'tis the season to recyle

This post is not about the relevance or likelihood of the Christmas story, or Christmas trees, or Jesus, or virgin births.

I could probably skip that first sentence all together, but I'm all for declaring underlying assumptions, setting the scene and taking in the big picture. So mostly I'm letting myself know that I will not be doing that here. I'll just be jumping in with a light story and a few photos. If you want in-depth analysis of Christmas you'll have to look elsewhere. Or come back next week, though I make no promises regarding more detailed posts because I am on holidays and am not promising anything.

My family were never big on Christmas or Christmas decorations, and it's not something I've bothered with since we got married. But this year I had a hankering for a tree. I did not, however, want one of those fake fir numbers, nor did I want to spend loads of money on a beautiful carved wooden design.

I got to thinking, and remembered seeing a Christmas tree from toilet rolls many years ago. I can't remember the name of the girl who made it, though I could tell you her hair was orange and curly and she had a sprinkling of freckles across her nose. (She may have had a lot of freckles... or none... In the spirit of honesty, I'm just letting you know that bit was an embellishment) I also remember the amazing Christmas tree she made. She was an artist and got it into a gallery/shop and it had a price up around the $200 mark.

I'm not an artist, but give me a toilet roll and I'm pretty sure I can come up with something! And I did. With some tips and ideas from Frank and a lot of fiddling around, today I finished my recycled Christmas tree. Everything was hanging around the garage or previously used.

Even the decorations are recycled... junk mail paper chains, milk bottle ring star wrapped in wool, alfoil wrapped pieces of chopped up cork.

It was a lot of fun, but I'm not planning to go into business any time soon!

May you have a blessed, relaxed Christmas full of good times and lovely people.

no pulp mill...

They say it takes thirty days to make a habit and... well... it seemed strange to just go to bed without blogging, so... here I am.

What a great evening. We went to a 'no pulp mill rally' tonight with a few friends and 550 other people. I've been a bit apathetic lately, so it was good to go and be inspired and clap and cheer and boo at the appropriate moments. And watch the reactions of the five Gunns employees sitting across from me (including the new CEO).