In my thoughts

When I last posted I had all these grand plans to finish my Christmas shopping, do my Santa Cops deliveries, finish painting a couple of gifts, and generally enjoy the holiday season.

This has been a tough Christmas season for many, me included. It was really hard to really get into the Christmas happy spirit when things turned ugly right as the season is starting.....the economy, then the police officer shootings in October and November. Just as the our local community and law enforcement "family" is starting to heal, Monday night happened. Two more police officers shot, just doing their job. This time, for me, it hit close to home. I know both these officers and have worked with them for several years. Good men, good fathers, good officers, the kind of people we want out there watching our back. I was out with one of our detectives making Santa Cops deliveries when the call came out, first one shot, then another. Absolutely gut wrenching, and something I hope and pray I never have to hear again.

Nick Hausner is out of the hospital and recovering at home. Kent Mundell is still in very critical condition, shot three times. A kind, gentle, funny man. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

On a happier note, Santa Cops was able to fill all the referrals and delivered toys and gifts to several dozen families, making their holiday season a little brighter, my painting group had an awesome Christmas party, and I actually did get one gift painted :) and my daughter bought me a GPS so I don't get lost garage sale-ing this summer, looking for cool things to paint!!

Hoping you and yours have a wonderful Christmas!!

Busy busy busy.......

I've really been neglecting this blog lately. This season has been extra busy, with work and volunteering and decorating and shopping and the list goes on and on and on....

But I love every minute of it!!! I'm tired, yes, and I don't get much painting done, but I love this time of year!!

On Monday the 21st, I will be delivering Christmas gifts and food to needy families in our area as part of the "Santa Cops" program. I have been volunteering with them for several years now. Nothing beats the smile of a child that realizes that Santa hasn't forgotten them, or the gratitude of parents when they realize there will be food on the table tomorrow. Or the joy of the police officers as they get to help people who desperately need it but are afraid or too proud to ask.

This year is a tough one economically for a lot of people, and I encourage everyone who can afford it to donate something, anything to your local food bank, food drive, toy drive, whatever. If everyone gave just one can of food every month, there would be a lot less hungry people in this country. Food for thought.......

Joyous Holidays to All. Back in a few days.

And that's a wrap!!!

The last craft show of the year is in the bag, and I am sooooo glad to be done!!! I really do love doing the shows, and I meet such great people, but now it is time to enjoy Christmas myself!! Did some shopping over the past weeks at the shows, but still have to hit the malls and share in the madness.

Forgot to take the camera to the past couple of shows, so no pics :(
But, Chrissie promised she would take some this week, so I promise to post those as soon as they are done. I always say I am going to take a break from painting til January, but inevitably I find a pattern or surface that just won't wait.....

For next year, I probably will not do a show in December.....Peninsula Winterfest the weekend after Thanksgiving will probably become my last show of the "season". Just too much going on with decorating (at work and at home....) and Santa Cops, a charity program I volunteer with.

Hope your holidays are wonderful. Back in a day or two.

Cyndy