The Christmas Tree

Every family has different traditions... some travel many miles to cut a tree down themselves... even though one can be found right around the block. Then we have discussions about which tree to pick... Some like the Charlie Brown tree while others like the biggest fullest tree That can be found... Finally the salesperson settled the dispute and makes the decision. Then the tree stands for days undecorated as we ask dad to please put the lights on the tree.

This no longer happens in my family... I have down- sized to a lovely little artificial 5 ' slim snow tree... but so embellished with twinkling lights of pink and white with lovely shades of pink glass balls.... crystal prisms and etched mirror ornaments and hand-made cinnamon tags and lovely ribbons that the little tree feels at least 10' tall...... No it is not the Victorian tree of a few years ago but my little precious tree is so loved....

You may not think your family have many traditions, but if you think about you do things that may differ from others you may have more than you thought... My tradition starts with the decorating the last week of October......

Wondering What It Was Like In Past Years?

When Grandma and Grandpa were young, families lived together or lived closer than we do on a average today. This made the holidays so much a closer family tie...

The turkey was most likely shot by grandpa, or brought from a farm, not like today's everything being so commercial.... I am sure it would be a lovely treat for you and for your grandparents if you would ask them about their holidays spent as a child..... and their memories as a child....

There are so many folk lore's behind traditions of Christmas... In today's hustle and bustel society and the materialist thoughts of many of the holiday... the holiday seems to be loosing some of these thoughts and traditions... I love bringing them back and reading of them... How fun... It is so intriguing to learn of fears and thoughts of past history and different traditions of the other countries.... How can we possibly hope for world peace if we don't understand ..... In different beliefs and of course religious backgrounds, each tradition may hold different meaning allowing us to look at a different side of it. Whatever you have chosen to believe or learn the whole thought is to have a peaceful , blessed and wonderful time of the year.....

Candles

Ancient Romans lit candles to ward off evil and to convience the sun to shine again... Candles were often placed in windows during the season as a sign to those passing by that shelter and warmth cound be found within...In our day today we have loving and many many types and scents of candles to choose from... I love the burning of candles and the lovely scent and the flickering glow while burning.... My favorite scent of many years is simple vanilla and love the latte scents... I find myself not caring for the floral scents but love all the kitchen scents also.... Do you have a favorite????

Thanksgiving In The United States

In 1621, after a hard and devastating first year in the New World the Pilgrims fall harvest was very successful and plentiful... There was corn, fruits, nuts and vegetables, among fish which was pecked in salt and also fire cured meats.... They fond enough food to be put away for winter's supply .....

The pilgrims had beaten the odds... they built homes in the wilderness and raised enough crops to keep them alive during the long coming winter.... Many times we have heard this story...

The custom of Thanksgiving has for year's and in 1770 a national day was suggested by Continental Congress..... In 1817 New York adopted the Thanksgiving Parade that we still have as a tradition to this day....

Keeping the tradition alive and to offer thanks of family friends and gatherings and holiday meals... even in difficult times, there is not a better time to express gratitude and share what we possibly can with others.....



Acorn Squash

2 acorn squash

2 carrots grated

1 can crushed pineapple..drained 8oz.

white raisins

1/4 teas. ginger

Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds... Place in baking dish { I always place foil around for easy clean up} combine ingredients and place in squash cavities... Bake hour and an half or till squash is tender... I always cover mine with foil....

In the past I have always just filled mine with brown sugar and butter and baked and thought I would share this recipe with you as you may have some squash harvested from you garden as I do to be prepared....

HOPE

AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES, LET US REMEMBER THAT HOPE WAS BORN AT CHRISTMAS.... HIS NAME IS JESUS.....

AND HOPE LIVES ON..........................

Thanksgiving and Christmas is a very, very special occasion.... and maybe more so in humbler households... I have personally experienced families with allot less, enjoying it more ... all proving to me that somethings are obtained far too easily by some and never completely appreciated.... Have you ever given a thought to not having means for the daily clean clothes or a simple bath ? I mean think about it real hard and long... these 2 things we expect everyday.... Can you imagine life without it? Think of the nourishment we place in our body every day....Do we realize what a blessing this is? I watch allot of HGTV... 60 to 75,000.00 redo's and wants when house hunting... but they aren't and don't do any cooking{ and joke about it}.... This just blows me away.... while others may be only making ends meet and yet they are so thankful for what they have....

As we travel into the holiday season, I hope everyone is opening their hearts and not their wallets to enjoy the season the way our maker would want us to...

In Victorian times, as in our day today, not all families enjoyed the brightness of a roaring fire with great preparation of goose, mashed potatoes, applesauce and pudding and pies and bread... It was not uncommon for the poor families without the proper cooking facilities to carry their holiday dinner to the bakers shops to be cooked... People emerged by the scores to travel to these shops.

In my eyes we all do, or my wish would be, we all could be able to enjoy our holidays..... If you like me, are fortunate to be in a warm home with family and friends and nourishment for all... please take a few minutes and reflect how truly blessed you are and those whom surround you are... It can be truly humbling......

The Yule Log

For years I always embellished a log with greens, berries, cones , and a bow and a note and would sit it beside my wood burner to have a Christmas Eve ritual... Although I have a gas fireplace now I thought it would be lovely to make one this year and Tom and I could take it outside and burn it and maybe toast a marshmallow or two... The yule log has been celebrated in many ways in different countries... When I had my floral shop I made many yule logs with fresh greens and berries and always a lovely note... " To be burnt on Christmas Eve, burning all evils due to personal faults, mistakes of others, and bad choices... This allowing us peaceful thoughts for a blessed New Year." Others loved the idea and many yule logs were sold in my shop.... as a wonderful tradition and a lovely decoration...

STEAL THIS IDEA..... Why not start a new-old tradition if you don't already enjoy this... and decorate a yule log for your home and family this year?????

You can make it the start of a lovely tradition even if you have never done it before... Sings carols and tell stories , offer food and beverages as you are burning your new ritual that has the offering of a clean slate and blessing thoughts of a New Year....

Embrace The Holidays

When children are young, family traditions seem to be more sentimental.... As kids and parents as well become older, families try to keep their lovely cherished memories alive.... It should become the responsibility of the children to create precious moments with their young families....If we allow excuses of being too busy become prevalent we soon loose our family traditions.... Teaching our children bonds although they can be somewhat different from the past becomes very important.
Remember, if you are given a chance help your mother bake cookies, rap presents, decorate, share all things that will become precious memories... Otherwise you are cheating yourself from little treasures of the heart... If mom and dad are aging bring them to your house so they can share in some of these things even if it is just to sample the cookies.... They will love you even more for it... I would love to be able to have my mother back to help with the baking and the wonderful conversation shared years ago but I do have the memories.... We must understand the importance of sharing these moments or they will truly vanish....
Throughout the coming posts I will be sharing some very lovely traditions and legends with you....
Combining holiday traditions can be both a joy and a challenge... Honoring traditions allows yourself to be flexible and offers chances for bonding experiences... Sometimes we can learn from disappointments and emphasize sacrifice and reinforce the true meaning of the holidays... I think in many families that are broken ties through divorce... this becomes a very important part of the holiday season... Most of all be understanding and loving so all gets to enjoy the traditions of the holidays even though some may be changing....
Finally remember our attitude toward the holidays will impact our family... If you don't respect that the seasons have become so commercial { as I do not myself } .... make your own traditions...

EMBRACE THE HOLIDAYS....... THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH REASONS TO CELEBRATE LIFE.........

Traditions

There are countless ways to celebrate cherished holiday traditions... How does your family celebrate that makes the upcoming next two months so special? What traditions are you teaching your family that they will carry with them? What little touches make the season extra special? Decorating of course always is the best way to set the mood... Mixing vintage, antique, and new makes a wonderful collection.... Bottle brush trees, feather trees, home-made stockings, and charming delicate ornaments and of course a wonderful old Santa or two... All these wonderful objects of the past and present makes beauty and ambiance to behold... Seems every piece has a story to tell, and brings back a memory... And let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas.... the nativity set...... Making the birth of Jesus and the magic of Christmas just go hand on hand like a happy marriage.... The sights of holiday always should bring joy to our hearts... Have you started to think of your decorating and how you will be making it very special? Have you ever used old beautiful sheet music to add to your vintage appeal? Old sheet music can be used as wrapping paper, makes wonderful place mats and guest cards... makes charming paper cones and scrolls for tree ornaments to blend your look together... Old sheet music or song books are easily found in antique shops... These pieces of the past can be equally as unique for Thanksgiving and Christmas... Cones resembling cornucopia's of sheet music filled with nuts make charming favors.... I recently purchased 2 song books for 75 cents each... If you are having a large gathering you could tape the pages from the back and make into place mats.... make small cones filled with nuts or candies....and a couple strips made into napkins rings with the addition of your favorite color ribbon you would care to decorate with and you have created a table setting for under 5.00...... Completing your decorating early allows more time to be enjoyed and also frees yourself up so you don't have to miss out enjoying the season due to letting the things on your list mount up... Tap into the season now, get a plan and enjoy the preparation........

Sensing The Season

As I sit and peer out the window the sun is up softly melting the frost that develops over the night time hours and the corn is waiting the time for the big iron horses to be able to get into the wet fields.... The farmers are alarmed in our area as mother nature has shown her bad side not allowing good harvest conditions.....
Sensing the season is coming upon us.... remember not to try to make the season so perfect for others that you miss out on the moments of enjoyment for ourselves.... Don't forget to stop, sip the cocoa and mulled cider and enjoy every second of the aroma and flavor.....
As the season become closer, our hearts seem to beat alittle faster... My thoughts for you are to indulge in small treats... Don't rush around, hunting for endless gifts that will create bills and tarnish the magic of the holidays.... Spend precious moments in front of the fireplace and the tree and home coziness that surrounded by the ones you love... This is the year to maybe take a stand and not be caught up in the thinking of others and teach your family the true spirit and joy that can come with the season....Forget the list, sore feet and worry of empty wallets... We all need to think of the season as a season of hope, joy, and love... It's about home... and what we truly have in our hearts....
Let the sensing of the season begin with the fragrances of fresh cut pine, cinnamon sticks and cloves simmering on the stove top, the lovely fragrance of of your favorite scent in a flickering candle and cookies and pumpkin pie baking in the oven....A roaring fire in your fireplace on a chilly evening or morning... the cracking adding the ambiance seems to have a special allure to it with soft carols or loved music in the background..... all creating the most wonderful place to be with a serene peace..... our home.....

Counting Our Blessings

Heading into the month of harvest completion and a time for Thanksgiving and spending time with family and friends is truly a time of generosity and sharing with others... The bonds of family and friends become very important as we travel through the next 2 months... Experiences enjoyed during the time adds enchantment to our being.. For many it is a opportunity to share with great pleasure those whom are less fortunate. Many churches encourage members to bring a gift of a non-perishable item that will be shared.... Seems like a small thing to do but it does make a difference in many lives... When I compare what I will be able to indulge in compared to others less fortunate through self faults or unfortunate situations it brings tears and draws you to you knees in thanksgiving for the blessings you have... Far too many times we go through our day without giving this a thought... Take a moment and reflect how really fortunate we are... and give thanks......

Pink

We are entering into the most magical time of the year... I am dreaming of a pink Christmas this year... I love the feel of all things soft and romantic..... I haven't used the expected reds and greens for many years, actually since my children were small. I love generous doses of pink with aged creme-latte look... a magical result.... My mission has started being creative on a very small scale with this years holiday decorating using inventive ways to garnish with ornaments, trimmings, s and anything with holiday sparkle... My picture above is a grungy cinnamon tag with a sweet vintage little girl on a sled, I made to use on my slim tree this year... We all have our personal gifts.... my wish for you is to tap into your gift and be inspired......

Little Pink Bottle Brush Trees

My sweet little pink bottle brush trees arrived from Janet at Shabby Fu Fu..... I love them......
Please wait till little box download is complete......

Make a Smilebox photobook

Treaure Hunt

Oh my gosh...... I started unpacking my holiday storage boxes that I had packed 2 weeks after my heart attack this past year..... I didn't exactly stand them on there heads but I did not organize anything nor did I mark any of the boxes.... I will be laying everything out and many will be re-packed until I decide if it is time to part with many ..... I just wasn't very strong when I did this packing and oh it does show.... Update.... I did have a doctor's appointment with my doctor from Toledo yesterday, and a couple tests and news was very good for me... He feels my heart is making a strong recovery......
When unpacking holiday treasures you realize how special some items are to you.... When you accumulate allot you resort to the art of layering at it's very best.... That is what I am trying to simplify this year.... Maybe the idea of trying to get all that Christmas packed away is still strong in my mind from last year's memory.... as I am sure it will not go away for a long period of time.... I just have a desire with little attention I can make my little home a peaceful oasis of tranquility, a place to relax and rejuvenate amongst a few holiday treasures... These small pleasures enhance my life... When you feel these are life enhancing I believe for many of us it becomes a work in progress as we can embellish, adorn, and beautify these things.... I personally do like the art of layering and do believe the more you do the more skilled you become at doing it.... There seems to be little sense to collecting if you don't know how to display them... I love homes ozzing with lace, rich fabrics, and fringe.... like Robin {Magnolia Pearl} and it certainly doesn't matter how distressed or warn something may be if you find beauty in it.... Just adapt objects to your own taste and this enhances your special place to relax and enjoy your life....
I am off to do laundry, clean house and eventually unpack and have a treaure hunt in mystery boxes later this afternoon..... In between a few breaks......

What Makes Memories

What makes memories?? Can they be a simple but wonderful as the sharing of conversation with the delight feeling the warmth drawn from a fire... The wonderful moments spent sharing nourishment with others... The excitement of receiving a lovely hand-written letter of gentle and kind words... The use of a linen or quilt belonging to a mother or grandmother... For all these can all be sweet memories... In today's society we tend to think it needs to be large and lavish... Small things are the very most important and sharing of home is still the best place in the world. If homes are the best place in the world to be, then making and launching the holiday season with romantic touches and unexpected objects can only make the allure much more wonderful. Treasures come in all sizes. I love when homes are filled with enchanting discoveries for anyone who visits... Especially exciting are objects that you want to hold onto forever as you will be truly surrounding yourself in things you love. I am about to embark on the beginning of unsealing storage boxes with holiday charm waiting to fill my home... I think I must set my sweet embellishments out and decide what will be used this season... Smaller doses of charm are on the menu this season...

I find much personal pleasure in a delightful mix of elements... setting visual mood and atmosphere. My only purchase this season were 2 small sets of pink bottle brush trees from Janet @ http://www.shabbyfufu.com/ of which I am waiting to receive... I am off to try to create some memories..... Ready to create some of your own?????

Today's Choices

In our world today the choices of how we live our life's are YOURS and are MINE.... It is really very simple... Like a on and off switch.... We have choices of light or darkness, joy or despair... We have choices to place ourselves in settings that nourish the soul and heart... and not to be swallowed up by all that surrounds us and adds temptation and pressures... Allowing ourselves good choices after we have laboriously achieved our daily task, we can go to sleep in peace knowing God is awake.....

" My People will dwell in peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." Isaiah 32:18

May you and your families have the happy, healthy, lives with the desire and making of good choices........Enjoy a wonderful day.....

Color Inspiration

When we open our eyes each morning we perceive color and have a reaction that affects our moods, just as waking up to a sunlit day compared to a grey gloomy day. For some bright hues fill your rooms... For me, I much prefer whites, creams, tans, browns as I love surroundings to be calmer.... With the neutrals, I can add or take away punches of color with accessories. I love drinking in the vintage objects married in touches of creams, whites and maybe a touch of pink. Oh so very yummy... In your decorating touches it is always good to use your own instincts because you want your home to reflect what you love and want to surround yourself in.
I am most definitely not going to go with a red room because someone else loves it... and you shouldn't either..... When combining a bunch of objects it usually works because they are things you love.It is okay to love diversity... I really tend to do that. Use what is beautiful to you. The ideas are plentiful for your holiday decorating... My only suggestion would be to try to stay with the same color tones when mixing your objects.... Patterns adapt if they are in the same color... Last holiday I used browns, beige's and aged papers for my main holiday decorating.... This year will be different with whites, aged tans and pinks...as I have existing ornaments in these shades awaiting in storage boxes... It seems like unwrapping old friends you may have forgotten about as you pull out your storage boxes.... As I will be down sizing my decorating this year... many boxes will remain taped shut... I haven't decided yet to part with many... The romance of the holiday season still seems to center on the Christmas tree in many homes.. I have also down sized my trees over the years and will only have a 5' slim tree again this year... I always make sure it is decorated in the best of the best of things I love. This gives me pleasure to look at it throughout the holiday season.... Many memories of love and past traditions arise during this time, love ones who may no longer be with us... and the desire to make new memories for others to carry with them.. It is the way we embrace sentiments that makes it so very lovely... Each year as the season approaches we seem to dream of churches nested in snow, candlelight twinkling in windows, trees radiant with shimmering embellishments, the fragrance of baking coming from our kitchens, and the warmth of the flickering fireplace... Our hopes and dreams waiting as unexpected gifts everywhere... We only need to look carefully and enjoy,love and sharing... Just stop, look, smell, and feel as the holiday season starts to whisper to you........

Thoughts Of Vignettes

The last days of fall can bring new beginnings..... Time to tackle those decorating ideas.... Autumn is pumpkin season... shades of oranges and crisp days .... As we travel on we enter into endless possibilities..... Snow whites and shimmer, all very appealing to the eye.....
When thoughts wonder toward decorating the perfect solution is thinking of creating vignettes.... Lovely little gatherings of objects that are similar or seem to wed well ... This proves to be very, very, lovely at the holiday season. My background of design for many years has allowed me to view many sitting of objects.... The biggest mistake made is sitting objects out like a line of soldiers instead of grouping them.... Grouping is much more appealing to the eye, allowing space between vignettes keeps it from looking cluttered.... Grouping is best achieved by elevations by use of elevation with vintage books, boxes, or stemmed ware dishes or a object in your collection that can add height... The vignette I love the most is one achieved by the use of a large glass cloche { a bell jar}... I just love the look and appeal and changes you can make over the years period.... They seem to reflect light and add dazzle.... Searching through magazines , viewing and reading blogs, and visiting shoppes, are the best resources for adding vignettes with sweet touches for our holiday drama. As my thoughts wondering toward giving my home a holiday happening ,I know my first thought will be vignettes and pass the glitter please......

The True Meaning

For many of us the economy will be a great factor on how we celebrate our special occasions that happen in our life's. Birthdays, anniversaries, and the holiday season... With the approaching of the holiday season I will just accept this as a way to go to the traditions of the past that I adore so very much..... A person can be made to feel very special with the gift of love. Ways of truly enjoying the season without adding financial pressure... Creating a beautiful home with decorations already in our possessions, waiting patiently in storage boxes to lovingly be displayed. Thoughts of embellishment or displaying them in a different way with another treasure of the past adds a new look.... After making our homes look festive our main thoughts should be toward our family and friends and nourishment.... The feasting and sharing is after all.....very delightful. Let not our clothing and accessories matter on these special days. Let the true meaning shine above all things... Keeping the simple but true thoughts and warm feelings in our approaching holiday season will allow the season to bring you happiness not the pressures that can accompany those whom allow wants to over-come them... Allow yourself the true gift.... of time spent with family and friends and the peace that comes with doing this.

Allowing Time

The leaves from the trees are swirling downward as the wind and rain is supplying generous doses..... This all being the part of the essence of this part of the season... this is a thing of beauty to watch them on their journey downward... The wind and rain having them almost stripped now... It makes you feel the need for the thought of a heaping more wood into the fireplace.... It seems all the outdoor plants are making ready for their winter's pause. During these times it seems to allow for more time to enjoy time and thinking of your blessings...... when days are gloomy it allows time for realizing the true meaning of our gifts. Unless we take that time to realize our blessings and reflect to others we have lost all that has been given to us and just continue to get swallowed up in our business of everyday life. We do not allow time for our own well being. Taking time and allowing our self to enjoy the interior and exterior of our life's is key for true bliss.... Today is a day for the interior ..... Blessings to you all.....

Thinking About Christmas Decorating.....

As the feasts and festivities are fast approaching I never forget to want to add the romance.... Soft lighting and candelabras and mirrors causing the reflections trying to fool mother nature as she shortens our days of natural light. All thoughts seem to have the desire to make things special... and make tribute to the fruits of the harvest in full swing in our area here in Ohio. As many of you know filling my home with vintage items, adorned with small sweet details, making the space a lovely heart of the home. My love for beaded sconces and mirrors can be found everywhere. Seems as thought the collections range from eclectic to elegant. A few dazzling perfume bottles can be found tucked in amongst other objects to add to the beauty and romance. These pieces will remain through the holiday season with tucks of Christmas entwined, always surrounding myself with things I love.... I do like the evidence of the objects I love to be visual... with sweet embellishments displays with remnants of the past.... It always works with the elements already there and just add enough to compliment .... The past couple weeks I have been looking on ebay to see what sparkle putz houses have been selling for have and have decided to just use what I have.... I found a couple Cody Foster pink houses to die for and they were going for 90.00.... They were ever so sweet but I will have to pass on them.... I have some lovely little houses and I will be very content just to surround myself in them..... I am getting anxious to see them peeping out of there storage boxes... I do start my decorating the last week of Oct. and that is very close.... As I post this the sun is just now trying to come up but the weather is suppose to change again later today and the rest of the weekend..... All the more reason to think about the romance of the season twinkling lights and lovely objects.......

Would You Listen?

In our world today... we need to remember what a special part of our life our partner needs to be... It seems to be so very easy to just dispose of today. To avoid all the unbearable pain of parting, it would be of great importance for us to make our partner feel special.... To leave all the tears behind we need to try to place that energy in building the life's we already have and not to become overwhelmed and just want to give up.... when these times comes we need to realize it is the time to pull together and not let go of the rope instead of getting on different ends and tugging... I truly believe the key to success in business and personal relationships is to LISTEN.... If we learn to listen we also will then be heard..... Needing to remind ourselves through troubled times we promised "FOREVER"... In order to not throw away hopes and dreams that we will regret... we need to not break apart bit by bit.... So today when your partner has something to say.... LISTEN and remember all the hopes and dreams promised and be willing to make them all come true and walk through life, hand in hand... The stars I promise will seem allot brighter as the day diminishes and you will see the twinkle in your partners eyes......

Blanket of Love

When life gives you scraps...... make a quilt... for those whom sleep under a quilt, sleep under a blanket of LOVE.........

Winter Approaches

As winter approaches I will be changing my thoughts to the green of the fir tree and for hoped family gatherings and the warmth of a fire aglow and oh , let us not forget the whisper of our first snow.... Winter allows more time to reminisce of memories past. Under the snow lite night of the stars that seem to twinkle to be a part of the sparkle that lies beneath.... There is a magic that seems to happen every year as the winds and snow is blowing and the nights are cold and clear.... as we spend our time inside the warmth of our homes with our families we hold so dear.... I look at the calendar and know the time is here for quite a while, and will try to plan each and everyday with projects and reading ... It can be a good time for each and all as we travel into the winter to draw absent ones toward home again. Winter time traditions are past along with the memories of times past and a few stolen kisses under the mistletoe... Our winter season is fast approaching.... a time to enjoy winters chilly kiss and reminisce.....

Winter's Whispers Holiday Scrap Journal

When doing anything you love..... isn't it amazing how much passion and commitment you place into it.... I have just completed my scrappy journal book to display and enjoy over the whispers of winter and holiday season... I created the journal in pinks and creams and aged pages and song sheets that will be used as my main colors for my decorating for the holiday season... I found so very much enjoyment working with the lovely images of the ladies of the past.......

Seasons Change

I only must stick my toe outside to realize our season has changed. With this change comes anticipation of the holiday season. I already find myself thinking of decorating although I have made myself a promise it will be half as much as I did last year. I still have the desire for it to be lovely for myself and all to enjoy.I love the idea of generous doses of beautiful decorations and togetherness. A wonderful tradition full of warmth by love and sips of hot cocoa as we slip off to bed for sugar dreams to dance in our head....Memories of family and friends warm our spirits on cold winter's eve, just knowing that we were happy to be together and allowing a family tradition to grow richer than any material possessions.
In our area in Ohio, fall seems to have slipped right on by us and winter seems to be whispering a gentle hello. In a few short weeks we will be giving " THANKS" and brighten others lives with our sharing... As the next few weeks unfold I enjoy slipping into a state of beauty as we surround ourselves with a state of twinkling glow, and abundance of exquisite decorations amongst the ice and snow. Snippets of evergreen will start to appear as we prepare for the holidays as they draw near.

Mirror Reflections

Mirror, mirror..... when looking into our lovely mirror on our wall, what do we really see? Do we view a lovely soft smile for someone whom may be falling in love with it??? Do we view a kindred spirit, gentle, loving and kind and giving? Someone whom may have a patch on her dress because she willing shared with another? Or do we view a very well dressed lady tucked in the best of the best and only out to impress. A mirror may reflect more than we may be willing to admit. In this day it is wonderful to know someone feels good about herself, but I know God will be asking if you are as beautiful on the inside as the mirror reflects you to be on the outside....

Smile

"Never frown because you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile"

When times and thoughts seem to be a a lower level... inspiring verses can become reminders to always dream, always hope, always love.

Some people find inspiration in the visual rather than the written arts. It is a true gift to be able to find inspiration in both. This allows us to enjoy more and to appreciate all things pretty. For my personal beauty I love the old traditions of something old, something new, something borrowed, something pink...{ok something blue} Borrowing another era's lovely inventions of a lovely pink rose china plate and sugar dishes make me melt into gel. We are offered such a large array of treats with a trip of charm to antique store turning out pretty china dishes , cut-glass bowls, dessert glasses and hand-painted and jeweled objects.. Tucked among may come lovely hand-written pages, parchments, aged papers and song sheets... I often wonder of the person and the love they shares when he would press a flower in the folds of his letter as his father may have done for his mother. Again I think there can be no greater or lovely sentiment than one written on one's own hand. The pleasures that were felt by one tying a lovely ribbon around the hand-written words and placing them in a lovely box for keeping for a eternity. Every once in a while the lasting sentiments make their way into a antique shop or a auction still tucked in their beautiful storage box with the lovely faded ribbon of time. Love letters in their beauty and inspiration do not make the same plea or have the intimacy so delicate when placed on high technology. Whether defined by intricate writings or roses clusters I have drawn my inspiration from all. All these gives you a reason to enjoy beauty and sentiments. Do you realize a rose alone or a lovely hand-written note can make the smile that someone is falling in love with.

Dreams

As the rain continues to blanket our part of Ohio I try to think lovely thoughts.... I would love to share this one with you...
"IF YOU CAN DREAM, YOU CAN MAKE IT COME TRUE...




The lovely words written above leave our lives open to accept wonderful happenings. Enjoying life on a everyday basis is not a season but a state of mind..... to cherish, love, peace and good will, to be rich in mercy, and to savor lovely music in one's heart are all keys to making our dreams come true. If we stop and do all of these things, a hope and a dream will be born within us... We will shine like a star sending a beautiful gleam and glow to surround us.....
To make our journeys complete we should enjoy and hold unto moments of finding the lost, healing the broken hearted, feeding the hungry, and try to bring peace to the enemy. rebuild what has been torn down and to especially see the beauty that surrounds us.. This will keep the magic of our dreams and the hope in our lives alive... If we allow ourselves to dream, our hearts grow tender with the childhood memories and we develop a kindred love and we become better in spirit... The love and joy you give to others comes back to you in such wonderful ways and you develop the wiliness to spend more time with the poor, lonely, and sad... and all of this makes your heart so very glad . When time is spent filling you dreams I believe we can also fill the dreams of others with love and warmth, all making it seem that heaven isn't truly that that far-a-way place. I know what ever longing, whatever your need, you must "GIVE" then your soul will be filled and you will truly live your dream....