Holiday traditions are different for everyone. Some cut down their own Christmas trees while others host huge holiday gatherings. I don’t have time for that. I’m too busy crafting my greeting cards.
Now that most of them are in the mail, I can relax and focus on the rest of my Christmas traditions, like shopping, baking, shopping, trimming the trees, shopping, wrapping gifts, shopping…
And DANCING!
I thought I would return to my old-fashioned printed cards, but not this year. It’s really hard for me to settle for something less. I’ve never settled in my life. Why start now? This card is another pop-up.
I confided in a friend about the stress involved in making them. She asked why I bothered.
I had to think about that.
Once an idea pops into my head, I become super excited and want to create it. I feel compelled, committed, obsessed. It’s a huge part of my already large personality.
The problem? I procrastinate the decision of what the card is going to look like until the last two weeks before Christmas. *gulp*
Believe me, I’m not just sitting around binge-watching House of Thrones, Madmen and Homeland although they are on my list. There are plenty of holiday preparations, blogging, writing, and life in general to keep me busy.
Once I have a concept, each card always takes a lot more time than I think. Then the deadline looms like a black cloud over my head. How can that be good? Blue skies and sunshine should surround my days while little finches flit in and out my kitchen window. That’s the irony for most everyone during the holidays. STRESS!
So, I came up with a BRILLIANT idea.
PROCLAMATION:
I shall sketch next year’s creation immediately, while dinking around binge “listening” to shows of my choice.
How about that? Then I will have an entire year to finish it. I can host a party again or at least relax and enjoy shopping, baking, shopping, trimming the trees, shopping, wrapping gifts, shopping…
BIG REVEAL:
WINNERS!
Click on their names and check out their blogs.
Robert from You’ve been Hooked!
–He brilliantly chronicles his bellman foibles in Niagara Falls.
Ingrid from Live, Laugh, RV
–She takes us on amazing journeys across the United States.
Renee at Craves Adventure
–She is an enlightened friend who encourages positivity in our own life journey.
Al from The Cvillean
–He shares his wit, wisdom and his sense of humor.
And my TOP COMMENTER!
I call him “Attic-man” from In My Cluttered Attic
–He is hilarious. One look at his gravatar and you know he is all about fun!
Please send your addresses to susielindau@gmail.com and I’ll send you one of my cards!
I know it’s a hectic time of year. I really appreciate each and every one of you who have reached out by leaving a comment throughout the year. And to all the readers of the Wild Ride, thank you so very much!
Merry Christmas to all and to all…
…I’ve got to go shopping.
What are your holiday traditions?
Awe, thank you. Can’t wait to see one of your creations up close and personal. I’d leave a longer comment but it’s time for me to go shopping 😉
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Ha! Sounds like a great idea. That is my plan for tomorrow. Thanks for entering the contest!
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They look amazing! Happy holidays.
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Thanks so much PP and for entering the contest. I’m sending wishes for the happiest of holidays to you too!
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Beautiful cards. Merry Christmas, Susie!
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Thanks so much, Anneli! Thanks for guessing. I hope you have an amazing holiday season!
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We are, thank you, and the same to you.
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From that first photo of you making your cards on, I thought “Martha Stewart, eat your heart out!”
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Ha! Thanks so much, Gail! I have an art studio, but I always gravitate to the kitchen. I’m a lot closer to the TV and the peanut butter balls. Ha!
Merry, Merry!
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Your cards are awesome!! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Susie!
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Thanks so much, Kassandra! Merry Christmas to you and your family too!
It’s always great to “see” you. 🙂
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Nice cards, Susie. Clearly, they bring you a lot of joy.
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Thanks Bruce! I’m never happier than when the last one is inside an envelope. Ha!
Happiest of holidays to you! 🙂
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Bravo, Susie! Your newest creation is awesome. I love the photo of you working on the cards. Wow! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your lovely family. XO
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Thanks so much, Lynn! I plan to start on them earlier next year. Really! Ha!
Merry Christmas to you and your family and the happiest (and I’m all about healthy) New Year. 🙂
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These cards are beautiful work of art Susie! A beautiful gift to anyone who receives one!
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Thanks so much, Lynn! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Woohoo! Have a fabulous week.
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These are marvellous and a gift of the self to others. I am sure each card will be treasured. Happy Holidays Susie and family.
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Thanks so much, Talia! I hope so!
Happiest of holidays to you and yours! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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Always happy to when I have the chance. See you next year.
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amazing as usual
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Thanks so much, Linda! They are a project, that’s for sure. 🙂
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WOW, Susie, what a talent you have! The photo clearly shows what a passion you have for making these little gems—not to mention how much hard work is involved. I am truly appreciative of having had the opportunity to win one of these beautiful pieces of art. What a treasure. Thank you very much for the card and the kind words too. I know you had a tough year, so may I say Merry Christmas to you and the family, and hang on tight to each other! :O)
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The card is the Bomb!!! Again. I refrained from guessing Winter Sports… big mistake, I know. Picking dancing was chancy… but you do it so well. The one who really gets excited is Roxy, but then she did seem to be sleeping thru this latest display. Next Dec, I’ll guess… Something involving snow.
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Fantastic, Susie. Wish I had some artistic talent like that. I do however, draw a mean stick figure. Thanks for the plug on my blog and Merry Christmas!
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Thanks, Al! Just send me your address and I’ll get it in the mail. Merry Christmas!
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Got your wonderful card. My wife is in awe. Thanks again, Susie. Happy New Year.
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Thanks, Al and Happy New Year to you!
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Another great card – way to go, Susie! Wish I had your talent.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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Thanks so much, Peg, but you are one talented lady too!
Merry Christmas to you too!
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Congrats to the winners!!! 😀
That is one medieval fireplace!
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Thanks so much Widder woman! I designed that baby when we built the house. Ha!
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I make my own cards too, but I don’t have that kind of talent!
What a showstopper.
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Jay’s selling herself short! And not coincidentally, the picture of you with your cards spread out on the island reminded me very much of our typical December rush.
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Thanks so much, Jay!
I’m sure she is selling herself short. It wasn’t typical for me until I started the popups. Before those complicated babies, I just had to trim them.
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Who is behind “Assholes Watching Movies?” I have my suspicions especially if Jay is a she. 🙂
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Cute. Cute. The cards, too.
You do them because you know they bring joy – and only you do this particular thing just for them. What a gift. (and there is that “who could settle for less” thing you get sucked into) Well done.
Merry Christmas and jingle on without stress now
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Thanks, Phil! That is so true! I am finally relaxing the day after Christmas. I hope yours was super special!
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Such great talent! The winners got a great prize!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your family!
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Thanks so much, Phil!
I hope you had a fantastic Christmas! I am finally relaxing and catching up. Ahhhhhhhh………
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Another fabulous card, Susie! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!. Warmest wishes to you and your family for a Christmas filled with peace and joy. May 2016 bring peace on earth, goodwill toward men and wonderful books to read! Onward!
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Onward, Upward and FORWARD, I always say!
Thanks so much, Pat! I hope you had a fabulous Christmas. It went so fast and yet it was wonderful here in Colorado. I wish the very same to you and your family!
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