Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

Baby Jesus Abducted

Baby Jesus was kid napped from my front yard this Christmas while his mother Mary and Joseph sat idly by watching.   Unable to lend a hand, frozen in permanent adoration,  they were only able to shed a bit of light on the situation, each being illuminated by a 100 watt light bulb.

This is a photo of the Christ child before the abduction.  I'm not sure who would want to snatch the little babe away, but my guess is a thug hired by King Herod, if you asked me.  Without the baby Jesus present my daughter said Mary and Joseph look like they are worshiping the grass.

I'm not upset, just a bit forlorn. I'm not sure how to remedy the situation. I can't just go buy another baby Jesus to replace the old one.  He comes in a set with Mary and Joseph. If I were to purchase a new trio I would have two Marys and two Josephs. I guess I could mix up the couples every once in a while, just to be fair.  How do you think it would look when my pastor's daughter came over to bake cookies next year and saw two Marys pondering the baby Jesus in their hearts. Or imagine two Josephs gazing down upon the new born babe each dressed in their pink tunics?

OK, diversion here! What's with the pink tunic on Joseph while Mary is wearing a blue dress? Can anyone please explain that one to me, because it doesn't make sense unless, in my case, I use two Josephs, but I don't want to go there. Enough said about that.

It's been suggested to add a baby doll, but it would be obvious by it's appearance it was adopted and didn't belong to this family. You know, Mary and Joseph both kneeling there illuminated in the dark with their 100w bulb while a doll lies there without any illumination at all.  Forever after I would be question, "Where's the real plastic baby Jesus that illuminates the darkness?"  Then I'd have to explain he was abducted and a replacement was added.  It just wouldn't be the same.

I'm in no way upset over this matter, after all it was just a plastic baby lying on plastic yellow hay in a brown plastic manger molded together in one hollow shell which housed a 100w light bulb that illuminated in the darkness.

For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

2 Corinthians 4:6

Tea Towels

Who doesn't love a new tea towel or two? I enjoy making my own with a double layer of soft flour sack fabric and a ruffle of cute fabric. This fabric was sent to me from my Tea Swap partner, Sharon. I love the birds and their encouraging messages of love, hope, support, faith, and courage. I finally found a use for the jumbo pink rick rack I bought on a whim.

This second tea towel has a lovely green ruffled fabric "Flower Power, Loopy Vintage Floral" designed by Jennifer Paganelli. I added a piece of vintage trim from my stash.

New tea towels always make cleanup a bit more fun, don't you think so?

Hope for Today

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 147:11

Number 10 of 20 Posts on HOPE

This is the view from my front yard.

Ten years ago my husband sent me to look at this house he saw for sale. An "Open House" sign stood punctured  in the dying yellowed lawn.  Avocado colored paint was pealing from the wood siding. Overgrown yucca plants expressed what I was thinking, "YUCK!"  I didn't even stop the car, too embarrassed someone I knew would actually think I was considering purchasing the home. 

The next weekend as we were driving around looking for houses for sale, we came upon the ugly green house  from a different direction. Stepping out of the car hubby asked, "What's wrong with it?"

"What's wrong with it? Look at it!" I said in a panic, just wanting to leave. He took that as, I'm should go look at it. Knowing it was vacant he found an open gate that lead to an open back door while I sat in the car with my head down. Returning with a smile on his face he urged me to get out of the car and come and see it. Surprisingly, the inside had everything I was looking for in a home, I just didn't expect it would be one that needed so much fixing up.

The neighbor popped his head over the fence. He just bought the fixer-upper next door. "Turn around," he said, "Look at the view. At the tree line is the ocean, and from up stairs San Clemente Island is often seen on a cloudless day."

While studying my Bible I came across what God told Abraham, "Move to the land I show you."  I prayed God would show hubby the land we should move to because I was exhausted looking.  Hubby wanted this one, so here I am, 11 years later enjoying beautiful sunset skies and wonderful neighbors.

Most of the house is fixed up.

 

Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas

I still haven't sent out my Christmas Cards. Sort of like the shoe maker whose own kids have no shoes. I've been so busy making sure everyone else has the cards they need and that's perfectly OK.  The 12 days of Christmas go till Jan 5th and I may just decide to send out New Years cards which will give me an opportunity to create something new. 

My neighbor, who has the gift of making others smile and laugh, sent this amazing song  and I can't help but pass it on to you. It's called "Silent Monks Singing Hallelujah." Enjoy!

And a Very Merry Christmas to You and Your Kin...

Blessing to all, Kim

History of My Pink Christmas Tree

I caught a glimpse of this tree tucked behind some shrubs driving past a yard sale.  I was with my husband coming from a nursery with 3 fruit trees in the back of the truck. I hollered, "Turn around!" Hubby asked, "What?" I said, "You'll see..." Now I did what every good garage-saler tells you not to do. I excitedly walked up to the lady selling this tree and told her I thought her tree was amazing. When I asked how much she said, "$20, it was once a Macy's display tree." Having just $20 left from buying the three real trees I purchased this fake 7.5 foot pre-lit tree in pink.  With a bit of remorse from my neighbor's reaction that I probably spent too much, hubby decided to looked them up on line.  At Treetopia.com they were on sale for $289 from their original price of $569. I feel better now and happy to have it, if for nothing else seeing the reaction of those who see it for the first time is priceless.

Vintage Aqua Christmas Ornament

A vintage aqua Christmas ornament I found last year is now hanging on a pink Christmas tree I found last Saturday.  

Tomato & Figs, Oh My!

I've been so busy in the kitchen that my son commented last night, "Wow, mom, you've been cooking a lot lately. What's up?" His comment is justified, because I'm not normally in the kitchen except to make tea and see if hubbies cookies are cooled enough to eat.  That's why you don't usually see any food on my blog.  But this last weekend and early this week I've been saving our incredible tomato and fig harvest.

First the tomatoes were made into Salsa, with half the batch made into Mango Salsa. I didn't actually can these because Salsa doesn't last very long at my house. It goes on chips & quesadillas, and into Chicken Tortilla soup.

Hubby made a lot of dough and topped it with cheese, basil, and tomatoes.  The remaining tomatoes were processed into six 1 quart canning jars. 

With the juice left over from cooking the tomatoes I made my version of a V8 drink, except it was more like a V6 with a couple of large spoons of the mango salsa and juice from half a lemon. I know not everyone likes tomato juice but I love it and glad to be the only one in the family who does.
 
By far the easiest to make, and definitely the prettiest, was the Strawberry Fig jam. It looks like Christmas with its golden seeds submerged in the the deep crimson sweetness.  Won't this be scrumptious on scones?  Here's the recipe:

     FIG & STRAWBERRY PRESERVES

     6 c. fresh figs
     6 c. sugar
     2 (6 oz.) pkgs. strawberry Jello

Wash and peel figs (this took the longest time). Mash well (do not use blender). Place in a large pot with sugar. Heat until the figs start to cook. Add the dry gelatin and simmer 10 more minutes, stirring often. Pour into hot sterilized jars. Yield: 5 to 6 pints.

For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.  Galatians 6:7-10

MOM Upside-Down Spells WOW!

I am blessed by my MOM's handiwork.  As a girl she made all my adorable dresses. For my home she made me this Quilt.

Then from all the remnants of the dresses she made me in the 60's and 70's she made this colorful quilt which I received on my 40th birthday.  She knows I love squares.

Yes, I really wore dresses made from these wild prints.

She also knows I love 'tone-on-tone' and made me a beautiful tablecloth with Autumn leaves. WOW, like I'm really going to eat on it!

Recently, with my failed attempt to even understand the instructions of this cross stitch, she took it home, worked on it for over a year and gave it back to me as a gift. 

My mom is truly known for her labors of love, and I am WOWed by her talent.

Baby Birdies

 
The soft peep, peep peeping  heard overhead was so sweet.   A mommy Sparrow finally moved into my son's bird house that went unoccupied for so many years.  I couldn't resist climbing up for a closer peek inside.

Don't you just love Spring?

CROSS MY HEART

Here's how I like 'em-



I love how this vintage Valentine card I found at Tparty Antiques was already signed "Guess?" I just left it and gave it to my husband this way.
 

It's tradition that I always set a Valentine's table the night before to surprise the family when they wake up. Yes, I let the kids eat candy with their breakfast, but just on Valentine's Day. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !

Two's Company, Three's a Party

I found these lovely Antique Bassett Austrian Limoges plates: three salad plates and three dessert plates, with one small bowl, perfect for an intimate gathering.  I never feel out-numbered with three at a table, it just feels more like a party.

George Bassett was a New York company with factories in Limoges and in Austria. They imported table china into the US with floral transfer decoration from the late 1800s until World War I.
 

Katie Loves Pink

Katie, my friend's 18 year old daughter was asked, "What would you do if your boyfriend gave you red roses?" Katie's reply impressed me. She answered, "Then HE wouldn't be my boyfriend. If he WERE  my boyfriend he would know I only love pink."

I'm feeling a bit pink myself. With the help of a few vintage treasures I found in my favorite Etsy Shop, JensCloset (the Queen of Vintage), and the Camellias blooming this time of year, the red of Christmas has faded to a soft pink.

Prized Tangerines

One of the greatest gifts from Grandma is her Tangerines.  They are better than candy.  I  decided to give them the high honor they deserve and placed the on the ledge in the kitchen.

I've been home this past week. I decided to give myself some time off.  I was hoping to get a painting or two done, but haven't been motivated.  I just feeling like a homebody moving things around and organizing little spaces.  One day I stayed in my P.J.'s all day, which definitely kept me in, and made it easy when it was time to go back to bed.  Hope you're enjoying the transition into the new year.  Blessings to you all in 2009!

Matching Milk Glass

Grandma thoughtfully gave me 7 matching milk glass candy dishes.  She then said, "I don't know what you're going to use these for."   Thanks Grandma, let me show you:   
                                              Cookies

                                         Game Pieces

                    Blueberries, Grandmas favorite

                            Candy, Grandpas favorite

                                                   Keys

                                   Vintage Jewelery

                                and Pocket Change.

                                        Lint included.

Snowflake Tradition

Hanging snowflakes started as a family's tradition 14 Christmas' ago when the kids were really little. Due to the economy in the mid-1990's I lost my design job at an Architectural office. With my husband's job just covering the mortgage of our recently purchased first home, we had very little money for gifts. We did however have paper, scissors, thread and tape. Together we made white snowflakes in all sizes and hung them from the ceiling of our little dinning room. It was beautiful and really came alive when they turned on the ceiling fan.  The kid's had no idea Christmas should me any different.  In fact, it never changed since then.  At our recent home we have an entry hall with a lowered ceiling (yes, 1960's) which stages our growing snowflake collection perfectly. Each time the front door opens, they all blow happily in the breeze.

 

Christmas Lights

I love Christmas lights.  Communities become beacons where just a month before all was dim.  Light is the first element God created when He formed the world we live in.  Genesis 1:3 tells us, "Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light".  Light is mentioned throughout the entire Bible, especially in reference to Jesus.  "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7. 

Wishing the Light of this season illuminates your heart and brings you great joy.

Coming Rain

Booming thunder woke us up early Monday morning, followed by lightning.  From my front yard, I watched in wonder as God demonstrated His power in the clouds that quickly gather over the west.

One next-door neighbor rushed to cover things around his house, while the other invited their scheduled house painters inside.  My dog was running in circles around the backyard barking towards the heavens.  By the time I walked through the house, on my was to comfort her, the clouds opened in a sudden down-pour.

My heart was moved as I recalled a verse from the Bible which says,  Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12

Home With A View of God

 

As an artist it takes me a couple of days to paint a picture, more often a week.  After finishing my creation I have a terrible tenancy to think more highly of myself than I aught to.  From my front porch I am always humbled by what God can paint.  It's as if He says to me, with a smile on His face, "Hey, Kim, you thing you're so talented, check this out."  In ten seconds he paints the shy, changes the colors, moves the clouds and causes me to stand in awe at His greatness.

Milkglass Hobnail

My favorite thing to collect is milk glass hobnail. I especially love it with ruffled edges at the top. Pop calls it milk glass with goosebumps. This fan vase was his moms. I found the lamp at a garage sale and decided to use it as my new desk lamp .