I have to tell you ladies that I took a two week vacation at completely the wrong time!! I thought the beginning of August would have been a grand time for a break, but I'm finding out it was not!
I'm not going to bore you with the details ladies, you have enough complications in your own spheres I am sure, without listening to the middle aged mother in me me waffling on about how my baby started school, my eldest went to 'big' school, my middle imp commenced longer school sessions and what kind of an empty hole in my day that leaves....sniffle....etc...lol...nope, we're going to chat about why we come here...
Yep, escapism.
If you are anything like me at all, at all, cardmaking is a happy sojourn in the realms of make-believe. When I am stamping, I am creating! It's a mini daydream, adorned with ribbons and buttons and created in a glittery cloud of well wishes and phrases that I imagine myself pouring on the head of the unwitting recipient of my masterpiece.
As it turns out, I am also in the happy position of being required to draw stamps. I can escape into a little world of linear bliss! My head, even in real life, is never very far away from little country cottages, the prettier the better. And that's exactly where I was all those months ago in spring. I was dreaming of the perfect Christmas Cottage...
Since I am finally caught up after my vacation, we can at last begin to get our September release rolling with our first peek above, and since I feel like I haven't talked to you in ages, I'd love you to leave me a comment below about what you dream about most at Christmastime, what is your escape?
I'll be drawing a random winner....for some Christmas goodies....
Pretty little cottage, methinks! My favourite time at Christmas: all the lights off except for the tree, and I snuggle into a chair under a lap quilt and drink my hot cocoa while Christmas music plays. Then I stare at the tree until my eyes water slightly and all the coloured lights sort of blur together and it looks soft and out of focus. Love that!
ReplyDeleteHi Claire! I've been checking every day for a sneak peek of your Christmas stamps--and today's peek is worth the wait! Love it! What I've always dreamed of most at Christmas is cool crispness--that's because for the last 20+ years I've lived in Florida, where Christmas is likely to be as sweaty as every other day. That's just not right! But now I live in Washington state (Pacific Northwest), so I'll get to wear cozy red sweaters--yay! And with any luck, the misty rain might turn to a dusting of snow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect Chrismtas house Claire! What do I dream of at Christmas? Peace on Earth, everyone having a quiet calm Christmas with those whom they love, and all the puppies at the shelters getting adopted and having homes for the holidays. Looking forward to the full reveal!
ReplyDeleteI always wanted a white christmas and since we emmigrated to Canada from the UK, thats exactly what I get. A cold snowy day, roaring fire, a hot chocolate (preferably with a little alcohol added in) and a good book. Ahhhhh....
ReplyDeleteWell, I may not be the first to comment at all but I dream of it being over!!!! LOL! I am so busy working on other people's Christmas that by the time I get there I am exhausted and very thankful that my older son likes us to visit him now.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be a wet blanket!! Looking forward to reading other folks dreams!
You're sneak peek is intriguing... I am hoping to start on xmas cards next week... I am going to be inspired!!!
ReplyDeleteMy idea of escapism at Christmastime is not having to get up at 6.20 am to travel an hour's journey to Belfast everyday to go to work. I can be at home in my jammies and slippers with the woodburner lit, old Christmas films on TV, waiting impatiently for Santa to bring me all my cratfing goodies from my wishlist! Mmmm, perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome peak here of your new stamps. It just loks exactly like I love it too ha ha ha. And if this is what to expect, I can see, I´ll be a very happy bunny here ha ha ha.
ReplyDeleteWhat I look most forward to at christmas? Everything!! I just LOOOOOOOOOVE christmas and everything about it. I love to have all my 7 granddaughters here all throug December and making confects, baking, making christmasdecorations and not least all the crafting and decorating of the house all together, and when we all finally get together on christmasday and all the grandkidss is making the tree inside, while grandma is cooking, and we all finally join together for a wonderful dinner, and you really can feel the peace and quiert fall down on all of us, that is just the best of all, and you can see all the glowing eyes on the girls and their exitement for the big day, that is just as perfect as anything can ever be.
Awwwww is it a church at Christmas?
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a church with carolers... I'm silly.
Hugs...
em
A snowy Christmas cottage, hope it has a 'real' fire cause that's what I'd love. Dancing flames and crackling logs and a nice big glass of Baileys! xx
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the new stamp set Claire (getting excited now!)
ReplyDeleteI adore Christmas and I'm already dreaming about it! LOL I love the buying gifts for people, I love the festive spirit. I love making cakes too so I've been dreaming up new designs!
I dream about slow, snowy, snuggly days spent in front of the Christmas tree...and the naps that soon follow ;)
ReplyDeleteMy most favorite thing at Christmas is just watching my three small girls getting so excited over every little thing (parades, decorating, shopping, baking cookies, etc.). They are just so full of excitement!
ReplyDeleteAt Christmas I dream about that "perfect" Christmas Eve family time. You know the one, where every package is perfectly wrapped, the kids are immaculate and playing quietly with each other with no fighting, the perfectly decorated home, spotless of course, my adoring husband showering me with jewelry. I know, no one gets that "perfect" Christmas Eve, but that's why it is a dream.
ReplyDeleteI am loving that sneak peek! Love little house stamps!
ReplyDeleteI'm originally from Hawaii and when I was little, all I wanted was a white Christmas. I'm in Virginia now, so we get white Christmases once in a while. I love the cold, crisp nights with a layer of fluffy snow covering the ground and bright stars in the sky. Of course in this scenario I'm inside our cozy house making cookies and drinking hot cider! Heaven!
Can't wait to see the new stamps!
Yeeeee, it's gonna be Christmas soon :) Well, the temperatures here are too high for the season, but that can't stop us from dreaming of a white Christmas, a little cottage in the mountains with open fire inside, long stary nights,....
ReplyDeleteLovely post. I went off into a daydream thinking about a comment.
ReplyDeleteWhat I daydreamed about was a house full of family and friends just happy to be together, lovely smells wafting from the oven and the house cosy, colourful and warm.
Hurray, the first sneaky peek for September!! But oh no, that means that when I'm out of town all next week with no access to the internet, you'll be posting all the release goodness. Darn! Ah well, lots to look at when I get back.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Charmaine, my favorite thing is to turn out the lights, cuddle up on the couch with my DH and a cup of hot chocolate, and gaze at the lighted tree, dreaming of a white Christmas.
Food! Seriously I spend weeks planning what food we are going to have, planning which farm shops to visit, finding out where the best craft/ food and drink fairs are happening.....
ReplyDeleteIt's like my duty to make sure everyone has enough special things to eat and drink.
So at the moment I am dreaming of how early I can make a start on the mince pies!
Hi Claire, what a lovely little sneak peak,can't wait for the rest. Christmas in our house with two small kids and family can be tiring (fun, but tiring). My little daydream is when all the hustle and bustle and busyness of the day is done and we all just sit down and chill, playing with new toys and watching a good old Christmas film with a lovely glass of something and a box of chocs.
ReplyDeleteJo x
Dream about Christmas... for me it's a blessing to be surrounded by family, having lived in New Zealand for a number of years I enjoyed our mellow only us Christmases, but there's something to be said about spending the time with your family. My husband said he wished he had a hobby like mine to escape to, he said he's jealous of my little escape world from time to time....
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely peek, a lovely snowy cottage, just the place I would love to be for Christmas. At Christmas time, especially Christmas Eve, I love to be warm and cosy indoors with the house ready for Santa, Christmas carols on low and only candles for light, sitting remembering Christmas' past and counting my blessings. Good times.
ReplyDeleteLove the first peek of the new Xmas cottage Claire!
ReplyDeleteI always want my children to be happy, family around and about, and mild weather because I want everyone traveling to get to their destinations safely. Plus I can't say it any better that your first commentator Charmaine said about looking at the christmas tree, and I want my Christmas Tree up on 1st December with the accumulation of 2 lifetimes (both mine and my Mum's) of baubles and other dangly things!
Gini
xx
Love the peek!
ReplyDeleteChristmas with my family around, enjoying each other and the day. Singing carols with my boys and seeing their smiling faces and bright eyes when they discover what Santa left them.
Your sneak peeks look very exciting, Claire! I think my Christmas list is made up entirely of Waltzing Mouse goodies this year! My Christmas dream is very simple - enough time to enjoy my crafty Christmas presents before I have to go back to work!
ReplyDeleteI used to dream about a white Christmas but we had one of those last year. I have always wanted to spend Christmas in England, Dickens style. A quiet no-stress holiday, just once.
ReplyDeleteOooh, a lovely little Xmas house, all cozy and sweet! For me, I love Xmas morning, the opening of presents with the children, and seeing their shining faces, hearing their gasps of pleasure as they rip open my carefully wrapped gifts! Then, preparing the lunch whilst listening to carols on the radio and sipping a bucks fizz! Then a crisp walk in our local woods while the turkey cooks! Love Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOhhh when I am wanting to dream of Christmas, I just set out a spice candle! It reminds me of the smells of Christmas...pies, turkey in the oven, cookies, peppermint, coffee, just makes me all warm and snuggly inside! I love the first snow of the season, too!
ReplyDeleteI simply LOVE Christmas time! My parents didn't keep Christmas so I didn't have my first one until I had left home and got myself a flat when I was 21. Now I love everything traditional about it, but especially having some precious time off work with my family around me.
ReplyDeleteI especially like choosing and wrapping tiny surprise gifts for my Daughter's advent calendar - although it is getting more difficult now that she is 18!
I also like to entertain at Christmas time and try to make sure that all my family and friends are spoilt rotten in every way. Handmade Christmas cards, gift tags, place settings etc are a must ... I only wish that I had more time to devote to making these special treats.
The cottage looks really sweet - I can't wait to see the rest of the new release stamps!
Lynn Wild x
Oh I can't wait see that sweet little cottage in its full glory!!! I LOVE houses and Christmas. That spells M-U-S-T H-A-V-E for me!! :)I daydream about the shops blaring Christmas carols, the shops scented with cinnamon, and the hustle and bustle that surrounds that time of year. I actually ENJOY all the chaos that Christmas brings. :)
ReplyDelete"Walkin in a winter wonderland" - where there are big flakes coming down. On my way to a comfy house where there is a fire in the fireplace and a pretty, decorated tree to gaze at while drinking hot cocoa. Should we skip the pumpkins and get right to it?!?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the reveal!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the whole family together, with the dark evenings brightened by twinkling Christmas tree lights :)
I'm in love already!
ReplyDeleteI can already see the cozy fire...
the twinkling lights...
the mug of cocoa...
fresh baked cookies sliding from the oven...
I love this on peek alone because this is my Christmas daydream...
complete with freshly fallen snow! :)
Looks like an adorable snowy cottage to me! Can't wait to see your Christmassy goodies!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for some festive stamping ;)
Spending happy times with nearest and dearest, enjoying Christmas treats and cosy times - that's what I look forward to most.
Thanks for the chance to win, Rx
Oh Claire - so sweet! I can't wait to see more. As for Christmas - for me it's being with the family. I love to see the children getting excited on Christmas Eve and then the fun of the morning opening presents - just fab!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sneak peek...looks lovely already!
ReplyDeleteAs for Christmas, I just love everything, the baking, tree, but mostly it's nice time spent with the family, and snowy days. :-)
My perfect Christmas dream is to have my two kids home from university to spend the holidays [not just one day] with my husband and I just like we did when they were little. They grow up too soon for sure!
ReplyDeleteClaire, I'm so excited about your Christmas release. Love the sweet cottage. Can't wait to see what other wonderful goodies you have to share!
ReplyDeleteFor us, Christmas time can be bittersweet. All of our children live too far away for us to get together except for one and then we celebrate a week or so before or a week after. So I LOVE all the anticipation--trying to find the PERFECT gift (which drives hubby crazy!), making crafty creations, baking cookies and unwrapping each ornament for the tree. I adore the music, the smells, the crisp air (and if we're lucky the fluffy snow) and those twinkling lights that magically turn the world into a wonderland. But I feel the most peaceful on Christmas morning, at home with my hubby & the furkids, just enjoying the blessing of being together for another Christmas!
My mother used to make Christmas Eve so special for everyone. As one of 6 children we were all so anxious to see what Santa would bring us. She would allow us to open presents from each other after we decorated our tree on Christmas Eve. We all took a hand at putting ornaments on the tree and the shut off all the lights in the room and oohed and aahed over the pretty lights and decorations. It has been a slow transition as over the past few years she directed from her favorite chair. But alas, my mum passed away in July and will be greatly missed this holiday season. I am hoping I can do it justice and make sure to remind everyone of the love she shared with us all during this magical time of year.
ReplyDeleteOh a Christmas Gingerbread House delish!!
ReplyDeleteNow i could say i dream of open fires surounded by family and friends a fabulous tree decorated beautifully.....but in all honesty...I dream at Christmas of CHOCOLATE, Terry Chocolate Orange (it's tradional everyone gets on in they're stocking :) ) Selection boxes, mince pies...Crimbo cake yup...that's me :)
Looking forward to more delish sneak peaks
Ali x
I dream about Christmas with my family, snow falling, and for healthy happy patients as my "turn" on call sometimes falls on the holiday. Oh and who can forget all the yummy food>
ReplyDeleteHow sweet and delicious does this release look so far??? Very!!! Welcome back and I hope you at least got in a small bit of relaxation while you were away from blog-land :)
ReplyDeleteI know this sounds a bit funny, but I dream about Christmas on a tropical island! I always thought it would be fun to be somewhere (just once!) where the snow is nowhere in sight and there is just some fabulous ukelele music playing Jingle Bells while I sip a cocktail waiting for Santa to arrive! XOXO
ReplyDeleteI dream of a real white Christmas. I live where the weather is warmer in the winter and snow is only once in a blue moon. A nice cottage that is cozy warm decorated for the holidays sounds divine.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back :)
What do I day dream about at Christmas time... I always remember decorating christmas cookies with my mother. We would cut out sugar cookies and use paintbrushes with thinned down royal icing to paint them to perfection. We would do hundreds and outline them with white piping. I have two from back then that I dried--that have mummified perfectly--they get hung on my tree each year. My mother was amazing--she would do this with me and work a full time job. I am not that organized, so now I just get a few cards made each year and hope that they make someone smile like the cookies did.
ReplyDeleteThe Sneak Peak looks SOOOOOOO great--I jsut can't wait!!!!
Well...... I dream of a white Christmas with fire blazing and a hot cooked meal for Christmas lunch. Instead I have something equally as nice but totally the opposite. Here in Australia my dream is substituted with airconditioning(snow), BBQ (fire) and seafood (hot cooked meal). Wherever I am and whatever I do doesn't really matter as long as I am with those I love. Now will I have time to do all that I need to do before Christmas??? I'm intrigued by the sneak peak if the stamps.
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE the chance to put my perfect Christmas scene into words...
ReplyDeleteThere's a cozy fire (our fireplace doesn't work), lots family around (we have a VERY small family), it's always night time because that's when the lights on the tree, the garlands and the houses just dazzle, and there's snow falling outside (we almost *never* have snow at Christmas). We're all drinking hot cocoa (I don't even drink warm drinks), and singing Christmas carols (as if my hubby and his brother would be caught dead doing this), and there is such a feeling of family and cozy and togetherness.
This never happens, but I sure bust my rear every year to get as close to it as I can!
But I *love* on a December night, to put on my fave Christmas CD's (old timers, the crooners, singing the classics) and wrap my gifts by the tree. That's my favourite.
What a sweet little peak.
ReplyDeleteI like to think how Christmas and summer time are times to catch up with family and friends and relax but of course the reality is a lot of preparation to do that little bit of relaxing. But it is a wonderful time.
My Christmas dream is rather mundane, someone other than me stringing the many lights on the tree. Maybe I should switch that dream to spending Christmas in a cottage like the one in the sneaky peeky.
ReplyDeleteThe smell of a fresh cut tree and my mom and sisters together - all of us.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a super fun sneak! I dream a lot at Christmas, about Christmas. I dream about not having to go to work for about a week due to the holiday. Oh, that would be nice...
ReplyDeleteGreat peek! I can't wait to see it all! My christmas dream is when the family all gets together for a nice sit-down meal.
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas and I love house images - so I'm excited by this sneaky peek. Love a quiet night in with a fire in the fireplace, Christmas music playing and Christmas cookies and cocoa to snack on.
ReplyDeleteClaire, Claire, Claire, dear one...with all the kiddos off to school each and every day I say CELEBRATE! Those days will be too soon gone adn they'll be traipsing(is that the word?) home with girlfriends, wives, and grandchildren in tow much sooner than you think! Times flies, trust me. As to what I dream of during the holidays? That would have to be all of my own family together, in one place, all getting along...doesn't happen very often any more. It would indeed be an event to scrap about!
ReplyDeleteBeing with as much family as can make it. Food. Snow. Games. Laughing. Deserts! And presents of course.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a white Christmas just once. I live in Alabama in the United States where it can be warm on Christmas. To be able to wear a thick sweater and take the best Christmas pictures outside with all the snow. Then sit in front of the fire and drink hot chocolate. This is my dream. Can't wait to see the rest of the sneak peeks.
ReplyDeletecraftymom205 at yahoo dot com
craftymom205 at yahoo dot com
Love that peek! Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteAt Christmastime, I dream of being so organized that everything is done and wrapped and tagged and baked and cleaned! And then I can relax and enjoy it all!
DeniseB
I always dream that the house will be perfectly clean and dazzling in my decorations.
ReplyDeleteThe food and treats all made and wonderfully presented
That my kiddos are again little and believe in Santa and can't wait to open their presents (well, they still like to open presents, but it has a different atmosphere now! LOL!)
And that is what it is...a dream! LOL!
School starting is never easy, no matter what age your kids are . . . . just wanted to say I am right there with you! And that I love your little cottage, can't wait to see more! At Christmas, I dream of getting everything done early, so that when my kids are out of school we can truly enjoy the holiday as a family!
ReplyDeleteChris L.
For me, it's the Christmas baking. I adore making my list of goodies in October (I always include a new recipe) & I especially enjoy the raves about your recipe for your Shortbread. It's always a huge hit!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see more of what's up your magical sleeve of wonders, Claire!
SO happy to hear from you, Clare! I'm eagerly anticipating the new Christmas stamps! At Christmas I dream about snow. We live in Texas and I crave a blustery, white, wintery day of snuggles and smores roasted in the fireplace. I would really love to move us all someplace cold where mittens, snowmen, hot chocolate, and sledding were part of our Christmas routine. So even thought it's a little bit trite... I'm dreaming of a white Christmas! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great sneek peek-I can hardly wait! I love Christmas-being with my family,eating lots of food,and playing with my new craft supplies(because that is all I ever want for Christmas!)Happy creating!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Claire - we sure did miss you. Love the sneaky peak.
ReplyDeleteA white Christmas would be lovely (had one a couple years ago visiting son in UK) but we usually have a hot, hot, Christmas. Air-conditioning is turned up high to cool things off, Now the family is back home and with granddaughter too, I am really looking forward to a lovely family gathering for Christmas.
Christmas on a clear blue day, with the sun shining and no wind, not too hot and uncomfortable but allowing us to go outside and sit in the sunshine, wearing light summer gear and bare feet and enjoying our champers and finger food, and then our cold Christmas lunch - loster, oysters, salmon, turkey slices, cold ham off the bone and lots of lovely salads and stuff, followed by a slice of pavlova, plus some cold Christmas pud with brandy butter and some lemon tart.......mmmmm, and someone else to do the washing up! Follow all this with a lovely red sunset and then a thunderstorm about an hour after dark, which lasts for only 30 minutes or so but is spectacular with lots of sheet lightening and only a small amount of rain to water the garden!
ReplyDeleteFind a cozy and beautiful Christmas time. It would be nice if there is sneuuw. Beautiful on the trees and roofs of the houses. Always gives a pretty picture. I'm curious what beautiful things they're getting into.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Astrid.
http://creaastrid.blogspot.com/
This sneak peek looks great! Christmastime is familytime!! Being together with parens, brothers and sisters, in special those who live far away! And Christmas means also a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus, Who is very dear to me!
ReplyDeleteOoooh Claire! What a question to ask?! Of course my Christmas dream is to escape for the holiday to a reasonably isolated cottage with all mod cons and about three foot of snow surrounding it! A nice warm fire, hot chocolate, a REAL tree decorated in traditional ornaments, need I go on, and on, and on? And on some more... :D
ReplyDeleteLove Christmas morning, when the children (now 21 and 16) wait for us to go down the stairs altogether and then I have to peep in the sitting room to make sure that Santa has been! Then taking it in turns to open parcels so we can share in each others good fortune!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet l'il cottage! Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteSince I live in Florida ... I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!
What do I dream about at Christmas? Baking? Growing up, my mom and I would bake Christmas cookies. Six or eight different kinds and I dream about the day when my kids will be old enough to share that tradition. Right now, they are too little and there is simply too much to do. I'm lucky to bake one batch of sugar cookies for decorating. The chocolate crinkes, lemon bars, thumbprints, etc... will have to wait for anohter year that I'm sure will come faster than I think it will.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fun!
Claire, So glad you are back - I know I've been missing you. Glad to hear about your babes and how they're growing. I am excited to see the new Christmas stamps - it's that perfect time of year when all hearts come home and we find ourselves together again. Kiddos are out of school and cookies in the oven - heaven on earth!
ReplyDeleteOooo, looking forward to seeing your new stamps. I dream of calm (never happens!) cosiness, curling up under a blanket with a good book, and my biggest excitement is waiting for the kids to open their stockings, I'm sure I've been awake before them for the last couple of years :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that little Christmas cottage looks perfect! At Christmas I dream of being at home with the lights of the tree glowing, a beautifully scented candle burning, a fire in the wood burning stove, and just being with family! It feels just a bit early to be thinking about it, but Christmas cards are calling! I can't wait to see your new release!
ReplyDeleteI dream about a Christmas tree. I've not had one since 2006! I have already been chosing one at a friends farm and I tied a red and white plastic ribbon around it so I will be able to find it if we get a lot of snow!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet looking cottage look so much forward to see all your new stamps Claire!
ReplyDeleteFor xmas look forward to a nice quite peacefull time and spending time with family.
Stamping is my escape too..my boys are big now 20 and 24 and its so difficult to had them let go bit by bit..its a good thing but difficult too!
oh... looks like a lovely little cottage! what do i dream about at christmas??? probably about how much i just love that time of year and that if we get snow it doesn't happen until AFTER my kids start winter break!!
ReplyDeleteOh, how this little sneak peek is calling to me! Although the daytime temps are still warm, it is finally beginning to cool off at night, and I'm longing for a good snowy night! I can't wait to snuggle up with a good book, a cup of minty hot cocoa, and just the lights of the tree to read by! Maybe I'll color instead after seeing this peek!
ReplyDeleteThis year I am dreaming of a rest. Last year was v stressful and I ended up with a relapse of Chronic Fatigue for the first 3 mo of 3011. Rubbish !!! So this year I am just going to o what I want - no faff and all the fun. Hopefully...
ReplyDelete( and after last year's "Day After Tomorrow" weather, a wee festive sprinkle of snow would be great - THEN STOP !!! )
Glad that you are back! sorry it was not as relaxing as you might have hoped.
ReplyDeleteI dream about Christmas morning, with snow on the ground outside, the tree looking twinkly and lovely, and enjoying opening our stocking gifts!
My christmas wish is time..more, more and lots of more time. For my family for me for fun...
ReplyDeleteI dream about those extreme snow days that force you to take a day off! I don't have to feel guilty about work not having me for taking a non-day-off to spend a day with my finace because the snow traps you in! Those are the perfect days. The weather forces you to slow down and take a "personal day!"
ReplyDeleteOoohh... love the little peak! Dreaming of trimming the tree as always. I've been married for 3 years and we've started the tradition of purchasing ornaments as souvenirs when on vacation. We pack it away and bring them all back out to decorate the tree with. My DS has picked up some great ornaments over the years and with a new baby girl due in January, I look forward to the goodies she'll pick out and decorate the tree with.
ReplyDeleteI dream about being able to accomplish everything I set out to do but still being able to relax and enjoy the season. Love to sit in front of the fire with hot chocolate.
ReplyDeleteMy mind can't quite settle into wistful dreaming today. . . this year, my Christmas dreaming involves managing somehow to organize and store all of the Christmas decorations before the cold weather hits. As the season draws closer, my thoughts will become more poetic :) .
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled to see your sneak peek today, Claire. Another beautiful creation in your inimitable style. Can't wait to see your release!!
Left a comment yesterday but I see it didn't post. This is not the first time this has happened to me. Guess I'll try again. I love it when the tree's up, the gifts are all wrapped, bowed, and tagged and there is Christmas music on the CD player or radio. And my Mom's coconut pineapple cake!
ReplyDeleteI love that sneak peek. My dream for Christmas is to have all the family together, with snow gently falling outside (but not so much as to cause problems for anyone travelling), the tree looking beautiful - & someone else cooking the turkey.
ReplyDeleteMy dream at Christmas (well heck, all year) is alone time - without obligations and such - so I can stamp! I guess alone time isn't quite right as it wouldn't feel right without my family around - thankfully my girls love crafting too :)
ReplyDeleteMy dream at Christmastime (well heck - all year) is alone time - without obligations and such - to stamp! Though I guess "alone" isn't quite right as I wouldn't feel good without my family around too - thankfully my girls love crafting!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the full release! Looks fabulous! My Christmas dream is that the whole family gathers and that the whole Christmas season runs smoothly and our family makes a lot of special memories. I enjoy cozying up with a cuppa and a good book in front of a peat fire with no other lights on in the room except the Christmas tree. I love to see my children playing together in the same room as my hubby and I...all just enjoying each other's company.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the happy thoughts Claire.
Blessings,
Robyn x
A white Christmas once in a while would be lovely but unlikely for those of us living in Australia. It would justify the hot roast dinner we still have in the depths of summer. It is also our long summer holiday and a great time to relax at the beach with family.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back Claire ! My eldest went off to school this year too...sigh....
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas dreams are just of experiencing everything through the little ones eyes...cookie making, letters to Santa, decorating (well, he seems to bore of that quite quickly!) and best of all gingerbread houses. It's so much more fun to experience it with them, and this year he will be really and truly understanding all of it....cant wait !!
I love to be with my family so if I were to imagine a Christmas escape it would be in a mountain cottage snowed in with my whole family...sounds perfect to me.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be snowed in with my family, with lots of cookies to bake, books to read - and most importantly memories shared together.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Gini
Hi Claire!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Sooo curioue for the new WMS christmas designs!! My ideal christmas escape? Honestly? Just snuggle up on the couch at home, with my dearest Pim and a hot chocolate and watch a xmas movie, ha ha! But of course we never do that, more famiky needing attention, hi hi, but it's always so busy that time, with my bday (26th), Sinterklaas (Dutch thing), christmas and new year! I just love to cocoon as well, silly me, right?!
Hugs, Wendy
My favorite escape at Christmas is watching and/or reading "A Child's Christmas in Wales." I watch and read it every year - probably for about twenty years or so now. I just love it! Fills me with longing to see Newport, Wales - my great grandfather's home town. Can't wait to see the new stamps! Thank you for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteSally in Stockton, CA
Hi Claire
ReplyDeleteThat's a very interesting sneak peak and I already look forward to seeing the whole set very soon!
My escape at Christmas time: being with my husband and son, having some peaceful and cheerful time together, without any obligations of any kind. And my very personal escape at that time of the year: sit on the couch, covered by a warm blanket, reading a good book and enjoying a cup of tea and maybe some cookies. Or, instead of reading, just listening to some Christmas songs and forgetting any problems.
Have a nice day!
Carola
Oooo, can't wait to see the whole set! I love snuggling into a corner of the couch with a cozy blanket, a good book, and a mug of yummy hot chocolate all in the glow of the Christmas tree. :)
ReplyDeleteLet's see. . . the Christmas Fairy visits, decorates the tree(lights included), holiday music plays, bread and/or cookies bake in the oven with the Christmas fairy (again) tending to all. 22 inches of snow outside, Cmas fairy cleans up wet clothes, etc, while family plays board game with everyone laughing.
ReplyDeleteLove the sneak peak! So I'm looking forward to seeing the boys wake up Christmas morning. This year they will be 3 and 4 and all the more excited about all of those lovely boxes under the Christmas tree. Love watching them open something that they've really wanted. That excitement and pure joy makes you feel so good.
ReplyDeleteThis stamp is soooo gorgeous and so adaptable for many occasions. wonderful!
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