On FB they asked for more Christmas images, so here's our other Christmas tree.

This metal tree was a Smith and Hawken sale item when they went out of business a couple of years ago.

Just right for all my jewels,

and even little green pigs.

Not on one strand are all life's jewels strung.

~ William Morris 

I always have so many plans of what and how I'm going to post here. If you only knew how many images and stories are in the queue. Well I decided to scrap it all, for the moment, and show you my Chirstmas tree.

On December 2, when I saw that beautiful 5-ft trees were going for $39, I had to have one. Never have we had a tree so early.   

I love collecting ornaments- having lots gives me an opportunity to try something new each year. Color blocking seemed to be the way to go this year.

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.

~ Georgia O'Keefe

It's that time of year when I begin to mourn the imminent passing of this year's roses from our garden. With Christmas on the way, I thought why not prolong their enjoyment by celebrating the season with roses in holiday garb.

Every few days I've been harvesting whatever is available. This humble gathering includes The Prince (that big one), Duet, Little White Pet, Maggie, and rose hips.

Duet and Maggie are showcased in this image. With the addition of greens and more interesting containers (although I love that little zinc pot), I knew these roses could dress to impress. 

In the summer, I bought these Weck canning jars in Berkeley. Perfect rose vases.

Mint pelargonium, westringia, fir boughs, and delicate rose leaves went into the containers first- adding the roses was pure pleasure. Barcelona bloomed when buds opened a day later- it's the rose with the darkish centers. It's an extremely fragrant beautiful rose that I highly recommend. Wouldn't these make a lovely gift?

The same roses recycled into a more upscale look in a bubbled handblown glass vase.