Slow Down... Slow Down

This is that time of year, when the pace of life seems to go into high gear. I love the holidays, but not what comes with it. Wish I was one who could remember to start the gift business in January. I do not get many gifts, but the thinking about them, who needs or should get what can be too much when the time is close. I love to make gifts, but that takes real planning… like start in June planning.

For years I always made my own Christmas cards. In the beginning I did wood or linoleum blocks and printed them with my printing press. One year I did up to 3 colors on one card, and got the colors lined up pretty good!

Nativity done in 3 block print

Then I ‘graduated’ to doing them on the computer, using my photographs or digital art and printed them from there. Last year was just a letter. It had lots of photographs along one side… this year, no photographs available. Oh well… working on an idea, but it is way after my usual starting time for doing my cards. The one below was done so long ago. The original size has made it hard to enlarge without a lot of Photoshop work. It was done in Painter, long before it was bought by Corel.

Nativity done in Painter 4

One last look at a linoleum block print… one color. The paper has seen better days. I had to remove age spots! I have the blocks, but stupidly did not keep a printed sample from each card. There were a few designs that I am sure the recipients thought were a bit odd…

We all need Faith

What we all need to do during this period of rushing around… is to remember to stop and smell the roses, smell the fresh air, visit a quiet place to unwind and regenerate.

Here is a rose for you. Sorry I cannot include the scent!

This is that time that Mindfulness is key to survival. Be aware of your surroundings, listen to those you love. Remember to take deep breaths at those times the rush starts to catch up to you. Find a good book or e-book… take to that quiet place and enjoy. Not only will you enjoy the season more, but those around you will appreciate you more as you will not be stressed out.

It also seems as it during the holidays, obstacles are put in front of us, whether it be health problems of your own or a special person in your life. Believe me, you will be more help to them, if you can step back, regenerate and step in again to help where you are needed. Perhaps, as a family, you can all help each other find a quiet moment to regain the needed strength that is needed to keep going under the added pressure.

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