The holidays sped by, Christmas was yesterday, and today is my first official day of chillin. For 5 weeks I worked in the floral department at Merrifield Gardens, creating Thanksgiving arrangements and centerpieces followed by Christmas arrangements, advent wreaths and more centerpieces. My boss, the lovely, talented and patient Wilson, made this the most fun and exciting time I have ever experienced in floral design. I will miss her dearly as well as other associates at Merrifield, as I have decided to not return in spring. I have some other plans for 2019.
During these last weeks I worked on another workshop (#5) with participants building a Christmas centerpiece. It took an army to create the right environment but all went smoothly and everyone left happy.
I was encouraged to be spontaneous and creative with my own work, which is exactly how a good boss should direct their underlings. These are a few of my arrangements and it was a joy to work with such an array of greens, ribbons, and flowers.
For my contributions to art there were only some Krampus figures. Time was very, very limited. All sold and I will give more time to December themed art in 2019. God willing and the creek don't rise.
The transformation from a raw nutcracker to Krampus can be seen here, when the painting has just begun.
Squeezed in was family time with Quinn's 4th birthday party and then Christmas. So here are my adorable grandchildren, making animal sounds during breakfast on this day after Christmas. A video would have been better!
Felicity loves to draw and is keeping a journal, naturally it's all animals. If Quinn had one, it would be trucks and tractors.
For Christmas I bought myself a new scroll saw and have some mighty big plans, none of which include chopping off fingers.
So you are up to speed on the December that flew by, the month that comes with a lot of pressure but a wonderful time to catch up with family and friends.
Here is a parting shot of Chloe, the well dressed little Merrifield visitor that loves all of the employees and seems to live for each and every day that she gets to visit. I will miss you Chloe!
OMG! Don't leave!!!! I miss you already!
Posted by: Casa Mariposa | 12/26/2018 at 11:37 PM
Tammy, Fridays are my Warrenton days, so I will be visiting your beautiful gardens, let's just plan it!
Posted by: Karen Rexrode | 12/27/2018 at 10:17 AM
I know you will be missed terribly, Karen, but I look forward to seeing what beautiful things you create in 2019 and beyond. I hope not to lose touch completely since I won't find you at Merrifield anymore! I loved seeing the photos above as a window into your family life. Love to you and all of yours for the holidays!
Posted by: Cathy B | 12/27/2018 at 10:44 AM
What a great month for you!
Hope 2019 is filled with more of your wonders.
Thank you for correcting my errors.
Cheers
Posted by: DLH | 12/28/2018 at 11:15 AM
Best wishes for you in 2019 as well, things are really looking up for you and congratulations!
Posted by: Karen Rexrode | 01/01/2019 at 09:46 AM
Cathy,
It was always good to work with you and I will miss my fellow employees. We will stay in touch socially, and hopefully our paths will cross again.
Posted by: Karen Rexrode | 01/01/2019 at 09:47 AM