6th December – 19 Days to go – Christmas Tree Swirl A5 Square Groovi Plate
Hi there
Happy Saturday. Happy Feast of St Nicholas Day! Did you put your shoe out yesterday evening? Was it full of sweets and nuts this morning? When we were kids, our Mum always upheld this German tradition. Well, St Nicholas is celebrated in many countries, not just Germany. Dates back to the 4th century, apparently. Anyhow, it was always very exciting in our home as children. I remember putting my little shoe outside – fair and square – and my brother dragging my Dad’s wellington boot to the back door! He figured the bigger the shoe, the bigger the haul! He always was a clever kid.
Anyway, must crack on. Big Day tomorrow on Clarity TV. Last First Sunday of the month in 2025, and we’re finally launching the new concept/product that I introduced to our friends at the November Workshop after the Open Days. It’s the start of something new from Clarity, and we love it. Very mixed media. Very arty. Join Paul and myself at 3pm tomorrow.
Since tomorrow is a BIG LAUNCH DAY for us, how about a lovely Christmas Tree design, from our dear, beautiful friend Sylvia Marshall? She was a cherished member of our Design team for years. Traditional parcher, very lovely, classy lady. She was part of the team years before we started Groovi – in fact, she helped us when we first got started. This tree was a design of hers. Perfect for parchment, as she would say.
We have lost touch, but I have very fond memories of being in France together when she joined us on our annual Design Team retreat. Here she is, next to me. We were dressed up for a Who Dunnit. Such fun! Never to be forgotten.
Dave and I were chuckling over our morning cuppa about the state of things — how FIFA and even the Eurovision Song Contest seem to have drifted so far into politics that they’ve almost forgotten what they are meant to be about! Sport and song should bring people together, shouldn’t they? Ah well… maybe one day they’ll find their way back to the joy of the game — and the music — without all the extra noise. Much to Dave’s amusement, I broke into a howling rendition of “Those were the days, my friend, I thought they’s never end, etc etc etc ….” Knew every single word. How’s that possible?? She won in 1970…. God bless Mary Hopkin.
And on that controversial note, I shall go up to my happy place, humming said song, and get ready for the afternoon show tomorrow.
Love and Clarity
Barb x x x
7 thoughts on “6th December – 19 Days to go – Christmas Tree Swirl A5 Square Groovi Plate”
how true “those were the days”. maybe better days to come. Looking forwards to tomorrow, in between baking. nice to catch up. Have a wonderful Saturday.
Now I will have that going round and round all day in my head but yes Barbara those were the days. I’m off to try and finish my trees keep getting interupted and I want them do e so that I can sit and watch you tomorrow afternoon can’t wait.❤
Happy St Nicolas day. It’s a Tradition in Holland as well. We’ve kept it going for a while after we moved to Australia, but eventually Santa took over. We still have the pepernoten (pfefernusse) and biscuits though. Bake them ourselves. Enjoy the memories Barbara.
Thanks Barb, for the morning laugh! The Design Team photo did make me smile. 😄 Maybe you should try and get an annual “fancy dress” photo of the Design Team (maybe at the Open Days?) and publish it in the new “Clarity News” as a “Who-is-it”? 🤣
Love Sylvia’s quirky Christmas tree, one of the earliest plates I acquired when starting Groovi.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s launch of an amazing new Clarity product direction. I had great fun with them at the Workshop, don’t worry my lips are sealed, no spoilers or teasers. I think they will be very popular. Such a clever idea.
Take care, Barb, and keep on singing, no matter what Dave says! 🤣🤣
I generally sing along to music when I’m on my own in the car and not near pedestrians! They would think I’m in pain! Hahaha. Love this tree, so pretty! It’s a brighter day outside, though I keep seeing rain on the windows! Looking forward to seeing the show tomorrow, though may have to watch on catch up as it’s our grandsons birthday! I’m hoping to get to it, though I’m not great at mo. Have a good Saturday!
Looking forwar to seeing what the next Clarity Design Concept is….
Keeeeppp siinggiiinnggg
As soon as I read ‘those were the days my friend’ the tune came into my head ! Politics is a pain in the bum, really don’t know where it’s going to end. Anyway let them get on with it! My tree is up – just wondering if I could set a trend and have it naked as it isn’t dressed yet. Never had any problem with any of our cats and trees over the years, might have knocked the odd bauble at the bottom but nothing more. Sally cat used to lie under it in the tinsel. Our Mikey came home yesterday so he’s now lying on the hearth and I’ve put Sally the other side. Our half a cat (who lives next door but one) is currently asleep in the conservatory so all is well, even as a kitten she didn’t upset the tree. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for us tomorrow – I haven’t fired up my laminator yet 😹. Then there was Boom-bang-a-bang, Puppet on a String and Congratulations – those certainly were the days. xx