Dusk in winter California style. Cobalt blue sky. Cool enough to bundle up. Snowflake patterns beneath my feet. I have never loved winter so much!
Plenty to see. Take mid-century splendor, for example. I love a big glassy storefront. Saves me from having to go inside and do my bull-in-a-china-shop routine.
Santa, please leave all of these chandeliers hanging from my oak trees. Oh, and if you could rig up the wiring that would be cool too.
I'll be home on Saturday. No rush.
I can't contain my excitement when I see glittery shiny Christmas finery. Makes me want to clap my hands together.
Life is grand.
I'm off to spend Christmas with an old friend in Santa Cruz. Hope yours is a merry one!
xo,
Mary Ann
A cautionary letter from Mama Moss arrived 2 days ago:
I watched on TV that the weather in North California was treacherous, lots of snow. You better take your chains for the tires. Also take blankets, water and extra food – PEANUT BUTTER. I am not kidding! Watch the weather channel yourself to make sure. Take de-icer, shovel and whatever else you need. Better still DON'T GO. Play it safe. Also wear boots and extra heavy coat and gloves. Call me when you get there so I won't worry.
Michele says
Um….that should read “TEETH” not “teeh”.
Michele says
Mama Moss, bless her heart, made me miss my own mother soooooo much with that cautionary letter. My mother used to say all the same sorts of things except she always cautioned me to be sure to brush my teeh. And floss. And she did this well into my 40s.
Hope you had a wonderful and happy Christmas Santa Cruz trip and that your New Year is as bright and shiny as all the Christmas glitz you photographed so well.
Happy New Year!
(Did you need the chains??? Tee hee hee)
Laura Miller says
Moma Moss is a woman after my own heart. You just know she’s right. Hope your holidays are as perfect as these photos. She walks in beauty…
Lisa Hoffman says
AhHA!….a mother after my own, over-protective heart. Raising my glass to toast you, the trip, your safe travels, Moma Moss, Santa Cruz and one of my absolute favorite people/Bloggers.
Cheers Baby….(clink)
Chris says
I LOVE THE SHINY CHRISTMAS-Y STUFF AND THE REFLECTIONS OF SNOWFLAKES, AND THE GLITTER!!
I had to holler, sorry Ma.
p.s. Is See’s Cashew Brittle survivalist food?
nikki hardin says
I can hear myself talking to my daughters in your mom’s letter. But I agree about the peanut butter!
karen says
I swear Momma Moss was channeling my mom! Oh so familiar! Ho!Ho!Ho! karen….
judy wise says
Mothers!!
Merry Christmas, beautiful. May all your days be merry and bright. xoxoxoxoxo
susan w says
Happy Christmas to you! We cease being the children of our mothers but mothers never cease being our mommies. And that is as it should be.
That ball tree is voluptuous!
Santa Cruz — dude!
grrl+dog says
Ms Moss;
May you drip with creative juices…may they run down your wrists as you move through life with a designer colored heart…
Sandy says
Love the new look and the photos. Just beautiful. I love your Mom’s letter. How sweet she is and she loves you. That’s her job, to worry about her children. Cherish her.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday, a safe trip and a Merry Christmas today.
Lorraine says
And don’t forget long underwear.
And don’t talk to hippies or people who sell Amway. And don’t forget we adore your blog especially when you break free from the little monkeys and are giddy with the onset of vacation.
Julie P says
Merry Christmas, MA! Nice new banner….I always tell the same thing to my friend who visits Lake Arrowhead every weekend…chains, blankets, FOOD! 🙂
wendy m. says
Merry Christmas – I hope you have a safe journey! Love the window photos, just fabulous!
sue says
Mothers are wonderful people!! Merry Christmas!!
mary cooper says
What great pictures, my husband went to school in Santa Cruz in the late 70s. He loved it. Your Mom is too funny, how do fretful moms raise such adventurous children? Have a great trip and happy holidays. Mary
Vicki in Michigan says
Best of holidays to you!
Have a safe trip. Looking forward to the pics when you return!
katiejane says
Have a good time. Enjoyed your photos. Happy Holidays!