All Aboard by digitalrn

All Aboard

Christmas is always a special time where I work. Each year we have this special event called the Festival of Lights. The various departments may enter a Christmas tree and they pick a theme for judging in the competition. The trees are decorated and then each one is labeled by department. Then on the specified day, which was Thursday December 2nd, the staff escort residents around the hallways so they can see all the trees and vote for their favorite five trees. We have over 400 residents, so it takes awhile to escort the residents who need help. After all the judging has been completed and votes counted, we announce the winners, first through fifth place. The residents really enjoy voting, and they really enjoy seeing all the trees. The trees look spectacular. This photo was taken at one of the displays built out of plywood and made in the shape of a tree. They had two trains set up on the tree along with a village with trees. I will be posting a few photos during the next few days showing some of the trees. It's a great event, and so much fun.
Nice. Reminded me of this Tom Hank's animated movie which I just can't recall the name.
December 4th, 2010  
Polar Express
December 4th, 2010  
this is lovely. great processing. ironic, we're watching the Polar Express right now. :)
December 4th, 2010  
chooo chooo!!!!! nice train! thomas train brother? hehe ....nice grain effect mr rick .... looking forward to see more of your tree contest photo ... =)
December 4th, 2010  
Yeah Polar Express, I love the soundtrack sung by Josh Groban! Nice photo rick, I remember a christmas gift given by my mom when I was like 7 years old. It was a train like this!
December 4th, 2010  
Love the train!! Awesome
December 4th, 2010  
that's wonderful, Rick! the photo is beautiful and the story behind it is even more beautiful! thank you for sharing this wonderful story of the true spirit of the season!
December 4th, 2010  
Sounds like so much fun!
December 4th, 2010  
This is terrific Rick. This picture is really great and what a great thing to do with your residents. I'm sure they love it and what a good way to include them.
December 4th, 2010  
great shot!
December 4th, 2010  
Beautiful picture...and such a wonderful activity that you do. I am looking foward to seeing more pictures.
December 4th, 2010  
What a nice tradition. I love all things Christmas! :)
December 4th, 2010  
What a great idea.
December 4th, 2010  
love the frosted effects! and Thanks for sharing!
December 4th, 2010  
this is so beautiful.....my step-sons LOVE trains so I will have to show them your picture when they arrive for the holidays!! :)
December 4th, 2010  
Oh, this is so lovely.
December 4th, 2010  
This just oozes Christmas. : ) I love the story behind it...that's so special and makes the picture even more beautiful.
December 4th, 2010  
Very nice photo. Sounds like lots of fun!
December 4th, 2010  
I love the colours and realism of this! Great one!
December 4th, 2010  
What a lovely idea to have the residents themselves vote and decide on which one wins. I like the train in this photo behind a snowy effect ... lovely!
December 4th, 2010  
What a great idea and I absolutely love this pic!
December 4th, 2010  
A nice tradition and a very cute shot here!
December 4th, 2010  
Rick what a lovely idea for the residents, I think that is so special that they are included in something so visual and fun and they get to go on a tour around the trees and displays, Wonderful Christmas Spirit. Well Done to all of you where you work.
December 4th, 2010  
Neat shot and processing.
December 4th, 2010  
I love this photo, you know I never had a train when I was a kid and until today I tell myself, "if I ever had a son, I am going to buy the biggest train ever, with everything on it, the railroads, trees to decorate, animals..."
Really nice photo!
December 4th, 2010  
Magical shot...the wonder of Christmas in a child's eye...great photo my friend!
December 4th, 2010  
Seems like the departments really get involved in creating these beautiful trees...nice to be in a workplace like that...photo is great...looks like a Christmas card...and wonderful for your residents...
December 4th, 2010  
That is a very cool shot, Christmas card worthy or scrapbook for the kids.
December 4th, 2010  
Love, love this photo. I know the residents love getting involved. Sweet :-)
December 4th, 2010  
Very cool shot!!!!!!!!!
December 4th, 2010  
I'm looking forward to the rest of your pictures. This festival sounds wonderful for everyone involved. I imagine the anticipation is high and then there is the fun of participating in the voting and viewing all the wonderful displays.
December 4th, 2010  
What a marvellous idea , nice for the residents to take part in. look forward . to seeing some more pictures maybe we at 365 could vote ??
December 4th, 2010  
what a great shot Rick- I love seeing the little train through the snow!!
December 4th, 2010  
@alecio Buy the train for yourself now and enjoy! Then you can pass it onto the son you may have!
December 4th, 2010  
Great shot Rick! I walked down through all the trees yesterday and was really impressed by this display.
December 4th, 2010  
The event must really be very interesting... I'm looking forward to see more of your photos.
The train looks so cute with the snow powder.
December 4th, 2010  
Hey Rick , it's on PP! :-)
December 4th, 2010  
This shot reminds me of the film "Polar Express", I love that film. ^_^
Such a beautiful shot!
December 5th, 2010  
How fun, for you and for the residents! So nice to get everyone involved and being creative.
December 5th, 2010  
Great shot and what a brilliant idea the competition and voting is.
December 5th, 2010  
Love this SHOT!!!!!
December 5th, 2010  
What a great idea with the voting. Great shot!
December 5th, 2010  
Great shot. How fun.
December 5th, 2010  
I love the angle and the depth!
December 5th, 2010  
That's a lot of people--you work in a Hospice, am I correct? That's really cool that your place gets together and does this. The photo turned out wonderful.
December 5th, 2010  
Sounds like everyone has a great time participating in in the Festival of Lights and I just love the way your picture turned out with the snow and border...AWESOME! :)
December 6th, 2010  
Lovely photo! :)
December 6th, 2010  
What a great event to host and be part of at Christmas. I Love your use of the picnik snow on this, it's just perfect. Excellent shot.
December 6th, 2010  
Nice Rick! Love the snow!
December 6th, 2010  
Nice use of the picnik snow effect!!!! :)
December 6th, 2010  
love the snow!
December 6th, 2010  
What a fabulous idea and this is a great shot, love the combination of snow and train.
December 7th, 2010  
gorgeous
December 9th, 2010  
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