Ghosts

Photo Google Images

I think we all know someone we'd like to see live "The Christmas Carol" experience. As the story goes, three ghost visit Scrooge all in one night. I've been watching the Hallmark Channel, and so far, I've seen three different versions of this Charles Dicken's classic. They've all ended the same, with a happy ending. Mr. Scrooge becomes a different man, treating his fellow man with kindness, generosity and compassion. This is a story of redemption....

"And God bless us everyone." Dee Dee

Christmas Cactus

Okay.....I'm getting the "Christmas Spirit!" The flower shops are filled to the brim with all sorts of lovely seasonal plants. I've seen tables laden with Poinsettias in every color. Who would have imagined them in colors of variagated pinks and reds? Usually I decorate the house for Christmas completely, then bring in live plants for fabulous finishing touches. In the meantime.....I'm finding this sweet little Christmas Cactus, placed in a Scandinavian tea pot, pure delight.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

In The Garden

Last Rose blooming before winter....my sister-in-law's garden...Aiken SC.......

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses...and the voice I hear falling on mine ear, the Son of God, discloses....and He walks with me and He talks with me....and He tells me I am His own.... Blessings..... Dee Dee click on photo

Wild Scuppernong Vines

The Carolina's were beautiful as we visited friends and family during Thanksgiving. November is wonderfully cool there and just enough leaves remain on the trees and the floor of the woodlands, to give color to the landscape. I found a place to walk in the crisp cool morning air, and there I found tiny yellow leaves, still clinging to a wild "Scuppernong Grape Vine."

Blessings..... Dee Dee click on photo....

Happy Thanksgiving

Photo Google Images......

God bless you all as you gather with family to thank God for all your blessings. I'm remembering how the Pilgrims came to this great country seeking religious freedom. I fear there are those that want to take it away from us. Let's all pray for our nation, that we'll restore it once again to it's greatness.... "One Nation Under God..... Blessings .... Dee Dee

Missing Billy Graham

When I was growing up, our family seldom broke with tradition. We lived in the mountains of North Carolina, smack dab in the middle of the "Bible Belt." This meant Sunday morning church, Sunday evenings "Training Union" at church, and finally ending the day, watching Billy Graham preach on television. Oh yes, the day was for family, rest and worship.

I heard today, that Sarah Palin, in North Carolina on her book tour, was invited to the home of Billy Graham. Now that's a great big endorsement for Sarah, as far as I'm concerned. To have Billy Graham approve of what your doing, just plain ole puts the "evil doers" in their places. When you have Billy Graham praying for you and talking to God about you, how can you go wrong? When your on the side of right, you have nothing to fear.

I sure would like to visit Billy Graham. I have a feeling he's not so much worried about what is happening with all those folks in Washington. I would just like to hear him tell me it's going to be alright. I know it is, but I would just like to hear it from him. I think he would tell me,

"God is the One in charge.....just sit back and watch the Master at work." I think Billy Graham would tell me...."When they make a complete mess of things, they'll turn to the One that directed the "Founding Fathers." "These were not perfect men, but they knew our nation should be "One Nation Under God." By the way.....that would be the Christian God. The same one we celebrate at Christmas. Hmmm.....I sure am missing Billy Graham.....

Blessings.... Dee Dee

BLESSINGS

Reflect on your present blessings of which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some. ~Charles Dickens

Thanksgiving week....a time for reflection...... Blessings.... Dee Dee

Getting Behind Sarah Palin.....

I waited in line with lots of other folks last evening, at the Family Christian Book Store, to pay for my purchase. I had in my hand, the last copy, in the store, "Sarah Palin's book ...Going Rogue...An American Life." I had been told Sarah's books had been flying off the shelves all day long, and they would have to order more.

A regular shopper there, I was pleased to see the store busy, full of people obviously buying for Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is displayed throughout the store. The birth of Jesus Christ is, "Savior of the World!!!" That is what Christmas is about!!! There....ACLU and any one else who tries to distort the truth!! I gave this some thought, as I stood waiting, thinking to myself....."No chance ever of the Liberals' political correctness found here, thank goodness." I also gave it some thought as to how the populace of mostly Christian, had allowed this "smoke screen of destruction" to happen.....or had they?

I pondered this thought.....

Had our willingness as Christians to keep silent, led us to this day? I decided, NO, that is not what has happened. God is much greater than that!

The God who set the world in motion, has His hand all over what is taking place. Nothing is happening without His approval.

I watch as the Liberals have taken over most of the media, propagating their agenda throughout the world, with complete disdain for the truth about God and the "laws of God."

I'll continue to watch, watching as the Liberals realize what God has allowed to happen.......

In the meantime.....I'll get behind people like Sarah Palin. A woman who God has given a voice. Have you noticed how the "evil do'ers" are going after her? I suggest they are frightened to death of her, for she speaks the truth and sometimes the truth hurts!

Blessings......Dee Dee

Walking With God

There is only one basis for really enjoying life, and that is, to walk in the way in which God leads you. Then you are prepared to find delight in all sorts of wayside incidents.

For one thing, the ability of the senses to enjoy anything depends as much on the tone of the mind as on any external happening. Some people are like Peter Bell of whom Wordsworth wrote:

"A primrose by a river's brim

A yellow primrose was to him.

And it was nothing more."

When a man is drifting through life, seeking nothing outside of self-gratification, the world must become increasingly a barren and forbidding wilderness.

But it is wonderful how many delights fall to the lot of him who is led by God. For such a one the clasp of friends' hand, a cool drink in the heat of noon, a merry salutation from a passing traveler, a glimpse of beauty by the road, a quiet resting-place at night, are all full of unspeakable pleasure. ~ Source.....Leaves Of Gold

"Christmas Mouse"

Early of a morning, my creative juices just seemed to come alive. I know.....we haven't celebrated Thanksgiving yet and already I'm thinking of Christmas. With all the ideas I've been brainstorming about, now is the time to get started. With no time to waste, I've been steadily drawing and painting Christmas balls, Christmas trees, Snowmen and, even a nice old Santa Claus. Then, out of nowhere, as if by Christmas magic, this tiny little "Christmas Mouse" began appearing on my paper. "What a sweet little guy," I thought. "Where did you come from?" You know, I think I'll keep him (he looks like a him) around for a while. He just might make a few appearances on my blog now and then, in unexpected places. I have a feeling his little face just might appear on a few Christmas gift packages, gift tags and cards. I love this time of year......... Blessings.....Dee Dee

On The Island

The swing ..... a favorite place to sit, relax and just look out over the ocean. Honeymoon Island, somehow puts it all into perspective, just how incredibly amazing is God's creation.... The shell....found on the swing.... click on photos

Blessings...... Dee Dee

A Generational Candy? Maybe.......

No longer do I fight the urge.... "I am guilty as charged."

Chocolate covered cherries are a delectable seasonal weakness.

They do not come in a fancy box, nor is it necessary. They are not found in finer department stores, or ritzy little specialty candy shops. They are not in the same league as Godiva candies nor do they try to compete. Plain and simple, they can be found on the shelves of your favorite drug store, right before Thanksgiving. I have the feeling this is a candy that belongs to my generation, and we are responsible for their appearance year after year. Once upon a time, in my childhood, a chocolate covered cherry was perfect with a big glass of milk. This evening we enjoyed a nice after dinner coffee. Placed on the saucer??? You guessed it. One very drippy syrupy scrumptious chocolate covered cherry! Blessings..... Dee Dee

Primitive Christmas?

I suppose it's a bit unusual for me to be attracted to primitive Christmas decorations. That all ended, sort of, when I strolled through a favorite place to shop yesterday. Almost primitive Adirondack, might be a good name for what I was seeing. I could almost feel the heat from the fireplace and smell the pine. Gingham, jute, burlap, tree bark, bears and moose were all there for the making of a good old fashioned mountain home Christmas. I suppose most of these things would be out of place in my Florida home, well....for anytime other than Christmas. Don't you know I picked up a bag full of that "stuff" and have all kinds of fun ideas for decorating the family room. A garland of bells and red gingham bows tied to jute....cutest thing in the world, don't you think?

Blessings..... Dee Dee

A New Look For The Pac 'n Play......

Place me in the baby cloth section of the fabric store and I have no self control. I find these lovely little baby print fabrics completely irresistable. It is a good thing I have plenty of tiny little ones in my life, for it gives me excuse for having a box full of these kinds of fabric. Now two months old, our newest addition to the family will soon have a new look to his Pac 'n Play.

Blessings....... Dee Dee

The Magnificent Osprey Bird

Osprey.......Google Images

My photo...Osprey Nest in center....

Not too far from my home is a beautiful lake. This is a place that attracts many forms of wildlife. Visitors to Florida, should know that not only do our lakes have frogs, snakes and turtles, they are most likely to have alligators. Here at this small lake, I have observed White Egrets, the Blue Heron and beautiful White Ibis, usually seen in groupings. The Ibis, heads down, having long pointed beaks, enjoy grazing along the water's edge. My favorite reason for visiting this lake, is my hopes in catching a glimpse of the magnificent Osprey bird. The photo shown is a tall pine tree, beside the lake......home to the Osprey. This day, I was lucky. I did see the bird as it screamed loudly while circling the tree, until finally landing on the nest. Take my word for it, the Osprey is there in the photo, way up high in the beautiful Florida sky. Click on photos....

Blessings...... Dee Dee

From The Pages Of A Childhood Story.....

A Winter Morning At The Chicken Coop

I have lots of childhood stories stored in my memory banks. Seems all I have to do is get out my pencils and watercolors and a story comes to mind. One day I'll put them down on paper for my children and my grandchildren. For now, I'm remembering them, jotting down details and working on my illustrations....... Winters in Pennsylvania were bitter cold. Lights left on in the chicken coop were always necessary. Funny when I think back on those days.....at the break of dawn that ole rooster didn't seem to mind a little cold. It was his place to wake us all up. As I recall, he never missed a day.

Blessings..... Dee Dee

Think On This

Painting titled "Sharing" by John Weiss

A Measuring Rod

That best portion of a good man's life

His little nameless unremembered acts

Of kindness and of love. ~William Wordsworth
Blessings.... Dee Dee

Time........

.......We get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more, perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless. ~ Paul Bowles

Blessings...... Dee Dee

Tropical Foliage

Today is absolutely gorgeous! We've opened the doors allowing cool breezes to blow through the cottage. The sun is shining brightly, splashing every which way in the garden. It could just be my imagination, but I believe the cooler air is pleasing to the plants as well. They seem more livelier. Are those "happy faces" I see on the Crotons? It just might be. Beautiful lush tropical foliage, a good way to describe what I'm seeing today. Oh, the header....A part of the foliage...the berries on the Nandina are turning red, and just in time for making holiday decorations.

Blessings..... Dee Dee

Yellow Roses

I couldn't be any more pleased with my antique show, found treasure. This old bucket does all kinds of good things to enhance the beauty of these yellow roses. I love the color.... beautiful Robin egg blue and it has just the right amount of shabby thrown in for good measure. Something old and something new. Blessings..... Dee Dee

At Home In Mitford~Jan Karon

Excerpt....

"Well, I took down th' New testament you brought me, an' I said, I b'lieve I'll just crack this open f'r a minute-I knew I didn't want t' go gettin' no religion out of it, nossir.

"So I baited me a hook an I put it on m' fishin' line and went 'n' sat on th' creek bank, an' done somethin' I hadn't done since I was a boy- I tied th' line on m' big toe. You know, that makes sense, you don't have t' mess with a pole. That way, when you get a bite, you know it, and all y' have t' do is just pull 'er in. Time savin'!

"So I was settin' there an' I commenced t' read, and first thing you know, I was dead into it. I'd catch me a crappie, take it off th' hook, bait up again, and go back t' readin.' I done that all day, and by th' time I'd fried me some fish and eat a good dinner, it come to me plain as day that m' faith was back. God Almighty had put his hand on me again after all these years. you know what I figure?" "What's that?"

"I figure what can y' lose? Jesus said, "Verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life." Blessings...... Dee Dee

Large and Heavy Hanging Basket

It will be hanging eventually in the courtyard of our garden, on the back side of our cottage. This beautiful basket, with a variety of Coleus and various colorful Impatiens, is heavy. Noting that it had been freshly watered when I purchased it, I struggled carrying this great massive basket from my car, to the front door area. There it has set for two days. Overcast with rain, has brought a good soaking to the basket once again. I am still, barely able to lift it. For now, it shall stay where it is, but that's okay. This pretty thing is making quite an impression, on all who stop by our home for a visit. Note: All photos solarized. Blessings...... Dee Dee

Nice Warm Scarves

Here on the Gulf Coast of Florida, were still looking forward to cold weather. The Chamber of Commerce, not so much ready as the rest of us. The tourist population is recognizable, all folks escaping from the cold. No matter where we go, we have to stand in line and wait. I don't mind so much, I'm happy to see life going right along as it always has. The tourist come and go with the seasons. I suppose we'll be bundling up with warmer clothing, around Thanksgiving time, trusting that the weather will be cool by then. I'm counting on it anyway, so the children can wear these nice warm scarves I've made for them. Blessings.... Dee Dee

Snowbirds

They're back! The Snowbirds.... folks who spend a large portion of the winter, here in the warm climate of Florida. I had noticed the traffic being heavier than usual, but nothing could have prepared me for the thousands that attended the Art Festival this past Sunday, held here each year, in our small village. Oh, we've had crowds in the past, but this was incredible. After setting in traffic for thirty minutes, and still longer to wait for parking, we decided it just wasn't worth it. "Let the "Birds" have it this time, I said, we'll find something else to do." And so we did. Reading was in order for the Mister and I would paint.
When I brought out my drawing pencils and watercolor paints, I was still thinking of the Snowbirds. Somehow, this led me to thinking of a real birds...... Thus, my painting of a "Cardinal." We have plenty of these around here also. Blessings..... Dee Dee

The Season of Gratitude

There's lots of wisdom chocked into this quote by Melody Beattie. I've posted this before, but during this season of gratitude, I thought it worth another read.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Blessings....... Dee Dee

The Name Above All Names.....

JESUS....God's gift to mankind.
Blessings..... Dee Dee

Seasonal Celebrations

It has become customary, here at the cottage, to enjoy an "after dinner coffee." This evening we have made an amazingly delicious discovery. Produced by International Delight.....we are enjoying "Vanilla Spiced Rum" flavored coffee. Titled as seasonal celebrations, by the company, we will partake of this wonderful concoction , throughout the holidays. By the way....it contains no alcohol, only rum flavoring. For added flavor top with whipped cream.

Blessings.... Dee Dee

Pumpkin Soup ~Helen Cooper

I did so enjoy my visit to Barnes & Noble today. Right inside the front door was a table, stacked with beautiful Christmas story books. This kind of display will draw me to it like a magnet. I have little self control when it comes to Christmas stories. There were large books, medium sized books and tiny little books, all attracting my attention with beautiful covers and interesting titles. Am I the only one, or are there others like me who just have to pick up and look through all the small books. I love these little books! They are 3"x 5".... and have beautifully illustrated book covers. I wanted to bring them all home with me.....set them on a bookshelf and just look and admire them, from now through Christmas! But then, my practical side kicked in and I sadly walked away. I made my way over to the customer service desk and inquired, "do you have Tasha Tudor's Christmas Book?" They did not, and I told them they should. "Tasha is spoken of with much love and affection in the blog world," I told them. So I headed on back to the children's book section. Again I found myself struggling with temptation while approaching the children's Christmas story books table. Eventually I came to the Thanksgiving section, this being the reason for coming into the store, and found "Pumpkin Soup"......a most suitable little story book, for the season, and most appropriate for the small children in my life.

Pumpkin Soup is a story book about a group of friends who have their routine all sorted out.

Cat, Squirrel and Duck are three friends who make pumpkin soup together every day. They always do it the same way. But one day.............

This is a book that communicates the idea of sharing.

An appropriate time of the year for this read, so beautifully illustrated, all young children should love this little story.

Blessings.... Dee Dee

A Little Melancholy

Drinking tea and thinking of family and friends.........

Somehow, I'm not so sure about this "Daylight Savings Time." Darkness comes way too early and I feel as though I'm preparing the evening meal much too late. I tolerate the change however, and somehow by the time the holidays roll around, I will have adjusted.

Like so many others forced to end the day much too soon, the mister and I are relaxing this evening, with a nice cup of tea. We're a little melancholy tonight, thinking of family and friends living up north. There, they are dealing with all the leaves that have fallen from the trees. That's a lot of raking......and, it's getting colder. "Winter is near."

Gathering Leaves

by Robert Frost

Spades take up leaves no better than spoons,

And bags full of leaves are light as balloons.

I make a great noise of rustling all day

Like rabbit and deer running away.

But the mountains I raise elude my embrace

Flowing over my arms and into my face.

I may load and unload again and again

Till I fill the whole shed, and what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight, and since they grew duller

From contact with earth next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use but a crop is a crop,

And who's to say where the harvest shall stop?

Blessings....... Dee Dee

Think On This

Lately, I've been concerned for families and even somewhat troubled. As I grow older, it bothers me, as I observe the role of women changing dramatically, in regards to work and family. No longer is it priority for women to manager their homes and children. As a result, families are suffering. I believe God designed the family a certain way, and when the structure changes, everyone suffers.

Reading on this matter, and searching for answers, I've found this was an issue and one addressed during the nineteenth century. A smart women could see the "handwriting on the wall" and wanted to correct the course. Catherine Beecher addressed the subject of "women's role," in her time, and I believe her discoveries are ones I can agree with even today.

Catherine Beecher was an active proponent for the creation of schools for women arguing that for their special roles as instructors of children, women required a thorough education. She was responsible in her time for creating a new social attitude that placed a greater value on women's work in the home and their role as educators and moral guide for the young. She did not advocate a radical change in women's role, but she did recognize the importance of the work women did in managing homes and raising families.

Beecher held the view that the woman, as educator and spiritual guide for families, was the basis of a well ordered and moral society.

I am hopeful for the future. I am seeing evidence of home schooling mother's managing their homes, educating their children and all the while directing their moral development. Should this not be a priority in teaching young women even in our public schools? My prayer is that all young women will recognize their special roles. It is a mighty responsibility they have. Blessings...... Dee Dee

Keeping With The FALL Theme

I'm mulling over some photos taken when we visited upstate New York in 2007. We drove to Old Forge early one morning, and boarded an old vintage train that would take us into the Adirondack mountains. As the train traveled along the tracks, I could see a land that was barren, somewhat desolate and seemingly lifeless. I remember searching for wildlife and saw none..... and noticing I saw no birds. It was late fall, and many of the trees had already shed their leaves. Some were still making a show of brilliant color. Almost a blur, I could see splashes of gold, reds and umber as we moved over the rails. As I'm looking over the photos, I'm remembering how important it was that I never forget the experience and wanting to capture this vastness and beauty of the wilderness. The train had large old fashioned windows, and I would struggle to open one, in order to have clearer photos. When the window finally opened, I remember the cold mountain air surprising me, and taking my breath for a moment. I held my camera steady and began clicking off one picture after the other, hoping for at least a few to be in focus. The ones shown here, are just a few of the many that turned out beautifully, all lasting memories of the magnificence of the Adirondacks.

Blessings..... Dee Dee

Tilling The Soil

More photos of our trip to Cooperstown New York, last fall. Again my photos are from The Farmers Museum. Taking us back in time, we enjoy the performances given by all cast members, and I love the period costumes worn. Folks there at the museum just continue working the farm, as though we were not observing them. They do stop now and then to explain what they are doing. On this occasion we stood and watched as the farmers labored at tilling the soil. As you can see in the photos, the team of yoked Oxen, were performing their task quite nicely. At one point, the tilling came to a standstill, for resting perhaps, (this looks like very hard work for man and beast) and most likely to survey the land. A woman dressed in a lovely period cotton dress and hat, adding to the whole setting. Quite in character, she minded not that my camera got very close to her. I'm enjoying the museum all over again looking at my photos, thinking back over our day spent on the farm, with fond fond memories.

For a closer look at what is happening at The Farmers Museum, these days, click here: http://www.ruralblacksmith.blogspot.com/

I think you'll enjoy. Blessings..... Dee Dee

A Favorite Thing To Do

Raty Off To The Wild Wood ~ Charles Sandwyk

I'm thinking this morning, about how incredibly unique we are all made. We all have favorite things we like to do. Some of us have similar things in common and that's what makes us gravitate toward one another. One of my favorite things to do is exploration on the Internet. I can explore for hours, in search of children's book illustrators. I've found many and some of my favorites lived in the early l9th century. What could be more lovelier than drawing pictures, so that children can have a visual of characters and places in the stories they read. More recently I have found Charles Sandwyk. He has made Wind In The Willows even more fascinating. Raty Off To The Wild Wood.....a favorite. If you like, go to Google and see more of his work. I think you'll be quite pleased. Blessings....... Dee Dee

Bright Star

It seems, a little movie of poetry and love, has many folks buzzing, according to Vanity Fair. It hit theaters in September, unbeknown to me, but of course that's not so unusual, sense we seldom go to movie theaters. This is one movie, I do hope to see and soon actually. I like Keats's, and look forward, a great deal, to seeing, what I've read and heard about him, and his dear Fanny. The plot....love comes to a free-thinking poet and a beautiful young woman. The poet is the genius John Keats and the woman is his neighbor Fanny Brawne. Their love is as epic, as the poetry it inspired, including Keats's famous poem Bright Star, for which the film is named. Keats wrote Fanny more than 30 letters, notes, and poems, so this says something for his infatuation with her. I watched the trailer and this line is especially nice..... Keats speaking to Fanny....."I wish we were butterflies and lived but three summer days.....I could fill them with more delight than fifty years that common life could ever contain." Look for my review in a future post. Blessings.....Dee Dee