There's a haphazard tradition in our home of sending out Christmas/Holiday cards. It's a hit or miss thing, sometimes we've skipped a year or two. But when the family planets align and time permits it's a fun thing. They've become simpler over time, although the early ones were presented tongue in cheek, I'm not sure everyone realized that.
We've received our share of Holiday cards and letters, wrought by hand in perfect calligraphy at about 6 point in size that go on and on for pages. Part of what I did in the past was a silent protest to that generally well meaning logorrhea in pretending to be full of ourownselves. So I present now a select few of our Holiday cards past and present and you can judge for yourself.
The top image is the cover for this year's card. The inside and back are presented below. (I sent out a heads up on FB a few weeks ago if any friend wanted one to send me a PM with an address. I got a few responses, but not many really. That's ok, I only had 75 printed up and used all but three.)
inside
back
2002
front
inside
1999
I guess I should say something before you see the one from 1999. I was doing a lot of page layout/graphic design that year. I was a big fan of "white space"—I still am actually. Anyway, we were inundated from about October onward with catalogs for sunglasses. Oakley, Sunglass Hut, Maui Jim and Ray Ban didn't send us just one catalog each—I think everyone in the family got several. So we decided to do our own sunglass catalog as a holiday card. Some people liked it and thought it was fun...some didn't like it too much.
The card was a tabloid size spread folded into a booklet. I cropped the pages a bit to fit the OS formatting limitations a bit better. So imagine even more white space than what you're seeing here.
cover
page 2
page 3 (aka "the third of three")
page 4 (pre-goatee and with the bride)
page 5
page 6
page 7
I've got a couple more—from '95 and '97 and more recent ones, but I think I'll stop it here. I feel like I'm forcing you to watch my 8mm home movies.
Those of you that know me know that I have great affection for my friends. I have many here on OS that I cherish. I wish for you, and for all who come to visit our online home, much love and happiness and the best of years to come.
Happy Holidays from our home to yours.
Barry and Eve—Colin, Tory and Evan.
all content and images copyright © by barry b. doyle • all rights reserved
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Comments
I am now kicking myself for missing the FB announcement.
Thanks...and no, no bluebonnet pics. Don't you know that's how you get ticks and chiggers?
You're welcome Starvie Kitty!
Harry, Thanks for the nice compliment...and I'm sorry about the other thing you said...I guess you know how lucky I am...fell into good luck by mere serendipity. Hope your Christmas is just what you want Harry.
Owl, thanks so much! (We're not really that full of ourselves you know.)
Frank, ha! thanks man. Happy holidays.
Kisses
WAH, they are indeed beautiful. It's good the kids favor their mother.
Patricia, you're too kind, but if you look at my current avatar, you'll see that I used to be cute.
Dr.S, thanks so much for those kind words.
Chuck, check your OS mail. That means a lot to me that you feel that.
Robin, and back to you as well, thanks!
What a beautiful card, I love the images and the words. Perfect.
Much joy, peace, and laughter to you and yours in the year ahead.
I love your cards - images and sentiments - the kids are a hoot! (I actually went 'hoo')
I loved the 2002 card - brilliant. Did I see it last year or am I imagining things? (You can see the direction that Tory was going to go even then). Good papa.
This year's cover shot ... gorgeous composition.
By the way -- the sentiment in your card this year is EXACTLY what I just posted about -- great minds, eh?
Merry Christmas bbd - and post all the old christmas cards you want!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Barry.
You're a peach.
Last year, David and I took cheesy midwestern photos for our Christmas cards and that was a lot of fun. This year we're weren't so organized. What I hate is getting cheap cards with no personality and it's just signed on the inside. No note at all. What's the point? If you're going to send cards, put a little thought into them.
Love this post. :)
(one of these days i might actually get around to sending cards instead of just thinking about how wonderful it would be to send cards. :) )
Almost.
I love your picture from this year, just as a picture, but the message that goes with it makes it perfect.
Happy holidays to you and your family!
Related: Love your family photos. Rated for amusement value.
Karin, I'll see if I can work a part deux into the schedule.
Rainne, yes that is me as a young-un, but I grew up in SoCal, came to Dallas for love in 1981...Thanks for the kind words!
myspysche, I do too!
Karin, no contest, just went with the oldest child.
GeeBee, thank you very much. I'm glad you liked the sentiment.
Ina, I know what you mean...I don't do it all the time, just when the mood strikes.
Lainey, I'll have to do a scan of the earliest one, somehow i can't find the digital file.
Smithery, there are a few who really enjoy them. A friend in Maine who's in the publishing business especially.
Cathy, thanks for all the compliments!
kmb, that is an honor for me. Hope your Christmas is just as beautiful and peaceful.
Gwendolyn, I agree, a simple card without a note is just barely ok.
LiG, thanks! I had fun doing it.
voicegal, it is an evocative prairie thing.
Gary, you're so welcome.
Jodi, Merry Christmas back to you and all the Kasten household.
Steve, it was a fun thing to do, thanks.
Lea, thanks and warm wishes back to you and your honey.
Kathy, thanks!
Duane, high praise from an artist!
Aww Susanne, thanks so much for that.
skeletnwmn, it does take some thought ahead of time, like starting in October or so...but then I'm slow.
Janie, you were the inspiration for the younger me avatar, thanks!
Nelly, thanks!
Julie, just say the word...
marcelle, I love it when you come by, thanks.
Melissa, sorry you missed it. I have one left. PM me.
I love the one with the kids rolling their eyes. And the sunglasses, and the new one. Well, all of them.
I'm inspired for next year.
Cindy Ross! thanks so much. Cindy Ross!
Dewy, yes we can. I'd be happy to.
Stellaa, thanks for that comment, you are too.
Steph, I'm so glad you're back on OS, you've been missed.
Ann, it sure was fun to do. The kids really got into it.
Thanks Scupper and Mary
Denise, happy to be a part of the inspiration. Hope you have a great christmas.
You're welcome MsM, and thank you.
Happy Holidays to you too Julie.
Wishing you and Eve and the kids (HA! They aren't kids anymore, are they?) the most joyous of holidays. May peace, love, good health and happiness be yours this year and always.
Merry Christmas, Barry!
I hope you have a warm and wonderful holiday and a bright new year. I promise I'll have more time to spend with you next time you're in our area (and we'll pull in Deborah, too).
All the best!
However, I was oh-so-interested in the recipe.
Then I came across the stories about your eye and I was shamed at my gluttonous greed for a recipe. I wish you a speedy recovery.
And heck, if that photo of your office is any indication, you are the King of Neat Nicks.
G
Merry Christmas!
Less than 10 minutes after our 3 grown daughters, significant others and pets departed from our cozy Tahoe cabin to return to the Bay, we had the over dry noble fir at the end of the driveway, all evidence of pine needles vacuumed and gone! All other decorations to remain up for at least another week, so the grandkids don't think we were robbed!
It was a wonderful two days with the whole family, sans snow storms and body aching shoveling. Only Christmas casualty...my waist! Gone with 2010, top button of favorite jeans unbuttoned to make room for one more "sliver" of dark chocolate cake!
Happy 2011!