Thursday, December 11, 2008

Happy Christmas


Quote from 1836 - The Pickwick Papers

“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home” Charles Dickens

Our sky has been rather overcast for the last few days but thought we would share this view framed with what the locals call poinsettia tree as they burst out in red flowers the first week of December. click to enlarge


For the arm chair travel enthusiasts click links for Sky Watch Friday and her little sister My World to see what 100s of bloggers from around the world are sharing with us this week.

Thanks for your kind comments about the photo of the sky through the red trees, it has other names including Royal Poinciana and if you are in NSW they would call it a Flame Tree as in the Cold Chisel song lyrics.





A French themed card for a travelling friend.









I do like working on cards this time of year, little canvas to send messages to special friends.






41 comments:

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Mandy: What a neat shot thru the flowering tree, nicely done for December.

PJ said...

It's overcast and grey here with drizzly rain so this view looks like heaven to me.

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

I LOVE Dickens! Your quotes and snaps are so cool together.

Photo Cache said...

What is that flowering tree? I'm very curious. I really enjoy the quotes you share with us every week. Have a good weekend. Stay well.

Anonymous said...

Lovely capture. Great shot!

EG CameraGirl said...

I like the way you've framed the sky. Nice!

Michele said...

A lovely shot, Mandy, beautiful framed!
Thanks for taking the time to see me today.
~Michele~

Courtney said...

I love the idea of poinsettia trees blooming red as December strikes; how completely charming and perfect for the holiday season!

This is a bit belated, but I wanted to say thank you too for stopping by my blog and commenting!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mary said...

Ooo, it looks so pretty and WARM! Happy SWF. :)

DrowseyMonkey-Photos said...

That's a beautiful photo ... I love the way you framed it.

Ruth said...

Nicely composed picture. It looks even better in large. That is a very interesting tree.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tree, and the view through the branches is spectacular!

Suz Broughton said...

So beautiful! I wish I were there.

The Good Life in Virginia said...

lovely shot with the trees framing it...like it a lot.

Anonymous said...

Nice warm shot taken from the cool shelter of the shading Poinsettia.
A pleasure to see for me here in frozen Toronto.

Anonymous said...

The Poinsetta Trees do frame the beautiful sky well. Happy Holidays...

Suzanne said...

Your photo has captured a lovely view to the sky. I really like the colours in the photo.
Happy SWF.

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

A peaceful, pretty SW picture. Great Christmas colours with the flowering Poinciana tree. I love Charles Dickens and his ways with words. Thank you Pearl Maple for stopping by my SW.

Arija said...

Nice picture and lovely Dickens quote.

Baruch said...

The view through the trees is what this photo a great capture

Kahshe Cottager said...

What a pretty tree to have framing your sky! It may be grey but at least it looks warm! I'll bet you aren't missing all the snow you saw in my SWF! Thanks for the visits!

Dewdrop said...

Mandy, I always enjoy your quotes. Interesting tree. I had never heard of that before. Very pretty, and indeed a beautifully framed shot!

Naturegirl said...

Mandy A poinsettia tree must be a Joy to see up close! I've never heard or seen one! Thank you for enlightening me!Happy holidays and SWF! :)NG

Anonymous said...

I do so love the view you have captured here Mandy! Such a wonderful contribution for Sky Watch!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

very nice shot love the colors!

Gretchen said...

Great shot! Happy SWF!!!

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

Your cards are stunning as always, Mandy! And that sky -- a bit of heaven! Thank you for sharing such beauty each week! =) Have a wonderful weekend!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Good luck on your move and job situation, you know I can relate to that...life does throw us some curves, doesn't it! Hope your Christmas is merry, nevertheless!

blessings,
Melissa

Anonymous said...

Oh My...What a treat it would be to see a poinsettia tree!! I have never heard of one. Delightful...absolutely delightful. Happy Holidays and so happy to meet you. ~ Miles of Smiles ~ Lynn

Lew said...

Great shot through the tree! And the photos of your cards are icely done; the quotes add a lot to your blog. Thanks for your comment on my skies.

david mcmahon said...

Great work on the cards.

Marie said...

Great sky and beautiful cards :)

Betty said...

What a gorgeous place you live in. I've never seen a poinsettia tree!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for stopping by!

Wow - I love your creativity- I went through your entire blog and those cards and little books are marvelous! I imagine hours and hours goes into each of these!

blessings
mary

Sugar Bear said...

That view is breathtaking and the quote is perfect. I love Dickens and he is such a perfect fit for this time of the year.
Karla

Stephanie said...

Now that's a VIEW!! What a great photo.

I love your cards. The Joy Card is a work of art, just LOVE it!

Thanks for stopping by and for your nice comment,

Take Care,

Stephanie

Anonymous said...

g'day, love that shot, been overcast here too but not the last few days, been warm and sunny and lovely!!! love the quote too

merry christmas wishes

Sarah

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Hi Mandy! I love the sheet music holly that you cut out...that is a great idea! Merry Christmas!

Oliveaux said...

There is nothing better than seeing the ocean. A beautiful photo. Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog. Amanda x

Linda Manning Findley said...

Mandy your cards are lovely ... I have really been missing your art ... Linda F

Sue McGettigan said...

Ah Mandy, Cold Chisel, my boys :) Love that canvas, it's gorgeous!! Happy Christmas!