Small yet Pretty

Even small and plain stained glass windows can be attractive!

Tangletown Art Crawl

Last Saturday about a dozen artists who live in Tangletown, a St. Paul neighborhood, opened their homes to interested buyers for a holiday art crawl.  Paintings, ceramics, photographs, and jewelry were some of the items available for purchase.  The most interesting collection of craftwork was a home filled with unusual Christmas, winter, and holiday wreaths.  This wreath was on the front entrance door, beckoning buyers to enter and enjoy.

O Tannenbaum!!

Christmas can be a time of "Bah Humbug" because of the commercialization of an important religious holiday or it can be one of joy.  I prefer the latter.  The twinkling lights, the decorated trees in public and private spaces, the smiles (and tears, too) of little ones sitting on Santa's lap, hugs and kisses of friends and families as they meet and greet one another, and the sweet sound of carolers  are all aspects of the season that make me appreciate the holiday.  Been there, done that but happy for another go around!

Beeswax Candles

Saved this photo from the downtown St Paul European Christmas Market.  Making these candles            must be quite a feat.  I don't think I'd want to burn these candles at both ends!!

No Poinsettia!

Some people consider poinsettias the official flower of the holiday season. I say, “Move over, poinsettia, and make way for amaryllis!”

I decided to downsize the holidays this year and am eliminating lots of decorations and frills.  Difficult to do, though.  I recently read an article in the Minneapolis Tribune that promoted using an amaryllis plant instead of poinsettias so I picked up one during a shopping trip to try it out. I love the plant as its buds are unfolding! It's really quite beautiful and after I wrap the pot in decorative paper  (or repot it in a glass container,  surrounded the blooms with pebbles) it will be a worthy substitute for the traditional poinsettia, which will eventually wilt and fade.  According to the article, I can keep it from year to year.

Monday Mural - West 7th Place

This mural shows typical buildings and scenes in downtown St. Paul.

Linking to Monday Murals

Legendary Figures

On November 8th I  posted photos of two other literary figures found as colorful stained glass windows in the Frey Library at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. More legendary than literary, Paul and his Babe, the Blue Ox, are well-known in Minnesota.

Cemetery Christmas!

Even the cemeteries are getting into the Christmas spirit!

Former CyberLuddite !!

Former CyberLuddite enthralled with his birthday gift!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM, JAIME, SEAMUS !!

Pretty Pair !

Mother and Daughter enjoying a sunny but cold afternoon at the outdoor European Christmas Market in downtown St. Paul last Saturday.

Wordless Wednesday

Street Music !!

Elizabethan carolers at the European Christmas Market

December 2014 Theme Day: Worker

Because this lovely young vendor was busy with customers at the outdoor European Christmas Market I did not want to interrupt and, therefore, did not have a chance to interview her or get her name.  I was just happy that she was willing to pose briefly for me.  

To see other workers from around the world and leave a comment, go here.

The First Year

Tomorrow is CDP December Theme Day.  Introduce your worker!!
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This year St. Paul tried a "European Christmas Market" in downtown.  It is small but it looks promising as the beginning of a new holiday tradition.  From what I have seen on European blogs, ours is not as varied or large, but it's a start!!

Through a Glass Darkly. . .

Through my windshield!

December 1st Theme Day: Worker

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

We always have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner:  turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn soufflé.  Instead of pie, I switched the dessert to Pumpkin Bundt cake with buttermilk frosting topped with pumpkin seed.  Eat hearty everyone, even if Thanksgiving isn't part of your culture.  We all have lots for which we can be thankful. . .at least I sincerely hope so!!

Remember December Theme Day.  What "worker" are you going to feature on your blog?

Dinnerware

I think this set of dinnerware would make a lovely setting for a Thanksgiving feast, don't you?  It is a set designed and made by a former colleague, a very talented potter and superb educator.

A favorite mural

I decided that rather than succumb to the weather and wallow in a deep funk, I would work around it. I have NO desire to wander my gray and grim Minnesota winter environment to find pleasing images for photography; I shall break the rules and find color in my archives, regardless of location.

In years past we spent many lovely winter months in Mazatlán, México.  A house that I admired had this mural on one of the walls.  Now this certainly can dispel gloom, can't it?! Now, just for the record I KNOW that a creative person can find subjects worthy of photography in any environment, and I am aware that Thanksgiving is approaching and I have a life for which I have much gratitude. But . . . I just don't feel like making the effort right now.  A funk it is!!

Linking to Monday Mural

Theme Day is approaching: December's theme is "worker."

Colors

My Minnesota winter right now is a drab one of black, dark brown, gray, and dirty white.  Yearning for some color, I found this wonderful hand-dyed yarn that added some brightness to my world.

Italian Style

Trace the evolution of Italian design, from Gucci and Prada to Missoni, Versace and more. A major retrospective of the fashion that has defined a nation—and a rare chance to see Milan’s finest in Minneapolis.

An MIA first, this groundbreaking exhibition examines the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial verve that catapulted Italy from the ashes of World War II to the style powerhouse it is today. Immerse yourself in impeccable design, rare ingenuity, and the head-turning glamour of celebrity style. (Credit: Minneapolis Institute of Arts)

Toured this breathtaking exhibit on Friday.  Outstanding and quite extensive.