Holiday Images

Admittedly, I let the holidays just slip away, barely posting any photos. I took a few...but just a few. I was in that place where I sometimes go.

Today I opened up my Lightroom catalog and began peering through the few images I did take during the holidays.

What I found made me smile and remember...

The cookie exchange party that was so incredibly beautiful.

I felt as if I had stepped into a Martha Stewart scene

and was invited to stay for lunch.

It was easy to remember the teenage boys who waited at our door, eager to devour those seven dozen cookies.

I remember how absolutely perfect I wanted this gift to be.


How I fretted and planned and worried about it more than all my other Christmas gifts combined.

I remember her grace and overwhelming gratitude...

that brought puddles of tears for both of us.

I remember my friend Leisa modeling her "Birthday in a Box" gift...how sweet is that!

I remember how this little one couldn't wait to meet Santa. Though just two years old, Olivia was brave and confident...she snuggled right up to the chubby old elf.


I remember when Henry and Santa looked into each other's eyes and loved what they saw.

Of course, the annual Children's nativity was an image not to be forgotten. Sweet little Piper played all the animals in the scene one by one. And Grandpa Owen just beamed with pride watching his great grandchildren reenact the familiar story.

Dorothy the puppy had a hard time waiting for Christmas...she kept finding her hidden present under the tree and couldn't help herself from playing with it. We eventually gave in and let the clever pooch have her gift early.

And then when she thought no one was looking...Olivia sneaked a treat for Sami dog.

These images of Christmas 2012 are priceless.

Twenty years from now, we are going to laugh uproariously at Chet's Beard-all.


We will likely remark at how much Henry looked like his Mama in those days

and giggle at all the candy Olivia consumed Christmas Eve.

But most of all these images of Christmas 2012 remind me that every single photo I take has a story to tell. Innocent, raw, emotional, joyous stories lay just ahead. And that's why I climb out of that place I sometimes go...and am instantly drawn to my camera.

Happy New Year to you all...may you have a wonderful and blessed 2013.

Filthy Fifty 1,2,3

It's such a busy time of year. Parties, gifting, skiing, decorating, crafting, New Years-ing and Filthy fifty-ing! Which truly has been put on the back burner. However, I'm finally reporting on the first accomplishments of my Filthy Fifty list.

Filthy Fifty #1

iPhone pics are so handy sometimes

I entered Anthropologie with neither husband, girlfriend, or kids...just me. And I exited an hour later with several bags filled with evidence of my shopping spree. I love that store...from the window displays to the dishes to the shoes. I have to stop myself from twirling ridiculously with glee while in the store.

Filthy Fifty #2

Photography has become one of my loves. I've taken about a million zillion photographs and they're all filed neatly and expertly on my hard drive. Filthy Fifty #2 is to get those photos printed. I have wanted to create a gallery wall with some of my photographs for several years. Now I'm looking forward to filling the empty wall on the other side of the hall.

Filthy Fifty #3

One of my favorite Christmas memories growing up revolves around visits to The Christmas Village in my hometown.

Since before I was born, the city has been decorating downtown with mini buildings, replicas of the city's original buildings.

I couldn't wait to share this tradition with Olivia...

and Henry too.

This toy soldier Christmas decoration has been around since 1962...I'm almost certain I remember him marching around town when I was small.

Only a few of the houses are original from 1962...like this toy store.

With vintage toys, dollies and games filling the little house...there are even original Clue and Scrabble board games.

The grand babies were instantly attracted to the penguins in this one,

and the reindeer...which they insisted on calling goats.

Ah...we found a hidden spot that definitely wasn't here when I was a kid.

I can hardly wait to bring the babies back here during summer months for more photos.


Olivia found Santa's castle, quickly trying the door to see if the big guy was home.

Sadly, the original Santa's castle is gone. But the little people didn't seem to care.

But you can still mail a letter to Santa here.

Also...Olivia's boots light up and sparkle when she walks. I wish they came in my size!

The wonder of childhood. I hope Olivia and Henry will remember this place. The magic of my Christmas traditions now passed along to another generation. Next year maybe we will get brave and visit during the evening when the Christmas Village is illuminated with lights and glistening with snow.

Time to go...little tummies are hungry and ready for lunch. We're having pasta...in case you are wondering.

And lastly...Adorable December

Wrapping up 2011...it was easy-peasy to find Adorable things during the month of December.

• Olivia unwrapped her gift from Papa and found a Yo Gabba Gabba Muno doll...he was so proud of himself for picking it out.  The two of them have a little routine...Olivia hands Papa the TV remote, bats her adorable blue eyes, and presto...her favorite show appears on the screen! Everybody wins!

•  And one for Henry too...Roby is the little green guy on Yo Gabba Gabba. 

• Lawyer Girl claims I spoiled the babies for Christmas. But I couldn't help myself, and it seems neither could Papa.

• Chubby little pink arms reaching out to you followed by those smoochy grand baby kisses...are simply impossible to resist.  

• Something she likes to call..."crafter-noon"! Yup, surprised all of us when Lawyer Girl picked up a paint brush instead of her computer one afternoon.

•  Adorable Danny...she's baa-aack!

• Eggs...apparently happy chickens are laying chickens here at The Garlick Press, even during the cold winter months! 

• And finally, the first Christmas card from The Garlick Press since our loss. My adorable friend Michelle gently nudged me into taking this step.

For The Garlick Press, it's been an adorable and remarkable year...thanks for following along with us.

May 2012 be just as adorable for each of you!