Rainbow Cross

 A glass cross, when placed in a window, makes hundreds of tiny rainbows over everything, when sun shines through it.

These have made great gifts throughout the years and they are very affordable.

The glass rainbow cross has been on this blog in the past but it is always worth wrting about it again.

The other day, I realized my own glass cross stood on a dresser top with no sun being able to come through it.

So, I  transferred it to a window in my bedroom.

Voila!  Tons of rainbows sparkled over everything in sight.

I like to think of our ability to be kind, laugh, and treat others with compassion is being like that glass cross.

When we touch the lives of others, in positive ways, we make the world a little bit better.

While we are unable to change some things, we can decide to live quality lives in our own way.

May today you find a way to touch the life of someone else, perhaps by giving a compliment, sharing your thoughts, or giving a long, heartfelt hug.

That way, you'll create your own "rainbows" of love!

Oatmeal Pecan Raisin Cookies

 

Lots of oatmeal pecan raisin cookies came out of the oven this week, filling the apartment with luscious smells.

Since they got baked after supper, in the evening, the heat from the oven made everything feel cozy.

Most of the cookies went to others, slipped carefully into plastic baggies and presented with care.

Some, however, were put into the freezer for future giveaways and munching!

The new recipe being used is from chef and baker extraordinaire, Ina Garten.

Just google her favorite oatmeal raisin pecan cookies and you'll find the recipe. It's wonderful.

Below is the smile photo for today.

Rather than leave an unadorned roll of toilet paper in public view, adding a long legged Easter sweetheart does the trick.

Here's hoping your weekend will be terrific.

Find Peace and Reasons to Smile

These are busy days.

It's important to look for peace whenever possible.

Life gets extremely hectic at times. 

Things beyond our control in the outside world may be happening, too.

If we allow it, they can upset us and try to steal our joy.

At these times, it's important to seek peace.

We also need to find reasons to smile.

Something as simple as a funny joke or an adorable decoration can make us smile and lighten our hearts. 

Today, try to give and receive a smile or two. 

That can make a world of difference in how our day turns out.

Bunny-filled Kitchen Rack Is Ready for Easter

A life-long hobby of collecting miniatures is still with me. 

I have always loved anything dainty and small in size.

Let's take a closer look at some of them!

Even as a teenager, treasured dollhouses and tiny figurines of all kinds made my heart beat faster.

So, it's not surprising the hobby is still part of my life. 

For a couple of years now, my original plastic baggie of kitchen rack decorations has been tucked away in a plastic bin in a rented storage unit.

Recently unearthed, it turned out to be great fun unpacking all the little Easter trinkets and placing them on the dark periwinkle kitchen knick knack rack.

The soft, little lambie pie is so adorable, isn't he?  When squeezed, he lets out a soft "Bahhh bahhh."

Regular readers of Writing Straight from the Heart will probably recognize some of the little treasures from previous years' postings.

DO YOU COLLECT MINIATURES OF ANY KIND?

Handpainted Easter Eggs from Poland

After three years in storage, the colorful Polish Easter eggs accumulated one-by-one throughout the years, have finally been found and unpacked.

What a thrill to polish each one with a little squirts of furniture polish on a paper towel.

There are large sized eggs on a glass plate as well as small ones, also on a pretty glass plate.

I've heard these handpainted Polish eggs referred to as "pisanki."  

My late Polish Grandmother would have loved this collection. 

It is bright and cheerful.

Polish people  traditionally decorate with eggs on Easter.  

It has been said the eggs symbolize life and rebirth. Also, the return of spring in nature and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In addition to Polish eggs in two sizes, there is a collection of Ukrainian eggs around here, too.

They were highlighted in a blog post  that ran on March 14.

You can see the Ukrainian eggs by scrolling down from today's post.

DO YOU HAVE DECORATIONS FOR EASTER SYMBOLIZING SOME ASPECT OF YOUR ANCESTRY?