tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73515130224423476842024-03-14T12:30:01.304-05:00Botanic BleuA blog about a French-inspired garden and home in a post and beam house transformed from American Country to French Country one day, one project at a time. All done on a budget with easy-to-find materials Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comBlogger739125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-57632702273223945442024-01-24T02:00:00.006-06:002024-01-24T02:00:00.138-06:00Upstairs Bathroom Remodel | Shower<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Replacing an original raised tub with a walk-in </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">shower</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> was the most important part of the 2021 update of our upstairs bathroom. Indeed, installing an </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">American Disabilities Act (</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ADA) compliant shower was what started the update. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvO_0FfzocYZMqONU7HyqTRa8w7bbCavx6DFFdqwFaSwz9TjGki6QO-QzJJQPrp-nFKGiNeXtBxRh9XTHd6nqacO_hP6g0wH6MXnwcm6F0_o7yGCkWp2nkuIOQ5NvlCDJkiK57htRZYir1NAXJf9PGgMg3_38E79ZneEmSFY5-KzBsqwBJnU-NSoN3Db4/s975/1%20Bathroom%20Renovation%20Shower%20Control%20System%20From%20Sink%20Area.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvO_0FfzocYZMqONU7HyqTRa8w7bbCavx6DFFdqwFaSwz9TjGki6QO-QzJJQPrp-nFKGiNeXtBxRh9XTHd6nqacO_hP6g0wH6MXnwcm6F0_o7yGCkWp2nkuIOQ5NvlCDJkiK57htRZYir1NAXJf9PGgMg3_38E79ZneEmSFY5-KzBsqwBJnU-NSoN3Db4/s16000/1%20Bathroom%20Renovation%20Shower%20Control%20System%20From%20Sink%20Area.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;"> after photo</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> of the upstairs bathroom remodel is the </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">walk-in shower</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> with handheld shower head and grab bars inside and outside the shower. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Begun in July 2021, the project was completed in November 2021. A professional contractor did 95% of the project. We only did a little demolition work at the beginning of the work. Like most construction projects, we had a series of issues that caused set backs from the very beginning through the end of the project.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was so much work done, there is too much to include in a single article. Individual posts will focus on different parts of the remodel. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></div></span></div></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2024/01/upstairs-bathroom-remodel-shower.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-21746912721793508642024-01-21T02:00:00.006-06:002024-01-21T02:00:00.140-06:00Handmade Paper Mache Angels<div style="text-align: justify;">Angels are year-round decor in my opinion. Not just for Christmas decorations. True, angels are one of the best selling items every year in my annual French Country Christmas Event. Each year I create special one-of-a-kind items to offer customers looking for French Country style. For the most recent Christmas sale, I offered handmade paper mache angels. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg574W-FgYGEfhmshEoN7FYfhxO-TsfkSN7UlwYE8j25A91dpKNcVuRk9AK9eSHdVseevoB2ickPKnMnitdK74d6u9Ml__A7NlxESFFfQe6Gmv-3eCYXBPhFUSGBBTNzlSRtLTEtreIxc573_2RrFhZYXUV-aEfZLd9W2bLodRGaD3T77l7pEyC9PJMMuE/s867/Three%20Handmade%20Paper%20Mache%20Angels%20with%20Gold%20Fleur%20de%20Lis%20Charms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg574W-FgYGEfhmshEoN7FYfhxO-TsfkSN7UlwYE8j25A91dpKNcVuRk9AK9eSHdVseevoB2ickPKnMnitdK74d6u9Ml__A7NlxESFFfQe6Gmv-3eCYXBPhFUSGBBTNzlSRtLTEtreIxc573_2RrFhZYXUV-aEfZLd9W2bLodRGaD3T77l7pEyC9PJMMuE/s16000/Three%20Handmade%20Paper%20Mache%20Angels%20with%20Gold%20Fleur%20de%20Lis%20Charms.jpg"></a></div>I found the <i style="font-family: times;">papier-mâché </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">(paper mache) </span>angels through one of my favorite companies in the wholesale Dallas Market Center. There were three styles of angels, but they looked much plainer than these finished angels embellished with gold-colored wire, gold-colored charms, and gold wax. Unfortunately, I don't have a before photo. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2024/01/handmade-paper-mache-angels.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-16250955873625855062024-01-18T02:00:00.040-06:002024-01-18T02:00:00.130-06:00Snow Scenes | Winter Home Decor<div style="text-align: justify;"><div>After seeing all the snow scene photos today from friends on social media, I looked through snow photos from bygone years and found photos of how I decorated my fireplace mantel one year for a party using snow scene photos. Perfect, inexpensive winter decor with a personal connection was a hit with my guests. Photos of the decorated mantel follow snow photos from recent years. </div><div><br></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is the snow scene I posted to social media today. Perhaps the scarcity of snow in our area is why we all take photos to capture the scenes before the snow melts away. Today's snow only lasted a few hours after the sun came out. By nightfall, there was barely any snow left. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQs6HJfmSVvXm0Ebg5p5DjD2A1J4cKo7s67cqxux5FGZanmOaKH5YdmJZgJHO_2DNZVlF_ju10IK6tXRdKxkAJpzEQyjYFuPvvjHTbLixXHrb3I5RdTgumEt6uKM41jN78Co72JLAZZnWkBh7uoH6bEKWqvABTenGTGcG5BTGSIfCjcwKos2PUJ7Lehg/s867/8%20Snowy%20Backyard%20leading%20to%20Woods.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQs6HJfmSVvXm0Ebg5p5DjD2A1J4cKo7s67cqxux5FGZanmOaKH5YdmJZgJHO_2DNZVlF_ju10IK6tXRdKxkAJpzEQyjYFuPvvjHTbLixXHrb3I5RdTgumEt6uKM41jN78Co72JLAZZnWkBh7uoH6bEKWqvABTenGTGcG5BTGSIfCjcwKos2PUJ7Lehg/s16000/8%20Snowy%20Backyard%20leading%20to%20Woods.jpg"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A view of our backyard from an upstairs bedroom window also includes a view into our naturalized woods. You can see the window screen pattern in the photo if you look closely in the lower right corner. No venturing outside in the frigid 13° weather on slippery sidewalks to take photos. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Snow softens harsh, stark winter scenes and inspires us all to take photos of snow scenes of our houses, gardens, children, and pets. North Texas received a small amount of snow overnight, and today my social media home page is filled with photos of my friends' houses and yards covered with snow. Well, <i><span style="font-family: times;">almost</span></i> covered with snow since there was such a small amount of snow. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The following photos are selected snow scenes at my house including some of the photos I used to decorate my mantel for winter one year. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2024/01/snow-scenes-winter-home-decor.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-2207539615647372172024-01-14T02:00:00.053-06:002024-01-14T02:00:00.145-06:00Email Subscriber News | January 2024The email subscription service provider MailerLite will no longer provide the subscription service I use to email every new blog post to subscribers enrolled. The ending date is <i><span style="font-family: times;">February 1, 2024.</span></i> <div><br></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am exploring other options. If I find a new provider plan, I will migrate all current subscribers to the new plan. Those of you who receive my posts in your email inbox will not have to do anything to continue to receive the latest blog posts. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoHIZCnOEcQeexVrtVPqwhed7Kmc-U1JCRcmVxcbA7bkrt67VShWWaJpmP6Mk7G46dsfjaE5qdBdxUowdeHMH82YfjqadQ9pBMthm2O05Voovt4ArLfMJ-19FCCiaBifqHBq8spMf35aioi8IHk2-Oo5R5l2JdVQbG1CE3-fy8dJz96LvqQDBVd0UmNs/s698/Email%20Subscription%20Form.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="476" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoHIZCnOEcQeexVrtVPqwhed7Kmc-U1JCRcmVxcbA7bkrt67VShWWaJpmP6Mk7G46dsfjaE5qdBdxUowdeHMH82YfjqadQ9pBMthm2O05Voovt4ArLfMJ-19FCCiaBifqHBq8spMf35aioi8IHk2-Oo5R5l2JdVQbG1CE3-fy8dJz96LvqQDBVd0UmNs/w273-h400/Email%20Subscription%20Form.jpeg" width="273"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photo of Current Email Subscription Form ⬆︎</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since my blog does not make money for me, I need a FREE email subscription service. You probably have noticed there are no advertisements on my blog. If a new plan is not implemented to replace the plan ending on February 1, 2024, you will no longer receive the latest post directly in your email inbox. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Keep reading for a few suggestions of other ways to continue to find <span style="font-family: Cinzel;"><b>Botanic Bleu</b></span> to read. While they may not be ideal substitutes for getting the beginning of a new article directly in your email inbox, you can still locate the latest post with only an extra couple of clicks. </div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2024/01/email-subscriber-news-january-2024.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-72802138404803459822024-01-11T02:00:00.040-06:002024-01-11T02:00:00.146-06:00Mirror Updates to French Country<div style="text-align: justify;">Homes change over the years due to routine maintenance, upgrading appliances, freshening paint, changing tastes, and finding what you have been wanting for years. The mirror in my half-bath powder room started as American Country style that eventually was replaced with a new French Country style mirror. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbqT92FfyrSA4nNPilkLNA0aXCSvZuYOdhzOmwxKn9wmWv7Vz-tuJNUZh87C0fTUV0okn-ICItIAt9SpLsGmlFysBqyupPjWy49YJSeySa7h2mtQLihBV6reBKsHpbBVinahHmlXw8iecLKM9aSxd16YdKuLY_ttRj_yxwhu8SEnLLbimgPC3-9dcgZQ/s975/12%20Half%20bath%20sink%20and%20floor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbqT92FfyrSA4nNPilkLNA0aXCSvZuYOdhzOmwxKn9wmWv7Vz-tuJNUZh87C0fTUV0okn-ICItIAt9SpLsGmlFysBqyupPjWy49YJSeySa7h2mtQLihBV6reBKsHpbBVinahHmlXw8iecLKM9aSxd16YdKuLY_ttRj_yxwhu8SEnLLbimgPC3-9dcgZQ/s16000/12%20Half%20bath%20sink%20and%20floor.jpg"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After years of searching and intermediate changes along the way, the half-bath has a French Country mirror I love. This post is for all of you who still long for changes in your home. Don't give up. The journey may take turns and twists, but little-by-little you can achieve the home you dream. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>Take a look at my journey from American Country mirror to the French Country mirror shown above. I've tried to include photos with the same views into the half-bath so you can see how the mirror changes over the years looked in the bathroom from the same perspectives. </div></div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2024/01/mirror-updates-to-french-country.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-66967500508769949422024-01-07T02:00:00.178-06:002024-01-07T02:00:00.141-06:00Mixed Media French Prints<div style="text-align: justify;">Each year I create special items for the French Country Christmas Event in my garden shed. Mixed media French prints were part of this year's speciality items. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwjJz3N7PSN0Cq8pR-bwdEXmDmt21GmG6rTUeS9N5u8xFmtld0EJlI7c02G0Dq43htYhyphenhyphen7pU4t_S7r9cXoxcsIowXNSTGRyNgLeJjoHjQXyiSYP66oAOm8ZdnoJAZWeDjbgPduJiE6e1RKXuc0AK43REHvLkiP9ql2AQ5HhoqOfQnFCbDEF-y3YO5F1w/s698/Sainte%20Chapelle%20and%20Palais%20de%20Justice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwjJz3N7PSN0Cq8pR-bwdEXmDmt21GmG6rTUeS9N5u8xFmtld0EJlI7c02G0Dq43htYhyphenhyphen7pU4t_S7r9cXoxcsIowXNSTGRyNgLeJjoHjQXyiSYP66oAOm8ZdnoJAZWeDjbgPduJiE6e1RKXuc0AK43REHvLkiP9ql2AQ5HhoqOfQnFCbDEF-y3YO5F1w/s16000/Sainte%20Chapelle%20and%20Palais%20de%20Justice.jpg"></a></div><br>The watercolor version of a photograph of <i>Sainte Chapelle</i> and the <i>Palais de Justice</i> in Paris, France is one of four mixed media French prints created from original photographs I took while traveling in France. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2024/01/mixed-media-french-prints.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-63285448964166361422024-01-04T02:00:00.003-06:002024-01-04T02:00:00.132-06:00Breakfast Sunspace Replacement Windows <div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of our original Pella windows in the breakfast sunspace is damaged beyond repair. Replacement windows have been ordered. Yes, multiple windows are on order. We are waiting for them to arrive and to be installed by Pella Windows. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMndUm5cVnNJMuCaV0IUAr37Vkw3Ga3FpvgMrvYPJyO3JvKNO7OaotnLkwMobTD9BQM9o-anhp7GjUxoVV2A86kJhSdslYdF-wQ-YXrQ95y4Z23QzjfKznB7lJwfRb6_-84cQXRB_837tYGpHOfAemndI8_oW7dP51AWvmnOrI7cxsoF11PoTWV2Vu9E/s1013/1%20French%20Country%20Easter%20Table%20Setting%20in%20Post%20and%20Beam%20Sunspace%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMndUm5cVnNJMuCaV0IUAr37Vkw3Ga3FpvgMrvYPJyO3JvKNO7OaotnLkwMobTD9BQM9o-anhp7GjUxoVV2A86kJhSdslYdF-wQ-YXrQ95y4Z23QzjfKznB7lJwfRb6_-84cQXRB_837tYGpHOfAemndI8_oW7dP51AWvmnOrI7cxsoF11PoTWV2Vu9E/s16000/1%20French%20Country%20Easter%20Table%20Setting%20in%20Post%20and%20Beam%20Sunspace%20copy.jpg"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The far right window in the set of four identical windows (only 3 are visible in the photo) is the damaged window. You can't see the damage in this photo because this photo was taken before the damage occurred. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photos taken over multiple years are in this blog post to illustrate the sunspace windows, the design of the windows, and the design of the sunspace.</div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2024/01/breakfast-sunspace-replacement-windows.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-76811119910588409732023-12-31T02:00:00.008-06:002023-12-31T02:00:00.137-06:00Winter White Poinsettias <div style="text-align: justify;">One of the beauties of poinsettias is how long they last. Last year in the third week of January, almost one month into winter, pots of <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">huge</span> white poinsettias were still beautiful in my living room. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjxFU_f-OCrL5ATAsJT89g_KV_kpJtLzolmFvKPtpdRrfRmNC1D-3ZyOdBE56KhgqVVf39bRAj6kzwIdTCVC-4lKE9moHfCX0t_Pu_yEtTgm_fsfsp202wlGxvROKW4VbMcV4hSxu9d8/s975/1+Living+Room+Christmas+Large+Poinsettias+Before+Fireplace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjxFU_f-OCrL5ATAsJT89g_KV_kpJtLzolmFvKPtpdRrfRmNC1D-3ZyOdBE56KhgqVVf39bRAj6kzwIdTCVC-4lKE9moHfCX0t_Pu_yEtTgm_fsfsp202wlGxvROKW4VbMcV4hSxu9d8/s16000/1+Living+Room+Christmas+Large+Poinsettias+Before+Fireplace.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bought the week of Thanksgiving at a local home improvement store, these large white poinsettias were in my heated living room for almost two months when these photos were taken.</div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/winter-white-poinsettias.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-28049723164150463732023-12-28T01:36:00.017-06:002023-12-28T01:36:00.134-06:00New Address Sign | Country House<div style="text-align: justify;">Addresses are hard to find for houses along rural roads in the countryside. Half of the mailboxes with house addresses are not on the same side of the street as the house since all boxes are on one side of the road. Our mailbox with our house number stands across the country road to our house. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seeing our house street number wasn't a problem for over 30 years since the only people visiting us were personal friends and family. Whenever someone new was coming to our house, we gave them explicit instructions and directions about how to find our house. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, with the explosion of online shopping in recent years, FedEx and UPS delivery drivers need to find our house. Unfortunately, the drivers sometimes deliver our packages to our neighbors across the street where our mailbox stands next to theirs or to neighbors down the road. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymyXhQU2z6dAXPFCi_3Anj-8mVnE8xeAjOpfuqi_J5enx3uhS5OakVbNNclaL9PjDG2ck56CNTjIlQHWTHyeEKb84IvwcciRwxY6ZRJwJg9h8DkIO8FGhbTTmq01PwVGQ8udnvRxnm1uW-hifDCLLPlqR_tDXmxfp-G6zvjlfb8eKD8M5xBG-2OSf3QU/s867/1a%20Cedar%20House%20Hidden%20by%20Trees.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymyXhQU2z6dAXPFCi_3Anj-8mVnE8xeAjOpfuqi_J5enx3uhS5OakVbNNclaL9PjDG2ck56CNTjIlQHWTHyeEKb84IvwcciRwxY6ZRJwJg9h8DkIO8FGhbTTmq01PwVGQ8udnvRxnm1uW-hifDCLLPlqR_tDXmxfp-G6zvjlfb8eKD8M5xBG-2OSf3QU/s16000/1a%20Cedar%20House%20Hidden%20by%20Trees.jpg"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our cedar house sits on two acres. We are lucky some delivery drivers find the house and deliver our packages without a problem. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/new-address-sign-country-house.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-52467260134390017962023-12-25T02:00:00.001-06:002023-12-25T02:00:00.131-06:00Christmas Ivy Wreath <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br></span></div><div>Fresh greenery is my favorite style for Christmas decor. And ivy topiaries in the shape of a wreath are at the top of my go-to Christmas fresh greenery. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every season during the year has specific flowers and plants that are synonymous with that time of year. Wreaths are one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas decorations and often are the first sign of the Christmas holidays. Cities and businesses add wreaths to front doors, street lamps, and windows. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Homeowners also hang wreaths on front doors and windows. And on gates, fences, car grills, fireplaces,... EVERYWHERE. Wreaths are made of evergreens, pinecones, artificial berries, FEATHERS, but all proclaim Christmas. </div><span></span><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4ZRCZDpWhDHZLPvufUo2CUb4et2Zka0jlwtmWe3pbac8lWMcmerQ85kSyr0rGs2sJBxxSYBbp7HFZpe6cKpiArePBxPhkJe9_fbeMG1Y4cUsOHh1U2CNziyGwCe6t65i_r6-TnxZgGKakNDZoHos6rQa0HoE38DjeiTM5huxh7h-IHeaLVRWaF266Xw/s909/Gold%20White%20Green%20Christmas%20Ivy%20Wreath%20Arrangement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4ZRCZDpWhDHZLPvufUo2CUb4et2Zka0jlwtmWe3pbac8lWMcmerQ85kSyr0rGs2sJBxxSYBbp7HFZpe6cKpiArePBxPhkJe9_fbeMG1Y4cUsOHh1U2CNziyGwCe6t65i_r6-TnxZgGKakNDZoHos6rQa0HoE38DjeiTM5huxh7h-IHeaLVRWaF266Xw/s16000/Gold%20White%20Green%20Christmas%20Ivy%20Wreath%20Arrangement.jpg"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For me, a live ivy topiary in the shape of a wreath is Christmas. Some years I add a sparkly ornament dangling inside the wreath to add more Christmas. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/christmas-ivy-wreath.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-89412673442322841852023-12-23T02:00:00.025-06:002023-12-23T02:00:00.130-06:00Z is for Ziva Paperwhites<div style="text-align: justify;">Just as certain recipes evoke memories of Christmas, specific flowers immediately bring Christmas to mind, also. <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">Z is for Ziva Paperwhites</span> is the final post in the series of Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">since it's not Christmas at my house without paperwhites in bloom. </span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Es5t9NooNDKy5zYEWlocbofamB612zMX9esoPt0J1MrmhRL3apglXMucFwHXC4CM47sX8I3hg_Pvi38FGGZf6gmxxGh-QNwyBrG_p2fhNjwmbrEralrhyx2swgk-St7S7JYtj5HRBJ3AVuBzb2q_Z26dr5NdJByaUYU59V_M3ozSI6ASverbxx16VFk/s670/Advent%20red%20Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Es5t9NooNDKy5zYEWlocbofamB612zMX9esoPt0J1MrmhRL3apglXMucFwHXC4CM47sX8I3hg_Pvi38FGGZf6gmxxGh-QNwyBrG_p2fhNjwmbrEralrhyx2swgk-St7S7JYtj5HRBJ3AVuBzb2q_Z26dr5NdJByaUYU59V_M3ozSI6ASverbxx16VFk/s320/Advent%20red%20Z.jpg" width="310"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">iva </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">P</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">aperwhites</span>.</span><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Each year as I make plans for celebrating Christmas, I order Ziva Paperwhite bulbs to force into bloom in time for decorating for Christmas. The bulbs must be planted six weeks before the plant blooms. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, it is too late to plant paperwhite blooms for this Christmas, but not too late to enjoy seeing paperwhites used in Christmas decorations. </div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/z-is-for-ziva-paperwhites.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-73509044642292329532023-12-21T16:03:00.004-06:002023-12-22T01:33:35.709-06:00Y is for Yule Log Cake<div style="text-align: justify;">Christmas traditions add joy, laughter, sparkle, and continuity to the season. In the list of 26 traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span>, <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">Y is for Yule Log Cake</span>. No holiday season is complete without delicious signature recipes that represent the holiday. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqXSmWLNieiyHPety19mMbjK5y1-hhzpXvQ5snx9rC9PqTxIKf_En3l86_-jAoW4qg97fTl15KRnuuzYHiVNvDl-JkY0kIiMD6FdtEntPRzQ2wPgGjHpfmfTam-V5qM5vBYfUN33RLuadqbYNVerjEbjnPkjnIX2725YeEnBZsYlfpKuGhiK2HVR_8TM/s657/Advent%20red%20Y.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqXSmWLNieiyHPety19mMbjK5y1-hhzpXvQ5snx9rC9PqTxIKf_En3l86_-jAoW4qg97fTl15KRnuuzYHiVNvDl-JkY0kIiMD6FdtEntPRzQ2wPgGjHpfmfTam-V5qM5vBYfUN33RLuadqbYNVerjEbjnPkjnIX2725YeEnBZsYlfpKuGhiK2HVR_8TM/s320/Advent%20red%20Y.jpg" width="317"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Y</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">ule </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">L</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">og </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">C</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">ake</span>. </span> </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The origin of yule log cake stems from burning yule logs that once were part of celebrations of Winter Solstice by pagans. Like many Christmas traditions, burning a yule log first appeared in 17th century German writings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From the tradition of burning yule logs, the French created a yule log cake in the shape of a log during the 19th century. Now Bûche de Noël or yule log cake is a Christmas tradition in France. France is renowned for delicious recipes that gain popularity across the world, and Bûche de Noël is now a widespread Christmas tradition not just in France. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/y-is-for-yule-log-cake.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-68978717141671898512023-12-19T02:00:00.012-06:002023-12-19T02:00:00.153-06:00X is for XMAS<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">X is for XMAS</span> in the list of Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span>. An abbreviation for Christmas is a definition of <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">XMAS</span>. However, there is more to the story of the tradition of using <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">XMAS</span> for Christmas. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9hCr1_69N6HjqVfvC_drrJ8cTvGtqWy2vRhdJ7_8srOUSt2IpGYNZzTAs4ERGbk15bjmdpchg_Ojz6VYaQvt3kUU8opVsxYiDePdRovetT6tHG1WSQnKC52ewspK14Il1X3ycup1PBCQseV47GZdlhR9i3h7NXOKBX-tJ_Y7BaVf4lxhMIDngN0T68g/s650/Advent%20red%20X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="650" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9hCr1_69N6HjqVfvC_drrJ8cTvGtqWy2vRhdJ7_8srOUSt2IpGYNZzTAs4ERGbk15bjmdpchg_Ojz6VYaQvt3kUU8opVsxYiDePdRovetT6tHG1WSQnKC52ewspK14Il1X3ycup1PBCQseV47GZdlhR9i3h7NXOKBX-tJ_Y7BaVf4lxhMIDngN0T68g/s320/Advent%20red%20X.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">X</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">mas</span>. </span><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">X</span> is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, and "mas" is taken from a Latin-derived Old English word for mass. </div></div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">In English, "<span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">X</span>" was first used by a scribe to abbreviate Christ in 1100. The first known use of <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">XMAS</span> for Christmas was in 1721.</div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/x-is-for-xmas.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-74001719030068399342023-12-17T02:00:00.014-06:002023-12-17T02:00:00.126-06:00W is for Wisemen<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">W is for Wisemen</span> is the 22nd post in a series of 26 posts listing Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span>. Traditions we observe during the holidays add joy, love, comfort, laughter, and meaning to our holiday celebrations. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoyzZ_K4Mm2pg2IJJCFLTzIPr-nYgtlmJIPkTbkCo5WORNj58Mdg_XlUpzMM5-De4Z6ZllmDl1780cA9nKwpBeNkX8YUMK6mNCo-yp39uHWnMx3ju04wChhSX3kl_hCa3QS6dTYqVGiT2vNqf5lmq-SCJcGrs9emc2caeKsVNVQ4z_7aCfnwqNwUlkks/s650/Advent%20red%20W.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="650" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoyzZ_K4Mm2pg2IJJCFLTzIPr-nYgtlmJIPkTbkCo5WORNj58Mdg_XlUpzMM5-De4Z6ZllmDl1780cA9nKwpBeNkX8YUMK6mNCo-yp39uHWnMx3ju04wChhSX3kl_hCa3QS6dTYqVGiT2vNqf5lmq-SCJcGrs9emc2caeKsVNVQ4z_7aCfnwqNwUlkks/s320/Advent%20red%20W.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">W</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">isemen</span>.</span></div>
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<br><div style="text-align: justify;">The Christmas tradition of the three wisemen is an important part of the story of the birth of Christ in the Bible. After the birth of Jesus, a star in the east led the wisemen to where the baby Jesus was in Bethlehem. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our tradition of giving gifts to loved ones at Christmas follows the example of the wisemen presenting gold, myrrh, and frankincense to the Christ child. </div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/w-is-for-wisemen.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-60236029767452501072023-12-15T06:00:00.006-06:002023-12-15T06:00:00.143-06:00V is for Vixen<div style="text-align: justify;">Some traditions add deep felt meaning to Christmas. Other traditions add joy and merriment. In the list of 26 Christmas traditions, one tradition per letter of the alphabet, <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">V is for Vixen. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guaranteed to bring smiles just by saying the name Vixen. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZflAyg_PR1wOm6l111M0RxK509roBJEuyqPoLG9wDbA9VlDEYCt-y4vlSO0I8gb_dM1Mj3Hmi5WTm8yxWkvBDy4m9B2B9401rLY_dLlKkvlpUdnfoFLwR6L48oNhQ-qoplBdcJ0-_E53uevhrAo6Fx0u2yk9kg4R0G52A6jlNwij3EgQRyeuhr1bK0k/s650/Advent%20red%20V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="650" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZflAyg_PR1wOm6l111M0RxK509roBJEuyqPoLG9wDbA9VlDEYCt-y4vlSO0I8gb_dM1Mj3Hmi5WTm8yxWkvBDy4m9B2B9401rLY_dLlKkvlpUdnfoFLwR6L48oNhQ-qoplBdcJ0-_E53uevhrAo6Fx0u2yk9kg4R0G52A6jlNwij3EgQRyeuhr1bK0k/s320/Advent%20red%20V.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">V</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">ixen</span>.</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh was first mentioned and illustrated in a children's poem, "Old Santeclaus with Much Delight," in New York in 1821. Only one reindeer pulled Santa's sleigh in an accompanying lithograph. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two years later, in Clement C. Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," eight tiny reindeer with names pulled Santa's sleigh to deliver toys. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/v-is-for-vixen.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-72136712216214075602023-12-13T23:44:00.000-06:002023-12-13T23:44:10.331-06:00U is for Unselfish Acts<div style="text-align: justify;">Individuals, civic organizations, corporations, and churches traditionally spotlight opportunities to help others during the holidays. Yes, groups seek to help others all during the year, but organized and random unselfish acts are Christmas traditions. In the list of 26 Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to<span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;"> Z</span>, <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">U is for Unselfish Acts</span>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk1i63qNm9ODHTppD8NjzaaFFtrDb7uU_X1PPOgpbvEcOoAFt5u1FbaNC3BE3d9_1uBFem-eGbMIOfAq-mduYo9VUPyVZMg7TsLJzBd2-NhrQ66LPehjOwNUPWaAlzZF7Kz0izGGqkDpk7iw82t_RaClCYJHuqNI32QqsMWYinWJz3iF-ivLWnpsEYVU/s650/Advent%20red%20U.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="650" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk1i63qNm9ODHTppD8NjzaaFFtrDb7uU_X1PPOgpbvEcOoAFt5u1FbaNC3BE3d9_1uBFem-eGbMIOfAq-mduYo9VUPyVZMg7TsLJzBd2-NhrQ66LPehjOwNUPWaAlzZF7Kz0izGGqkDpk7iw82t_RaClCYJHuqNI32QqsMWYinWJz3iF-ivLWnpsEYVU/s320/Advent%20red%20U.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">U</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">nselfish </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">cts</span></span>.</span></div><div>
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<div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unselfish acts of kindness have always existed during the Christmas season by both individuals and groups, making this the oldest Christmas tradition for many. </div>
<br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;">"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge," said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>A Christmas Caro</i>l by Charles Dickens</div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/u-is-for-unselfish-acts.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-75222015377569605872023-12-11T18:54:00.000-06:002023-12-11T18:54:46.481-06:00T is for Tree<div style="text-align: justify;">Christmas trees to celebrate the season are the most common Christmas tradition in ways to decorate for the holidays. In the list of 26 Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span>, <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">T is for Tree</span>. Trees are so popular that many homes now have multiple Christmas trees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHWqQfkRH5fTz1glf3dPBEkW4kdx3AjI6OAf75OmL9ejkAnqmoxNrqmuHYHkrEXPmfJRQczswUyPhXZoUlfFET6zqQQpDUElSB3eD4PLZeu7X4IZivk1Fy8EaoQHdCoONZLYA9-1vSVA1fA2usQtwz_2iijStnznomOAgRVy6fDr1hbx4my-JgaBPYh8/s650/Advent%20red%20T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="650" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHWqQfkRH5fTz1glf3dPBEkW4kdx3AjI6OAf75OmL9ejkAnqmoxNrqmuHYHkrEXPmfJRQczswUyPhXZoUlfFET6zqQQpDUElSB3eD4PLZeu7X4IZivk1Fy8EaoQHdCoONZLYA9-1vSVA1fA2usQtwz_2iijStnznomOAgRVy6fDr1hbx4my-JgaBPYh8/s320/Advent%20red%20T.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div>
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<i><br></i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">T</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">ree</span></span>.</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Decorated Christmas trees became popular in England during Queen Victoria's reign when her German husband, Albert, introduced Christmas trees in the royal family's Christmas celebrations. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shortly thereafter the new English tradition was copied by wealthy families in the United States. Each year the tradition spread to more American families. </div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/t-is-for-tree.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-44769778788946567922023-12-07T02:00:00.023-06:002023-12-13T23:52:32.249-06:00S is for Stocking<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the reasons Christmas is a wonderful time of the year is the scope and depth of Christmas traditions. Many traditions touch our inner souls while other traditions speak to the child in us. The list of traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span> includes the full range of traditions. <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">S is for Stocking</span> is one of the our treasured traditions that reminds us of childhood, of the wonder of Christmas, and of the mirth of the season. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2p0mVxrR2l92CagFK7oorj1H20zjDd5FaqhGhfV09BXSGQmSIS1dJLyHB7xcnTuhWHbNf9ek4gW5sgtCLF3VEfQm61Sj6hnZaCUx9E0vqAshmGWsF42LUEsMkHqPLEpgmqd6C7PKNZpGASxqCvCwGd4NqIJ92ciaahn9xrWtohjwalv-k6W-IVlVs9Y/s650/Advent%20red%20S.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="650" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2p0mVxrR2l92CagFK7oorj1H20zjDd5FaqhGhfV09BXSGQmSIS1dJLyHB7xcnTuhWHbNf9ek4gW5sgtCLF3VEfQm61Sj6hnZaCUx9E0vqAshmGWsF42LUEsMkHqPLEpgmqd6C7PKNZpGASxqCvCwGd4NqIJ92ciaahn9xrWtohjwalv-k6W-IVlVs9Y/s320/Advent%20red%20S.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">is for</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Cinzel; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Cinzel Decorative; font-size: x-large;">S</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Cinzel; font-size: x-large;">tocking.</span></div>
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<br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leaving gifts in Christmas stockings reportedly began with Saint Nicholas. According to legend, three poor girls left their washed stockings on the fireplace mantel to dry overnight. Saint Nicholas knew the girls were poor and threw three bags of gold coins down their chimney. The coins landed in the girls' stockings. </div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/s-is-for-stocking.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-3315136908799051382023-12-05T04:00:00.049-06:002023-12-05T04:00:00.156-06:00R is for Ribbons<div style="text-align: justify;">Christmas traditions add joy, love, sparkle, beauty, comfort, nostalgia, meaning, and laughter to the holiday season. Traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span> offer glimpses into how different traditions add to the season. <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">R is for Ribbons</span> is a light-hearted tradition that adds beauty, sparkle, and joy! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yMO0jV-2_feyItJrNiYvJ76cmwYWeALSW2FqHVh91Mt4qBXnX1tSZW5XpPz4fpLsOdKDboXYBVG8SlGf0fMOlnckuXx7xP_7Af0PARxsYJ4XJRXzZ7EvE92BmSjhcx7-QpM0Wppx-_2B7I6q1W88H-sCGB8I_NWewIe5IzKzKlLSWKs6wrBGyCZ7z00/s650/Advent%20red%20R.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="650" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yMO0jV-2_feyItJrNiYvJ76cmwYWeALSW2FqHVh91Mt4qBXnX1tSZW5XpPz4fpLsOdKDboXYBVG8SlGf0fMOlnckuXx7xP_7Af0PARxsYJ4XJRXzZ7EvE92BmSjhcx7-QpM0Wppx-_2B7I6q1W88H-sCGB8I_NWewIe5IzKzKlLSWKs6wrBGyCZ7z00/s320/Advent%20red%20R.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">R</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">ibbons</span>.</span><br><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Ribbons on Christmas presents began in the 1930s by stationery stores to dress up gift-wrapped packages. Today ribbons play a bigger role in Christmas decorations than tied to gift packages. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/r-is-for-ribbons.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-9296352214289060222023-12-03T02:00:00.074-06:002023-12-03T02:00:00.138-06:00Q is for Quiet Reflection<div style="text-align: justify;">Christmas is a time for many to contemplate the meaning of the season and of how we should live our lives. In this series of 26 Christmas traditions, <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">Q is for Quiet Reflection. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For many, Christmas is about deeper meanings instead of presents under a tree. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduaOQ9VSscc0aqZB3zeOZiqiyiHtqCxYK5pMaFQPoZAH3aZWWKNgcValru9nfjRKwFj-m8-I2Q5TaLMHWoGnqZYqY0DdQVgELXW7KMaaQXQNxVGmXLGWYEdz5V0ioHo-B8Mz2oH2L2yIEQxqzMAhINTwuL-NQ3kcj1jRyCYR3h1tdZ1AfP_LPgL5X6Ys/s671/Advent%20red%20Q.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduaOQ9VSscc0aqZB3zeOZiqiyiHtqCxYK5pMaFQPoZAH3aZWWKNgcValru9nfjRKwFj-m8-I2Q5TaLMHWoGnqZYqY0DdQVgELXW7KMaaQXQNxVGmXLGWYEdz5V0ioHo-B8Mz2oH2L2yIEQxqzMAhINTwuL-NQ3kcj1jRyCYR3h1tdZ1AfP_LPgL5X6Ys/s320/Advent%20red%20Q.jpg" width="310"></a></div><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Q</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">uiet </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">R</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">eflection</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Christmas traditions often include time to read, to ponder, and to reflect on how to make one's life better and how to make the world better by one's actions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reading favorite seasonal books, watching holiday movies, and participating in religious activities are among the traditions that provide quiet reflection of our personal lives and of our society. </div>
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<span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/q-is-for-quiet-reflection.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-40899401480832261292023-12-01T02:00:00.001-06:002023-12-01T02:00:00.132-06:00P is for Pinecone<div style="text-align: justify;">Christmas traditions add joy, sparkle, and beauty to our homes during the festive holiday season, and a primary tradition is Christmas decorations inside and outside. <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">A </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">l</span>ist of 26 Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span> includes <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">P is for Pinecones</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a popular natural decoration for Christmas. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQLbW_moe4Uy-uznT1VX5bgqsTcQsJZNfb1GO1MqzHdxJyqd8Izz98pXszSN_vs6o-5G69F8haCoNaQjXdjoL3CBgYj2hEUnNiYXQQPX9rXyy1gcqMu0VTVovvogEzZgjn-6DCxceK3NLH2fJFL6nivhmnKEXp0B2CB_LClSBLDY0iMoN9_ss9QwTOAA/s650/Advent%20red%20P.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="650" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQLbW_moe4Uy-uznT1VX5bgqsTcQsJZNfb1GO1MqzHdxJyqd8Izz98pXszSN_vs6o-5G69F8haCoNaQjXdjoL3CBgYj2hEUnNiYXQQPX9rXyy1gcqMu0VTVovvogEzZgjn-6DCxceK3NLH2fJFL6nivhmnKEXp0B2CB_LClSBLDY0iMoN9_ss9QwTOAA/s320/Advent%20red%20P.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">is for<span style="font-family: Cinzel;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">P</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">inecones</span></span>. </span></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Natural decorations are a Christmas tradition with origins in Roman times when pagans celebrated the winter solstice. Pinecones were one of the natural decorations for celebrating winter solstice. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When Christians began celebrating Christmas, pinecone decorations continued, and are often used in Christmas decorations today. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/12/p-is-for-pinecone.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-82400284044658635582023-11-29T02:00:00.008-06:002023-11-29T02:00:00.141-06:00O is for Ornament<div style="text-align: justify;">Since the Victorian Age ornaments on a Christmas tree have been a Christmas tradition in celebrating the most wondrous time of the year. <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">O is for Ornaments</span> in the list of Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span> written to add joy, love, laughter, beauty, nostalgia, comfort, sparkle, and meaning to the Christmas season. </div><div>
<i><br></i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5MiaE_qdc2Cts4YTazM132m3Md_BDhk_76AQ2die__ewwz2aHzigcyFs4xn-ROa-c5aN0VnmdvDexqovQESiEvREmLDSgO0KI2w5QzCzwatjrZd4mno21zIlO6GlWbrcF2d-5c_gmLT5lvMRm9f88toWEN4dRsXD-nU-lVfxT9xAfwXZwoip6d8dpJk/s684/Advent%20red%20O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5MiaE_qdc2Cts4YTazM132m3Md_BDhk_76AQ2die__ewwz2aHzigcyFs4xn-ROa-c5aN0VnmdvDexqovQESiEvREmLDSgO0KI2w5QzCzwatjrZd4mno21zIlO6GlWbrcF2d-5c_gmLT5lvMRm9f88toWEN4dRsXD-nU-lVfxT9xAfwXZwoip6d8dpJk/s320/Advent%20red%20O.jpg" width="304"></a></div><br><i><br></i></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">o</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">rnaments</span>. </span></div><div><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Traditionally ornaments were used to decorate Christmas trees in England beginning in the reign of Queen Victoria. Shortly thereafter, the tradition spread to the United States. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ornaments vary from homemade to heirlooms and have evolved from just decorating a tree to decorating the house in other ways. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/11/o-is-for-ornament.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-38421377655574935312023-11-27T02:00:00.001-06:002023-11-27T02:00:00.142-06:00N is for Noël<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">N is for Noël</span> is part of a series of 26 posts of Christmas traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span>. Noël is French for Christmas, and one prominent use of Noël in English Christmas traditions is in the beautiful Christmas carol, "The First Noël." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjpHmuo40b4ZG2FghUuLB_O-Gn6O7rgplrGHZSY0YhgvQwVw9_sF2_DQ4IeFPK0fZA_2sviT5AZt0QJ4fxrwMncGF1e1FlO_6N8VjTe7rIadfulx36TBTcmHxBRW5LI885PFPdTQwnd0qZcxQh6lTLSvwyGwbgigcOSyPNeLkyEP-42PDFaOV9P_SpBU/s650/Advent%20red%20N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="650" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjpHmuo40b4ZG2FghUuLB_O-Gn6O7rgplrGHZSY0YhgvQwVw9_sF2_DQ4IeFPK0fZA_2sviT5AZt0QJ4fxrwMncGF1e1FlO_6N8VjTe7rIadfulx36TBTcmHxBRW5LI885PFPdTQwnd0qZcxQh6lTLSvwyGwbgigcOSyPNeLkyEP-42PDFaOV9P_SpBU/s320/Advent%20red%20N.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">is for</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Cinzel; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Cinzel Decorative; font-size: x-large;">N</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Cinzel; font-size: x-large;">oël</span><i>.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Noël not only means Christmas. Noël can also mean Christmas carol. For centuries Christmas carols were sung in Latin or Old French. English speakers began using Nowell, an older spelling of Noël, to refer to carols in the 18th century. As late as the 20th century, the carol "The First Noël" was sometimes titled as "The First Nowell." </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/11/n-is-for-noel.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-75030935232654298492023-11-25T02:00:00.005-06:002023-12-25T01:40:56.296-06:00M is for Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Cheerful Christmas greetings are exchanged with friends, family, and strangers throughout the Christmas season making <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">M is for Merry Christmas</span> the thirteenth Christmas tradition in my list of traditions from <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GEUrLy4OiYo1KhDWYNQGgUI961uCcOyTa8Ri9qRjYB_Jjvnn9uGQWhR_oyn3v1-d_gp0pQY3uidztMQhGDAVjxkhqm7XA2uyc_4v1Y5zceHdIb_SJmvZ6N20DgLcyHAy2sfincfkxQOYf0ZbKXmVti-HxPg5DMzX43rMdBnq0f26zKFgX1dmYzz99B8/s650/Advent%20red%20M.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="650" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GEUrLy4OiYo1KhDWYNQGgUI961uCcOyTa8Ri9qRjYB_Jjvnn9uGQWhR_oyn3v1-d_gp0pQY3uidztMQhGDAVjxkhqm7XA2uyc_4v1Y5zceHdIb_SJmvZ6N20DgLcyHAy2sfincfkxQOYf0ZbKXmVti-HxPg5DMzX43rMdBnq0f26zKFgX1dmYzz99B8/w320-h249/Advent%20red%20M.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><span><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">M</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">erry </span><span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">C</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">hristmas</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Merry Christmas has been a traditional Christmas greeting for centuries. The greeting dates back to 1534 when one of Henry VIII's ministers sent the greeting to English King Henry in a letter. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Scrooge"s nephew in the popular <u>A Christmas Carol</u> story greeted his uncle with, "A Merry Christmas, Uncle," which popularized the phrase in 1843 in the United States. The same year, Merry Christmas appeared in greeting cards. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>The phrase has fallen out of popularity in recent years in the United States, but I think it is still a wonderful way to greet people during the Christmas season.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span></span></span></div><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/11/m-is-for-merry-christmas.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351513022442347684.post-39058532663570369882023-11-23T02:00:00.004-06:002023-11-23T03:51:48.088-06:00L is for Lights<div style="text-align: justify;">Light displays seem to be a bigger and brighter Christmas tradition each year with neighborhoods, cities, parks, and public gardens creating larger and longer periods for creative and sparkling displays. How can any modern day list of Christmas traditions for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">A</span> to <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">Z</span> not include <span style="font-family: Cinzel;">L is for Lights</span>? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWTYXAbigpCXQDaVPZNJAl2CxN-lUrgnYdH8rE5RT2fgihtHY4t9wYIlnosLB7i6oQrXcP2F8EU-YK2W-9p_J0DuokKd-PUwIk6GxtihH8kEbxDHLax9Jj1EhVDRnZJzuYWbyebkLdlBXhVZ3eg9Td4P7vVKPiJJgCb9trAWGpstlDBXIOPNgGidmX2o/s650/Advent%20red%20L.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="650" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWTYXAbigpCXQDaVPZNJAl2CxN-lUrgnYdH8rE5RT2fgihtHY4t9wYIlnosLB7i6oQrXcP2F8EU-YK2W-9p_J0DuokKd-PUwIk6GxtihH8kEbxDHLax9Jj1EhVDRnZJzuYWbyebkLdlBXhVZ3eg9Td4P7vVKPiJJgCb9trAWGpstlDBXIOPNgGidmX2o/s320/Advent%20red%20L.png" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">is for <span style="font-family: Cinzel Decorative;">L</span><span style="font-family: Cinzel;">ights</span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yet, I still enjoy the reserved, not so over-the-top, lights reminiscent of the traditional lights of my childhood. A time when the only Christmas lights were on our one-and-only Christmas tree in the living room. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The history of Christmas lights begins with candles in the 17th century. From there lit candles on Christmas trees from German traditions became an English tradition in the Victorian Age. </div><span></span><a href="https://www.botanicbleu.com/2023/11/l-is-for-lights.html#more"></a>Botanic Bleuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785345862310221087noreply@blogger.com