Vital Imagery Blog

Apparently it could be an interesting trip this weekend.  Especially given that the universe appears to be conspiring against us.

My husband and I, along with our daughter and two grandbabies, are setting out tomorrow for a little mini vacation. For a couple of days earlier this week we worried that we might have to cancel as our little granddaughter appeared to have contracted some kind of bug and was really under the weather. Fortunately, she rallied so all systems seemed to be go again.

Then a quick check of the weather for our travel day threw us another curve. Apparently, after a glorious autumn of unseasonably nice temperatures, there's a winter storm watch.  As we're seasoned Snowbelt natives, the threat of snow doesn't generally concern us overmuch; my husband's comment when told the forecast was that he better put the snow tires on after all.

This is not to say that we don't take it seriously, just that given our Canadian winters, particularly as we live …

One shouldn't wish one's life away, but I really can't hardly wait for this weekend.

A month or so ago, our daughter asked me if her father and I would be interested in going away for a couple of days before Christmas with her and the babies.  Her husband works a lot of weekends, and she operates a home day care during the week, so she thought it might be nice to go do something fun.

And, of course, what could be more fun than going away with Grandma and Papa?

The choice of where was a no-brainer. A short-drive from home is Frankenmuth, Michigan.  This pretty Bavarian town has long been a family favourite, starting when my husband and I were dating and with friends attended the annual beer festival in June, then later with our own kids where the focus switched to the Christmas wonderland that is Bronner's.

We all agree it has been the perfect mini-vacation destination.

As expected there have been many photos taken over the years of these frequent sojourns. I captured …

"Every gift from a friend is a wish for  your happiness." — Richard Bach

Let's face it, if most of us are to be honest we'd admit we love getting presents.  Knowing that someone took time from his or her busy life to find that perfect gift for you is a pretty special bit of information to have. 

Also, the suspense before the opening, that moment of surprise when you finally open it are rare moments in a life typically dedicated to thinking of others before oneself.

I'll be truthful. I don't expect gifts on my birthday, anniversary or Mother's Day. If they arrive, however, I'm as gleeful as a child on Christmas morning.

Which is the perfect segue to my next point. Dec. 25 is the one time I care less about receiving and am simply thrilled to watch everyone open the gifts I have given them. When it comes to the spirit of giving during the holiday season, it gives me the purest joy.  

So much so that I do get a little carried away. To the point where a …

No matter what the season, somebody's always trying to sell something. Whether it's bathing suits in summer or hockey skates in winter, back to school fashions in August or rain boots in April,  there are plenty of businesses wanting your business.

However, there's probably never more commercial enterprises letting you in on what they have to offer and at what kind of deal they're willing to offer it, than now.  Every store in every town, every shop on every corner has a reason to entice you through their doors for your Christmas shopping.

Competition is high, therefore. Creating the right promotion can make a big difference on whether or not people choose to spend their money with you.   Whether it's an excellent marketing strategy or catchy theme, whether it's a better discount or a promise of something extra, shoppers are drawn to anything that gives them that little extra.

The advertisements you use also need to attract attention. Designing one that catch…

When I think about the type of clipart people might be searching for these days, what comes to mind are illustrations for discount and sale promotions.  Everyone's looking for a bargain. With Black Friday less than two weeks away and Christmas just around the corner,  the time to let them know about any is now.

I spent this past weekend getting a jump start on my shopping. Most of the stores were already offering various specials and discounts, in order to provide as many temptations as possible.

Obviously, it's pleasant to see something you like discounted. It won't, however, entice me to buy it if I wasn't looking for it. No, I tend to be a sucker for the 'buy one, get something'  kind of deal.  I can't tell you how many, soft cuddly throws I've bought because a particular retailer each year offers them at a highly-discounted price if you spend $50.

I might only be searching for one pair of earrings, but gosh if they're going to offer another fr…