Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Posts

I have a Christmas memory post I want to write, but in the meantime, here's a little Christmas MeMe that seems to be floating around:

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Egg nog thinned with a little milk. I don't like it thick and gooey and don't really like it homemade. One time a junior high school friend made homemade egg nog, which I thought was great until she took a sip of hers and the little string from the egg white was stuck to her lip. EEUUWW!!

Colored lights on tree or white?
Colored, please, and NOT BLINKING. I am the official light stringer in our family - I have a very TypeA approach (or perhaps it's the artist in me) - each branch has to have lights all the way to the center and they must be evenly balanced.

When do you put your decorations up?
Depends on the year, but usually the first week of December.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
A couple: sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows, toasted to a nice golden brown; Bruce's grandma's jello salad; and now, a new favorite - Turkey Roulade from the Barefoot Contessa's "Back to Basics."  It's the best way to cook turkey, IMHO.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I think it was just one of those gradual understandings. Nothing dramatic or traumatic.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Sometimes.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
I like sparkly decorations and balls (you already read about my light fixation).  Some keepsake ornaments.  A nice variety.  I used to like tinsel, but not so much any more.

Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it!  Wish we could be in it right now!

Can you ice skate?
Have in the past when I was a kid, but not so sure now.

Do you remember your favorite gift?
Hard to remember the kid gifts - wether you got them for Christmas or your birthday, but usually anything Barbie was fine for me. 

What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Spending time with family.  Wish there could be more of that.

What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Anything as long as it's tasty.  

What is your favorite tradition?
When I was a kid Santa always put an orange in my stocking, and sometimes nuts in the shells.  This year I started a new one with my mother-in-law - a cookie "throwdown."  This year we made Snickerdoodles; hers from the classic recipe and mine from my Baking Illustrated, highly scientific, chef-tested recipe.  She won - hands down!  Now we have to think of what to make for next year!

Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving?
Giving, especially when it's just the right thing.

What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Burl Ives, "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas."  It always makes me smile.

Ever recycled a Christmas present?
No, but definitely recycle the gift wrap!  This year is the first year in about five that I actually had to purchase a roll - but it was only one roll!  Now if I could just figure out something to do with Christmas cards.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

New Work - Breakfast Ti


This is one of my pieces for the upcoming "Celebration of Hawaii" show.  "Breakfast Ti" is inspired by the variegated Ti leaf plants in our yard.  It's 24"x44", created in silk, and quilted using silk and polyester threads.  Available through Viewpoints Gallery - $2900.