Seeing Friends at this Joyous Time of Year!

During this busy time of year, it is always great to slow down and actually enjoy the Holiday with Friends. From a Holiday Street Fair downtown, Christmas Open House at the Carriage House and a Fabulous Cookie Swap with the neighborhood gals, I spent the weekend greeting friends, wishing a Merry Christmas and enjoying the joy of the season.The cookie swap was hosted by my friend Trina at her lovely home just right around the corner from me. She had a pretty Christmas display greeting us with Christmas Carols and a smile on her face as we entered the door. Here is my plate of Almond Cookies and 8 boxes of almond cookies to swap with.
We each brought 8 dozen of our special cookies along with recipe cards so we could add these new recipes to our own kitchens.
Trina planned a lovely party. She had the savory goodies first with soft drinks and they were delicious. We all commented on her hot artichoke dip. Need that recipe, too! We chatted and mingled and enjoyed her pretty Christmas tree.
I brought Trina a little hostess gift. This is the prettiest bottle of sparkling pink lemonade imported from France. It is as yummy as the outside of this bottle.I brought each of the Fabulous 5 a little Christmas treat. They each got a handmade ornament made by me to put upon their trees. I hope each year when they hang them, they will remember the laughs we have had and our friendship!
Each ornament has bits of reminders: family, hope, friendship, peace, believe, love, faith.

I came home with 8 dozen delicious cookies hand made with love by 8 Southern women. We will enjoy these treats with our family and friends this holiday season. Many thanks to you, Trina for hosting a great cookie swap and for all of your hard work!

The surprise of the weekend came when I was at the Street Fair in Downtown Gray. While checking out the various vendor tables, I spotted a true crafters table! I said to my SIL Judy, "This looks like my friend Angela's goodies." I no sooner looked up and she was throwing a big hug my way. Angela is a fellow crafter and blogger that lives in Macon. It was so good to see her and wish her a Merry. Look what I bought from her... This is a wreath made out of vintage sheet music. She has folded and glued the paper long a ring to make this unusual wreath. I am going to adorn this wreath and add to my studio. I also bought one for Mom.This wreath is made up of vintage text and she added some crocheted doilies and vintage cream buttons. It is so crafty and vintagy! I just love them and she couldn't sell them fast enough. Great job, Angela!!!!

Well, y'all that's all for now. I hoped you enjoyed the pictures and story of my weekend. I hope you are all finding some unexpected JOY this holiday season.