Some of my most magical ornaments on our Christmas tree are the colorful birds encrusted with sparkles, one is encrusted with Swarovsky crystals. Others add sparkle in blue and white.

May the Season bring sparkles to your eyes and joy to your hearts. We celebrate this year’s Christmas in the desert, filled with a tree bursting with the many special ornaments we have collected or received as gifts over the years.

The white bird next to the blue bauble makes me dream

One of my favs is the white bird with its lush feathers. When I look at this bird I dream of moments that were special this year.

Our 2019 had a hectic start with unexpected weather, travel to snowy destinations, Happy New Year cheers, Champagne bubbles on an airplane in mid flight to Europe.

Our participation in Modernism Week Palm Springs 2019 in Mid-February was a week filled with event assistance, architectural lectures, home tours. Meeting fellow Mid-Century Modern architecture enthusiasts, touring home design exhibits, we were ready for a few days of relaxation. We jetted to Cancun, on American Airlines, via Dallas. The flight in premium class was exceptionally fun thanks to an outstanding flight attendant, Miguel, who extended the royal treatment.

Soon after in May, we were off to a trip to Boise to reconnect with nature in the green Idaho country side. When we drive along the smaller towns surrounding Boise to the West, we see similarities to Portland OR. We remember places in Portland that have a similar feel than Boise.

At the end of May we flew to Switzerland. Time for a visit to the house by the lake, see relatives. In the mornings I enjoy walks around the lake, when the sun’s rays reflected on the surface of the lake, glistening like diamonds, time passed fast. This was a time for me to make plans for my immediate future. To shape the Present, work towards new goals.

In early Summer, we traveled to Turkey to experience turquoise waters, butterflies in unexpected areas around a secluded beach.

In September we jetted out to Marrakesh on SWISS, to discover exotic spots, moments at unfamiliar places, stepped into the past at Bahia Palace, we dazzled by oriental surroundings at the La Mammounia Hotel, walked along the gardens among the modern sculptures.

In early Fall, on our way back to the US we stopped in Dublin Ireland, a visit with distant family members in Kildaire, and enjoyed walks along the rugged coast line in County Wexford.

As Fall became Winter, we came back to Boise for a few days, right in time to drive through a snow storm in the High Sierra mountains, through the surreal yet stunning landscape of Northern California. To drive through a Wintery desert with high snow covered mountains in the near distance was unforgettable.

Now, as the year draws to a close, we are back in Palm Springs. We relax, surrounded by Christmas magic with palm trees and a sunny sky. As we give thanks to a year filled with countless events, family members we had not seen for a while, newly engaged family members, trips to rugged mountain spots, days when I dipped my toes in the sea, collected shells in Cancun, exotic adventures in Morocco, new acquaintances along the way, I remember the smiles, the hugs, the special moments.

My Christmas wish to you is to bring contentment and joy to your life. Time to savor the special moments you have experienced this year. Of course the crazy fashion moments we shared, or talked about shall continue next year.

Best, Merry Christmas,

Jasmin