Writing Straight From The Heart

Cuckoo, Cuckoo Goes the Clock!

2012-01-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Growing up in New England, one of the things I remember about the house in which we lived was a cuckoo clock.

My mother loved that clock. I have no idea where she got it. It looked like a little wooden chalet. Hanging below it were chains that had weights attached. They looked like metal pine cones to me.

On the hour, a small door at the top of the chalet opened and out came a figure. In my mind's eye, it was a little couple but honestly, I cannot get a clear picture. Maybe it was a little bird.

What I do remember is hearing the sounds of the "cuckoo, cuckoo." It was so darned cute.

I have no idea what happened to that clock.

Last year at a flea market, there was a box with a broken cuckoo clock in it. The lady selling it said some of its parts were missing.

She must have really wanted to get rid of it because she sold me the whole shebang for a dollar! Yes, one green dollar!

That's one of the tasks my hubs said would be a winter project for him---repairing the clock. Good luck! So far, he hasn't gone near the cuckoo clock box but I'm hopeful. After all, it's only January 29th! The winter is young.

Now, the whole purpose of this post is to tell you about a cuckoo clock I received for Christmas. It was one of my BEST gifts!

It's actually a cuckoo clock for my doll house! Yes! It's the most adorable thing you've ever seen in your life.

It's shown above near a birthday cake candle, so you can get an idea of how small it is. Look, those heavy "pine cone" weights are on this little clock, too!

It even had German on the side of the box so it must have been made in Germany, like so many of its grown up cousins.

One of my sisters gave me this doll house cuckoo clock and she couldn't have made me happier.

WHAT IS ONE OBJECT YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD HOUSE OR APARTMENT?

No Occasion Gifts Are the Very Best Kind

2012-01-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how kind and thoughtful some people can be.

When someone does something nice for you, how does it make you feel?

Naturally, a great thing to do is to pass on the kindness. Then, you will be responsible for making someone else feel happy! How cool would that be?

Do you know who Joel Osteen is? Well, if you don't, he's an Evangelical pastor from Lakewood Church in Texas which has the largest congregation in the entire United States. (Last I read it was 45,000 people!)

Ordinarily, I would switch the tv channel if a preacher came on since television preaching is not particularly my "cup of tea." But Joel is different. He's kind and sweet and tremendously inspirational.

He uplifts one's spirit and makes a person feel blessed to be alive.

He has written several books, the latest of which is "Every Day a Friday."

Speaking with two of my sisters, I mentioned how much I would like to borrow a copy of Joel's new book once they were finished reading their copies.

Wouldn't you know it, when I came home one day this week, there was a brown package from Barnes and Noble sticking up out of the mailbox.

Since I had not ordered a book, I wondered what it could be. Inside, I ripped it open and it was my own copy of "Every Day a Friday."

One of my sisters decided I needed my own, personal hard copy.

She sure made THAT day a Friday. It was so generous and sweet of her to think of me and it wasn't even Christmas or my birthday!

Then, a dear fellow blogger, Sandie, from Chatty Crone, just about sent me over the edge when she mailed me a package from Georgia.

It contained a gorgeous glass green ring with gold sparkles, (shown above), and this beautiful bracelet, pictured below.

How I love both of them. Again, it was not for my birthday. It was a "just because" gift.

What a little Georgia peach Sandie is.

Gifts like these, given for no particular reason, are like little bolts of sunshine in the heart.

DO YOU EVER GIVE GIFTS FOR NO PARTICULAR OCCASION?

Bargains Galore at the Christmas Tree Shops store!

2012-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

Talk about bargains, there were so many of them to be found during a recent shopping excursion it would be enough to make die hard bargain shoppers want to dance in the aisles.

The treasure hunting took place at the Christmas Tree Shops in New York near Albany,

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Christmas Tree Shops, they are a series of stores that carry hundreds of household decorating items, cards, wrapping paper supplies, packaged food items, and on and on, all for good, fairly low prices.

They certainly carry a lot more than Christmas items.

There was a special section, however, of Christmas merchandise that was 90 percent off. Imagine that! 90 percent off the original price is a huge savings.

After someone announced the 90 percent off sale, I meandered over to that section.

Some of the first items that caught my attention were shiny napkin rings in eye-popping, carnival colors. Oh, they looked so festive and could be used for any special occasion throughout the year.

The original price tags said $1.49 each. I was trying to do a quick calculation in my head how much 90 percent off would make them

Guess.

Okay, 15 cents each. Woo hoo! Into my cart went 10 of them for a whopping $1.50!

Then came a package of peach scented tarts to put on my little tea lite burner. These cost a mere quarter . (Hope they don't smell like rotten peaches when I go to melt them.)

Baby socks with Christmas decorations were 8 cents a pair. Imagine! That's four cents a sock. I bought two pairs.

Last, but certainly not least, there was a lovely throw with a yellow background and bright pink and orange flowers all over it.

You can see what they look like as the two flowers shown above are from the throw.

It was originally $12 and some change, now marked half price. Because I didn't really need a throw, I vacillated on this purchase until the brilliant idea to use it as a kitchen tablecloth popped into my mind.

This entire week, this cheerful piece has brightened up the kitchen. I just love it!

Today we are joining Thrifty Things Friday on Diann's blog, The Thrifty Groove and Show and Tell Friday on Cindy's blog, My Romantic Home.

Try to stop by those blogs. It's so much fun to see what everyone has posted! Thanks for hosting, girls.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BARGAIN YOU FOUND AND HOW MUCH DID YOU PAY FOR IT?

Home and Garden Thursday...Cooking!

2012-01-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

(Tea anyone? These beautiful flower-filled teapots can be found in the gift shop of the

Molly Brown House in Denver, Colorado.)

Today is Home and Garden Thursday on Kathy's beautiful blog A Delightsome Life. (Click the blue name and it will take you to her blog, just like a magic carpet ride!)

Happy Home and Garden Thursday to all!

Can I cheat? Rather than do a post about something I've cooked, this one will include some descriptions and photos of various ethnic dishes we ate in restaurants.

That would still qualify for a cooking post, right? After all, somebody had to cook those dinners!

But be forewarned: If you are hungry, this post will be a KILLER!

These are shots from some meals we had while on vacation in Denver, Colorado, late last fall. I've been saving them for just such an occasion as this!

Now you'll see lots of salads because when we eat out, salad is a given. (Plus, it makes me feel less guilty to have the main entree if I eat salad. ha!)

The delectable salad, shown above, had chunks of yummy blue cheese. Mmm mmm

In the same restaurant, they served warm corn bread.

This next plate wasn't exactly a full meal, but it was the main offering of a Victorian Tea at the Molly Brown House. If you missed a post on our visit there and are interested, you can read about it here: http://writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2011/12/come-for-tea-at-unsinkable-molly-brown.html

This was a plain but delicious salad in a Lebanese restaurant.

This hummus appetizer came with triangles of pita bread.

These spicy shish-kabobs on rice tasted fab.

Since we were in Colorado for Thanksgiving, we were very grateful for this delicious homemade turkey dinner!

Some people dislike food from India and others love it. We are in the "love it" category. It's not all so hot that it burns your mouth. Far from it.

Indian food has a fabulous mix of flavors, thanks to the spices Indian cooks use. The creamed spinach dish is divine.

In a Mexican restaurant, a fairly simple salad with "jicama," ( a kind of starchy veggie with very little taste), came before the main meal.

Rice, beans, MORE SALAD, and a cheesy enchalada followed. It was enough to make anybody yell, "Get the doggie bag, QUICKLY."

Trying the food from different cuisines gives variety to life.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ETHNIC FOOD?

Perk Up the Spirit with Tulips

2012-01-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Tulips are usually synonymous with spring.

Even though global warming has apparently been keeping this winter toasty, we still have a way to go before spring officially arrives.

Some days, many actually, the sun never comes out at all and a gray sky is all we have to look at. That can be a downer.

One sure way to perk up one's spirits as well as add a cheery look to the kitchen is to buy a bunch of tulips in your favorite color, pop them into a pretty glass or vase, and enjoy!

Because the color pink makes me happy, the tulips for our house are pink. A cut crystal vase chipped so it got retired as a drinking glass but still makes a super flower container, don't you think?

It was delightful to find these lovely pink tulips in the supermarket. They cost $6.99, which is a bit more than I wanted to spend, but that's a lot cheaper than therapy. ha!

Doilies are kind of old-fashioned but add a lot to a home's decor. They are so beautifully crocheted and reminiscent of grandmas everywhere.

Luckily, there was a pink one in the dining room china closet drawer. It has set off the pink tulips perfectly.

These little harbingers of spring are doing a great job of bringing smiles to whoever comes into the kitchen. Can't put a price tag on that!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO TO HOLLAND TO SEE TULIPS BY THE THOUSANDS? (I would!)

Somebody Cook Something Fast!

2012-01-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have nights when you just don't feel like cooking?

They definitely happen around here. Usually it's after I've spent a lot of time (and money) cooking a big meal on a previous day.

Another stickler when it comes to cooking is trying to get out of the same old rut. Do you get tired of eating the same things week after week?

It's just fun to try new products. While at the supermarket recently, I found Savory Herb Flatbread with basil and rosemary by Arnold.

That's a brand that has some very good products so I popped a package into the shopping cart.

One night, feeling like I'd rather pull a tooth out of a rhinoceros than cook, out came the flatbread. In the refrigerator was good quality honey ham and provolone cheese. (The latter was lo salt which, hopefully, balanced the high salt in the ham. Ha!)

Into the frying pan went about two tablespoons of butter.

I cut each piece of flatbread in half and layered them with the ham and cheese.

(The taste of the flatbread was pretty good but nothing to write home about. Would I buy it again? Probably not.)

While the sandwiches heated up, I warmed a can of Campbell's tomato soup, made with whole milk.

In about seven minutes, I was able to call my hubs up from the man cave.

"Honey, come to supper." Who says quick isn't yummy?

WHAT IS YOUR FASTEST TO PREPARE SUPPER MEAL?

A Treat for Kitty

2012-01-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

Every time Honey Cat stands near the door to go out these days, and the door is opened for her, she quickly backs up into the house when she feels how cold it is outside.

Honestly, I feel sad for the cat. She was born in Arizona and now lives in New England. She went from the furnace heat of the desert to the arctic tundra of New England winters.

Saturday, while walking down the aisles of a supermarket, I saw bright green grass in a container. Intended just for kitties, I put it right into my grocery cart.

Okay, I hated to part with the $3.99 but I figured Honey was worth it.

At first when I put the grass near her food, she looked at me rather disgustedly. With her "pouty" look, it was like she was saying, "What's this? I want tuna and you give me grass? The nerve."

She carefully inched her way toward the grass.

At first she thought it was a new toy. She loved pawing after the loose strands of grass.

Finally, she took a little nibble.

Then another.

Nibble, nibble, nibble.

What's this? A mini jungle or what?

Finally, Honey Cat had enough of the grass and left to take a nap on the softest bed in the house. A Queen has to sleep comfortably, after all .

She'll be back later for some more of the new green stuff, which turned out to be pretty tasty after all .

DO YOU EVER GIVE YOUR KITTY A TREAT IN THE WINTER?

Sending Sunday Blessings...

2012-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday, a day of rest and a day for Christians to honor the Lord.

My hope for you today, when I say my prayers, will be that you will have a happy and peaceful day, wherever you are.

It's good for us to remember, no matter who we are, or what we have done in our lives, we are still loved by our Creator.

He doesn't care about our color or economic status.

We are all different and yet He is our Shepherd. He even loves those who have gone astray.

He wants us all to follow Him and feel His protection. When we do, we are genuinely happy.

So today, may you each be blessed in a special way.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR TODAY?

One's Attitude Determines One's Altitude

2012-01-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

There are several things swirling around in my mind today so here goes.

While stuck in traffic or stopped at a light, it's totally fun to read the bumper stickers on the car in front as well as those to the sides.

Recently, one bumper sticker really appealed to me. I wish I had written it down but the light turned green too fast. The gist of it was "Replace feelings of fear with thoughts of hope." Now isn't that a good one?

How many times do we feel our hearts fill with fear for no reason? Usually the thing we are fearing hasn't even happened yet but our minds play tricks on us and we start to panic.

It's at moments like those I repeat an old 12-Step phrase: "Your mind is like a bad neighborhood. Don't go there." Ha! As soon as I steer away from that "bad neighborhood," things immediately get better.

Another thought I wanted to share has to do with attitude. This is a theory that has been tested to the top and it's very true. One's attitude does, indeed, determine one's altitude.

When I wake up and give thanks for another day as well as for the day ahead, that's a good start. Anticipating that the BEST is going to happen somehow miraculously makes it come true. The day almost always turns out good.

Then, I give thanks again before going to bed that night. An "attitude of gratitude" truly enhances sleep at night and joy in the morning.

Last but not least, there are times when I absolutely have to have a change of scene from the place where we live. It just does a body good to see different surroundings, especially in winter.

Yesterday, I went shopping in New York with two of my sisters and we had SO much fun. But I'll save that for another post. Don't want you to get bored by making this post too long.

WHAT WAS ONE OF THE BEST BUMPER STICKERS YOU EVER SAW?

Winter Wonderland Provides A Magical Sight

2012-01-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

More and more, I believe there is a lot of legitimacy pertaining to global warming.

Here in New England, we had a big snowstorm in October, even before Halloween. That was kind of weird.

Then, we had a non-white Christmas and almost no snow accumulation throughout December. That is VERY uncharacteristic of the New England from my childhood memories.

So finally, when we got a storm last Friday, it was almost a relief.

As I write this, more snow is falling and the weatherpeople predict another storm for today, another Friday. So now it really does feel like winter.

As hardy New Englanders, we swing into action after the weatherman predicts a storm.

My hubs prepares the wood inside the fireplace so it's ready-to-go with the flick of a match.

A big pot of spicy curry, stew, or soup to keep our tummies warm often bubbles on the stove and fills the house with luscious fragrance.

(Check out the big icicle hanging from the back porch!)

The flannel sheets are on the bed, the cat is safe and sound inside the house, and we just about say, "Okay, storm, let her rip.

Last week when we looked at the trees after the snowstorm, they resembled something out of a dream. Branches shimmered with thick diamond-studded frosting and the brilliant sun made everything magical.

I stood on our front porch, staring at the immense beauty, as I've done hundreds of times in my lifetime.

The aftermath of a New England snowstorm never ceases to amaze me with its intense beauty.

Granted, most shoveling of the white stuff falls to the males around our house while I stay nice and toasty warm inside. Not fair, huh? True, very true, but when it comes to snow shoveling, it's the one time I don't mind being sexist.

DO YOU HAVE WINTER SNOW STORMS WHERE YOU LIVE? IF YES, HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THEM?

Tale of the Tag Sale Queen

2012-01-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

Today we are joining Home and Garden Thursday on Kathy's blog, A Delightsome Life. The subject is delightful thrifting!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many times people have referred to me as the "Tag Sale Queen."

Honestly, it's a title that doesn't bother me at all. As a matter of fact, I'm kind of proud of that title! Finding treasures at "tag" sales (synonymous with yard sales) is one of life's greatest joys.

Thrift stores, flea markets, and consignment shops are definitely some of the most fun places on earth to shop.

After decades of finding awesome bargains to enhance the beauty of our home, it would be almost impossible for me to pay full price in a store for anything.

Truly, one can find exquisite items if willing to rummage through boxes, see the "diamond" behind the dirt, and visualize how an item will look in one's home.

Virtually everything shown in the photographs in today's post came from thrifting. Everything.

The lines of the gorgeous pitcher, shown below, are so unique. Even though I loved it, a very beloved friend got it as a Christmas gift. It's always good to share thrifted treasures.

This tin "Snickers" box will be perfect filled with Snickers candy bars and presented as a gift.

This box of sparkling pink Christmas balls and tree topper will be perfect on my future pink tree! I bought the entire box at a Salvation Army store for $3.99!

Silver trays can often be purchased cheaply. They make perfect fruit trays or bases for silver vases with flowers.

I love this tea pot and put it on top of the refrigerator where it can be seen every day.

Colored glass in all hues calls to me. These beautiful amber pieces all came from tag sales or thrift shops. In the fall, they line the kitchen windows.

Of course, I love all different colored glass such as this green vase, some cobalt treasures, and a couple pieces from a cherished cranberry glass collection.

Thrifting is the absolute best addiction a person can have!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM TO LOOK FOR IN THRIFT SHOPS OR AT TAG SALES?

Thoughts on a Winter Day

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Weather people predict another winter storm to move in sometime today and also on Thursday.

It's supposed to be quite chilly, too. These dark days of winter can be blessings in disguise.

For people who are able to stay home, they afford the opportunity to putter, do things around the house like clean out drawers and organize closets, as well as clean.

Or to just sit with a cup of hot peach tea and do nothing.

Wood is ready for burning in the living room fireplace. Sitting by a fire, warm and cozy inside, is pure joy when it's storming outside.

It's also comforting to put on a big pot of soup or beef stew early in the day. That makes the house smell nice as it cooks as well as eliminates the need to spend time cooking supper.

Just set the table, whip together a salad, add some bread and butter and it can be a comfy meal, fit for a king! It's nice to add candlelight, too, to give added ambiance.

One gets to dream a little on winter days. Some very dear people we know just returned from a special overnight at The White House Inn in Wilmington, Vermont.

It's a lovely old inn, up on a hilltop. We went there one late October night a couple of years ago. I enjoyed the fireplace in the corner of our bedroom.

We had one of the most fabulous meals of our lives in the downstairs dining room, which also had a huge old fireplace.

Someone informed us there would be a seance in the living room which was located right beneath our room. That was a little unnerving but nothing scary happened so it was unnecessary to scramble our things together and quickly depart in the middle of the night.

It was fun to recall that lovely inn experience on one recent stormy afternoon.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF A WINTER STORM FOR YOU?

Snow Squall Plus Nighttime Driving Equal T-E-R-R-O-R

2012-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

The day had been busy and fairly productive.

A couple of times, a thank you went up to Martin Luther King for the "free" day.

About 8 p.m., we had to drive a friend home to a fairly remote area of the county, kind of at the top of a steep incline. My hubs agreed to come with me, which turned out to be a very good thing, indeed.

After dropping our friend off, we began the trek home. Boy, it turned out to be a terrifying trek.

At first, random raindrops pelted the car windshield. Then, snow started coming down, hard and furious.

Squinting my eyes, it was getting harder and harder to see in front of us. Wind whipped snow from small banks along the deserted road. Gusts hit the sides of our car like frozen ghosts.

We were in the middle of a major snow squall and it was N-O-T P-L-E-A-S-A-N-T.

I gripped the steering wheel and shifted into second gear. All I could think of was driving off the road into some ravine in the forest. Who would know where we were? Would we be found? Would we freeze to death?

Yeah, see? When facing a fearful situation, my thoughts fail to calm me down.

"Put on your high beams, your high beams," the hubs said. (Uh, rather loudly.) Putting on the high beams made visibility even more impossible. They just illuminated the millions of snowflakes filling the freezing winter night.

The trip down that mountain was one I would not want to ever repeat. We finally inched back to civilization at 25 mph. Seeing street lights, even clouded by snow, felt like winning the lottery.

By the time we crunched into our driveway, my blood pressure must have climbed to dangerous levels.

Stepping out of the car on rather shaky legs, I took a deep breath and the cold outside air actually felt good. It was quite a relief from the car heater that had been blasting the windshield.

Flannel sheets and a soft pillow sounded like a great idea. Then I could dream of spring and these:

ARE YOU AFRAID TO DRIVE IN WINTER?

Look for Colorful Images in Winter

2012-01-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

One aspect of winter that weighs heavily on human beings in New England is the absence of color.

Dark gray skies, gloomy mornings, and nighttime beginning around 4 p.m. can heavily influence one's psyche.

Granted, the winter wonderland that surrounds us after a snowstorm has its intense beauty. This past weekend, while driving (skidding) along a road in the remotely located town of Windsor, the vistas were incredible.

Thick layers of ice encased all tree branches and bushes along the roadway. Newly fallen snow frosted the crystal-looking foliage. The sun poured down on everything, making an intensely magnificent sight that looked almost unreal.

While extremely picturesque, the vistas were still colorless, except for brilliant white.

One anecdote to winter's gray is to wear as much color as possible as well as find colorful images to feast one's eyes upon.

To break the whiteness of the outdoors, I'm sending you some photos I took last year of spring flowers to cheer up your hearts and lift your spirits!

Hope you enjoy them.

There. Now don't you feel better?

WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE YOURSELF HAPPY IN WINTER?

Mansion's Berkshire Designer Showcase Comes to a Close

2012-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Saved from the wrecking ball, Ventfort Hall is a mansion in Lenox, MA, a town in Western Massachusetts.

For detailed information on the entire background , you can go to the Ventfort Hall website.

For the past several months, different designers decorated 14 rooms and hallways on the second floor of the mansion.

Called Berkshire Designers Showcase, it has been a popular attraction. However, today, Sunday, is the last day.

Whether some of the decor appealed or not, it was fun to see.

How about a pink ceiling with a sweeping gold flower?

Strings of lights substituted for fire in the magnificent fireplace shown below, one of several in the mansion.

Much of the decor shown was for sale!

For anyone interested, this blog had a post on the mansion's dining room at Christmas as well as one on the recreated master bedroom.

Shown in today's post are random photos of different objects and rooms that just happened to draw my attention. I love color, unique design, and sculptures.

WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM TODAY'S POST?

Packaged Tuna, Deviled Eggs, and 2012!

2012-01-14T06:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, now that 2012 is well under way, (two weeks and counting), the determination to eat healthier is off to a good start.

First of all, from now on around here, canned tuna will be purchased for the kitty, only. Since discovering packaged tuna, it's never, never go back to canned.

When opening a can of tuna with the electric opener, tuna "juice" frequently splashes out onto the counter. It's almost impossible to avoid.

The packaged tuna is nice and easy and not at all messy. Actually, it's great to just snip open the package with the scissors, scrape out the insides into a bowl with a butter knife, and prepare.

The other day, to the tuna, I added a little mayo, some chopped tiny gherkin pickles, chopped celery and onions, and a plop of mustard (by mistake).

I happened to be making deviled eggs at the same time as the tuna salad and the mustard was meant for them. However, it actually improved the taste of the tuna salad and made it quite delish.

Tuna salad, in a dish or on a roll with a big pile of lettuce, is a great lunch and one I don't mind repeating day after day.

For a healthy snack, I've been keeping deviled eggs in a plastic container in the fridgie. These I make with a little mayo, dab of mustard, finely chopped onions, and maybe a splash of milk. Add salt, pepper, and a dusting of paprika.

When hunger before meals threatens to lead you to the cookie jar, grab one of these little deviled eggs halves instead. Even one is filling and hits the spot.

Cream and half-and-half for coffee have both been banished from the refrigerator as well as ice cream. Bye bye.

Swimming two to three times a week has also begun again in earnest, after a December hiatus.

So here's to packaged tuna, deviled eggs, and 2012!

WHAT HEALTHY EATING AND/OR EXERCISE MEASURES, If ANY, HAVE YOU TAKEN FOR THE NEW YEAR?

Thrifted Vases for Pennies for Gifts of Flowers That Won't Break the Bank

2012-01-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

Today we are joining Thrifty Things Friday on Diann's blog, The Thrifty Groove and Show and Tell Friday on Cindy's blog, My Romantic Home.

Be sure to visit those blogs as you will be in for a real treat, with so many fascinating things to see from around the USA and beyond.

Because flowers make perfect gifts for almost for all occasions, as well as no occasion at all, it's important to have plenty of vases on hand.

In fact, three entire small shelves in our old-fashioned pantry are filled with vases of every description and size. Most, if not all of them, were thrifted and cost just pennies!

Silver vases always look regal. The yard sale silver vase shown below fits perfectly with the 49-cent thrift store silver tray beneath!

Here's a big silver vase with a thick rope attached, also a thrift store find for less than $3.00.

Who says all vases have to be traditional? All kinds of non-vases can also make great containers for blooms.

Look at the sweet flower-covered sugar bowl, shown at the top of this post and below.

It was a thrift store treasure for under $3.00!

Wouldn't small white or pink roses look charming in this?

Or what about a few perfect yellow roses or purple violets in a cup covered with the same?

Scouting for bargain vases is a perfectly justifiable excuse for going thrift store shopping, right?

Thrift stores have all kinds of really gorgeous vases of every possible description.

Even very plain containers can be spruced up and made more beautiful by tying special ribbons around them.

Or even some plain raffia, tied around a vase, makes it look special:

Are you partial to crystal and cut glass? These can often be purchased very inexpensively.

Next time you go to a thrift store, leave the guilt about shopping again behind. You will have the perfect excuse---- checking out the vases for future blooms that will make perfect gifts without breaking the bank.

HAVE YOU USED NON-TRADITIONAL CONTAINERS FOR FLOWERS?

Hostess Gift Brings Lingering Loveliness

2012-01-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

We are joining a new blog party, Home and Garden Thursday, at Kathy's blog, A Delightsome Life. Be sure to stop by to see all the entries and to enjoy Kathy's very beautiful blog!

Today we are sharing some food for the soul----flowers.

Flowers bring immediate delight to so many of the senses. They can uplift the spirit and bring a smile to the giver, the receiver, and all those who see them.

The sweet bouquet shown in today's photographs was actually a hostess present we received for a New Year's Eve dinner party we had.

What a joy the flowers have been ever since, bringing a jolt of color and cheerfulness to the kitchen table.

Here it is, 10 days later, and many of the flowers are still alive, silently continuing to ring in the new year with their colorful beauty.

There are pink roses, one creamy white rose, bright orange and pink Gerber daisies, and dried purple flowers which I can never remember by name.

Maybe the secret to having long lasting blooms is to whisper daily to the flowers, telling them how sweet they are and how much you appreciate them. Do you ever do that?

DO YOU BUY FLOWERS FOR YOURSELF OR FOR OTHERS IN THE WINTER?

Beautiful Needlepoint

2012-01-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

Needlepoint is a type of embroidery that goes way back in time.

Signs of needlepoint pieces have been found that date to 1500 years B.C.

It's very intricate and, as one can only imagine, exceedingly time consuming to do. While not one of my talents, it's enjoyable to look at and appreciate needlepoint pieces, particularly pillow covers.

At an annual nearby church yard sale, never to be missed , one can usually find very nice quality things. On the last day and during the last few hours of the sale, one can fill up a bag for $1.00.

At one such sale at the church last year, a beautifully framed needlepoint with gorgeous deep pink roses against a black background, miraculously remained on one of the tables.

Picking it up, I figured just the frame, alone, merited stuffing it into a bag.

It was impossible not to wonder who made this exquisite piece?

Who sat for hours upon hours, weaving the thread in and out of the canvas?

How much time did it take to complete?

These are questions which will probably never be answered.

Now that it's been home for awhile, the plan is take it out of the frame and bring it somewhere to be made into an exquisite pillow cover.

The pink roses against the black background are absolutely stunning.

It's easy to envision this as an artistic pillow in the corner of the living room couch, don't you think?

DO YOU DO NEEDLEPOINT? IF NOT, WOULD YOU LIKE TO?

Birds on the Window Sill

2012-01-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

The long, cold days of winter bring some peace and tranquility to our lives.

Winter also gives us spring to look forward to after the snow and ice melt.

Most of us dream of what flowers will come up in our yards when the ground thaws, where we can go on vacation, and what we'd like to do once warm weather gets here, right?

While some parts of winter are enjoyable, like sitting by the fireplace or catching up on correspondence, the thing I really miss are birds.

Spring is filled with bird sounds but winter is strangely silent.

The little tweeters that gather in the treetops surrounding our home are no where to be seen in winter. All is bare and quiet.

So, a good thing to do is add birds to the windowsills and wait for spring.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BIRD DECOR IN YOUR HOME?

Beloved Bloggers of Blogland

2012-01-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the kindness of people in blogland amazes me.

Friendships develop with people one has never met face-to-face. Still, fellow bloggers find special places right in our hearts.

Saturday afternoon, going out to the front porch to retrieve the mail, a fairly large box caught my eye. It was on the brick floor under the mailbox.

Claudia or "Bookie" from the blog Claudia's Page sent the box from Missouri. (Check out her lovely blog.)

Imagine. There was no birthday to celebrate (thank heavens), no anniversary, or other occasion. It was a "just because" present and often those are the best kind.

Bookie had paid $10.95 in postage to send the package and that's no small fee in these hard economic times.

Ripping open the box at the kitchen table, I felt like five years old and it was a great feeling.

Bookie, the dear soul, lovingly packed a beautiful deep teal colored glass bottle. It belonged to her mother-in-law and is so very, very pretty.

She must have read of my love for colored glass items.

Bookie also sent a lovely cup and saucer with pastel purple flowers on them. The words on the saucer are from Proverbs 27:9: "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul."

Well, I tell you, my soul felt refreshed and full of gratitude---for Bookie, and for all the fabulous bloggers I've met during the past two years and three months, for my blog, and for this fascinating place called blogland.

I thought, "Bless your heart, dear Bookie." How wonderful it was to be thought of in such a special and generous way.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU GAVE SOMEONE AN UNEXPECTED GIFT?

Moment of Solitude

2012-01-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we need to just stop.

Stop the noise.

Stop the thoughts that run around inside our minds at a furious pace.

Stop the "to do" lists.

Stop the cleaning.

Stop the planning.

Stop the shopping.

Stop the perpetual motion.

Yesterday afternoon, after running around doing errands, I took a solitary moment to look at this naturally peaceful scene.

Driving the car off to the side of the road, the lake looked calm and serene, just like I wanted to feel.

The afternoon sun was on its slow descent to nighttime.

There were no birds, no people, no boats, no waves. Just quiet and it was good.

On this Sunday, I hope you have many happy moments and even a few surprises that will put a smile on your face.

May you find deep peace and also a few moments for quiet reflection.

WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU WANT TO BE ALONE?

Ballerina Still Dancing

2012-01-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

You know how you buy some things that you love and then, eventually, you fall "out" of love with them?

Perhaps it's just part of human nature.

Well, there's one little treasure purchased last year that's still a very favorite. If you missed the original post on her, and would like to read it, it's here: http://writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2010/01/charm-and-grace.html

Have to chuckle that the post ran in January of last year. Little ballerina has changed locations.

She no longer resides in a bedroom. Ballerina is in a downstairs room now where she can be seen every single day.

She is so charming in every detail, right down to tiny earrings.

The gracefulness of this little figure amazes. She's just so darned sweet and the epitome of loveliness, don't you think?

One day this week I captured her in the late afternoon sun and there was a shadow behind her. She looked so stunning to me---so artistic.

Little ballerina just makes me smile. Don't really know why she is so mesmerizing but I'm glad she came home with me that day so long ago.

WHAT IS ONE LITTLE WORK OF ART AROUND YOUR HOUSE? TELL US ABOUT IT.

Cobalt Blue Objects Look Appealing on the Kitchen Window Sills

2012-01-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Today we are joining Show and Tell Friday at Cindy's My Romantic Home and Thrifty Things Friday at Diann's blog, The Thrifty Groove.

Go on over to those blogs and check them out. You'll find such cool things you'll want to stay on the computer all day long!

Some things never change but some things do!

For example, cobalt blue has never been a color used in our home decor. There is almost nothing of any shade of blue around here because it was never a color that appealed to me.

However, when we remodeled our kitchen a couple of years back, we painted the walls a pale, lemony color called "Morning Sunshine."

It seemed the newly painted walls and white cabinets called out for blue accents.

Then came the fun of finding some great cobalt blue vases and bottles, mostly at yard and estate sales. Pretty soon, there was a new collection!

Cobalt blue is such a rich color, especially when placed in a window.

My very earliest remembrance of cobalt blue containers will definitely date me. ha ha! My aunt used to sit at her kitchen table and scoop Noxema cream all over her face.

When we got sick, as kids, our Mother used to get out a small cobalt blue glass jar of Vicks Vaporub and rub us down with the medicinal smelling gloop.

Today, cobalt blue bottles, vases, and so forth definitely make me smile.

So after all the Christmas decor got put away, I hauled up some cobalt blue pieces from the cellar, washed them with soap and warm water, and put them on the upper kitchen window shelves. Also added some blue water glasses!

The cobalt blue items displayed look nice against the sky outside the window and the lacy valences above in the inside.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLORED GLASS?

Clams, Crab Legs, and Shrimp Are Food for the Gods (and Guests)

2012-01-05T05:18:00.000-08:00

Today we are joining a brand new blog party at Kathy's A Delightsome Life. This sounds very exciting!

Thanks for hosting, Kathy.

We are going to share our New Year's Eve dinner with guests.

Most native New Englanders love seafood.

Just about anything that swims looks good to eat. (Except for lifeguards. ha!)

Even though it was a huge financial splurge (the last of the holiday season, right?), we decided to serve a seafood dinner early on New Year's Eve.

We had a small gathering----five guests, my hubs, and me. (Okay, Honey Cat was nearby but she wasn't officially invited.)

First on the menu were fat, cold shrimp chilled out in an ice-filled bowl. Homemade chili sauce with a a nice dollop of horseradish mixed in came with them.

Then, we had steamed clams with drawn butter.

Some people cannot stand steamed clams. We love them.

They have a distinct and very unique taste.

Dipped in the butter and lightly salted they are mmm mmm mmm.

Thoughts of making New England clam chowder soup with leftovers went through my mind but there was not a single clammy left over. Not one!

Crab legs, also served with drawn butter, were definitely the highlight of the dinner. During the cracking open, no one talked. They just crack, crack, cracked.

Then, with tiny forks, everyone scooped out the succulent sweet, white meat of the crab legs. Talk about fabulous, this treat would be hard to beat.

Of course there was salad. Added to butter lettuce were sweet little tomatoes, chopped red peppers, scallions, and mushrooms that had marinaded in teriyaki dressing. The whole "shabang" tasted quite yummy.

So around here, we got the New Year off to a glamorous start.

Now come belt-tightening meals as well as budget.

However, the memories of New Year's Eve's dinner will provide very good food for thought for quite some time to come.

WHAT IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE MEAL?

Wow, Look at That!

2012-01-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the Beverly Hillbillies comedy show on television?

It ran for nine seasons, from 1962 to 1971, and was about a poor backwoods family.

The father was Jed Clampett. He struck oil on his land and became a millionaire overnight.

The family packed up a truck and moved to Beverly Hills where everything was shockingly new to them.

Last November, while vacationing in Denver, Colorado, I felt a little bit like one of the Beverly Hillbillies while walking in this unique and exciting city's downtown.

Some of the buildings are so tall, I found myself stretching my neck to look all the way up to the top! Yee haw!

The huge bear shown in the photo at the top of this post is 40 feet high and stands looking into the window of the Denver Convention Center.

He was designed by a local artist and gives a sense of fun to a visit at that destination. He sure attracts a lot of attention, too.

If you ever have a chance to travel to Denver, take it. It's a great place to visit.

Anyway, thought you might like to see some of the buildings in downtown Denver on this brisk winter day.

WHAT WAS THE TALLEST BUILDING YOU EVER SAW?

Bye Bye Christmas Decorations-----Until We Meet Again

2012-01-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, everybody, today is the day.

This is the day that the piles of Christmas adornments, garlands, Santas, and eight million other decorations are going to be placed in plastic tubs and hauled up to the attic.

Why is that such an odious task?

Because it makes me feel like Methusalah with every bone in my body aching?

Because I love taking everything out but hate putting it all away?

Because it's not fun? Mmmmm. I think every single one of those could be checked.

Honestly, by the time most of the boxes get hauled up to the Inner Sanctum, there may not be enough pizazz left to disassemble the tree. Maybe that can be saved 'til tomorrow.

Did you see the sweet little deer I got this year?

These were so darned cute and they were only $1 each at Family Bargain store.

Now, I needed more decorations like another hole in the head but these just about butted their antlers at me to take them home.

Today, they will be wrapped in tissue and placed in the plastic tub 'til the next Christmas season.

It's supposed to be very c-c-c-c-old today so if it snows a lot and the temps are frigid, I'll be taking my breaks in front of the fireplace.

Ahhhhhhhh, such a luxury.

Of course, I feel exceedingly grateful for our pink fireplace.

(And for my husband who builds a great fire.)

So bye bye for now.

As I put each decoration away, I'm also going to give thanks for such a splendid holiday season from start to finish and that includes visits from y-o-u!

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HAPPIEST HOLIDAY MEMORIES FROM THIS PAST CHRISTMAS?

Feminine Touches in Old-Fashioned Bedroom in a Mansion

2012-01-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Alexandra Stoddard, author, interior designer, and lecturer extraordinaire, has influenced my life a lot, despite never meeting face-to-face.

She wrote about the importance of surrounding one's self with beloved objects that make one happy, so to speak.

It is a suggestion that has definitely come to fruition in my own life.

In addition to having beloved things around my own home, it brings me great delight to see the interiors of other homes.

With that in mind, I wanted to see an exposition in the Ventfort Hall mansion in Lenox, Massachusetts. Called Designer Showcase, it ends on January 15.

If you missed a previous post on Ventfort Hall,
you can see it here.http://writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2011/12/peek-into-mansion.html

A total of 14 designers used their imaginations to decorate rooms on the mansion's second floor.

The master bedroom of Sarah Morgan, one of the original owners of the mansion, was recreated by Carl Sprague of Stockbridge, MA.

He did a fabulous job of piecing together bits of history to make the bedroom look like it would have in the late 1800s.

I loved every single detail of this bedroom. The little touches, such as the flowers in a round amethyst vase and mirror on the dresser; the gorgeous covers on the twin brass beds; and the fringed pink lampshade all made my heart beat just a little bit faster.

To reiterate, the Designer Showcase runs only through January 15. Anyone who loves interior design and who is within driving distance of this western Mass town should not miss it. After the 15th, most of the rooms will, once again, be empty.

WHICH DO YOU PREFER, OLD-FASHIONED BEDROOMS OR ONES WITH MORE MODERN DECOR?

The Dawn of a New Year...

2012-01-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

The dawn of a new year is upon us.

It's bittersweet to say goodbye to the old year.

So many memories have been made, so many good times and things to be thankful for that it makes one's head spin.

However, to contemplate a new year beginning is exciting.

What awesome things are ahead?

What new adventures and exciting discoveries might we make?

How can we improve our lives?

How can we be better people?

What steps can we take to make this new year, 2012, the very BEST of our entire lives?

For one thing, I plan to eat more healthy and exercise regularly. Granted, those goals are as old as the hills but they are still good ones.

Raw veggies in all kinds of salads sound good to me after the overload of the holidays.

Fresh cantaloupe and cereal with blueberries sounds like a good breakfast for a few weeks.

Whatever your plans are for the New Year, may it be a terrific one for you and for all of us.

You, dear reader, are very important to me.

Did you know that?

Do you know how welcome you are to this blog every single minute you spend here?

Well, if you didn't know it before, you know it now.

I WISH YOU A BLESSED, PEACEFUL, AND TERRIFICALLY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WANT TO LEARN THIS YEAR?

A Peek Into A Mansion

2011-12-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

This is a happy story.

It's about a mansion that was saved from the wrecking ball.

In the mid-1990s, the former summer home of wealthy owners was abandoned. It even looked a little mysterious.

There were a lot of overgrown weeds and a general aura of disrepair.

When word got around Lenox, the small New England town in which Ventfort Hall is located, that it might be torn down, a group of people got together to try and save it.

They raised thousands upon thousands of dollars and began to renovate the fabulous old structure.

They also obtained various grants and individual donations to help with expensive renovation.

That just goes to show what a group of people with a cause can accomplish!

Little by little, they opened rooms to the public. They started offering programs there----theater, classes, and even a Medieval Faire.

Today, Ventfort Hall is a great place to visit.

On a tour this Christmas season, a look into the dining room was a heart-stopper. It had been set for Christmas dinner in a Scottish theme.

All of the photos in this post were taken in that room.

This rose-covered centerpiece included pheasant feathers!

More red roses could be found among the branches of the nearby Christmas tree and in the wreath above the mantel.

For a full overview of this magnificent mansion, go to the Ventfort Hall website.

You can even become a member on one of several different levels!

Thomas Hayes, manager of Country Dining Room Antiques, at 178 Main St., in Great Barrington, another small New England town, has decorated the dining room at Ventfort Hall every Christmas for the past decade or ever since the mansion was opened to the public.

He did a splendid job of decorating. He seems to have that magic touch that transforms an already fabulous room into something even more enchanting!

All of the china, glassware, etc., came from Country Dining Room Antiques and are for sale!

DO YOU LOVE TO TAKE TOURS OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS?

Manger in a Tin Box

2011-12-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

Today, we are joining Show and Tell Friday on Cindy's blog, My Romantic Home. Go check out all the cool entries that come in every week!

Once, in a Mexican border town marketplace around Christmas time, I spotted a very small tin box.

Lifting the cover, there were all of the Nativity figures cut out and painted bright colors.

Several were painted with bright pink, my favorite color. None were more than three inches high.

Mary was there, along with Joseph, and, of course, the Baby Jesus. There was an angel, the three kings, and a little cow, donkey,and sheep.

Each figure had a crude wire attached to the back, to allow for standing.

I couldn't help but wonder who made this endearing set. Just cutting each figure out of tin must have taken quite a bit of patience.

Moving the wires against the backs of the figures allows them to be placed neatly back into the box.

At the time, there was almost no spending money but that little box with the fold-up manger scene came home with me.

This tin manger scene with its simplistic beauty has traveled cross-country with us and now comes out of the tin box every Christmas.

This year it rested on a round mirrored rack.

Pretty soon the little figures will be folded up, once again, and put to rest in the tin box between small squares of tissue paper until next Christmas.

Adios, amigos!

DO YOU LIKE ETHNIC ART?

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys

2011-12-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

So often these days one hears how important it is to be kind to your "inner child," the little boy or girl you used to be.

Our inner children are still very much alive and in need of nurturing and love.

Well, if my own love of anything miniature helps cater to an inner child, I'd say she's A-okay.

My love affair with dollhouse miniatures has been going on for decades and there's no end in sight.

Could it possibly be an obsession? Yeah, probably, but who cares? Miniatures bring immense happiness and joy and no one can put a price on those, right?

When visiting Denver, Colorado, in November, our hosts asked if there was anything in particular I would like to see.

As soon as he asked the question, my response was rapid fire immediate.

"Yes, I'd love to see the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys," I blurted.

So off we went on a mission.

There's just something terribly thrilling to look into a dollhouse and see the details that went into its furnishing.

It makes a person want to become two inches tall so navigating around the inside corners of a dollhouse would be made possible. There's no telling what one could discover!

When visiting such a place, I could stay for days.

I hope you enjoy looking at some of the sights at the museum. It was worth the excursion to visit there.

This last photo is of the shop at the museum.

Visiting there made both my inner child and me very, very happy!

HAVE YOU EVER VISITED A MUSEUM SPECIALIZING IN DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES?

IF NOT, WOULD YOU LIKE TO?

Dickens Village Wonderland

2011-12-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of this entire Christmas season was discovering a Dickens Village land of total enchantment.

Last summer at a yard sale, a woman was talking about how she collected Dickens Village houses and accessories. Her devoted husband helps her set them up every Christmas, she said.

Not even aware of how collectible these are, I asked for her name and phone number, hoping she might let a total stranger see her collection. She told me to definitely call her in December. I did just that and boy, am I glad I did.

Her name is Yvonne and her husband is Don. They are an extremely charming and gracious couple.

When I saw the Dickens Village they created in an entire room, it was like being a kid in a candy factory.

When asked her if I could share her hobby on this blog, she agreed. After all, sharing highlights of life with readers is one of the most joyous aspects of blogging.

So many thanks goes to Yvonne and Don.

Can't you just imagine what it would be like to walk along the streets of this little village at Christmas time?

Hope you all enjoyed the tour of this fascinating set up that came about because of the imagination, creativity, and ingenuity of two really sweet and talented people!

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO COLLECTS DICKENS VILLAGE PIECES?

Souvenirs for the Dollhouse

2011-12-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

Dollhouses are a fascinating hobby.

Anything is possible in that tiny world. If buying a four poster canopy bed for the big house proves impossible, one can buy one for the little house.

No time to bake with your busy schedule? Dollhouse baked goods have zero calories and can last for years!

On a vacation to Colorado in November, most of my souvenirs took up almost no room in my suitcase. They were all for my dollhouse!

A beautiful doll in a light green Victorian dress, complete with tiny umbrella, came home. She came from the Molly Brown House gift shop. There's a feather in her up swept blond hair. She made a lovely addition to the dollhouse this past Christmas.

Also found in that gift shop was a lovely piece of lace with an ornate border. It looked great folded up at the end of the canopy bed.

The other souvenir came from France and was a pink patterned rug. Found in the gift shop of the Denver Doll and Miniatures Museum, it looked absolutely great in the dollhouse living room.
The tiny Christmas tree has actual red and green blinking lights on it and was stationed to the left of the new rug!

If you missed my Christmas dollhouse post and have any interest in reading it, it you can check it out here: http://writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-in-dollhouse.html

You'll see the new Victorian doll and folded lace in the upstairs bedroom!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE HOBBY? WHAT IS IT?

The Greatest Gift of All...

2011-12-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

The gifts of Christmas, 2011, are mostly opened and some are even put away.

Remembering my parents, who are no longer on earth, I thought about gifts from the past.

The most precious gift my beloved mother and father gave to me did not come wrapped up and tied with ribbons.

It was the gift of faith in God.

When life's storms came crashing down, that gift provided a lifeline. Hanging on with all my might, often with tears streaming down my face, faith carried me through.

Good times eventually returned.

When disappointment or soul-shaking sorrow seared my heart, faith soothed.

No gift since then could ever compare with the gift of faith.

Not everyone receives it.

It's priceless.

It's a treasure.

No matter what life brings, with faith, I know survival is possible.

It can even be used to help others.

I'm so grateful to my parents for everything they ever did for me, but most of all, I'm immensely grateful for the greatest gift of all...the gift of faith.

WHAT WAS THE BEST GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM YOUR PARENTS?

A Little Baby's Birth Changed the World

2011-12-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

(Photo taken by Susan Wicker inside the Christmas Shoppe in Estes Park, Colorado)

The star shone bright on that special night of the Christ Child's birth.

As the cries of a newborn baby broke the silence of the chilly night, the world changed forever.

Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace and King of all that is good in the world has been born!

(Photo taken by Susan Wicker in our front yard!)

May your Christmas Day be filled with deep peace and immense love.

The Beauty of Forgiveness

2011-12-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

All through this busy Christmas season, a five minute sermon by a very old priest has stuck in my mind.

Remembering the words of this gentle old soul who now suffers from great infirmity has actually been a highlight of this entire holiday season.

The topic of his sermon one Sunday in the midst of the crazed busyness was forgiveness.

He said if you have a grudge against someone because he or she hurt your feelings or criticized you, ask yourself this question:

"SO WHAT? IS IT THE END OF THE WORLD?"

Of course it's not, said the old priest. So bury the hatchet and forgive.

This life, he said, is so fleeting.

It goes by in a flash.

The years zip by in a blur.

So don't waste time feeling anger and hatred.

Forgive.

Next time somebody hurts my feelings or criticizes me, I'm going to practice saying these words in as booming a voice as the old priest:

"SO WHAT? IS IT THE END OF THE WORLD?"

That would be a great way to celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace.

Plus, it would guarantee a peaceful heart year-round and that would be a wonderful gift to one's self.

IS IT HARD FOR YOU TO FORGIVE?
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO DO IT IN THE PAST?

Holiday Knick Knack Rack

2011-12-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

Somehow, little Christmas decorations multiply like snowflakes in a storm.

Before you know it, there are more "little" decorations than one knows what to do with.

However, we have some shelves in one of the "necessary rooms" and it's fun to fill them according to the season.

Hope you enjoy seeing these sweet little treasures that bring smiles during the holiday season.

None of these is more than a few inches tall.

Oh boy, the mistletoe is ready!

The strand of poinsettias decorates the white curtains.

On a cabinet in this particular room, several Santas await the holiday. One, I call my crazy Santa

because he is, well, kind of crazy looking.

Want to see what I mean? I still love him, though!

On a three tiered mirrored rack are these sweet teddies and their two-inch baby teddy with Santa hat.

This darling merry-go-round is a music box that plays Jingle Bells.

This little "match" box has a teeny tiny scene. When pulled out, it plays music and the itsy bitsy figures twirl around. I love miniatures!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY DECORATION?

Christmas Lilies

2011-12-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

One day, in the midst of the Christmas rush, someone suggested the importance of buying a gift---something special--- for myself.

Now that is usually a very foreign concept to me but it sounded like a pretty good idea.

So, at the supermarket one afternoon, I indulged by buying a bouquet of very beautiful lilies.

Once home, I split them into two bouquets and put one vase in an upstairs bathroom and the second vase on the kitchen table.

This year, all the incoming Christmas cards have been placed in a crackle glass bowl with poinsettias on it. It's positioned near the fragrant lilies.

I cannot tell you how much enjoyment these magnificent flowers have brought this very busy week before Christmas. Their fragrance and gentle blossoms have filled me with joy every time I 've gone into either room where they are stationed.

IF YOU WERE TO BUY A GIFT FOR YOURSELF THIS WEEK, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

A "Sweet" Event: Christmas Cookie Exchange

2011-12-21T06:47:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been invited to a Christmas Cookie Exchange?

It's an event where all guests bring several dozen of cookies. They are all placed on a table.

Then, after snacks and chatting, everyone grabs a tray or container, and circles the table, taking one of each different cookie.

Around and around you go, until all the cookies are gone.

No need to bake 8 million cookies for the holidays! You come home with a nice variety of every kind of cookie under the sun, moon, and stars.

Recently, I was invited to my very first Christmas Cookie Exchange. It was terrific! I loved it and kept thinking what a great idea it was.

Our hostess was truly a hostess with the "mostess." She had the house decorated to the hilt, everything sparkled, there was a wonderful lunch, and the cookie exchange was, well, quite amazing.

Santa would be sure to say,

"Happy Early Cookie, I mean, Christmas, everyone!"

HAVE YOU EVER ATTENDED A CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE?

Georgetown Valley Candy Company Sells Online

2011-12-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

While vacationing in Colorado in November, we traveled through a picturesque town with a distinct Victorian look called Georgetown.

Shops of all kinds line both sides of the quaint main street. One of the "sweetest" is the Georgetown Valley Candy Company, located in the cushman Building/Block.

As soon as we walked in, two women employees welcomed us. It's nice to walk into a place and to be treated like a special guest.

Behind glass counters are all kinds of delectable looking candies. Come to find out, the owners of this shop make the candy in small batches. They use slow-cook methods for freshness and good taste, according to their brochure.

The shop carries all kinds of gift items, too. The teacups and teapots draw my attention like magnets.

Here's Melissa Kuyatt, one of the very friendly shopkeepers.

The stunning stained glass windows in the shop came from a mortuary in Denver!

One mirror on the wall behind the counter came from the Windsor Hotel, also from the capital city. Another mirror was said to have been found at the old Tabor Opera Building in Denver.

For more information on the Georgetown Valley Candy Company, and how to order some of their goods, go to http://www.shopgvcc.com/