Hands Across The Water and a Pop Quiz

First of all, Hello Everyone!

Velvet Ginger had a great post on her blog today here and I have taken up the gauntlet she has thrown down! More on that later.

For those of you who have asked me offline about this Hands Across The Water deal -- well, it's simple, really. I came up with this idea and a little bit of a drawing around the time I was meeting Sarah Wallis -- and have started this "Hands Across The Water" art project. She's definitely on the other side of the Pond while I am landlocked in Athens, Georgia. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Yet, we are "sisters" in art and in spirit with quite a bit in common, overall. Thanks to Suzi Blu and our mutual Art Shenanigans, blogs and all, it is my good fortune to have made her actual acquaintance as you know, and now, through Sarah, Black-Eyed Suzie and -- as an added treat today! -- another great little site here called Bun Mountain Cottage. Go check out today's post. Incredible, gorgeous, faerie tale photographs in Stockholm -- only they're real.

And come to think of it, I have more than one Hands Across the Water pal. Halloooo... you know who you are!

So, on to the Pop Quiz (thanks, RJ!). Put on your thinking caps and your blue suede shoes for this one.

Cut and paste and throw down the Christmas Gauntlet on your own site with your own answers if you can – or, if you dare! (I know this isn't everyone's cuppa tea, but you might be surprised how some of these questions take you aback.)

1. 'Tis the Season to be? Jolly!

2. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both.
3. Real tree or Artificial? Two nice artificials on the mantel with a handmade ceramic star with an initial on each.
4. When do you put up the tree? When I have one, it’s after December 1st.
5. When do you take the tree down? I don’t know this year. It’s the first time I’ve had a tree in some time, trust me.

6. Do you like eggnog? Yes I do, straight and “doctored”.
7. Favorite gift received as a child? My lifesized bride doll from my gran -- and then from my sister. I'll explain later. (Oh and my first Barbie was one of the OLD Barbies -- the slutty-looking one with the yellow ponytail, garish blue eye shadow and black sequined strapless gown? I loved her…!)

8. Hardest person to buy for? Mmm... almost everyone I know.
9. Easiest person to buy for? T.

10. Do you have a nativity scene? No.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

12. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Never had a bad one.
13. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart). The Bishop’s Wife. The Santa Clause. A Charlie Brown Christmas. You’ve Got Mail. (!) The Polar Express.
14. When do you start shopping for Christmas? What do you mean, start?
15. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not really.
16. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Party food.
17. Lights on the tree? Yes if it’s a real tree.
18. Favorite Christmas song? "Christmas Time Is Here."
19. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both; it depends.

20. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes, I can!
21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Handmade ceramic star, one on each tree.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Day (my house) and whenever I go to my brother’s (Dec 27, this year).

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Work!

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Nature! Reds and golds; or blue, silvers and whites.
25. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Too many to name. Okay, ham sandwiches (truly only once a year), dressing, coconut cake with a coffee chaser.
26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Time at Home.

27. Who is most likely to respond to this? Wow, I have no idea, really!

Have a great weekend, everyone. The Polar Express really is on its way... soon.

Candace