Gorgeous Holiday Wreath

This is absolutely one of the most gorgeous Holiday wreaths I have ever seen. I would leave it on my door until spring. via Denise mentioned a DIY video on YouTube for a similar wreath. Thanks, Denise!

Merry Christmas to All

My snow melted overnight thanks to the hard rain, fierce winds, and unusual warmth for this time of year. It seems that 2020 is continuing to be a year for the record books in every respect! This photo was taken on Christmas Eve morning and I added the greeting to wish you all a happy Christmas Day that is merry in every way. xo

Extinct Ivory Billed Woodpecker

Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands (1754) by Mark Catesby (1683-1749). Original from The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library via

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone. I am up in the middle of the night because the howling wind woke me up and I'm wide awake. The power is still on and that's a good thing for the people around me with no generators. I'll see you later. xo

Happy Christmas Eve

My weather sounds pretty ominous for later in the day or early evening for rain and strong winds. I posted these hares on my blog back in 2013. See more of my Christmas Eve Posts Here. Be safe and blessed tonight. xo

Window Box with Christmas Decor

So pretty! Found on Instagram.

Bookplate with Borrowing Instructions

Neither blemish this book nor the leaves double down

Nor lend it to each idle friend in the town:

Return it when read -- or if lost, please supply

Another, as good to the mind and the eye.

With right and with reason you need but be friends

And each book in my study your pleasure attends.

I think these instructions from James Moore are very generous and polite, don't you? I found this photo on my computer, saved from long ago. I added the text below. It has always been my experience when I lent a book that I might as well have kissed it goodbye because I rarely got it back without asking for it. xo

N O E L

Old calligraphy alphabets are so beautiful and this one is no exception. This would make a beautiful Christmas Card. via

THE GOLDFINCH

Carel Pietersz Fabritius, the most promising student of Rembrandt, famous for his painting “The Goldfinch,” died young at just 32 in 1654. He was killed in an explosion. (Not what you were expecting, right?) The city of Delft’s gunpowder magazine unexpectedly exploded, destroying about one-fourth of the city and killing Fabritius. Dying young does not mean the end of a painter’s career – just look at Van Gogh. But unfortunately for Fabritius, most of his paintings were also destroyed in the explosion. Only about a dozen of his paintings survive today. (Source: Wikipedia) photo source

Winter Solstice 2020

Tonight is the longest night of the year. Starting tomorrow, the days will be getting longer so I decided to feature the sun rather than the moon.

This sun is an image copied from an 18th Century calligraphy manual. The December solstice happens at the same instant for everyone, everywhere on Earth – and this year the winter solstice occurred on Monday December 21, at 10:02 GMT in the Northern Hemisphere. As such, Monday December 21 will be the shortest day and longest night of the year.

Moon Snow by  Lucy Grossmith

This delightful image was found on Google Images.

Tonight will be perfect for animals like these.

Stunning Flower Photograph

Hagoromo Chrysanthemum by Magda Indigo

Who knew mums could be so lovely?

Bookish Christmas Card

I adore this custom Christmas Card designed for The London Library 2020. It's easy to see why it's sold out. Isn't it a perfect card for a library, librarian, or book lover? Perfect to send to your Book Club members too.

Cute Christmas Pancakes

I found this image somewhere this morning when I was browsing and fell in love with this idea for decorating pancakes this time of year. Please share with your loved ones! I added the text below the image.

xo

Vintage Christmas Card I Made Years Ago

I just discovered this Christmas Card I made long ago. I lost all the images I created when my desktop computer running Windows XP crashed and took away all my saved photos, photo editing software, Microsoft Word, and so much more. This was around 5 years ago I think. I just found this image on an old phone and I still love it. I scanned the image from one of my books, enlarged it and printed it in black and white on heavy card stock. I still adore everything about the image and the sentiment and this is my wish for you. I picture myself as the woman walking up to her cottage because her driveway hasn't been plowed and she had to leave her car at the bottom of the hill. Such is my life. xo

Beautiful Bedroom Wallpaper

I love the way this wallpaper looks in this bedroom with the plain fabrics, lampshade, and carpet. The room is simple and simply gorgeous. via

Hoar Frost Surrounding An English Country House

I subscribe to a BBC Newsletter and this opening photo knocked me off my feet! The article appears to be interesting too, though I've only skimmed it. The title is 'Cottagecore' and the rise of the modern rural fantasy. Even if you don't read it, open the link so you can see a full-page photo of this English Country House. 

Cottagecore is all about the outdoors and slow living – think Anne of Green Gables meets The Secret Garden – Lucy Blackall

After I have my coffee, I have to suit up and dig out my generator. I completely forgot to do that yesterday and it's something you have to do in case you need it. The sky is clearing and there should be sunshine to help melt my driveway. See you later. xo

PS: Want to get the newsletter too? Subscribe here. You're welcome!!!

Be Worthy of Your Dog's Devotion

I added this text to a picture of a French Bull Dog long ago and I just found it again in my photos. It's so true too. I hope you don't mind seeing it again. I worked outside dealing with snow for much of the day and will probably sleep like a log tonight. xo

A Snowy Mourning Dove Portrait

Mr. Morning Dove aka Mr. Mourning Dove. Are you tired of bird portraits yet? He was so close to my window this morning and he let me take his picture without moving a feather. The storm is over and it wasn't so bad in my neck of the woods. I haven't been outside yet to shovel but will get out of my pajamas soon and start digging out. I have someone coming later with a snowblower to help me deal with the driveway. See you later. Hope you are all safe and sound. xo

A Beautiful Cardinal on My Balcony

This is a better photo of a cardinal than the last one I posted. There was a real frenzy at my feeder all day because the birds were trying to power up for the coming storm with wind and snow. It's her at the time of this posting (8pm) and so far it's not too bad. I hope I will be pleasantly surprised when I wake up tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed. xo

Snow Covered Steps in Montréal

Montréal, Quebec, Canada by Akhil Verma

Now I don't feel so bad about the snow that's coming my way. Be safe and be careful. xo

via

Bunny in The Snow

I can't get away from people on TV or the radio talking about the Nor'easter that's coming my way tomorrow afternoon. The snowy scene above is just about all I can take mentally but I'll deal with it on Thursday morning for sure. Be safe if you are in the path too. xo