Merry Christmas Card(s)

[Gare]

I think Christmas just might be the high point of the year here in an otherwise dismal 2016 in the States.

Regardless, the Admin and I would just like to wish everyone (except the spammer we caught last Wednesday) a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017!



My Best,



Contributions most welcome to this thread!

[Rik]

I would normally have done one, by now.
But, this year, I just haven't got round to it yet.

Excellent card, Gary. Really beautiful.

[Gare]

I would normally have done one, by now.
But, this year, I just haven't got round to it yet.

Excellent card, Gary. Really beautiful.

Thank you Rik. In case anyone has a technical question about the art, I created the tree using XenoDream, which can generate 3D files based on fractal formulas, many of which look like trees.

But no one is interested in "technical" this time of year, right?

Except if you got your kid a 3 piece bedroom suite from IKEA.

[roly]

Hi Gary, great card. All the very best to you and Barbara, I'm sure 2017 will be much better and keep you guessing at what is going to happen next.

Ciao

Roly

[Gare]

Hi Gary, great card. All the very best to you and Barbara, I'm sure 2017 will be much better and keep you guessing at what is going to happen next.

Ciao

Roly

Thanks for that Roly. Most of my 2016 angst is political in nature, and we do not discuss politics on TalkGraphics.

To get a little sentimental and traditional at the closing of this year, I wish peace, the end of strife, and good nature and good humor among our fellow people. I know that nations together can easily feed the world, so I wish we'd start doing it. I wish for the strong to stop preying on the weak. Dictatorships suck.

I wish for some joy we can send to our men (and women) in arms overseas, for milder weather than we got in Upstate New York last year (!), and for everyone to become so sick and tired of war, that we all lay down our arms and find something better to do.

Like play Parcheesi—I'm sure someone put a set under your tree this Christmas.

Christmas for the Admin and me is not a static or annual set piece. It's dynamic and every Christmas is new, with new things to do, and new people to meet.

[iamtheblues]

Smashing post (#5) Gare.

Christmas in rural Spain is a lot more low-key compared to the US and UK versions, and is the better for it.
I do try to avoid commercial TV from the UK at this time of year, with the exception of Sky Sports and BT Sport for the rugby, but the ads really are awful.

Well, 2016 has been pretty dire for so many reasons and no point in expecting any better for 2017. Who knows, perhaps Xara will have a nice surprise for us in the New Year...

[Ron Duke]

I don't observe the holidays, but I have to comment on you're skills.
I am always amazed by your skills.

I think Christmas just might be the high point of the year here in an otherwise dismal 2016 in the States.

Regardless, the Admin and I would just like to wish everyone (except the spammer we caught last Wednesday) a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017!



My Best,



Contributions most welcome to this thread!

[Gare]

Thank you, Ron. I myself have been on a quest for "The Meaning of Christmas" for most of my life.

There's definitely something in the air. And as Bob observes, Christmas is far too much an opportunity for truly vile Capitalism. I also get a little panicky when I'm told "Hurry! Offer expires this week!" by unprincipled merchants.

Nevertheless, I'm prompted spiritually (or whatever) to put a buck in the Salvation Army cauldron, to remember to open doors with a smile when entering or leaving a building, and to just see how much I can take in from the mood, profound depth, and the unbridled joy of this Christmas as Barbara and I, Mom, and my brother Dave get synergistic. And just create joy for those all around us this time of year.

You get much more than you give if you simply let loose and get your head around the spirit of Christmas.

My Best,

[Boy]

You're a great artist and a true poet of the heart! Merry Christmas, Gare!

[Rik]

Love it.