As I grow older, my Christmas lights get closer to the ground. Getting up on a steep roof is just not a good idea anymore. We love Christmas lights and driving around the neighborhood to see what other displays look like. There is a festive atmosphere and feeling of joy that only colored lights can bring to the heart and mind. But there is only one thing that can bring joy and peace to the soul and that is the Savior whose birth we celebrate this season. May the blessing that is Christmas be in your home and your heart this year. Have a blessed day.
Last week I shared some images of the wonderful collection of art deco buildings that line the downtown streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. I grew up in Tulsa Even though I have now lived in NW Arkansas longer than I lived in Tulsa, I am an Okie to the core and Tulsa will always be my hometown. This week I have some of images of the interiors of these great structures that were built by the oil barons of the 20's & 30's.
One of the great things about this period of art & architecture is that NO surface was immune to the designers touch. Here is an ornate mail box that adorns the lobby of one of the buildings.
Here is the entry corridor into the building. Notice the floor tile. Like I said, every surface was an opportunity for the designer to express themselves. The corridor leads to the main lobby below.
Talk about making a statement! Honestly, this lobby is not huge, but it makes a visual impact that just leaves you speechless. Again, notice the ornate detail of the railing on the stairs and mezzanine.
Even elevator passengers were surrounded with art deco designs. I LOVE this stuff!!!
Elevator doors were a perfect canvas for exploring the geometric patterns that most of us have come to associate with the art deco style.
There is actually a collection of art deco accessories in these display windows. Some of the buildings featured gold leaf on the ceilings. One thing that oil barons seem to have in common is that no expense is spared when it comes to building architectural monuments to their business accomplishments.
Smoking was much more acceptable during this period and an elegant place to put your pipe, cigar, or cigarette was a necessity. These ash trays were designed to be placed next to a lounge chair. Again, no design opportunity was overlooked.
If you are ever in Tulsa, Oklahoma, you really need to spend a couple of hours downtown, looking at the great art deco design that is a part of the history of my favorite city. Guided and self-guided tours are available.
Okay, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Have a blessed day with those you love celebrating all that we have to be thankful for, living in the greatest nation on earth. Then, come back Friday for the kick-off of my annual Christmas Music Marathon posts. Every day, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I will post an image of the season and music that will help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas. See you on Friday.
Merry Christmas to all. May the gift that is Christmas be in your home and heart on this day. May the God of all creation give you peace, joy, and fill your day with those things that bring a smile to your face and fill your day with memories for the future.
Since we will soon be moving (packing has already begun), I will be taking a break. I may post a couple of more times before New Years, but I probably will not post during January. You can check back just to see if I am up and running before the first of February, but my plan is to take the month of January off and get settled as best we can in the new home. Again, Merry Christmas to you and your family from my family. And now, the final videos of this marathon. Did you have a favorite?
Okay, this is NOT a Christmas song, but this is one of my favorite groups. Their parents are friends of ours and it is a thrill to see these young people emerge as a very talented group is gospel music.
The Christmas Music Marathon song, for today, is new to me. The group, Point of Grace, has been around for a number of years. When I found this arrangement on YouTube, I knew I had to share it with you. Here is Point of Grace singing "One King". Enjoy.
