Festival of the Trees

Since y'all weren't lucky enough to see the Salt Lake City Festival of the Trees this year, I'll share a few of my favorite photos with you. As you know, Kathy volunteered this year and donated handmade bags and her time making this annual event a magical success. 

To think of all the money this festival gives to the Primary Children's Hospital, well...it almost makes you cry. She said they earned around twenty-five million last year and every single cent goes to the hospital because labor is donated, items are donated, everything is volunteer. Amazing really when you see the size of this organization!

To start our 2011 tour, we'll begin with the happy smiling face of one volunteer: Kathy Jo. She is standing next the first tree exhibit stationed next to the entry gate. And she is looking dang cute, as usual. Notice the black hat and matching coat accessorized by a glittering scarf in scintillating colors. You might also notice that she looks like she's about twenty years old. Maybe volunteer work is as good for your face as it is your soul? If so, I better sign up quick.

This Santa stole my heart. He’s the first man since 2002 that I’ve wanted to take home with me. Just look at those cheeks! And that belly!! If I woke up every morning next to that guy, I’d feel pretty good about myself. 

Kathy told me a female artist sculpted this Santa at the price of fifty grand or so. He was truly extraordinary with glass eyes and skin so believable you’d swear he was real. I imagine its genuine human hair he’s wearing on his head and chin. For fifty grand, the artist probably shaved her grandmother’s head. I would. Without hesitation. I might even shave her mustache. 

And next we have one of my favorite trees. I prefer the handcrafted homey-type trees. Maybe that’s because as an artist, I recognize the labor it takes constructing homemade-looking decorations. You can buy glitz at the super market. If you want felt mice in rick-rack skirts, you'll have to stitch them yourself. 

The following images are random photos you might enjoy! Especially since you can just sit there without having to bump into people and wear out your feet! We had to stop and eat candy once just to make it down the next aisle. Then we had to stop again and eat hot scones with butter and a carton of milk. It was really hard having to eat all that food to keep our energy up. 

And last but not least, next year’s Christmas Project. Let’s see…we’ll need a a 4x4, a Legacy, a box of paints and three brushes. Some time, some Coke, some good shoes to stand in. And we’ll also need Dad’s HELP. But it can be done. O yea, it can be done...the Ultimate CandleStick!

Love to all,

Carolyn