Who took CHRISTmas away?

Madonna And Child - Raphael 1516

It appears that someone is phasing out the word 'Christmas' and replacing it with 'holiday'.  Now I ask you folks, what are we celebrating here if not for the birth of Jesus Christ, without that there would be no 'Christ'mas.  Don't get me wrong, I am more 'evolution' than 'ark', but I do accept that (in a historical context) Jesus Christ existed...AND that millions of people want to celebrate his birth.

There are a few people who like to celebrate my birth too, but no one is saying 'Happy Holiday' on my birthday. (I don't get a holiday...but that's another story).

Why is this happening?  We allow all sorts of people to have their own 'special' celebrations (Hanukkah, Ramadan, etc.) PLEASE can we keep Christmas.

What is the next step?  Should we destroy all the wonderful paintings in the world, dating back centuries, simply because they illustrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

I TOTALLY REFUSE this concept, and in this spirit I give you the following:

Madonna and Child With Saints - Titian, 16th Century

Madonna With Child - Bellini, 15th Century

Nativity - Gerard David, 16th Century

Christ's Birth - Jacques Darat, 15th Century

The last image by the most famous of all, Leonardo Da Vinci, illustrates the amount of beauty in the world that would be lessened by removing 'Christ' from our vocabulary.  DON'T let it happen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!...and to all, good night.

Where does time go?

 

We all know, particularly at this time of year.  For those of us who make cards, gifts, etc., there're hardly enough hours in the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I make lots of cards each year and waft between collaged bits of cards I've received, original paintings, and abstract designs.  Whatever mood takes me.

It's all time-consuming...but oh, what fun to immerse yourself in such task.  Thoughts of distant friends running through your head...no pressure to perform.  Just creative play!!!

I wish you all a Happy Christmas, and fun-filled, creative, 2013.

We have a winner!...and another!

I diligently cut the list of names, then folded and put them in a hat.  Of course it's a Santa hat, indicative of the Season.

Richard obliged by choosing....

Congratulations Hermine...you will find this in the mail...IF you send me your snail mail address....

(jo.murray.art@gmail.com)

'Mint Chocolate' - original ATC
 

And Sue M...you will receive ephemera, tho', as you are in Australia, perhaps you'd prefer a mix of painted papers and foreign ephemera, etc.  Let me know, AND send me your postal address.

Congratulations girls.  I appreciate your comments and support of my blog.

Mail Art - for me, and YOU

A RAK postcard from the talented Terrie Purkey
THANK YOU Terrie!

Mail Art has become a part of my life this year.  There are several bloggers out there who host various art swaps, some of which I can't resist....AND there are the thoughtful and kind blogging friends who just send me stuff, like the above.

La Wendula often hosts 'Paper' swaps.  This requires you to register with her for each swap, she selects a partner for you, and you exchange various themed papers useful for collages and other art works.  This month's swap is called 'Yummy Papers"  ....food wraps, recipes, menus etc.  I'm collecting all sorts of stuff.

Papers I received in a 'painted papers swap.

Karen Isaacson is also a serial mail art swapper.  She hosts swaps every month from her blog "Mail Me Some Art'  Bookmarks, ATCs, Postcards...you name it she'll organise a trade.

Bookmarks received from  Chris Miser, Rita Bellanca, and Lorna Sommer

I've taken to ATCs with a vengeance, and belong to several online groups that not only trade but also have challenges, two of which I've won recently.  YAY!...this meant a letterbox FULL of goodies...art-related of course.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArtChix-Sister-Site

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/artfulcollage

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FineArtATCsOnetoOne

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FineArtsATC

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Paper_Traders/

http://www.atcsforall.com/

ATCs For All sent me some fab stuff as a prize...Sakura micron pens, ATC blanks etc.

My fondness for ATCs led to an an amazingly coincidental trade last week.  I had my neighbours over for drinks and brought out my ATC album to show them.  It turns out that Kamali, from across the road, has just begun to trade also. We traded a couple of cards, and I was knocked out by her 'Oriental' ATC.

...lucky me.

All that said, this is my 200th post.  Who'd have thought. Sooooo... it's GIVEAWAY time.  This time I'll get R to choose from a hat or something.  Last time he chose on merit he was far too anxious about it.

I will have two prizes, and you can nominate which you'd prefer, as some people don't use ephemera in their work.  First out of the hat will win....

'Mint Chocolate' ATC

The next will win an envelope of Australian epemera for use in collages etc.

Just comment for a chance.  We'll draw the winnner in a week.