Well folks, here we are again at the close of another year. Another Christmas to celebrate, to remember, to forget, you choose. This post was inspired because I recently downloaded a bunch of photos from my phone and discovered that I have some really nice holiday photos. Because I’m a giver, I’ve decided to share my little walk down memory lane with you. Here are some photos from recent Christmases past. Enjoy!
If you’ll remember, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2017. Therefore, my 2017 Christmas was not the most pleasant. I was showered with a huge outpouring of love that year, so the dark clouds didn’t hang too low. We did have a really nice tree that year as well, which I managed to get decorated with a little help from some friends. All in all, not worth complaining about.
Photo by P. Rickrode, December 2017
Christmas the following year was much better, but we aimed a bit too high. We did celebrate at my “happy place,” but the trip proved to be a bit too much for my still recovering body. Too much too soon took a toll, but I smiled through it. I mean, I was at Disney World right? Oh, by the way, both my husband and I suck at taking selfies. I was rocking my new curly grey hair then too so there was much to be thankful for.
We also decided to decorate the tree just a bit differently last year, adding some glittery ribbon to the lights and ornaments. And we switched out the angel for the star. Which do you like better – ribbon or no ribbon?
Photo by P. Rickrode, December 2018
This year, we’ve continued the away-from-home celebration of Christmas with a cruise to Mexico aboard the Carnival Valor. Terrific get-away with no issues this time around. Again, a less-than-stellar selfie. And, hey, isn’t my still-curly hair getting long?
That cruise was immediately followed by a 4-night stay in New Orleans at the Ritz-Carlton!! No, this is not normally how we travel, but we were privileged enough to be invited to a VIP art gala that started the same day we got off the cruise ship. Since it was basically an all-expenses-paid opportunity, we took it. And WOW!! What a weekend it was. Side note, that entire streetcar in the photo below was made of gingerbread. And yes, those are Mickey Mouses on my sweatshirt, thanks for asking. Hey, if I can’t go to Disney, I’ll bring Disney to me.
And, I couldn’t help myself, I snapped this quick photo of the ladies room. It smelled so good in there. Like Christmas. It actually smelled like Christmas all over the entire hotel, but the hand soap and everything in the bathroom were yummy. No paper towels or air dryers here. No sirree. Only little cloth fingertip towels. Very upscale.
Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, LA. December 2019. Photo by P. Rickrode
So folks, there is a smattering of my life the past couple of Christmases. Yes, 2017 sucked, but this year, more than made up for it with the wonderful opportunity to stay at the Ritz in New Orleans and meet some wonderful new friends. In the new year I’ll be posting again about this interesting and unexpected weekend. Here’s a teaser, I actually got to paint – with a bonafide artist – on canvas, with a real brush and real paint – a piece of artwork that was later auctioned off for over $5,000!!! Bigger teaser – there’s video!! Here’s a sneak peek of how it all started. Any ideas what this is a picture of?
Mystery artist. Ritz Carlton. December 2019. Photo by P. Rickrode
I’ll see you all in the new year for that fun stuff. Also look for a special edition of my newsletter in January for an interview with moi about my books, my house, my life, etc. If you haven’t already done so, you can sign up for my newsletter at the close of this blog post. You won’t be sorry.
In the meantime, happy holidays my friends! Please enjoy a safe and relaxing Christmas with your loved ones. Give them all an extra hug this year, even the ones who drive you crazy. Life is short.
I’d love it if you took a few minutes and told me about a wonderful memory from a Christmas past – or maybe an upcoming Christmas – that you remember or are looking forward to. It’s fun to share.
Word of the Day: Pulque
Fun fact about me: I think cheese popcorn is becoming my new favorite food. Nom nom nom nom. (Note to self: Clean popcorn crumbs off keyboard.)
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, December 2019. Images by Pexels, giphy, various Disney Photopass Cast members, Corey Rickrode and Patricia Rickrode.
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Puttin’ on the Ritz, eh? I was going to post about our stay at the Econo Lodge, but it seems pointless now.
You certainly do beautiful work on your Christmas trees. Absolutely stunning.
I stared at that painting until my eyes got blurry. I’m going to go with a portrait of of a lady with a veil . Either that, or a bird with a very long beak.
It has been a pleasure and fun blogging with you (and even talking with you once) this year. Merry Christmas back to you and the hubs and a most happy New Year.
Your pal, Al
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Al, I would love to hear about your stay at the Econo Lodge! If those walls could talk huh?
You’re pretty far off on the painting; however, there is a lady in the picture. Uh oh, now I’ve gone and given it away haven’t I? My bad. (Tee hee)
I enjoyed getting to know you a bit more this year, Al. I hope we continue our friendship be it on line, on the phone, or in person. I’m sending out continued good vibes in your writing venture. Keep it up. I’d love to hear how it’s going.
Happy holidays!!
Patricia
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When I read the blog title I was thinking you’d be recounting the ghosts of Baer House and I got a surprise, thank you! (Though I would love to hear some good ghost stories someday!)
Merry Christmas! I adore the long curls, they are amazing. I prefer the tree with the ribbon and it outdoes the Ritz-Carlton tree! Wishing you and Cory the Merriest Christmas and continued good health and positive attitude into the new year. Peace.
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So . . . you want more ghost stories huh? Well, I’ll see what I can conjure up.
Thanks for the kind words about our tree and my hair. Both are constant yet ever changing. Who knows what next year’s versions will look like.
Good health and positive attitudes all the way around my friend. We all need a bit of gentleness and kindness in this world right now don’t we? Stay safe. We’ll see you soon.
Patricia
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Wow, what a fantastic holiday vacation! Your trees both look wonderful–I can’t decide which I like better. And you are indeed rocking the gray curls!
We’re hoping to start some new Christmas traditions in our new house, starting with inviting a bunch of neighbors over on Christmas Eve. And of course, our daughter and her partner will be here, so it will be a good time no matter what. Hope your holidays are wonderful!
Oh btw I think the artist is painting Santa… 😀
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I love your new Christmas tradition in your new house. I hope it’s rewarding for everyone. So much hatred and ugliness in the world right now, I love to see people coming together and putting down their devices and just enjoying life’s diversity. I’m applauding you.
Surprisingly, my husband said he preferred the tree with the ribbon. I didn’t think he’d like it. I think the ribbon makes the tree look bigger. Both trees are actually the same size, but the one with ribbon looks huge to me. Forced perspective I guess.
Happy holidays my friend. Stay safe and take care and be kind to yourself.
Patricia
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Looks like a fabulous way to spend the holiday – first the cruise ship, then the Ritz. I mean, it’s not Disneyworld, but… 🙂 We usually have a less glamorous Christmas with Christmas eve at my parents’ house, spending the night, my dad makes breakfast and then dinner later at our house. I’m going to try to watch A Christmas Story with a glass of wine when it’s all done – that movie never gets old for me! I love the ribbons in your tree, and Merry Christmas to you!
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Your Christmas plans sound wonderful. Cozy and comfortable. I wish you all a wonderful holiday.
And, you know what? Being at the Ritz almost reminded me of being at WDW. So many lights, and good smells and wonderful food. We only left the hotel twice, both times to walk around in the Quarter and have some lunch.
Enjoy your movie! We’ll no doubt watch some Hallmark movie. Those have become my husband’s obsession. Of course, I’ll be watching the Disney parade in the morning – I mean after I feed my guests their breakfast. I’ve got the parade set to record. Then a glass of champagne and the parade for me!!! (Corey has to work so I’ll probably squeeze in some reading time too. Poor me right?)
Interestingly enough, my husband prefers the tree with the ribbon too. That surprised me since he complained the whole time I was putting it on. Go figure.
Merry Christmas!! Hugs to everyone.
Patricia
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Love your Christmas photos, Patricia. I like the tree with the ribbon the best. I ate a whole bag of cheese popcorn yesterday. Pretty delicious snack. Waiting for daughter and family to arrive. Then the celebration shall begin, hanging out with youngest grandchild, five months old today.
Your trip sounds awesome. Looks like a painting of a Weiner dog in a Santa hat. LOL! That’s all I can make out of it. Oh, gotta go. They’re here! Merry Christmas!
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Love cheese popcorn!! My new favorite treat.
The painting is not a weiner dog in a Santa hat, but that’s an interesting guess. Stay tuned for the reveal!
Enjoy your family. Merry Christmas!!
Patricia
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