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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Christmas In July

A little history lesson and an announcement!  Yeah, it's longer
than my regular posts!  As a dear friend of mine always says,
"You might want to pack a lunch!"  :)

The theme this week at Creative Tuesdays is Christmas in July!
I thought that certainly this meant more than a second chance at the
holiday half way through the year and decided to look up the history.
As it turns out, Christmas in July isn't for us here enjoying summer in
July.  It was originally for those in the Southern Hemisphere who celebrate
Christmas on December 25 right in the middle of their summer!  To give
the true feeling of a winter wonderland, snowmen and a crackling fire, they do a second
celebration in July, during their winter season, when they truly can
sing I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas!

In the 1940's, the United States suggested a push for shipping packages
to our military overseas beginning in July because most of it was
shipped by sea and it took that long to reach the soldiers.
Some churches started celebrating Christmas in July around that same
time and donated gifts and money, clipped on trees in churches, as gifts
to our troops during the war.  To complete the feel, the services also
included Christmas music and decorations.

So it was with those ideas that I did a drawing to look like an
advertisement in a magazine.  Maybe it could have been in a Saturday
Evening Post with Norman Rockwell art gracing the cover?  And
since I enjoyed making my Paradise Island to look aged and yellowed,
I tried to do this one the same way!




Well, all good things eventually come to an end, right?
This is going to be my last entry to Creative Tuesdays!
It's been a fun 2 1/2 years that's for sure, but
I've felt the desire to do something different for a while now.
Sophia at Sunday Sketches has invited me to join their
group of artists and I think I'm going to give that a go!
So, I'll still be posting my drawings once a week, it will
just be on Sundays now instead of Tuesdays!
There isn't a theme at this new co-op, or any rules...
you just post what ever art you happen to be working on.
Although, I'm sure my birds will still show up in my art! ha.

I want to thank everyone at CT for all of their encouragement
to me.  It's been a lot of fun.  And thanks, Mmm for nudging
me to get involved in the first place! :)  I thought it would be 
fun to see all 62 of my entries together!  They are in random
order, but the very first entry is the last one...the Chickadee
eating Cheerios off of the tree branches.  I had to laugh,
noting that my first entry was a bird, even before I
took the challenge of having one in each drawing!






Anyway, I hope I've contributed in a meaningful way.
I do know of 6 bloggers who joined CT through my
participation, so at least I'm leaving having given that!
I'll still be around to visit all of you as I've noticed 
many of you are on my blog roll for daily visits anyway!
And some of you are involved with Sunday Sketches, too!
So, this isn't goodbye, it's just see you in a different venue!
And in only 5 days! :)



If you'd like to see other entries for Christmas in July, click HERE


75 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. thanks, Martha! I liked this one myself! Now if I just had a piece of that dessert you posted today, I'd be all set! ha. Yum.

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  2. It sure feels like Christmas in July around here!
    Superb sketch, Betsy...keep 'em coming...I especially liked the Blue Jays sharing a warm scarf!!

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. thanks, Linda. I would certainly miss the wintry feel of Christmas if we didn't have it in December. I guess it's just what you've lived with. Funny, but I hadn't thought of some countries being in the middle of summer in December! I guess they have swimming Christmas parties! ha.

      now..I just have to think of my own themes! ha.

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    2. Like in Australia...but I meant about my new grand daughter Vivian... :o)
      I honestly can't imagine Christmas without the cold and snow...
      Altho'....some people grew up that way...like you said..
      You won't have any problem coming up with ideas for your sketches...it will challenge you more..
      And we all have come to know.......you do like a challenge!

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    3. Well, yes, you did get the gift of the year recently, didn't you? :) There's no beating that...and Christmas will be so fun getting her presents! How fun!

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  3. What a wonderful history lesson... Love your poster as it covers it all. I can sure see that in a magazine. Will miss you at CT, but will follow you as always and enjoy your Sunday sketches. Since I haven't been with CT as long as you, it was fun to see all your previous one I missed. You have a certain special quality in all your work.

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    1. I loved the history behind the holiday. It wasn't about retail or sales or another party at all. :)

      I'm sure it won't even feel like I'm gone with us both visiting each other every day! :)

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  4. Nice to hear the history behind Christmas in July. I've enjoyed your drawings - you are really talented!

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    1. thanks, Mari! I always appreciate your comments, too!

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  5. Very fun...looking forward to your continued creativity!

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    1. thank you, anita. I told Jack that he looked like a tiny Bugsy. :)

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  6. Can't wait to see your new entries without any rules!

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  7. Love the packages and the little bird on top. I didn't know the origin of Christmas in July either. I like it much better than retail sales.
    Look forward to checking out Sunday sketches. I didn't get a CT sketch done this week. Very busy weekend and Monday. And tomorrow I have bloodwork & xrays to keep me busy.
    BTW...love the montage of all your artwork!

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    1. thanks Cathy. It was a fun one to draw and a good one to end on. :) I like the meaning, too...wish that hadn't gotten lost!

      bloodwork and xrays...not that does not sound fun at all!

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  8. Nicely said and congratulations for your commitment.

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  9. The bird was very sweet, he looked almost thoughtful around all that mail (perhaps he was curious to read it). This made me think of vintage posters from the forties and was very well done. Sad you're leaving Creative Tuesdays, but happy to hear you are keeping up the beautiful art and linework <3 Keep up your creative spirit and pretty creations!

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    1. Thanks, Donna. A vintage poster from the 40's...perfect. That's exactly the look I was going for! :) And I'll still be around to visit you! :)

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  10. Hi Betsy .. what an amazing talent you have - they are such fun ...and I'm so pleased you've been asked to collaborate - congratulations ... we used to have a party in July in South Africa - good excuse ... but Christmas still came at Christmas time -and occasionally exceptionally hot!! Cheers Hilary

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  11. I really do love this!! Congrats on your achievment. You really did create some lovely art work :) :)

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    1. thanks, jax! It's been a lot of fun!

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    2. Make that l.o.v.e.l.y l.o.v.e.l.y l.o.v.e.l.y artwork. The one with the mushroom is my favorite. :)

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  12. This is a great "last entry" to Creative Tuesdays and I will look forward to seeing Sunday Sketches, too!! blessings ~ tanna

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  13. What a great picture...and thanks for the little History lesson!

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    1. thanks ..I thought it was really interesting!

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  14. Bah that wasn't too long
    But I did play a game of ping pong
    Got something to eat
    Cleaned the litterbox after being left a treat
    Worked and lurked a bit
    Then finally got to the end of it hahahaha

    Giving facts I never knew
    I just thought it was from that christmas special that came due
    Never knew it actually existed out there
    But I can see why as they want snow at their lair
    And can get into the song
    Even if I hate snow but already beat that gong
    Great artwork all around
    And sure much more will still be found
    Love what you did with this weeks too
    Making it go all Back to the Future in it's view
    And the ostrich one still sticks out for me
    I think I have ranted enough at your sea ha

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    1. ok, between emails and comments today
      you have me cracking up at my bay!
      Glad you had time to eat and play
      as you read my long display.
      Yep, saw the movie when on my history search
      still I think the stores sales are what we think of first.
      When you finally get your home on the range
      maybe an ostrich can come live with you for a change.
      You could put a saddle on the thing
      and save some gasoline.
      They run at 35 mph!
      I wonder if a helmet would be required?
      hahaha.

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    2. haha on a roll
      Guess the last day of work for a while is taking its toll
      In a good way
      So I can avoid the friggin work bay
      Yeah store sales always seem to come first
      Like some sick thirst
      And hmmm I suppose that would save on gas
      But it might be afraid of the cat's little rhyming ummm sass

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    3. up for a vacation, I see
      and going to visit nanny.
      She'll appreciate the visit
      and ocd exhibit
      as you help with the litter box
      and taking the wiener dog on walks.

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  15. What a great picture...and thanks for the little History lesson!

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    Replies
    1. well, thanks for stopping by! :) I finally joined up to facebook this week. I'll have to find you there. :)

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  16. Wonderful! You are stretching your creative wings and why not! Go for it! Your drawings are always a joy to behold! Take care and have fun!! x

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    1. well, thank you for that encouragement! And glad to see Charlie is doing so well!

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  17. what a wonderful piece, fitting for your final CT entry, we'll miss you! And your collage could almost be a portfolio of your work!

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    1. thanks, christine. But I'll see you on Sundays! :) (and days inbetween!)

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  18. I like all your CT creations, they are always fun to see. it's a shame you're not doing CT anymore but I'm glad you are still creating and drawing.

    your xmas in july is just as wonderful.

    hope you have a sweet day.

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    1. thank you, lissa. It was always great when you joined in, too! I do enjoy your art.

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  19. Good morning dear Betsy; you know I love your drawings :) Love this vintage nice drawings about Christmas in July! And love the story always heard about it but really dont know; nice to know:)xxx

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    1. Thanks, Gloria. Well now, you live in the Southern Hemisphere. Is Christmas in July a big deal there?

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    2. Well Betsy I really would like but not we have Christmas in Summer LOL haha yes is really hard celebrate Christmas with 30°c dear)

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  20. Wow Betsy, what a lovely interpretation for your last entry. We shall miss you greatly and hope that you don't stay away for good.

    I love all your entries put together, which I found really fascinating and a joy to look at.

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    1. thanks, linda. you've always been especially sweet and encouraging in your comments to me and I appreciate that. I'll still be around to visit you and see what dots and doodles you are sharing. :)

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  21. I enjoyed the background info on Christmas in July! I love your piece and it was great seeing all your entries together. See ya over at Sunday Sketches sometime soon

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    1. Yes, I did notice you over there, Missy. See you soon. :)

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  22. thats really interesting about Christmas in July, I never knew where that came from.
    I had to give up Creative Tuesdays a while back but still love Sunday Sketches and Paint Party Friday, I don't participate every week with PPF but when the urge hits, I loved to see all your work together like this, you do birds so well, have a wonderful day!

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    1. I've missed you at CT, laurie and figured that your eyes were just giving you too many fits for you to participate. But we'll still be in touch. I love our daily visits. :)

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    2. Laurie, sorry to hear you have officially quit Ct but know you are welcome back anytime! It is hard to keep up with everything, isn't it?

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  23. This is absolutely wonderful and a perfect last entry. (Christmas seems so fitting somehow, doesn't it? An end of year type celebration with the promise of something new. A good time to change gears for sure.) Love that you end with an English Robin and the vintage feel again for the 40's. A very clever send off and ending to CT too--nostalgic and sweet if not bittersweet too as, aside from anything, you and Christine have been there since the very beginning of CT when in fact Lissa hosted it as "Create Tuesdays". I've loved watching your creative expression grow and expand along the way. Wanda is right--you have a distinct style. Something very special about that too. I will miss you at CT but you know I'll be popping by to visit and see how the daily sagas unfold and all that goes on in your household with its myriad of blessings and challenges. Your blog will remain special. Our loss will be Sunday Sketches gain! How Heather and Christine manage to do both co-ops and others at times, I have no idea! And all so good too! I have a hard enough time just whipping out one piece per week but for me, the theme, makes it easier as it keeps me focused. Anyway, it will be enjoyable watching just what concepts you decide to go with now. Funny to think how when you first did CT you insisted you could not draw and were fairly intimidated but now, look at you?!! This bird has flown her coop! Congratulations to a remarkable collection of art here, so well done. Creative Tuesdays has been bettered by your touch. Thank you Betsy, for it all.

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    1. Bittersweet...yes, that's a good way to describe it for me, too. A very hard decision even with a few tears. And it's not the themes. I always enjoyed the themes as they gave me some direction. I did have to laugh looking at my collages...I do have a style that has emerged! Who would have thought. And yes, I did keep telling you I couldn't draw and even had to use the boys' crayons and black construction paper when I started because I had nothing else. :) Thanks for your kind words here....

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    2. Yes i so remember that too. Like i said, this bird has flown! keep flying, dear Betsy. You've come a long long way. Wishing you all the best in your artistic endeavors wherever they take you and whether on paper or in the kitchen! :)

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    3. Betsy said she could not draw?

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  24. A great sketch, as always. Thanks for the history lesson, and the quote from moi as well. That's my doll. Glad you're not going anywhere from my point of view. Ha.

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  25. Great post Betsy, and I have enjoyed your artwork. You are a very talented artist.

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    1. thanks denise! :) It will be fun to continue....just in a different way.

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  26. Anyway Betsy here will be nice have Christmas in July because in this time is so cold but is impossible:)

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    1. yes, it would be nice in the cold. But you are used to it being a summer holiday. I think it's just how we have had it as a tradition and the season where we live.

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    2. Yes id that we live and anyway we liva always a beautiful Christmas time; I love Christmas!

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  27. I had no idea that there actually WAS xmas in july! wow.... beautiful entry, I did see yu always did birds and was wondering if that was intentional? Sorry to see you go from here! but will see you at ss as i do that as often as I can as well

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    1. Yes, I've seen you there! I'm hoping for a good experience. Sophia is so sweet. I can't imagine her saying a cruel word to any one there. Now I need to think of something for Sunday!

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  28. Bittersweet...good word for your departure. However, devoted follower that I am, I will not be missing a single post and will continue to enjoy your wealth of talents.

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    Replies
    1. thank you, Janice. Yes, I agree...and I'm glad we started visiting each other daily some time ago! :)

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  29. I've always enjoyed your entries in the Creative Tuesday posts, you are one incredibly talented lady !
    I'll be looking forward to your new creations, especially the birds :)
    ~Jo

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    1. Thanks, Jo. I'm sure the birds will stage take the center stage much of the time. :)

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  30. Oh how lovely...I am all for new adventures! Have fun and thanks for sharing your creativity with us.

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  31. Your drawings are exquisite - I'm sure you could make a good living as an illustrator. So glad we'll continue to see them, in a different format.

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  32. This does have a lovely vintage feel to it. Perfect!

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  33. Oh, how fun to see all your drawings and I can not believe you have done this 60 times... Congratulations.;)
    This post touched me as I am a soldiers wife and my husband is deployed right now. Even though I complain and hate it, the modern technology makes it so easy for us to be in touch. Just thinking how very different it was before, all those poor family members, when a letter or a package could take months to arrive, puts my own complains to shame.
    xoxo

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  34. I'm a johnny-come-lately to your Creative Tuesday entries but I've enjoyed what I do know of them muchly especially the little birds. I also understand the need to venture out and be a little more free to creative as the mood moves you. So in that, I'll be an early bird. hee hee

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  35. Outstanding Betsy. Love the history lesson, never knew this, quite the tale indeed. Love the thumbnails, really nicely done, and the main piece, just has the older feel to it, kind of like something that easily could've been in a Saturday Evening Post or a Christmas card back some years. The presents next to the PO box is great, as it implies more then the reality of the scene itself. Amazing work.

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