First Sunday of Advent

This first Sunday of Advent marks the time Christians start to prepare for the birth of Christ.

The four weeks before the birth of the  Baby King, who saved the world, help prepare us to remember that blessed event.

In the midst of all the frenzy of the world  and long lines of shoppers buying more goods, it's important to stop and think about the real reason for the season.

It's so easy to forget all about why we are celebrating the Christmas season.

First and foremost, it is to remember the birth of the baby King and the circumstances leading up to it.

Today, as Advent begins, may you find deep contentment and serenity amid the noise and busyness of the season.

Decorating for Just You

Here we are, keeping busy on the day after Thanksgiving.

Gatherings with friends and family while enjoying the Big Tom Turkey Feast are all over until Christmas.

Decorating began before Thanksgiving around here this year, in order to stretch the Christmas season for as long as possible.

With all the negative things happening in the world, it's nice to create a cozy, safe, and warm environment in our own spaces.

That's how a little ceramic tree with lot of colored lights ended up in my bedroom.

Trying to determine where it could be placed, I decided that on top of my bedroom dresser would be great. 

Not too many people, if any, will see it there but one-----me.  

"Why not?" I pondered. It will be totally enjoyed and loved all through the season.

So that was my fah lah lah message of the day.  Save some decorations for just y-o-u.  Then, enjoy them!

Happy Thanksgiving, From My Heart to Yours

 Today is it!  

It's Thanksgiving Day, 2025 in the USA.

Hundreds of people will be eating slices of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole,yummy turnips, cranberry sauce, soft rolls with butter, and then, dessert!

What, exactly, people will be eating for dessert depends on one's own traditions. 

There are almost always apple and pumpkin pies but some families prefer chocolate or  pecan pies, trifles in numerous flavors, or cake with lip-smacking frosting. 

The most important thing about this special holiday is, of coures, to think of all the reasons we have to be thankful.

Every breath we take, we can be thankful for, along with abilities to see, hear, taste, sing, love, sleep, wake up each morning, and treasure life.  

These are such incredible gifts that we have every day, not just on Thanksgiving.

Yes, in many ways, it's been a challenging year, but "this,too,shall pass."  Nothing stays the same forever. 

People we love die but precious new babies are born, straight from the hand of God.

All bad times pass and, as long as we can take one breath after another, we are surviving and that counts.

May God bless you and all your friends and family today. 

Dear blog peeps, just know how precious you are and appreciated, too.

Now go eat some turkey!

More Than Just Coffee with This Cup

When seeing for the first time, the cup shown in this post, the message cracked me up.

I burst out laughing right in the store that was selling it.

  

It had to come home with me and it did.

Now, whether used for coffee, peach tea, or any other liquid, they now come with a smile. 

Plus, the bright red color is perfect for the upcoming holidays.

One More Painting for the Christmas Gallery

We have one more painting for the Christmas gallery!

It's a precious oval-shaped painting of a tea house.

There are so many wonderful details in this lovely piece of art.

My favorite part is a nearby birdfeeder surrounded by red cardinals. 

 

There's a sleigh on on the porch and candles in the windows.

The tea house is called the Copper Kettle, Tea and Pastry.

It was less than three bucks, in a thrift store, and it's an original painting.

The person who painted this did a great job.

By the way, the Christmas gallery is on the bathroom wall.

It's coming along quite nicely and needs just a couple more additions.