Favorite Xmas Gifts in 2011

We saw my ex, Inars, weep joyful tears as he looked upon his Xmas gift from me this year.  I commissioned my very talented student, junior Rita Labib, to make me this wood and glass collage with the pix I had saved of Inars and the kids from the kids growing up years.  The family were all so pleased at how much he loved it and how meaningful it was to him.  Thank you Rita for doing such a beautiful job with this piece.  He has it hanging in his study over his desk.

Another favorite present was from juniors Cindy Kim and Samantha Arias.  They got together and baked me this huge, artful cookie that was devoured within minutes of me bringing it home.  I think there might already be a piece missing.  Just had to taste before I took it home.  Girls, it was De--Lish!!!

Xmas Day at the Ex's (just a bit late)

9:00 a.m. Xmas morning, freshly rolled out of bed in our jams, let the Xmas opening present games begin ...

sweet little Bogey opening his presents...

2:00 p.m., all cleaned up, getting ready to visit Nana and then cook Xmas Dinner...

and baby Lily's first Xmas after she had pulled off and mutilated half the ornaments.

Xmas Lights in the Southland

Two Fridays before Xmas, when I got home from work, my hubby asked me if I had ever seen the Xmas lights at Rogers Gardens.  No!  I didn't even know they had Xmas lights or were even open in the evenings, and it's one of my all time favorite places, so off we went.  We arrived just after sundown and it was so crowded, but totally worth the drive down in traffic.

I knew they decorated the place for Xmas but I had no idea how beautiful it was lit up in the evening.  In the center of the garden they have two trains meandering thru the trees, scrubs, flowers and poinsettias.

And in the indoor greenhouses the poinsettia displays were just awesome.

But it was the decorated trees inside the Xmas shop that were spectacular.  Huge trees filled with gorgeous ornaments that you could pluck off the trees and purchase.

Did I find a few bobbles?  You bet!

They also featured Xmas artists.  These styrofoam covered trees were to die for and very expensive.

In their covered patio area Jim asked if I'd ever been to Fashion Island in Newport to see the big tree?  Nope.  He said how long have you lived in So. Cal and not seen these sites??  All my life...

...so across the street we went to Fashion Island and this is what awaited us, one of the largest real trees I've ever seen.  Truly incredible.  I can't even imagine how much time it took to decorate this beauty! 

The ornaments were huge and many.

We ended the evening with a cup of hot chocolate.  Perfect....

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

Wishing all of you a relaxing, peaceful, joyful and loving holiday season with your family and friends.   

I will be taking a 2 week break from the blog so I will see you again in the New Year.

Here are some of my favorite holiday decorations.  My handmade button wreath.  All my special Xmas cards that past students have given me.  Let's see, I see one from Jan Yeh, Mark Bayua (spelling?), and Breeana Johng.  I have them on display throughout my home/studio.

Below is a close-up of alumni Victoria Au's tiny felt ornaments and Flora Li's beaded angel that they made for me on the little Xmas tree.

All the ornaments on my tree below were either made by my children, my students, my mother, myself, or favorite artists.  Each holds a special place in my heart.

Unfortunately my tree has vanished into cyber-land and it won't come back.  I'm just not savvy enough yet to figure everything out with all the functions on this blog.  If you really want to see it chick on Xmas 2010 and know that my tree looks pretty much the same except this year it's a little smaller.  :) 

The small tree below has other cherished ornaments by artists Leslie McCabe, Judy Coats Perez, and myself. 

              

A close up 

And our sweet, lovely tree at Jimmy's place adored with many of my mother's antique bulbs, Danielle's Xmas angel at the top that she made in kindergarten, and the beautiful and colorful handmade ornaments that Julie brought me last Xmas from New York.

A very special Xmas wish to my in-laws, Bette and Vinny, in Hobe Sound Florida.  Wishing we could all be together this Xmas.  Stay well.   Jim, Danielle, Zach, Julie, Mike and I send you our love.

And Happy New Year!!!!