Friday, December 18, 2015

The Reason for the Season!


As this year is coming to a close I want to give thanks to all of my Family, Friends, and faithful Followers who have been here for me throughout the year. 



Even this precious little girl reminds us that we can always give something of ourselves to others.

In a world so uncertain, what can we do? Spread light, joy, kindness, pay it forward even if it simply a smile and word of encouragement. One person at a time making a difference and the world a better place.


Why do I focus my site on The Arts of all kinds and an Artful Life?
The beauty of art impresses upon us something quite indelible; a magic like no other. 


Come out of hiding, break the shell in which we tend to protect ourselves! Make a difference and take a risk this year, go for it! 

Gift to those you can; just remember that the best we can give those we love is the gift of ourselves, our time. That is what is so precious and makes memories that last forever.



The Country Club Plaza in my city, Kansas City, at the Holidays, a tradition for all, something we always love and cherish.



So shine bright and light up this world with goodness, kindness and love!
Here's to a brighter year ahead in 2016!

Thank you to all who have been so supportive of  my new venture with India Hicks as a Style Ambassador. I took a chance and it has been a most incredible experience with amazing men and women! I encourage you to give this Gift to yourself!!

My new Venture has also given me the opportunity to give back to some of my favorite and most worthy Children's Charities!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

29 comments:

Leslie Harris said...

What a beautiful post Karena, thank you for always being such a positive light in the blogging world. I'm so glad we've met. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
xo
Leslie

THE BEACH POST said...

Merry Christmas Dear Friend, Patti Friday xo

Splendid Market said...

What a beautiful post, Karena, I love seeing Kansas City all dressed up for the holidays. Your snow scenes make me crave the white stuff!! Many lovely sentiments here. Enjoy the rest of the season my dear.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Karen-
This is a beautiful post!
Thank you for your friendship, and may 2016 be a grand year forgot.
Teresa
xoxo

donna baker said...

Well, I just loved this post. Being allergic to snow, that pic almost made me want to see some. The picture of KC was unbelievably beautiful and your good wishes, well, I must try even harder. Merry Christmas to you and hoping 2016 is the best yet.

pve said...

It is in giving that our kindness causes a ripple and sends it out into the Universe far and wide.
How wonderful to have accomplished so much in supporting worthy causes and to receive the gift of a growing heart and a shining spirit within.
pve

My Notting Hill said...

Thank you for all the good cheer you spread throughout the year with your frequent and kind comments! Wishing you a very Happy Holiday season! Michele

cindy hattersley design said...

What a beautiful post Karena. I second what Leslie said. You make us all want to be better people. You are one in a million!!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Karena! Enjoy your holiday!

Jennifer said...

Merry, Merry Christmas Karen! Wishing you love and joy for 2016!
xx Jennifer

La Contessa said...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
These photos put a SMILE on my FACE!
XO

Karen said...

Karena,
Lovely images that perfectly reflect the beauty of the season. I too pray for peace in 2016 but we can make small changes in our own world by just what you said. Sharing kindness with those you encounter each day.
Have a wonderful holiday.
xo,
Karen

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

This is such a beautiful post!! Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases and all good things for 2016!! xoxoxo

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Karena,

A beautiful post, as always! I am a huge fan of the gifts that you mention...the gift of love, and friendship are so precious to give and to receive.

Best of luck to you this year with your India Hicks line, I am sure that you are going to be a great success.

Happy holidays, merry christmas.

P.S: The country club plaza is one of my favorite places to visit at the holidays, my husbands family lives in St. Joe so we spend a lot of time in Kansas City!

Kristen @ Pursuing Vintage said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Unknown said...

I just found your blog, Karena, and I loved this post. I, too, live in Kansas City and love The Plaza. I clicked on your link to the India Hicks site.
Can you tell me anything about the picture on the wall behind her, where she is sitting on the bed putting a red ribbon on a package? (This image is at the top of her blog, where it rotates through about 4 images.) The picture I would like information about shows a young woman in a turban and is framed in a gold frame. Thank you so much, and Merry Christmas to you and yours. Pat

Karena said...

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments this Holiday season, my friends.

Patricia I will see what I can find ou about the work of art......

Elizabeth, I would love to get together sometime when you come to Kansas City!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The Reason for the Season!

Karena said...

Patricia Verplank, the painting: from India: Portrait of Beatrice Cenci .... often muddled with Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" Beatrice murdered her father. But with good reason!
Now I want to research more about her....

xo
Karena

debra @ 5th and state said...

you are a giver all year long karena with helping to support the arts & it's creators.

i thank you for visiting me as often as you do, a comment from you brightens my day. and today's message above is spot on and thought provoking

merry christmas dear karena!
debra

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Beautiful images of the Holiday season Karena!....May you and your family have a most joyous Christmas!

Unknown said...

Fabulous! Love your images. I am back in business, thank you for the thumbs up! I am trying to squeeze a little bit more into my day! ; )
Merry Christmas and a happy new Year! Can't wait to connect on a new level!

therelishedroost said...

Lovely images Karen! That Deer with the little girl is darling! xo K

Ivy Lane said...

Karen,

Wishing you and yours all the very best this Christmas Season and in the New Year! I am so grateful to have been able to personally connect with you recently! Best Wishes in your new venture with India Hicks! I am LOVING my goodies that I purchased and will spread the word! :)

Looking forward to more inspiration from you and your wonderful blog in the new year!

xo,

Ivy/ Mary

Stacey said...

beautiful message Karena and lovely pics to accompany it! I wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the season. xo

Woodside Park said...

Dear Karena -
Thanks so much for all the inspiration! Wishing you and yours much joy now and in 2016.
Warm greetings,
L

Paisley Curtain said...

Thank you for a lovely post. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Mise said...

I am not easily uplifted, dear Karena, but you always light a match in the gloom. Long may you make a difference.

LBDDiaries said...

I haven't seen the Plaza in years. Used to live in KC years ago. Beautiful pictures, great post - looking forward to going into 2016 with your blog posts and shopping ideas!

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