I wanted to be sure that I wished you a Happy 2011 so I made a card this morning — just for you!
This will also be the beginning of Farewell Tour #4, as I say good-bye to another of my Stampin' Up stamp sets. You know... out with the old, in with the new. This time I'm letting go of another old sentiment set: All Year Cheer III.
It has some useful sentiments in it, but — let's face it — there are a lot of sets containing useful sentiments and I just don't use this one very often anymore. And it's taking up valuable real estate in the stamp drawer.
SHOW
I thought you might like to see the SU set that I used to supplement my farewell set — especially since I used it in a rather unconventional way. Instead of ice cream cones and sprinkles, I saw pennants and confetti. The cherry and sweet celebration sentiment weren't part of my original plan, but they sort of fit... so, why not?
AND TELL: stamps are from Stampin' Up (All Year Cheer III, Sweet Scoops); cardstock is Papertrey Ink (Stampers Select White) and SU (Going Grey); ink is SU (Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal, Real Red, Basic Gray, Going Grey); baker's twine is from The Twinery (Berry Sorbet); also used a couple of PTI dies (circle from Limitless Labels and largest flower from Beautiful Blooms II #2).
And, of course, I have to show you some more photos from New York City. Our absolute highlight of the trip came as a surprise to both of us.
On a whim, Ken bought us tickets to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. Let me tell you... I would go to NYC specifically to see this. It was so unbelievably phenomenal. The way they incorporated visual effects into the performance was just terrific. I'm going to show you a bunch of pictures (mainly because I can't decide which ones to leave out) and kind of walk you through the program from beginning to end. My photos don't do it justice, but maybe you can get an idea. OK — I'll stop blabbing now and just get on with it.
The theater itself was spectacular, with big organs on each side...
and small stages that they incorporated at various times.
Right after this, there was an amazing part where you used the 3-D glasses that were included with your program. I can't really remember the specifics — and, of course, I couldn't photograph it — so you'll just have to take my word for it that it was wonderful.
Those are the Rockettes as reindeer. Can you kind of tell how vibrant the scenery was? And, this guy needs no introduction...
Oh, my. This is where I'm having trouble cutting out photos.
All those ornaments in the photo above? In different parts of this segment they were all blue... or all red... or all green... or all purple... It was beautiful.
Of course, the Rockettes had to do their signature dance move — more than once.
There was a Nutcracker portion...
with dancing animals...
and a joyous Clara...
I've seen this famous toy soldier dance somewhere before.
But it's so great in person.
And, this part with the bus...
where it appeared to be moving right through the city...
I told you the way they used the scenery video effects was incredible.
In part of the show, Santa has a little number where he explains the magic multiplication of himself so that he can be many places at once.
And then he and a young believer (along with his brother, a skeptic) fly to...
the North Pole...
where they select a special Christmas present for their sister...
Do you always think of the Rockettes as being glamourously costumed? Well... they aren't always.
This one is more like it...
And isn't that background gorgeous, too?
But, here's the best part.
The boys, back home with their sister's doll, sitting in the living room and reading the Christmas story from the Bible. The whole thing...
the angel and the shepherds...
the wise men following the star...
all the way to a stable in Bethlehem...
honoring and celebrating the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus.
It was so incredible and hearing Jesus' story told in such a public and secular venue really warmed my heart. I pray that no matter how they change the show in the future that they always conclude with the true story that is the real reason for the season. Now that's a spectacular Christmas!
It seems a little trivial to talk about cupcakes after that, but there is a Magnolia Bakery right near Radio City Music Hall.
Of course, cupcakes from Magnolia were on my NYC list...
and I've told you how Ken likes to humor me and my lists...
He had Red Velvet. I had Snickerdoodle.
We enjoyed them across the street (in the cold) at the edge of more beautiful New York City decorations.
And then we took a carriage ride through Central Park.
Whew! That's it for today. (Aren't you glad?)
Believe it or not, though, that only ends our second day in the city. Two more days to go. The next day we went to MOMA. I'll try to restrain myself with those pics.
Hope you have had a wonderful first day of 2011 — and that your year is full of joy and blessings! Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you again soon.
Fantastic....can't wait for more pictures...
Posted by: Kay Gasser | 01/01/2011 at 05:02 PM
Happy New Year! I hope you can join me for another St. Jude Valentine Card Drive, over at my blog. http://winterwonderlandcrafter.blogspot.com/2011/01/cards-for-st-jude.html
Posted by: Winter | 01/01/2011 at 05:41 PM
Wow. Thanks for sharing the pictures from the Rockette show. We took our daughter (6) to see the Nutcracker this year; it was my first time, too. It was so beautiful that I had tears in my eyes at certain points. Isn't it wonderful to be able to enjoy such things? Happy New Year!
Posted by: Laura | 01/01/2011 at 10:53 PM
Oh please don't restrain yourself. I love hearing about your travels and seeing your wonderful photos. I think that is so great that the "Real" Christmas Story was told - that's awesome.
Posted by: SueB | 01/02/2011 at 08:29 AM
First of all, I love your new year card - I do love to see stamps being used in a different way to that intended - and I'd like to wish you a very happy 2011. Secondly, I am bowled over by the show and by your way of telling your travel story. Thanks Janelle.
Posted by: Vicky | 01/03/2011 at 06:26 AM