Thursday, December 24, 2009

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Have a super Merry Christmas, happy holidays and best wishes for good health and happiness in 2010.
Thank you for your visits this year and all the lovely comments you leave for me ~ I have so enjoyed getting to know you through the blog world. Your comments always warm my heart and make me smile.
May your days be filled with love, joy and laughter.

Christmas is forever
not just for one day
for ~
loving
sharing
giving
are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel
in some box upon a shelf
the good you do for others
is good you do yourself.
~ Norman Wesley Brooks
These two photos are from Victoria magazine.

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days;
that can recall to the old man the pleasures of this youth; and transport the sailor and the traveler thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home.

~ Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers 1836

Love & hugs
Carolyn

71 comments:

  1. Hello Carolyn,

    Such a beautiful post, just like you!

    I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas!

    ((Hugs))

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  2. Thank you Marsha, for your wonderful friendship this past year.
    Happy Christmas to you and yours.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  3. happy Holidays to you, too, darling Carolyn. thank you for being a great blogger friend.
    hugs

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  4. Very Lovely! I hope you have a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
    Hugs, Lisa

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  5. Wishing you and your family Merry Christmas and a beautiful holiday season dear Carolyn. And thank you so much for being such a fantastic friend, much love: Evi

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  6. What a beautiful Christmas post Carolyn, just lovely like you.

    Warm Christmas wishes to you,
    xxxx DJ

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  7. Carolyn~ Wishing you a magical Christmas!! Thank you for your sweet comments. I enjoy your visits so much!! ~Mandy

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  8. Hi Carolyn, Oh a beautiful Christmas post to inspire the special season. Love the pics from Victoria.
    Best wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year. I look forward to seeing you in 2010 and thank you for all your wonderful posts. Each and everyone has been a blessing and so enjoyed.

    Big Christmas Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  9. Merry, Merry Christmas Carolyn! It's been so nice getting to know you this year.
    See you next year!
    xo~Tracie

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  10. Oh! I LOVE Victoria Magazine! It's beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Carolyn!
    (((Hugs)))
    ~TattingChic ♥

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  11. Hi Carolyn,
    May I say that I have enjoyed getting to know you as well? You are a delightful lady, how I would like to meet you over a cup of tea! If you ever come to California, I promise to do so! Happy holidays to you, sweet lady!
    Sharon and Miss Gracie :-)

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  12. Have a very Merry Christmas Carolyn....all the best to you and your family in the new year....

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  13. Hello Carolyn, wishing you and your family a tres joyeux noel.

    Leeann x

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  14. Many thanks dear Susan, you have been a great blogger friend and I have so enjoyed your visits.
    I look forward to coming back to see you.

    thanks Lisa, and wishing you a very happy Christmas and wonderful New Year.

    Thank you Miss Eve, and you have been a fabulous friend and look forward to coming to visit you.
    Happy Christmas and New Year!

    And the same can be said of you Dust Jacket ~ I have loved visiting you my friend, thank you!
    Merry Christmas and thanks for your friendship.

    Thanks Mandy ~ I hope that you have a magical and special Christmas and I just love coming to visit you.

    I so enjoy visiting you dear Celestina Marie, your friendship means so much to me ~ thank you.
    I look forward to coming to visit you soon.

    Thank you Tracie... I have loved getting to know you too.
    I appreciate your friendship so much.

    Many thanks TattingChic, and I hope that you have a merry Christmas too.

    Hi Sharon... and the same can be said of you ~ if you are in NZ I would so like you to come and visit us.
    Thank you for your friendship.
    Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

    thanks Vee and wishing you a happy
    Christmas and I hope that you are staying warm with all the snow about.

    Hi Leeann,

    Merry Christmas and I hope that you have a fabulous one!
    Stay warm, with all the snow.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  15. Thank you for the beautiful Christmas wishes and images. It has been lovely getting to know you a little better this year. Have a blessed Christmas with your family. x Suzi

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  16. What a lovely post and beautiful pictures to go with it! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!

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  17. Sweet Carolyn - the warmest of Christmas wishes to you & your precious family. Have a wonderful day tomorrow, although I know it will the first without your Dad. Remember all the happy times past & he'll be with you in an instant.
    Thank you for your constant support & friendship this year, you are a treasure.
    Love Millie xx

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  18. Carolyn,

    Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  19. Beautiful pictures!

    Thank YOU Carolyn for your sweet friendship and kind words this year!

    May you and your family have a blessed and joyous Christmas!!!

    :) T

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  20. Carolyn,
    Wishing you a very merry and joyous Christmas!
    Gwen

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  21. Thank you Suzi and wishing your family the very happiest Christmas.

    Many thanks Haute Shopper for all your wonderful posts.
    Have a wonderful Christmas

    Dear Millie,

    It has been so much fun getting to know you through the blog world.
    Wishing the very best to you, sweet friend, Moth and your boys and family. Thank you for all your great posts you share.
    Merry Christmas.

    Thank you Kim and I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

    Many thanks Tracey, it has been lovely to have your friendship.
    Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your lovely family.

    Thank you Gwendolyn,

    May you have a joyous and blessed Christmas with your family.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  22. MeRRy ChRIsTmaS to you Sweet Carolyn!!!!
    I wanted to sneak in today, this Christmas Eve and send you many wishes for a beautiful holiday season and many blessings for a wonderful New Year!
    But most of all, I wanted to personally thank you for being with me everyday and leaving me the most sweet and thoughtful comments. All were very much appreciated from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for walking with me during my broken hearted days and laughing with me during my joyous celebrations. You were there for me always...don't ever think that I didn't notice. Many bloggers may come and go...but you came and walked "with" me and for that, I'll be forever grateful.
    So while I'm counting my blessings, I want you to know that you are at the top of my list and I'm looking forward to many more "walks" with you in future.
    Merry Christmas Sweetie...you reflect the true meaning of Christmas through Him~
    everything vintage

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  23. Thank you sweet Jodie, for your friendship and love, you were also there for me too, and helped me through my rough times.
    May you and your family have a blessed and joyous Christmas.
    Look forward to seeing you in 2010 and wishing you all the very best.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  24. Have a Merry Christmas Carolyn! It has been a pleasure to meet you and blog with you this past year too!

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  25. Hi Carolyn!!! I have been so blessed to have met you through blogging too!!! You are wonderful and I thank you for your friendship and wish you and yours a most magical Holiday Season!!!

    Merry Christmas!!!!

    Hugs
    Diana

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  26. Dear Carolyn,
    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with Love!!!

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  27. You share here some wonderful quotes and photos.
    I am happy to meet your very handsome bears.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  28. And thank YOU, darling Carolyn, for your friendship and inspiration and encouragement. Merry Christmas to you. I hope the new year brings with it lots of good health and happiness and love.

    xoxo

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  29. Thank you Sares and has been fun to meet you too.
    Merry Christmas!

    Lovely to have found your beautiful blog, Diana and thank you for your kindness and your love you share.
    May you and your family have a blessed and joyous Christmas.
    Best wishes.

    Dear Stefanie,

    May you have a joyful and happy Christmas and all the best for the coming year.

    Thank you Terra for coming to visit me, that is very kind.
    I look forward to coming over to say hi to you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  30. Merry Christmas Carolyn! Thanks for all your hugs. I truly appreciate them! XO Trish

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  31. Thank you sweet Bella and I am hoping that 2010 will be a great year for you my friend.
    I loved your wish for Renee, you are a beautiful friend to us all and we are lucky to know you. Thank you.

    Thanks Trish and I have loved getting to know you here in the blog world.
    Thanks for your friendship.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  32. Carolyn: May God richly bless you this Christmas Day! Thanks for all your support, you are a true gift to me. Blessings, Martha

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  33. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family, Carolyn! I too enjoyed finding your blog and I'm looking forward to coming back for visits! Have a wonderful time over the Holidays!

    Hugs,
    Julia

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  34. Merry Christmas to you and yours Carolyn!
    Blessings, Mary

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  35. Merry Christmas to you and your family Carolyn!! Have a beautiful day...Hugs, Jennifer :)

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  36. Beautiful words~Christmas is forever
    not just for one day!
    Wishing you all the loveliness Christmas has to offer all year Carolyn!!! Enjoy your family!

    xox
    Constance

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  37. Thank you Martha and so great to have your support and kindness too.
    Merry Christmas and blessings, dear friend.

    Many thanks Julia and looking forward to coming back to visit you.
    Happy holidays.

    Thank you Mary and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    Lovely to have a visit from you Jennifer and I have had a wonderful Christmas day, thanks.
    I will share some photos in a few days.

    Thank you Constance and it has been delightful getting to know you.
    Your blog is always a such a beautiful and inspirational place to visit.
    Thank you for your friendship.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  38. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful time with your family!!!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  39. Hi Carolyn:

    It has been a pleasure getting to know you also... Thanks for the lovely wishes.

    Your package should be arriving soon. Both the other winners already have theirs. You where the farthest away, so hopefully SOON. Let me know when it arrives....

    Merry Christmas to you too, and wishing you all things bright and meaningful in the New Year!

    blessings,
    Rosalind

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  40. Carolyn, i am a Victorian magazine fan from its earliest years (even kept my subscription through the Kennedy editorship). Was glad to see it make a comeback.

    Hug a bear or three for me. I'm off to drink my first cup of the morning...that would be CHRISTMAS morning -- yay!

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  41. Merry Christmas sweet friend! I hope you are enjoying a special day with your family!
    Love, Lavender Dreamer..Diane ♥♥♥

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  42. HELLO, SORRY FOR THE LAST RESPONSE, I WAS TRAVELING!! I WISH YOU A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    @ MAISONCHAPLIN.blogspot.com

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  43. Gorgeous post!

    Merry Christmas, darling Carolyn!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  44. Love the quote about "Christmas is forever"... A few years ago I spoke at our churches Christmas women's retreat on the topic of "Everyday is Christmas!"
    Merry Christmas!
    Toma

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  45. Merry Christmas you Carolyn and your family!

    Take care.

    Big hugs to you:)
    ^_^Piitis

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  46. Hello my dearest friend!!!

    ALSO YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

    A LOT KISSES and HUGS!!!

    BYE...NI

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  47. Thank you Margaret and I hope that your family have the happiest of Christmas's too and all the best in 2010.

    Many thanks Rosalind and has been lovely to have you as a blog friend.
    I will let you know when the package arrives and thank you again.
    Merry Christmas and best wishes.

    Oh yay Janean!... isn't it such a fun time of the year with delicious food and drink. wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas. Enjoy!

    Thank you very much Diane and I hope that you are having a happy Christmas and I look forward to visiting you soon.

    Many thanks Maison Chaplin and wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy new Year.

    Thank you dear Renee, Love you dear friend and my wish is that you and your family will have a lovely Christmas and the new Year will be a better one!

    Thank you Rosemary and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Thank you sweet Carrie, I look forward to seeing more of your delightful Fashion posts, next year.

    thanks for your visit dear Toma, lovely words. Merry Christmas!

    Lovely of you to drop by Piitis and wish my family a Merry Christmas.
    May you and your family have a joyous Christmas.

    Many thanks, dear Ni ~ it has been wonderful getting to know you and I look forward to coming back to see you next year. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year, sweet friend.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  48. Merry Christmas Carolyn...May the Lord bless you and keep you this coming New Year and wishing you love and laughter throughout the holiday season
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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  49. Hi Carolyn...

    Hope you enjoyed Christmas Day with your family...thank-you so much for your sweet little card.

    Have a wonderful week shopping and visiting.

    All of the best to you for 2010!!
    Talk soon,
    Hugs, Nancy

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  50. Thank you Rebecca, for your kindness and I appreciate you visiting me and your kind words. Best wishes for the New Year.

    Many thanks Nancy and I wish you and your family a happy Christmas and all the best for 2010.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  51. Hi Carolyn,
    It has been a joy getting to know you these past few months! I look forward to discovering more and more about you and your amazing talent in the year ahead.

    Have a very Happy New Year!
    All the best,
    Anne

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  52. Thank you Anne and it has been great to meet you and discover your wonderful blog.
    Happy holidays and all the very best for the coming year.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  53. Ciao Carolyn,

    I wish you a fantastic year 2010, full of things that desire... make true!

    a kiss
    Rosarita

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  54. Dearest Carolyn, thank you so much for your wonderful words on your blog and for your lovely comment on mine! I also want to wish you happy holidays and a wonderful, healthy New Year! :o)
    Big hugs, Traude

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  55. Merry Christmas
    Thanks for your visits and kind words.
    Much love
    God's most richest blessings
    Love Jeanne

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  56. Carolyn thanks for the love, I am digging it.

    I have read all of the Dickens books and I just loved them and still do. That is one of the quotes that always brought tears to me.

    Love Renee xoxo

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  57. Thanks for your lovely wishes, Carolyn!

    How was your Christmas?

    Here it was lovely in my in laws'home.

    Lots of hugs to you and your family,
    Sophie.

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  58. thank you very much dear Rosarita, wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

    Many thanks Traude for coming to visit me and your kind words.
    It has been lovely getting to know you. Blessings to you and yours dear friend.

    Thank you Jeanne, wishing you all the very best wishes.

    Thank you dear Renee, it was wonderful to see your beautiful face and your beautiful family.
    I will know be able to see your face, when I write to you.
    Best wishes, dear Renee for a great year ahead for all you and your family.

    Dear Sophie,

    Christmas here was lovely, quiet and we had some delicious food.
    It was lovely to be able to share it with my family ~ this time last year Victoria was in Paris and London.
    Happy New Year, to you and Malko.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  59. Hope you had a very merry Christmas, with lots of blessings--Gypsy Purple--Chamara

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  60. Thank you Gypsy Purple, had a lovely Christmas ~ ate too much wonderful food.
    I hope that yours was fun and best wishes for 2010.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  61. Hello Carolyn,
    I am so glad you came by and visited and thank you for the warm welcome back!! I can't wait to catch up and I am so happy to be back!!!
    Hugs ♥ Teresa

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  62. Great to have you back again Teresa and I look forward to visiting you again. Thanks for your visit.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  63. Love and hugs to you my sweet friend.
    Thanks for knowing my heart so well and your visit and kind words mean so very much
    I love you
    Merry Christmas and blessings for the New year
    Love Jeanne

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  64. Carolyn: I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas! You have been such a good blog friend and I am looking forward to another year of bloggie exchanges!
    Big hug for a Happy New Year!

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  65. Dear Carolyn,

    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day and that you continue to enjoy the holiday festivities. You are a treasured blogging friend and for the New Year I wish for you much happiness and abundance. ~jermaine~

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  66. Hope you are having a great and relaxing Sunday Carolyn!

    xox
    Constance

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  67. Thank you Jeanne and it has been lovely getting to know you.
    I hope that your Son in NZ is enjoying the holidays too.

    Many thanks Barbara and wishing you a Happy New Year and more visits to your blog.

    Dear Jermaine,

    It has been great to visit your blog and to see all the beauty you share, thank you.
    Looking forward to visiting your blog soon. Happy New Year and may you enjoy good health and happiness.

    Thank you Constance, and wishing you very happy and relaxed holidays.
    Happy New Year, my friend.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  68. Thought of you on Christmas Day dear Carolyn. Son #3 from Melbourne bought his new girlfriend home for the Holidays. Her family lives on Great Barrier Island, so we heard lots of stories of life in your neck of the woods. Hope you are enjoying a lovely time of rest & relaxation.
    Millie ^_^

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  69. Hi Millie,

    That is interesting that the Sons girlfriends family live on Great Barrier Island. That really is isolated and a long way from anywhere.

    I hope that you are having a restful holiday, dear friend.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx