Enjoy the Mess

Undoubtedly, during the recent holidays many of you enjoyed the company of youngsters, including toddlers who love to roam amid the discarded paper and boxes stopping only to pick up something they were not supposed to have or to momentarily sit in a box in which their gifts were once wrapped.  Upon opening each toy, pre-schoolers promptly want to play with the item and will immediately find that one person in the room who has a scissors (or something comparable) to detach toys from the packaging.  And, watching little ones delight in all the excitement and surprises under the tree is truly one of the best parts of Christmas. 

Recently, I found the following quote that describes that sentiment and speaks to living in the moment while enjoying the mess created by little hands opening gifts, playing with each new toy and moving about the 'trash' strewn throughout the room:

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day.  Don't clean it up too quickly."

                                                                                                                        --Andy Rooney

"Cutest" Christmas Sweater

In recent years "Ugly Christmas Sweaters" have become extremely popular as they are often the theme for holiday parties, and some individuals have even established lucrative on-line businesses as they sell these crazy Christmas concoctions.  Today's post is similar yet different as I feature my adorable niece in her festive holiday apparel with an embellished reindeer top and elf leggings.  At such a young age she had numerous admirers who loved her darling Christmas outfit; however, be advised that any adult found wearing such an ensemble will undoubtedly win the "ugliest sweater" contest and be the focus of family jokes for years to come.

Happy New Year!

 

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

                                                                                              --Oprah Winfrey

2012: A Look Back

Ferns emerge from their winter slumber

In late March 2012 I decided to launch myself into the wide, wide world of blogging and create daily posts featuring my photography.  Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, and, in the new year, I look forward to continuing to share a glimpse of my world with viewers from around the globe.  As we bid farewell to 2012, I decided to post a few images from the past year that clearly demonstrate our four seasons and the influence of Mother Nature. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signs of the Season: Loads of Lights at Night

 

One of several memorable quotes from the movie Christmas Vacation is fitting for the photos featured in this post:

 

Bethany:  Is your house on fire, Clark?

 

Clark:  No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights.

 

 

 

 

Signs of the Season: More Lights at Night

 

My holiday lights at night tour continues.

 

 

Several elements associated with this festive season are found in these displays, including religious items, wreaths, snowflakes, and traditional red and green colors along with Santa.

 

 

 

Signs of the Season: Lights at Night

 

Scenes such as these still remain throughout many neighborhoods and add cheer to the holiday season.  Have you seen several light displays?  If not, I will feature a few more in the coming days. And, if you have not already noticed, some of the photos, like these, were taken prior to last week's blizzard and no white stuff covers the ground; however, some of the others look more like a typical Christmas scene in Iowa with snow blanketing the landscape.  Enjoy!