Traditions

Holiday season is upon us, ready or not it is time to get busy and celebrate Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas to name a few major events of the season. How do you prepare?
Do you decorate for each of the celebrations or does your decor blend the best of each? When do you begin decorating for Christmas? Before or after Thanksgiving?

Each year the struggle between tradition and new ideas grows at our house. The traditionalist states, decoration have set times, colors and themes. Apples in September, Columbus Day, the World Series and Pumpkins in October, Fall leaves, Veteran's Day, Turkeys, Pilgrims and Harvest in November, and Red, Green and Gold command December as the decorations and lights go up on the 1st day of the month. The traditionalist goes yet further with the same meals, foods and activities. The one with new ideas and alternative possibilities asks why not this, why do we do that. Or even proclaims we are doing something different this year, using different colors instead of red, green and gold.

Neither is right or wrong. Traditions have a place, marking the passing of time, and even building a rich memory bank for each one present. I feel there is room for both schools of thought as we prepare for the holidays.

Holidays are to be celebrated and filled with joy, not silent stressed filled rooms. Be open to new ideas, be flexible to new possibilities, create memories but more importantly share love, spread peace, and express joy. Enjoy the feasts!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Do you dream in color or black and white?

Are you a dreamer? Do you remember your dreams? Do you record your dreams or ever try to discover what they mean? Dreams can be vivid or partially hidden by distractions or what seems like fog. Dreams can be pleasant, joyful, fleeting or possibly even a nightmare or warnings. I find dreams to be intriguing glimpses into another world, filled with inspiration to be pursued during the waking hours of day.

Do you dream in color or black and white? Do you remember the conversations, the sounds or smells within your dreams? Do you have a dream or series of dreams which are similar or repeated frequently?

Dreams are a great source of inspiration for creative adventures, especially when you may be experiencing 'writer's block". Keep a notepad and pencil on your night stand to record your dreams as you remember them. This is a great resource of original images and ideas.

Sweet dreams!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

Christmas Decorating is it a Science or an Art?

When do you begin decorating for Christmas?
I have friends that begin decorating in October and others that don't even consider decorating until December 18th! Personally, I'm not sure how to answer the question~ I've just noticed a fully decorated Christmas Tree that has remained on my mantle displayed for over a year! How have I not seen this tree until today??? Is it okay with you if I pretend that I just put it up for this season?

Are you a traditionalist when decorating, using reds and greens or silver and blues as your palette? Or do you work with the more vibrant colors of pinks, aqua, lime and purples? What about ornaments and other decorations~ Do you use handcrafted ornaments or those you have purchased?

Today I am filled and overflowing with questions it seems.
Below is a set of questions to propel us into the Christmas Season.

1. When do you begin decorating?
2. Do you decorate every room in your home?
3. What color palette[s] do you use when decorating for Christmas?
4. Do you use all of your ornaments every year?
5. Real tree vs artificial tree, which do you prefer?
6. Christmas lights: inside? outside? colors? or all white?
7. Do you collect specific types of Christmas ornaments or decorations?
8. Do you use a Nativity in your Christmas decor?

I'm off to the attic, the closets and under the beds in search of Christmas decorations! Thinking I will go 'simple' this year, that is until the Christmas Bug bites and then....who knows what will happen! Only 24 days until Christmas, I'd better get busy!

I need some ideas for the front porch this year~
How are you decorating your entry?


Carol
#freedfromboxes
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2016 Carol Lane Fleming

Giving Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Feast Day! Happy Football!

Thanksgiving brings a rush of memories~ filled with laughter and tears.
Yet, Thanksgiving 2016 my heart is overflowing with the many blessings of the year.

I can't really hang out and chat today, I'm running behind on the creation of the feast. [Yep, I stayed up way to late playing in the studio last night when I should have been cooking!]

Years ago we broke with "Tradition" as in no turkey! Gasp!!
Since the break-up, every year the menu changes. This year is no different, everyone has submitted a request for entree, sides and desserts. And once again, no one has requested turkey, gravy, dressing.... Shrimp is at the top of the entree listings.

What will you be serving later today? Do you have any Thanksgiving Traditions unique to your family?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Carol
#freedfromboxes
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2016 Carol Lane Fleming