Christmas Eve has always been a special celebration day for my mother and her daughters. When we were younger we chose one present to open on Christmas Eve, one lucky toy to pass the time until Christmas day. So of course I was more than thrilled when she offered to come and visit for Christmas Eve with the girls, and to celebrate our Christmas together opening presents, enjoying a well cooked meal, and last but certainly not least, the conversations. It was a good time for everyone.

It looks like Kiki’s gift got stuck in customs, and I firmly believe it’s because she labeled it something other than “books and snacks” and because it’s the holiday season and customs are apparently full of douche bags. Why else would they have stopped a package labeled, “Christmas gifts” after scanning it but not the other THREE boxes we sent out? (At the same time and labeled the same way.) We were trying to avoid putting everything in one box because of a) the expense and b) because we were afraid customs might stop one of the boxes. Well, we were right. We sent it in plenty of time though, and the box finally cleared customs today after FIVE days of being held. So it looks like Kiki won’t be getting her second box on time. But at least she has one to open, and Kiki, just so you know- IT WILL BE WELL WORTH THE WAIT.

My mother was worried I might feel left out this Christmas because of the gifts she was getting Kiki, I had to keep reminding her that I don’t celebrate Christmas like that and I mean it one hundred percent. Last year I gave the same speech and she got me a rice cooker. Practical, something I use pretty much on a daily basis, and a great gift. I love it. But somewhere along the line, she was struck with “inspiration”; she knew exactly what to get me and every time I spoke to on the phone or online she was bubbling with anticipation.

This year, she bought me a studio. I jest not. She purchased lights (three to be exact), dimmers, two backdrops and a backdrop stand. All are portable. I had the suspicion that she might try something sly like that, because I’ve been tossing around the idea of using part of the enormous basement for some sort of studio, whether it be where I set up an easel to paint or set up shop for some photos. But again, it was just an idea I was tossing around, I didn’t think it would actually happen.

So we set it all up in the basement and I took several test photos with the girls, which you can of course check out at the gallery. I’m so excited I can’t even begin to explain. The photos are just test shots and they turned out GREAT. I didn’t even get to play with the angle or set up of the lights, they just sat down and I shot. I was more tinkering with my camera than the lights. I’m beyond excited. And Tyler and Rue have already volunteered to become my test victims. Hahahahaha! Tomorrow we go to Jei’s family’s for a celebration there and I just barely finished the scarves to give to his brothers and then we’ll be back to enjoy the new house. The tour of the house will be up sometime tomorrow evening. : )

Cheers.