made by moi
The HO HO HO is back. The last three years I haven’t felt like decorating for Christmas. It’s not about the decorations anyway. Last year when I began the “get out of Dodge” house purge, I gave away the majority of our decorations. I should say MY decorations since Ray came into the marriage with zero decorations. Okay, he did have oven mitts adorned with Christmas trees so I guess that counts.
I had boxes of mini trees, garlands, wreaths, lights, and more crap…I mean stuff. I had a huge faux tree I didn’t always use (sometimes I would get the real deal which lasted a week in Arizona). All of it was donated. I kept the ornaments, the Christmas village and pieces that have true meaning for me (us).
I’ve never been a theme person when decorating for Christmas. A theme for our tree—never. I appreciate a good ‘theme’ but I enjoyed using the ornaments collected over the years. I love handmade ornaments. The ones with paste all over the photo and you can see the fingerprints, the gingerbread man with the face drawn upside down, the garland made from pasta…those are the true treasures for me…priceless.
I decorated a little bit this year (this was HUGE for me). No, I didn’t open the boxes of ornaments, no, I didn’t buy a tree, but It looks Christmassy in our house. When Ray came home from work, he was shocked. I can officially say “the HO HO HO is back” and it will be moving with us.
So glad I hung onto some of these cuties.
I’m not saying we will be living in a chateau (but stranger things have happened and I’ve embroidered those words over and over so they MAY have taken on a life of their own)…it might be a shed (if it’s in France, I’m good with that). I’ve always talked about a fixer upper (picking Ray up from the floor). Time will tell.
Just about everyone I know adores everything French. You know who you are. If you are a Francophile, I have a fabulous online magazine for you. The winter issue of The Good Life France Magazine will have you thinking about a taking a trip to the Hexagon…soon.
It is a FREE (how cool is that) magazine! I am thrilled to have an article included—Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Grab a cup of coffee or better yet, a glass of wine and savour this brilliant magazine.
I thought I would share some pics taken while visiting the Museé Yves Saint Laurent Paris (Now, I want to visit the Marrakech museum). The man was a genius.
Cossack coat from the Ballet Russes Collection—1976
Matador Suit from 1979
We all need an embellished cape like this
The man was brilliant!
A small section of the magical studio.
This desk was used by some of his associates. Those blue pencils jumped out at me—a YSL trademark.
I absolutely loved this museum and can’t wait to return. It was life changing, really.
Well, this is the first post for December…hopefully not the last. Thank you for visiting, it’s always appreciated. During this busy time of the year, I hope you slow down and enjoy the season. Time flies by and before you know it…
I am so thankful the HO HO HO is back. J.W. is smiling and saying “right on mama.”
Love it !!! Especially the hohoho.. Keep up the wonderful reads.. And happy & very blessed Christmas to you & yours.
Hi Robin,
Thank you for visiting! I really appreciate your encouragement! I never thought the ho ho ho (i was just going to have one Ho in the title but Ray thought I should add the others) would return. The holidays are difficult but I’m back on track…Thank you God!
Enjoy time with your family this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas my dear
What a great magazine cover. And again I must honor your wonderful pictures. It’s certainly a blessing to hear that you’re back on the saddle for Christmas though I doubt Yves Saint Laurent ever designed a saddle (however if it had only come up…).
Hi Mikala!
Hope you are well. It is a beautiful cover, totally agree with you. I’ve always enjoyed snapping pics. Flash photography was not allowed, half were taken with my phone. YEP, I am back on the saddle for Christmas but that lovely grief creeps in with I least expect it. I’ll look into the saddle. You never know..
Barb…what a happy post…and wonderful news that your ho…ho…ho…is back! How I love your blog!
Hi Victoria! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment. Yep, the Ho is back. That unpredictable grief surfaces but I am looking forward to Christmas and I haven’t been able to say that for 3 years. It feels good!
love and hugs to you dear lady.
Oh Barb, it is so wonderful to hear your joy. What a blessing. Yes, I can feel J.W.s smile too. Have a beautiful, blessed holiday. my love,
Andrea
Hi Andrea! I am so grateful to have my Ho back (sounds so wrong but you know what I mean). Yep, J.W is smiling and giving a thumbs up along with the peace sign. Sending holiday love and blessings to you and the Mr. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. You know you are appreciated!
big hugs and love.
So pleased to see a little Christmas joy is sneaking back – the holidays are always tricky. On another note your photos of the YSL museum are wonderful , definately up my street, those collections are exquisite. By coincidence I found a Yves Saint Laurent book at teh thrift shop this morning. All my best wishes for a peaceful holiday season, Jill.
Hi Jill!
YAY!! Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment. You are so right-the holidays are tricky. This will be his 3rd Christmas in Heaven. I have my teary moments but putting up a few decorations was a big step for me.
It is kind of funny but when I was visiting the museum I thought of you. I knew you would adore EVERYTHING!
You hit the jackpot with the book. I never find anything like that. Most are a small fortune on ebay.
Sending love for a beautiful holiday season.
XX