Christmas Bird

The last post explained our new display for wreaths and swags. While Denise and I were painting, Jim was inspired to make arms for the St. Nicks so they could hold the wreaths. My idea was simply to impale the Jolly Old Souls with nails for hanging the wreaths. I'm glad that Jim stopped that cruelty and got busy making arms for the Jolly Old Souls.

The wreaths and swags look wonderful on their new display. It's always great to see an idea become a reality.


And then, there's this guy :)

 

 

Jim found an abandoned bird's nest and placed it on one of the Santa's arms. Naturally he found a bird in my craft supplies to take residence in the nest. When I investigated, I discovered that our feathered friend was sitting on a golf ball. Is Jim hoping for a hybrid 'birdie'? A golf ball with feathers that assures a birdie for every hole? Or one that is good for badminton as well as golf?

 

One can only wonder....Jim's brain works in mysterious ways. And that's all I am going to say about that!

 

Marcheta *bye, bye Birdie!

Got the Spirit? Let's Hear It!

The first job that I do each year that ushers in the Christmas spirit for me is to gussy up Galion Public Library with fresh-from-our-farm greens and wreaths. I am glad that we have this contract because it transitions my soul from mourning the loss of autumn to the joyous Christmas season of special programs, concerts, meals, and family traditions.

As you can see, the sky was a brilliant shade of blue today when I installed the greens.

I've not always been so lucky....today's 41 degrees felt downright balmy compared to years when I'd be out in below freezing weather, sometimes accompanied by freezing rain or snow, trying to wire pine rope, swags, and bows on the beautiful antique wrought iron fence.

Galion is lucky to have such a beautiful library building. Back in the day, forward thinking citizens of Galion matched Carnegie funds and gave our town a legacy.

But wait!

There's more!

Not only do we have this fantastic building, which is also an important part of American history, Galion has a top-notch library staff to go with it.  And I ain't just whislin' Dixie...the staff truly cares about library patrons and goes the extra mile...not only for library business, but also as a hub to connect different people and projects together. With excellent adult and children programs, the library is also a valuable center of learning and entertainment.

As I was installing the greens today, I pondered the fact that Jim and I have been making greens for the library's Christmas for about 20 years (I know! time flies faster than the speed of life!). I just about couldn't get over that fact, and was humbled by the idea of it. l feel extremely privileged to be the person the library board trusts to do the outdoor decorations for the very special season of Christmas.

Marcheta *the fortunate one

Where's Marcheta?

No, I am not donning a stripped shirt and stocking cap and hiding amongst the throng of holiday shoppers in hopes that you will find me.

Just the opposite, I'd love for you to find me!

"Where's Marcheta?" is a new page that I added to OCJ today to keep you informed of the community activities I'll be a part of. Also posted are the fresh Christmas Trees and other products that Jim and I have for sale here at the farm with the hours that we are open for business.

Today I'll have a rather sad patch. I adore autumn and hate to say goodbye to such a glorious season. But the earth is entering a new season, and so must I. Today the fall home décor items will be put away, and maybe a few winter/Christmas items will take their places. I am helped along this path with the scents of fresh pine and juniper...we've begun the process of making fresh Christmas greens. So, really, I am still in a "green" season. How great is that?

Marcheta *keepin' it fresh

Lucy Goosey

Now what? :)

My friend Lucy, who I see almost every day at the reservoir, seems to be thinking, "I don't know! I need  a time out  so I can get everything thunk out and sorted!"

 

And that is what I am doing today...taking time to re-group and re-organize to prepare for my last wave of busyness for this year: Christmas tree and wreath sales. 

We won't be making the greens for at least a week, we like our customers to get them nice and fresh. What I am doing now is preparing what I am able to ahead of time, such as get the price-list updated, make a few posters to put around town, get the ad ready for the newspaper, and other what-not. 

Today's chores don't include any of that, though. I spent all morning getting banking accounts updated, bills paid and out of my way. Now I'm off to the stores to stock up on household staples so that I won't have to be bothered with shopping after a long day of work. I am trying to get as much off of my mind as possible.

Yesterday after our Happy Birdday party, Jim trimmed a juniper that had gone a bit wild at Kerry's house. 

Juniper is my favorite green for fragrance and helped me get it in my head that autumn and all of its glory is disappearing **fast** and I need to gear up for Christmas and winter. The snow flurries that are predicted will help.

Meanwhile, I am going to enjoy being out and about today. One highlight will be meeting up with a few of my writer buds at Barnes and Noble. We're meeting to check in how we're doing and to offer support and encouragement to each other. Like me, most have given up the pressure to be done with NaNoWriMo on time, and to know that others are of a like mind helps me relax about changing the date of my personal goal.

Marcheta *breathing