Birthday Greetings From Odd Places

December is a busy month. But in spite of that, my mom always made sure my birthday was separated from Christmas. It's always so nice to receive well wishes from family and friends near and far. Being on Facebook also makes it a lot easier to remember and send, as well as receive greetings. But over the years, one also starts receiving email birthday greetings from the strangest places. It started with the health care plan we belong to. Then it was followed by the dentist. I was so excited I deleted it! Then one came from Zoc Doc. I made an appointment with them once, and I'll never be forgotten! Then another came from Zazzle... I have a zazzle shop for my digital art and really don't know how they figured it out. And, then a real card mailed through the post office came from our investment broker. It almost seems like too many greetings from complete strangers! But, it makes the day even more exciting - or irritating? It's actually quite funny. 

Christmas Trains at the US Botanic Gardens

We visited the trains at the US Botanic Garden before we moved here. When we did move here nine years ago our grandson was three years old. That's the perfect age to see these sorts of things! Now he has moved four hours away to Virginia. But that doesn't stop us from checking out the display every year anyway! Rather than go on a very busy weekend during the holiday season, we visited mid morning on a day that I was off from work during the week - and we got there just in time! Right after we walked through the display, the throngs of school children surrounded the exhibit! Long lines of youngsters with mischevious laughter and giggles filled the air. The theme is different every year and this one had something to do with bees and the queen bee. The place was full of nannies, babies, oldsters, locals and kids alike. It's a wonderful and cheerful place to see this time of year - actually any time of year. We are really fortunate to be able to enjoy these Christmas events right in our neighborhood, during the week, on a day that I'm off. 

Downton Abbey Season Six Preview and Cast Q and A at GW Lisner Auditorium

First it was a visit to Highclere Castle in England, then it was a trip to Winterthur in Delaware to see the costumes, and last night it was an opportunity to see the Downton Abbey season six premier episode with a follow up Q and A session with the actors. It was a treat indeed! My friend gave us tickets for my birthday. She was going out of town and didn't want them to go to waste - So they didn't! We hopped on the metro and headed to GW University to the Lisner Auditorium. We arrived much earlier than the program started and it was already packed. The string quartet could hardly be heard - and they were playing masterpiece theme songs - including Midsomer Murder. I have to say I honestly prefer watching the show on my couch in the comfort of my home, but it was obvious everyone in this audience was in love with all things Downton. I was hoping to see a couple of the lead female cast, but it was more male oriented, along with the costume designer. My husband actually yawned out loud half way through in spite of the fact that he actually likes this show. On the way out we grabbed a poster, and meandered back through the crowds. It was an interesting evening. Sometimes it is better to never really meet or hear actors talk as it changes the whole impression one has of them. I found one character extremely annoying and full of himself, but most were very professional and fun to see and hear. Thanks M for the tickets! It's made for a great finale our Downton Abbey experience. I wonder what will take its place?

Library of Congress Christmas Tree

I've seen it every year for the past nine years, but every time I walk over to the Jefferson Building at this time of year, it is truly a sight to see. Yes, there is also the Capitol Christmas tree, and the trees at the Botanic garden, and by the White House. But it must be something about the interior of this place that exudes elegance and tradition. On my afternoon walk, I went over to see the Library's tree this week. I've also observed when it was being constructed from the many pieces that are removed from the huge containers that were left in the lower level "basement" tunnel that I passed through. Since it was mid afternoon, the sun was shining through the west Windows leaving a brilliant hue on one side. There were several visitors meandering about on tours and otherwise. It feels like I just saw it - and that was a year ago. So many things happened in our family in 2015. We lost my dad, and that marks a milestone in any family. So all the trees take on a very different flavor from here on. Let's enjoy the holidays for that reason alone. 

Customer Feedback and Etsy

I've been working on twenty plus digital art pet portraits for Christmas and am still getting requests. My customers come from all over the US - and even outside the US. It's been an exceptionally busy season compared to past years and I'm not sure why? Once the project is completed, Etsy asks for feedback. Yesterday I received a really nice comment from someone I just completed two projects for. They were two memorial gifts for her mom of her favorite pooches. Last night, for whatever reason, she was having difficulty uploading and sizing the images to a smaller scale. So I worked with her until we got it resolved. This had never happened before, so I was glad we could get it fixed - especially since she had no problem with one of the images! Anyway, I received a notice that there was feedback posted again for this project. I always like to think I provide great service to my customers. Several of my projects are from repeat customers - which is probably the best feedback. I spend quite a bit of time setting up the portrait with the buyer and then sharing updates throughout the process. Sometimes that is more interesting than the end result! Nevertheless, it is always heartwarming to read nice comments in black and white. Thanks so much for the feedback L! I really appreciate it! 

A Special Christmas Card

It is unusual to receive "hard copy" cards anymore in the mail. Most everything is on line. But there is always one card that has arrived every year since I can remember. This one happened to be both a birthday and Christmas card combined, and had a picture of a pooch on it. This person knows me well! I've saved just about every one of these greetings and this will be no exception. There used to be two names on it, but now there is only one. Since we lost my Dad in June, my mom has soldiered on. Even though she is in her nineties and has an iPad, this envelope with the familiar but shakier handwriting means more than ever. So I'm thankful that she is still with us, and we are looking forward to seeing her very soon. Thanks Mom!

The Capitol Christmas Tree

We've been to one official lighting ceremony. We completely missed this one, but went for a visit on Saturday evening. I needed a break from non stop painting on a lot of Christmas orders for digital art pet portraits. It was a beautiful evening - no wind - and at dusk it was even better. The Capitol Christmas tree came from Chugach National Firest in Alaska! Since it was still barely light outside there were a lot of people milling about - not usually the case whenever we have been here before. We started at the base of the Capitol building looking over the Mall to the Washington Monument, and walked down to the reflecting pond as the sky turned a lovely red/orange. I took a movie of the scene and sent it to my mom. It's happens just once at this time of year, and it's a pleasure to behold - especially when one can actually stand around without freezing and take in all the sights.