Surprise at Sunset

                                                 (Taken through the windshield of my car.)

A good practice at sunset is to review all the things you feel grateful for throughout the day.

They don't have to be big, earth-shattering things. Maybe you found a perfect pear at the supermarket or received a phone call you didn't expect.   Perhaps you liked the smell of freshly washed sheets when you took them out of the drier or ate a delicious meal.

The more things one is grateful for in life, the  happier she will be. It's very true.

What it filters down to is a heart filled with gratitude cannot be discontent and complaintative. They are simply incompatible.

One evening, already feeling grateful for the gift of good health, I drove down a street and got a pleasant surprise. the evening sun poured golden light through the windshield and surrounding landscape. Immersed in the the golden glow, it would have been difficult to feel anything less than deep gratitude.

Unpleasant things that happened during the day seemed to melt away while gazing at the explosion of gold in the sky above.

ARE THERE GORGEOUS SUNSETS WHERE YOU LIVE? WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR AT THE END OF THE DAY?

St. Anthony, Finder of Lost Things

All my life, St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of Padua, Portugal,  has helped me find things that I have lost.

A little rhyming prayer  used for decades is to name what is lost and ask for St. Anthony's help. For example, if something of mine turned up missing,  I'd say,

     "Tony, Tony, look around,
       My lost (object) must be found."

While it sounds like some kind of a superstition, from personal experience, I can tell you there is validity in it. Almost 100 percent of the time, after the prayer is said, the lost items inevitably are found. It almost never fails.

Just this weekend at my son's wedding, one of the guests lost his rental car keys. It would have been very problematic if the keys had to be replaced.  Quickly, several members of my family and myself appealed to St. Anthony for help. Shortly thereafter, the guest found the keys in one of his bags and the emergency ended. Thanks, St. Anthony!

Another time, on a very snowy, winter day, an acquaintance lost car keys. She was terribly distraught. I urged her to pray to St. Anthony for help. Within a half hour, she came running to me, very excited, with tears in her eyes.

    "I found my keys," she said. "They were  buried in a snowbank. Something just told me to look there."

In my heart, I believe the "something" was this great, Catholic saint.

I believe saints live as spirits in the other realm of life. They were once regular people, like you and me, who did extraordinary things in their lives on earth which relegated them to sainthood.

As for St. Anthony, he's been such a tremendous help in my life that I am immensely grateful to him.

The stained glass window depicting St. Anthony's image, shown at the top of this post, is located in a church in western Massachusetts.

A blessed Sunday to everyone!

Wedding Brings Joy and Tears

Today my son is getting married.

While my heart is filled with happiness for him to have found the woman he wants to share the rest of his life with, there's also a tinge of bittersweet.  One has a child, nurtures him, guides, teaches, protects, and cares for him from birth.

Then, there is the landmine trek into teenage years. Is there anything more chilling than wondering if one's child is okay when he's late for curfew?  Or waiting for the car to pull into the driveway after he gets his license? The oh-my-Lord moments pile up pretty high during those tumultuous years.

Parenting doesn't end at age 20. No way. The college years come and go and then there is the first job after graduation, the traveling to new places, sharing disappointments, feeling the grown child's pain over  broken dreams, and on and on.

Then, inevitably, the time comes for a child to say goodbye to his parents and start a new life with his forever love. Of course it's a joyous time but it's also a letting go time.

So today, when my son becomes a husband, no matter how hard I will try not to cry, I know the tears will fill my eyes and threaten to ruin my eye makeup.  Can I help it if I'm a marshmallow heart?  When he walks me down the aisle, I'll look at all the friends and family present and cry some more.

When his bride comes down the aisle, and her eyes lock  with his in a glance of pure love, this mother is going to give Niagra Falls some competition.

(Happy wedding day, my precious son.)

P.S. I will share more on this momentous day in future posts.

HOW DID YOU HOLD UP DURING YOUR CHILD'S WEDDING?

Doll House Miniature Doll for Cindy's Show and Tell Friday

Hobbies are like sparkling diamonds in the crown of life.

It's really true that it's impossible to be bored when one has hobbies.  During the years when I worked full time, it was hard finding extra minutes for leisure but I tried my darndest.  Now, between jobs, time is still at a premium.

However, probably one of my favorite hobbies is doll house miniatures. Whenever I find something of interest for this little pink abode,  which stands in our dining room, I love buying it and then adding to the decor.

                                                            
Actually, there are two more doll houses in other parts of the house, both of which need electrical wiring and major revamping. I'm always hopeful the time will come when I can start working on them. When completed , there will be a little doll house neighborhood around here. Right now, I'm hoping to find some electrical wiring kits that are not too expensive.

Imagine how thrilling it was when I came across a tiny dolly that was actually meant to be a Christmas tree decoration. Still in a small box,  I found  her on a thrift store shelf. The price was $3.98, a trifle steep, but I bought her anyway.

A string attached to her head, to enable hanging from a tree branch, got snipped.

She's very tiny, no more than three inches tall, but she's dressed to the gills in pink and white lace. She even has teeny tiny pink shoes. Her dark brown hair is long and curly.

She now sits in the dining room doll house nursery with her cousins.

WHAT ARE TWO OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Be sure to check out Cindy's enchanting blog, My Romantic Home, http://romantichome.blogspot.com/   to see some of the other entries for Show and Tell Friday. Her blog button is in the sidebar to the right. Click on it and, just like a magic carpet, it will take you to Cindy's blog!

Meditation: A Gift We Give Ourselves for Dayle's Simple Pleasures Party

What is needed for successful meditation?

Everyone would give different answers since each individual needs something specific.

Personally, quiet is essential.  Secondly, nature enhances meditating.  Being outside puts a person in touch with clouds, sky, trees, water, and wildlife.

Meditating does not cost a cent. One does not have to travel anywhere special to do it. It calms the mind, relaxes the body, and enriches the spirit. It is a supreme simple pleasure.

The pond photographed offers a perfect spot to relax and meditate.  At first glance, the pond looks quiet and still.  A few minutes of observation, however, will reveal different kinds of life in and around it.

A ripple of the water, a butterfly alighting on a piece of grass, and a bird gliding through the air all offer comfort to the soul.

A few minutes of intense meditation help clear the mind and give energy.  Meditation is a gift we give ourselves.  Cherish this simple pleasure.

ARE YOU ABLE TO MEDITATE?

Now be sure to hop on over to  Dayle's blog, A Collection of This and That, http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/ and check out all the other simple pleasures. Her blog button is in the sidebar, too!

Looking Up to Trees

Okay, here comes a weird admission:  I am in love with trees.

Their gnarly trunks, their branches, and their leafy attire all fascinate me.

Whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, trees are special and beautiful. 

Whenever a tree gets cut down, it saddens me. We had two trees in our front yard when we bought this house. One of them began to die. Consultation with a tree expert revealed that the tree was not going to make it.

Still, I refused to let my husband order its demise until branches started falling down on my head. A couple of times they really hurt. The brick sidewalk in front of our house began to be littered with bare, fallen branches so then I knew it was time.

Even today, when I see the stump where the tree used to be, it makes me sad. But, just like people we love, eventually we have to say goodbye to them.

These days, the neighbors must think I have a few marbles missing because I go around with my camera, looking up into the branches of nearby trees, taking photos. These beautiful autumn leaves render me breathless.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TREES?

On the Road Again and Blog Anniversary Giveaway Winner

It's utterly amazing how fast life goes by.

The older one gets, the faster it flies. Whole days pass in a blurry flash. First it's morning, then, before we can blink our eyes, it's night and time to go to bed.

My maternal grandmother, who lived to be 97 years old, used to ask, "How old am I?"

We would remind her of her advanced age. She would make a tsk tsk sound with her tongue and say,
"Where did the years go? I was just a young girl yesterday."

Sadly, she lived the last six years of her life without sight. She had been such an immensely talented seamstress and crocheter. Some of her crocheted table doilies were extremely intricate and detailed. She did exquisite work.

When going to visit her, I used to drive on the highway shown above. At this time of year it is ablaze with the colors of fall. When I pass by the exit where Grandma used to live, it tugs at my heart. Wouldn't it be wonderful to visit with her again in her kitchen and look at her crisply starched curtains with red and white crocheted trim?

Autumn is a bittersweet time.  It's a season of beauty but everyone knows it will soon bring icy weather and bare tree branches.   Perhaps it's better not to think of what's ahead.

It is far better to just be "on the road again!"

ARE YOU ABLE TO JUST LIVE IN THE MOMENT?


Here's the news you've been waiting for. We have a WINNER of this blog's one year anniversary giveaway!  The name pulled out of a basket was Bookie, from Missouri, whose blog is Claudia's Page!

Congratulations!  Bookie!  Please e-mail me your mailing address so I can send out your package!
My e-mail address is writingstraightfromtheheart@gmail.com  I'm so happy for you!


Just for the record,  I want everyone who entered  the giveaway to know that it would be my heart's desire for all of you to win! Wouldn't that be so sweet? Each of you is special to me!  Hugs, Susan

THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENTER THE One Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway

This blog, Writing Straight from the Heart, began as a labor of love in October of last year.  It is now officially one year old!

Sorry it's taken me several days to announce the little commemoration giveaway. It's been pretty hectic around here. I'm sure many of you can identify. Time sure flies, whether one is having fun or not! ha!

Anyhow,  the items shown are all included in the giveaway. 

I cannot even express how
great it has been to meet so many
terrific people in blogland! Each
of your comments on the more than 375 posts has brought me so much joy! Thanks so much for sharing
this exciting journey with me!


Now, back to the giveaway. There are two packages of fall theme paper napkins; a honeycomb turkey decoration; the October issue of Country Living Magazine; a package of gold doilies that would look nice under dishes on the Thanksgiving table; and a cd of "The World's Most Unforgettable Movie Themes".  

You do not have to be a Follower of this blog to win.

Simply leave a comment on today's post that you would like to participate in the giveaway. 

I'll put all of the names in a basket and draw one out at 11 p.m. tonight.  Fair enough?

Okay, everybody, that's it. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday. Don't forget to comment! 

  Hugs to all, Susan

Ornate Church Architecture Appears Quite Majestic

Gothic styled churches proliferated at a time when the economy was strong and ethnic populations worshipped together as groups.

Traveling through a small city in Western Massachusetts merited a stop at a very majestic and nicely kept church.

The stained glass windows and architecturally pleasing arches, alone,  made the stop well worthwhile. Sun streamed through the large, high windows, creating rainbow colored rays.

Stations of the cross which detailed the passion of Christ lined the walls between smaller stained glass windows.

Candles flickered in blue holders in a side altar in the front vestibule of the church.

The architecture of churches built decades ago tends to be quite ornate, massive, and impressive.

Ornate statuary adorned the outside of the church.

Steeples jutted high into the sky. The sun beat down on crosses that nearly touched the clouds.

 It's a safe bet to say they just don't make churches like this anymore.

DO YOU HAVE ORNATE STYLED CHURCHES WHERE YOU LIVE?

Surprises Make Life Extra Special

In the midst of busyness and problem-solving in life, something that brings an element of surprise is always welcome.

During a walk near a lake in New England, a bolt of sunshine shot down from the sky. It created a shimmering display of melted gold on the rippling water.

The walk, while refreshing and beneficial, in itself, now became a highlight of the day.

Surprises make life extra special. Next time you get one, take note of it and let it fill your heart with satisfaction. 

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU GOT A SURPRISE?

Crocheted Art for Cindy's Show and Tell at "My Romantic Home"

When looking at a crocheted doily, it's easy to remember  reading about simpler times when young girls learned to do a lot of handiwork, in preparation for their lives as dedicated homemakers.

 It's almost a given they learned to crochet.  Nowadays, most teenage girls  probably never learn to crochet. They are more apt to be checking online social networks to chat with friends! After all, times change.

The patterns of crocheted pieces probably number in the dozens.  Each appears to be unique and exquisite.  

In my own childhood, images of my maternal grandmother crocheting are very clear. She did beautiful work, including one pattern that had pineapple shapes.  She never had instructions. All of her works came from her own head. She probably duplicated pieces she had seen, as amazing as that seems.  Her crocheted doilies topped every table, shelf, and dresser in her home. 

Unfortunately, while loving the look of crocheted pieces, it's an art I never learned since it seemed impossibly difficult.  Still, whenever a table topper or doily comes across my path, it's tempting to buy it.  Crocheted pieces remind me of a calmer, simpler time in history.

The one shown in the photo at the top of this page, now gracing our dining room table, was a gift to me. All of the green glass on top of it came from  thrift stores or yard sales.

Now that Christmas is around the corner, maybe some red glass can be added, to make a holiday color combination.

DO YOU LIKE CROCHETED ITEMS?

Be sure to check out Cindy's enchanting blog, My Romantic Home, http://romantichome.blogspot.com/  to see some of the other entries for Show and Tell Friday. Her blog button is in the sidebar to the right. Click on it and, just like a magic carpet, it will take you to Cindy's blog!

For Dayle's Simple Pleasures: The Colors of Nature's Autumn in New England

The colors of nature in the fall in picturesque New England are among the simple pleasures of life.

How amazing is it to see a usually green bush burst into the deep red flame colors of autumn attire?  It's as if nature is  throwing a party and all the trees and bushes are getting dressed to attend. They wear full, splendorous regalia.

Pale yellow leaves against an azure sky make a startling sight.

Sunshine pouring through a tree ablaze with golden leaves makes the tree shimmer like a golden fairy princess.

To be able to see such enchanting beauty in the fall adds to the simple pleasure.  It makes a person realize what regal gifts they have received on their earthly journey.

Now be sure to hop on over to  Dayle's blog, A Collection of This and That, http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/ and check out all the other simple pleasures. Her blog button is in the sidebar, too!

Pumpkin Decor for the Table

At the supermarket the other day, the cutest planter imaginable caught my eye.

In a small pumpkin, some clever person put a bit of brightly colored paper and then inserted a plant. The pumpkin had a sparkly finish with cut out eyes and a big smile. Of course he had to come home with me, for a brief stay, and then was gifted.

At this time of year, I like to decorate around the house. Even little touches mean a lot.  A plaid tablecloth in autumn colors often graces the kitchen table.  A simple, small pumpkin welcomes guests.

Why not make your family smile by adding small touches to your own decor?  Everyone needs to smile a bit more, don't you think?

WHAT HOLIDAY TOUCHES HAVE YOU ADDED TO YOUR HOUSE?

Green Tea Dilemma: Health Versus Taste

Green tea is getting a lot of press these days as being filled with antioxidants and being really good for you.

Unfortunately, it is an acquired taste.  Actually, the first time I tasted it, a good word to describe it  would have been "yuk."

However, when I read that green tea might help speed metabolism as well as help prevent cancer cells from forming, I decided to give it another shot.

Here's a secret I've learned.  Since the taste of green tea, itself,  leaves a lot to be desired, brewing it with bags of fruity herbal tea makes a huge difference in taste.

Orange/tangerine is very delicious as well as raspberry or peach.

At this time of year, a cup of hot raspberry/green tea is perfect when accompanied by a crisp biscotti. The lemon are lush as are the toffee almond or even

 plain. Biscotti are not highly caloric and make

a nice afternoon snack with tea.

Check out the tea section next time you go to the supermarket.  There are virtually dozens of delicious flavors to choose from.

So there's no need to forfeit the benefits of green tea. Mixed with fruity herbal teas, the result can be quite tasty. Keep containers  of it in the refrigerator at all times for sipping throughout the day or opt for hot tea when the weather turns cold.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TEA?

A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth

New England is a place of aching beauty.

What, exactly, does that mean?  Well, one is surrounded with so many exquisite images that seeing them makes the heart ache. 

A walk along the edges of a lake rimmed with trees in colorful autumn attire becomes much more than just a stroll.  One cannot help but look up into the tree tops, neck outstretched, observing gold, green, red, and orange leaves contrasted against the sky.

White clouds break open and multiply themselves into hundreds of fluffy layers. 

Birds like seagulls line a part of the lake's shore, surveying the intensely picturesque vistas.  Then, in a split second, they lift their wings, soar above the water, and take flight among the clouds.

A sailboat glides silently by as a gentle breeze pushes it along.

Then, people in kayaks paddle in silence, except for the splashing of the oars in the choppy surface of the lake.

Soon, winter will descend with a gray and icy vengeance and the landscape will be barren and cold.

For today, however, the sun continues to warm one's face. The trees, on fire with explosions of color, invite gazing.

The air, crisp and cool, invigorates.

Queen Autumn  rules.

WHERE IS YOUR LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN ON EARTH?