Leanne Shawler, Artist

I can remember these ornaments being on our family tree forever. They are possibly as old as I am. (I'm sure Mum will leap in and correct me.) I loved to sit by the tree and play with the angel in the middle with her pink gingham dress imagining a story for her. I cannot remember any of those daydreams, but I know the elf was involved. Not the gold angel, she was too perfect to play with. When Mum was downsizing her Christmas decorations because she no longer puts up a big tree. These are the three I insisted on having. And they are on my tree today. Well, except the gold angel whose loop broke while I tried to put her on the tree, so she'll stand next to Santa and at some point go into the "workshop" (aka my art room, where I've taken care of a tiny elf and one of the three kings so far this year) for repair as soon as I figure out how as the loop goes into her head. Hmm. The poor elf has already had its loop replaced, has a dented face, and my pink ...

Most every Advent and Christmas I make a playlist .... one year it was all swing-style stuff. This year, like last, seems to be a little more serious. Anyway, thought I'd list it: Winter Snow - Audrey Assad, Chris Tomlin Angels We Have Heard on High - Sara Groves (Christmas from the Prison, live recording) Sing! - Patchwork Carol of the Bells - George Winston Angels We Have Heard on High - Sara Groves (O Holy Night) Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - Sara Groves Mary, Did You Know? - Hayley Westenra Labor of Love - Andrew Peterson (but I think features the vocals of Christy Nockels) It Wasn't His Child - Trisha Yearwood O Child O Son - Supper Club When a Child is Born - Michael Ball A Cradle in Bethlehem - Sara Groves (yes, yes, I really really like her stuff) Stille Nacht - Jose Carreras, Natalie Cole, Placido Domingo One Child/O Come All Ye Faithful - Natalie Grant I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Casting Crowns And I'm thinking about purchasing Monteverdi's Ves...