Alan Dunn's Inspirational Perspective

It seems we've turned into quite the blogging family. Actually, my hubby is more of a spectator/commentator/contributor on literally hundreds of music blogs. He recently shared one with me that I enjoyed so much, I just have to share it here I'm Learning 2 Share! It's a marvelous compilation of , well, interesting, cool stuff. His latest post was relevant to the world of design. Check out the link and enjoy!

A few Alan Dunn architectural cartoons from "The Last Lath"

Everyone Has A Story

St. Paul Winter Sports Carnival 1940

Dscriber

Just stumbled across this cool pic on this cool site...

and this

And there's more! After the frenzy of the day, cuddle up with a hot chocolate, slide on those new fuzzy slippers and enjoy a stroll through this History of the Snowman.

Warm and Merry wishes to all!!!!

Some Things Never Change

As we put up our Christmas tree this year, I considered taking the decorating into a whole different direction.

                                                                            
                                                    Or...maybe something like this?

I mean, after all, ever since I was a kid, I've basically had the "same" tree year after year after year. And, I do claim to be pretty good at this design and decorating stuff. Shouldn't I have a tree with some edginess to it?

Most of my ornaments were handed down from my grandmother to my mother, and then to me. They're all the same ornaments that have adorned my family's trees for generations! Naturally, having my own family now, there have been additions. When I married my husband, his little cardboard box of ornaments from his childhood came with him. (He was a huge fan of dinosaurs in the 1st grade. Enough said)

So those are on our tree.

And what's a tree without those grade school masterpieces that come home with our children every year (at least up until about the 6th grade when it's just not cool anymore to be making Christmas decorations anymore)?

 Adore those. So, of course, those are on, too.

The ornaments from my grandmother and mother? - well, actually, many are vintage Shiny Brites of all shapes and sizes and STILL in their original boxes.

Love 'em. Although, not so much 20 years ago. But I am older and I'd like to think wiser now.


And not to mention the strands of glass bead garlands from the Italian side of our family. Love those, too.

Needless to say - as I opened the boxes to reveal all of these artifacts that honor and represent our family, past and present, I immediately became absorbed in the reminiscing that each evoked. Memories can become as fragile as these ornaments. But with traditions like this, hopefully we can do our small part to preserve not only these delicate mementos, but more importantly, our family's legacy.

From my family to yours, wishes for a loving and healthy holiday season!

Lights, Camera, ...Blog!

Isn't it fun to drive around at night and look at houses - the way homeowners light up (or not) their entryways and yards? I especially love it when a glimpse can be had (from the road, of course) inside lit windows. It's similar to driving along on the highway and reading an entire billboard in 3.5 seconds. Traveling at an average speed of 35 mph, one can get a pretty good mental snapshot of what's going on, decor-wise, inside people's rooms. Actually, I am digressing. This morning I was inspired by a friend to get busy at an idea I have had of doing a photo essay on this very topic.  Since this project is slated to begin after the holidays, my thoughts were then led to this time of year and how people decorate the outside of their homes. Then, I zeroed in on this even more and my thoughts went to how people decorate their doors for Christmas. Phew. At least I reached some kind of destination! It's been that kind of morning---crazy weather and crazy schedule. Anyway - since I am cloistered indoors today, I went driving around on the information highway instead of on the one outside my own door. There are so many great images out there. It was a challenge, but I edited them to a small selection that I found on a newly discovered blog Neutral Dwelling that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon. In a later post, I will post my own (after I stop thinking about it and roll up my sleeves and do it!).

Home Traditions

Okay - now I am inspired and anxious to get busy. I'll keep ya posted!



*All photo credits available by right clicking picture and viewing Properties.