Today's post is from guest blogger Thomas Kinkade, painter of light, and the creator, with Teleflora, of the Thomas Kinkade Sleigh Ride Bouquet, one of our gorgeous Christmas flower arrangements.
There is no other place like New York in the world and we love to be there, especially during the Christmas holidays. The crisp winter air, the bustling crowds, the lights and the carolers and the snow—this city has it all…and lots of it! When we go to New York, we know that we’ll always visit our favorite spots and take in our most prized sights.
My painting Christmas in New York brings us to Rockefeller Center for the lighting of the nation’s most famous Christmas tree. Then, it’s off for shopping up and down 5th Avenue—along the famous route from Macy’s to Bloomingdale’s and to all of the great legendary stores and specialty shops along the way. Other activities we always enjoy while we’re in New York include ice skating in Central Park. New York is unique and unforgettable year-round, but something truly magical happens to the City during Christmas.
On many occasions while I’m traveling, the best moments I experience in other cities and on the road always seem to involve meeting collectors. When I spend time talking with them, they often refer to a particular image and how it has unique meaning to them. In many cases, they tell of having received strength from one of my paintings during difficult and trying times. Some people tell me a specific painting reminds them of a loved one or a memorable place in time. I’ve heard collectors say that the locations in many of my paintings depict places that they’ve always wanted to visit.
At many of my public appearances, collectors will ask me to sign their beloved keepsakes. These are items that have meaning especially to them and represent a time in their lives. They tell me about and bring their Teleflora keepsakes, because so many great memories bring the moment back again and again. You’ll always recall who sent you the Teleflora keepsake and you’ll tell your friends about it for many years to come. A gift during Christmas is most treasured, including holiday flowers or Christmas centerpieces, because family, love and friends are attached to it forever.
