely products, and tell me which are your favorites. Be Sure to order ASAP to assure timely delivery before the holidays! I placed an order on the 9th and it is slated to be delivered on the 20th, so hurry for your gift giving. EnJoy!

Floral Arrangement Canvas

Flower Ornament

Moon Maiden Mug

Went to my chiropractor today–and found he had already locked up in anticipation of leaving! Turns out he thought I’d canceled; luckily he still fit me in. Phew!

I finally found a jar of mincemeat at a local shop–apparently they couldn’t get it in for a long time–so now I can have mince and cherry pie for Christmas! It’s a different brand than the one I love most, and I hope it will still be delicious.

I made a couple more product designs for my boutique, and got some good help from Big Commerce, which hosts my shop. I learned that I can make all the products in each category appear on the Custom Print Gifts page, plus he gave me a tip on cropping the images so they are all uniform in size. Sigh. Lots more work to do!

Here are a few of the new products; check out the rest here (and for now, click on each category link). EnJoy!

Gold Peace Angel Mug

Green Angel Mug

Framed Francesca

Winter Bride Ornament

After a nearly full day of creating and listing new products in my boutique (it’s a slow process!), I decided to quit for the night. Here is the link to view all the new custom gifts; you can click on each category to see the listings. All of the greeting cards are done, rah! I can print any of those images on any of the other products, too. I’d love to know which ones you love best! EnJoy!

Went grocery shopping today; I love having lots of delicious ingredients to cook with and eat. I had venison with mushrooms and naan bread for dinner, yum!

This evening I wrote out some Christmas cards to send; I’ve been exchanging cards with few people for four years now. We met in an online Christmas group that was doing a swap, and have kept it up ever since. I received one card today, too, which is lovely and cheered me up!

This evening I planned to add more products to my boutique; however, it took quite some time to get questions answered by customer support and I ran out of steam after adding just one new product, this Winter Bride mug. She is a doll I made and a friend photographed; the image will be printed on mugs to order. Stay tuned for more and EnJoy!

Winter Bride Mug

I slept in today, feeling rather out of sorts and with a sore neck. I did go for a walk later, which helped, only to discover that my massage therapist canceled our appointment for this evening. Drat! I’m hoping to reschedule soon.

Spent some time reading, and then got up enough energy to make this cute little holiday notebook with another recycled TP tube. EnJoy!

Joyeux Noel Tiny Notebook

Joyeux Noel Tiny Notebook 2

Joyeux Noel Tiny Notebook 3

Joyeux Noel Tiny Notebook 4

Joyeux Noel Tiny Notebook 5

More sweet rain today, thank you Goddess! I made this pretty little tag this evening, using Graphic 45 papers and some lovely lace. EnJoy!

Lady’s Diary Tag

Lady’s Diary Tag 2

I spent an inordinate amount of time creating some exciting new products on Vistaprint, and getting some wonderful customer support for these, too! What do you think of these mugs, cards, bags and pillow? Cards come in sets of 10 of the same image.

Please comment below and let me know which category you like best: cards, mugs, totes or pillows, and which are your three favorites of these choices. Thanks!

Bride Card

Francesca Card

Gwendolyn Card

Gypsy Lady Card

Jacinta Card

Moon Maiden Card

Woodland Fairy Card

Princess Zara Card

Purple Peace Angel Card

Winter Bride Card

Bride Tote

Zipped Tote

Bride Pillow

Moon Maiden Pillow

Pink Bride Mug

Moon Maiden Mug

Winter Bride Mug

A very full day! I had two business calls, two calls with friends, cooked up some chicken thighs, and moved some things out to the garage. We had rain and some wind today! Quieter now for the night, going down to about 26º F. Brrrrrrrr!

Ever have one of those days when something you’re working on just does not come together and you suddenly realize you’ve spent the last few hours for naught? This evening I attempted to make a snowman ornament, only the felt I used is faulty, because it kept getting a see-through appearance in places as I worked with it. I made the bottom round twice, and it still got too thin. Plus when I re-sewed the beads for eyes (first attempt was too close together), the felt developed holes around the eyes.

I had planned to make a hat and embroider on the mouth and nose, as the marker did not work well, but gave up the whole thing as a lost cause when more holes started appearing around the mouth. Hahahaha! Time for some better quality fabric to work with! I’m Only sharing this photo so you can see that not every day in the creator studio produces a good outcome. Keep on going anyway!

Sad Snowman

See the worn places?