A Little Ray Of Sunshine

Our Sunday weather was cold and dreary, with skies overcast and threatening rain. After church and lunch, we were contented to relax in the comfort of our home. Our cloudy day choice of entertainment was a Hallmark movie.

Late afternoon the sun came through the clouds just for a few moments and cast shadows across the room. So unexpected and yet quite beautiful, was this "little ray of sunshine."

Blessings for the week...... Dee Dee

A Painting

In order to be really good at anything, one has to be passionate about it. This has been true for me, and, in a few instances, throughout the years. I was once a weaver of baskets. Some days, I would begin the day dying reeds in various colors, then, sit for hours weaving and creating lovely colorful baskets. I was in constant motion in those days.

Attending art shows and selling my baskets, became a passion with me. Eventually the excitement wore off and I found other interest.

That's the way life is, I suppose.

I once had a passion for drawing and painting and now again, I have the same passion....perhaps even stronger than before. What I paint today, is completely different, however. I've been inspired by various illustrators of children's books..... like Tasha Tudor and Beatrix Potter. Reading to my grandchildren, has introduced me to some amazing illustrators.

Today, my intentions were to draw and paint with Valentines in mind. What you see is a young lady holding a purple heart. She came to my mind by way of the Victorian era. I know a little girl that says "Purple is my favorite color." She will like her.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

The Professor

Painting: The Professor by Amy Graff

Here, the night air was scented with meadowsweet and wild thyme, and the field seemed very still under the silent moon, which flickered as cloud shapes passed over it. But the animals had not gone far when they heard a soft whispering sigh, and then the sigh was louder, and then it resolved itself with a flutter of heavy wings and a rasp of claws into the dark shape of an owl settling onto the limb of a willow beside the beck. The flat round disk of his large face was ghostly in the moonlight, his staring eyes wild and fiercely luminous. He was annoyed.

Source: The Tale Of Hill Top Farm.....The Cottage Tales Of Beatrix Potter

Every now and then, life hands you a wonderful gift. Wrapped in lovely book covers, I've uncovered the writing of Susan Wittig Albert. Much in the style of Beatrix Potter, written for young adults, her Cottage Tales are perfectly charming. This collection no doubt will wait on the book shelf, to be read one day by my granddaughters.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

Red

Red Camellias all over the cottage.......

For much of the day, I've been making Valentines and...... they are coming along nicely. As is common in most cases, I've been using various shades of red on my cards. While painting little red hearts, it occurred to me that red is not a color I use a lot. I decorate with mostly pale neutral colors and lots of white. I concluded that only twice a year, do I even bring red flowers into my home. At Christmas, I enjoy red Poinsettias and again in January when my Camellia bush produces red flowers. Even now, Camellias are scattered throughout my home.

You know, I've read that in China, red is the color of happiness and prosperity. Could be.....all this red has me feeling pretty cheerful.

Good blessings..... Dee Dee

Making Valentines

This evening I brought out pencils and watercolors.....I'm attempting to make my own Valentine cards, and, I'm thinking Folk Art style. Lacking in any formal Folk Art training, my results are looking rather amateurish (Amateur: engages in a pursuit for pleasure and not as a professional). Ah....perfectly describes what this fun little project is all about.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

A Cool January Day

With the lack of blooming flowers in the garden, I've compensated by placing mini Pansies on the lanai. I believe some call them "Forget-Me-Nots"....

Another cool January day.......for this, I am thankful.

These are the best months of the year.....I feel more alive, energetic. I feel like dancing! Well, maybe not. I do think to sit in the garden reading sounds nice.

Today I saw a sweet Mockingbird swoop down through the garden, perch on the fence for a moment and fly away. I've been reminded to put out seed and add fresh water to the bath.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

History & Geography

I've heard that many of America's school children, are no longer given the opportunity to learn History and Geography.

History, after all, is the written record of mankind, and why not teach Geography? Where something happens in history is just as important as when it happened and who was involved.

I had this discussion with my daughter, who teaches in a small christian school in upstate New York. She spoke of "A Beka Books" and teaching in the Christian perspective. I liked that the content had similarities to how I was taught as a young student, and asked her to send me the history and geography book she teaches her fifth grade.

So, I've been reading of the Fertile Crescent....the cradle of civilization. The next chapter, titled Ancient Middle East , I'll read where history began, about the Phoenicians, the Hittites, the Lydians and the Israelites: God's chosen people. I've looked ahead and see that I'll soon read of Africa....the continent of natural wonders and the land of mystery...Africa long ago.

Chapter 12 is titled The Greatest Force In History... the greatest event in history...the birth of Christ.....the rise of Constantine...the fall of Rome...the invention of the printing press and Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.

I turned to the back of the book and looked at pages students are required to memorize.

The American Creed

The Declaration of Independence

Preamble to the Constitution

First Amendment to the Constitution

The Rights of Americans

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

States and Capitals

My thoughts.......Studying "World History and Geography" is an adventure...an opportunity to learn more about God's world and the people who live in it. As parents and grandparents we need to stay informed as to what is taught in our schools. We can no longer afford to go with the "status quo." America's children deserve better.

Blessings..... Dee Dee

Lovely White Flowers

The Paperwhites have risen to heights of almost two feet now. For a while they were drooping over, but oddly enough, this morning they've straightened completely up. I never tire of lovely white flowers and these, up from bulbs, have become a thing of pure fascination.

Blessings..... Dee Dee

As Time Goes By.....

Geoffrey Palmer (Lionel) Judi Dench (Jean)

Having watched them for years, the cast of "As Time Goes By" (PBS television), are somewhat like old acquaintances to the Mister and I. I suppose, one might say, we can identify with the characters of Lionel and Jean most of all, for we're close in age and behave towards one another in similar ways. The characters in the show are British, and for all practical purposes, have completely different lives than ours. What is it then, we've asked ourselves, is the attraction. Decidedly, it's the interaction they have with one another. The closeness and the oneness of being with your closest friend is evident in their characters. Everything in their lives and everyone they come in contact with, give them hours of great material for lively conversation for when the two of them are alone. It is apparent they enjoy one anothers company but they thrive on family and friends, as they interact in their lives. Spending hours alone together, they are completely contented with the simple daily activities of life. They laugh together, a lot. I'm reminded of a scene taken place in the kitchen. Jean's preparing tea and Lionel is setting the table. Sitting together, there is continual conversation and would likely continue unless they happen to sip tea at the same time....in which case there may be a moment of quiet. Many times the show ends with them in bed, a lovely brass bed. This is the place where they always bring closer to issues of the day. Both discreetly wearing designer pajamas for the television audience, they kiss goodnight and turn out the lights. As I've described Lionel and Jean, somehow their lives in the sitcom, sound all too familiar.......and so it is "as time goes by".........

Blessings....... Dee Dee

A New Emma On Masterpiece Theatre

Emma Woodhouse is one of Jane Austen's cherriest characters. She has a good heart, but is very inept when it comes to matchmaking. Now, an "Emma" mini-series begins.

Tonight , on PBS at 9PM. A must see for Jane Austen fans......I can hardly wait!

Blessings...... Dee Dee

Paperwhites

We have been watching each day as the stems multiplied and grew tall. The delicate petals and wonderful fragrance of the Paperwhites are bringing beauty to the gloom of winter. Last evening we could barely see our hands before our faces as the sea fog drifted inland. This morning the sun is shining and the hopes of spring, flourish in the bloom of the "Paperwhites."

Blessings...... Dee Dee

Oh Bother.....

Brazil nuts enter our home once a year, during the Christmas holidays, in a bag of mixed nuts. Each year they are placed in a dish and then set on a table in our family room. Only one person eats the nuts and that's the way it's always been. Things haven't changed in all these years.... the Mister will not bother with the Brazil nut. Now, I'm not the kind of person to waste food, but I just don't have the patience to deal with them. I even feel sorry for the folks working in Brazil nut factories. I've tried to come up with a recipe so good I wouldn't mind the effort, but Brazil-Nut-Truffle-Cookies..... are just not tempting enough. Hmm...I wonder if the squirrels will eat them. It's worth a try.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

Tulips and Tea

I want to do so much today. Have you ever wondered how Ben Franklin accomplished so much, in so little time? And haven't you ever wondered if he took all that advice in his almanac. "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man happy wealthy and wise."

It rained hard last night and the wind, lightening and thunder woke me up. I opened the window just a little and the noises from the storm lulled me back to sleep eventually. But......

I slept late and that has given me a slow start for the day.

The tulips have brightened the dining table and I think I will sit there to study my BSF Bible lesson today.

I'm drinking tea and feeling a little silly already thinking of spring. That's what tulips do to me. Why, I've even had a moment or two of Easter thoughts.

Blessings..... Dee Dee

The Book of Virtues

Found on my bedside table.....training of the heart and mind toward the good.

Former Secretary of Education Bill Bennett has culled together a collection of old stories from the Bible, from great authors and from folklore. The Book of Virtues, has messages that are clear and will stir family discussions. Chapter titles are "Compassion;" "Responsibility;" "Friendship;" "Courage;" "Perseverance;" and "Faith." The tales are brief and most perfect for bedtime, or anytime family reading. In just plain words, this book is a treasure. Good fortune smiled down on me yesterday, as I sorted through books dropped off at the library store by patrons. Supporting the library, I gladly paid one full dollar for the book.

A Time To Talk ~Robert Frost

Work always calls us. But we make time for friends when they call too.

When a friend calls me from the road

And slows his horse to a meaning walk,

I don't stand still and look around

On all the hills I haven't hoed,

And shout from where I am, What is it?

No, not as there is a time to talk.

I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,

Blade-end up and five feet tall,

And plod: I go up to the stone wall

For a friendly visit.

I highly recommend Mr Bennett's treasury of great moral stories. Blessings.... Dee Dee

It turned out, we were not alone.........

Osprey...notice lady friend on lower branch to the right.....

White Egret roosting.....neck scrunched down, standing on one leg.

The Mister and I walk there often. Lovely old homes set back just far enough from the water, to consider it safe during storms. A dirt road winds along the water's edge, allowing enough space for grasses and flower gardens. It is a place we find always peaceful, and seldom do we see more than one or two people at a time. Today, we were alone as we walked, or so we had thought. First noticing a large shadow moving across the grasses, we looked up in time to see a magnificent Osprey land overhead, in a tall pine tree. An incredible sight to see, these birds have wingspans of five to six feet. The white Egret, seen while walking the same path, was settled on a limb of a dead tree. Standing on one leg, I'd say he was taking a winter's roost. He hardly noticed the clicking of my camera, only moving at all to stretch his neck now and then. We're never disappointed when we can interact a little with nature...

Blessings.... Dee Dee click on photos...

Victoria Like

A gathering of my perfume bottles....some vintage and some new.....

I love the new Victoria magazine, and like all the others, I will read it in it's entirety. European Elegance From luxurious linens to feminine fragrances, Pom Pom Interiors melds Old-World charm with contemporary sophistication. Let me just say, I swooned over the images. Hilde Leiaghat, growing up in Belgium, showcases her line of linen, all things "boudoir"....Old-World essence. Favorite Things...Shimmer and Shine I could identify completely with this feature. I too, enjoy perfume bottles, old vintage and new.....the article noted they add a bit of old-Hollywood glamour to the bedroom. Not quite as elegant as those pictured in Victoria, images of my collection are shown. Also, splashed on the pages of the magazine, were quotes like this one by Bill Morgan Jr.... "Winter came down to our home one night/Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow..."

I think we could do nothing nicer for ourselves on a cold winter day, than to curl up in a comfortable chair, sip on a nice cup of Earl Grey and absorb this beautiful Victoria Bliss.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

Now We Will All Give........

I suppose it's because our days are so much shorter, daylight disappearing way too soon for my liking, but I love burning candles during the winter months. Last evening, I began having thoughts of how and why we burn candles. For centuries mankind has not only used candles as a source for light, they have sometimes been used as symbols of hope.

All of us have seen images of the earthquake victims this past week, and I for one, am having trouble processing what has taken place. The faces of horrified children will long stay in my consciousness...

Now the world has seen the very poor.... now we will all give.....

While lighting candles, I'm lifting them up in prayer...... Dee Dee

Contentment

Nine Keys To Contentment

Health enough to make work a pleasure.

Wealth enough to support your needs.

Strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome them.

Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.

Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished.

Charity enough to see some good in your neighbors.

Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.

Faith enough to make real, things of God.

Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.

~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I wish contentment for each of you dear family and friends...... Dee Dee

Attitude

Painting by Prudence Heyward

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on my life. Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, gifted ability, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.

The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace from that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string that we have and this string is Attitude. I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me, and ninety percent how I react to it. And so it is with you....We are in charge of our attitudes. ~Charles Swindoll

Miniature Iris

Look what's showing off....a whole lot! In no time at all, these miniature Iris bulbs, came out of the soil and were in full bloom. They seem to be enjoying the warm sunshine today, and so am I. Blessings Dee Dee

Think On This.....

Watch your way then, as a cautious traveler; and don't be gazing at that mountain or river in the distance, and saying, "How shall I ever get over them?" But keep to the present little inch that is before you, and accomplish that in the little moment that belongs to it. The mountain and the river can only be passed in the same way; and when you come to them, you will come to the light and strength that belong to them. ~M. A. Kelty Source Leaves of Gold

Be encouraged today..... Dee Dee

Remember The Book?

Remember the book? Of course you do, because you have plenty of them in shelves, half-read, dusty, bent, torn, coffee-stained, wine-colored, smudged, smelly, misprinted, broken and cherished. They catch your glance as you walk from one room to another, reminding you of the year or a moment when you were doing something else but had that book in your bag or backseat, and meant to finish it, or did in fact, and put it away and moved it several times in a box, cursing it's weight and trying not to bend it. So there it sits now, quite possibly closed until the day you die. But you know it's there and it's a marker in your life. Source: Candlelight Stories

Like most of the populace, I spend hours each week, at my computer. Having the world at my fingertips, I learn something new each day. On occasion I find new websites that are most interesting. Click here... www.candlelightstories.com This is a place I visit, that nearly always has something I can walk away with, ponder or bring up later for discussion.

This website began in 1995 as an educational entertainment site for kids of all ages. Although still having many elements for children, it now offers literary, film, games, news, opinion and audio content primary for an adult audience. Should this be of interest to you, they are looking for authors with novels, short stories, poems and children's stories, who want to get their work online for a wide audience to enjoy. I have not explored everything at Candlelight Stories, and know that the whole content may not be for everyone. Use your own judgement. There are many things I'm hopeful you'll enjoy. Take a look, if you like. Blessings..... Dee Dee

Discovery

When I make a great food discovery, I want to share the good news with everyone. Sarabeth's Kitchen is what I'm excited about. Her legendary spreadable fruit jams are delicious! Award winning jam maker, acclaimed chef and restaurateur, Sarabeth's personal search for perfection extends to everything she creates. Let's just say.....this lady can cook! Her jams.... taste home made.

You can order her products and get recipes online at http://www.sarabeths.com/ or, the good news is, Home Goods Stores and TJ Maxx carry her products.

With a variety of her jams lined up in our cupboard, the Peach-Apricot is the one I reach for first.

Blessings..... Dee Dee

Forcing Bulbs

Forcing bulbs to bloom, is exciting to me. With unusual cold weather here in the "Sunshine State," it has put a damper on the usual planting of bedding plants in my garden. So, I've adapted. My miniature Iris bulbs, seem to be well on their way toward blooming. Oddly enough, I'm finding even the green stems, attractive. They are enjoying the sunlight, streaming through the windows this afternoon. Blessings..... Dee Dee

We Called It A "Date Night"

Steak and shrimp for the Mister.....

I had Lobster and grilled Mahi Mahi with an amazing sauce....

One of our favorite Christmas gifts, was a gift card to the Bonefish Grill. Last night we had so much fun. We were calling our dining out, on behalf of our children, a "date night." Somehow that sounded modern and made our evening feel somewhat romantic. We dressed for the occasion and prepared to dine with bunches of tourist and mostly Canadian Snowbirds. We knew what to expect this time of year, and believe me, we were at a "happening place." As we waited for our table, I did a little people watching. We were seated not far from the door, and I watched as people hurriedly rushed inside to escape the thirty degrees weather. The mood of the crowd was festive and I saw lots of smiling happy faces. The Bonefish offers very good service in every way. They serve amazingly good food, have the friendliest and I think the best servers in the area. Once seated at our table, we were advised of the specialties for the evening. Always a good idea, we both ordered what the chef recommended. Let's just say our meals were delicious and our "date night" was wonderfully memorable. Staying warm and even enjoying the cold...... Dee Dee

Amazing Grace

"If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayers-His grace sufficient, His promises unchangeable." ~John Newton

Another Mastepiece Classic

Dame Judi Dench.....

"RETURN TO CRANFORD"

Masterpiece Classic

Premiers January 10, 2010 at 9pm ET

Starring Judi Dench as Miss Matty

Let the Matchmaking begin.....

Two years ago, "Masterpiece Classics" scored an audience hit with Cranford. The British series which drew about 8 million viewers in England, examined the everyday lives of the small Cheshire town in England in the early l840's.

The sequel picks up in 1844, a year after the original ended. Miss Matty (Judi Dench) is still mourning the loss two years earlier of her beloved older sister Deborah. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Matty plays matchmaker. Cranford tales were originally written as monthly episodes in Charles Dickens magazine "Household Words."

Having enjoyed Cranford this past year, I am excited about the sequel and another opportunity to see Judi Dench perform.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Chess....Wisdom

Samuel Bak's....Bishop Knight Rook

Let's just say, it hasn't been so long, that I don't remember the pressure and the mental tension associated with playing chess with the Mister. "Hey Hun, let's bring out the ole Chess board." It's been four days now since the great "Florida Chill of 2010" began. "Are these signs of cabin fever," I wondered. Almost instantly an old stress twitch became active in the corner of my right eye. "Sounds like fun," I mumbled.

You see, I'm the kind of gal that takes very little time in making Chess decisions, nearly always making them on spur-of-the-moment. I scope the Chess board out, plan two or three moves, anticipate my opponent's next move, and I then move the Chess piece with confidence.

The Mister, on the other hand, analyzes each move on the board....mine and his. Having eventually thought out his move, he then sits calmly for a while thinking about whether it is a really good move or if there are other better ideas.

The word "impatient" comes to mind, in describing me, during these periods of analysis and unhappy describes me as I lose each time. Years have passed since we've last played and this time I have a plan. Perhaps I can be mindful that the Chess pieces are armies doing battle. Those that are my men, are my responsibility. It is my place to use good judgement, never placing them in harms way. Just maybe I'll be the one sitting calmly, finding every move on the board before making mine. I'm feeling pretty confident this evening, and the chess board is looking less scary to me. Could it be that I've gained a little wisdom? I think so. These days I try to use better judgement and have a wiser attitude before taking any course of action.

Blessings...... Dee Dee

Amaryllis....A Reminder Of Spring

We are still experiencing below normal temperatures here on the Gulf coast of Florida. Not only is it cold outside today, it is cloudy and we've got a steady downpour of rain. So, I'm bundled up like an Eskimo and the thermostat is on numbers never used before, during the winter months. I can see evidence everywhere that folks around here are kinda liking the cold. Uggs are being worn for the first time, hats and gloves have become fashionable.

Can it be that we are actually having winter here in Florida? I like it! Well.....maybe a short winter is okay. To be truthful, I'm missing sunshine!!!

Thankfully, my Amaryllis is blooming again, even more beautiful than during Christmas.

Alas, it has reminded me of "SPRING" ....I can hardly wait!

Stay warm dear friends....Dee Dee

Prayer Needed

Migrant Workers by Joseph Sheppard

We received an email from our church yesterday, informing us of an emergency taking place at the migrant camps, located in central Florida. The weather is much colder than usual, and the temperatures have remained close to freezing for several days now.....unusual for Florida. Blankets and warm clothing were desperately needed. In no time at all, a large number of blankets, and money were on the way, destined for the missionaries that live close to the camp. These people have spent most of their life helping the migrant workers. The shabby trailers they live in, provided by the land owners, are in a continual state of disrepair. There is no heat, and holes in the floor, allow for large fruit rats to enter these deplorable places.....threatening with disease. Sadly, families with small children and babies live in these wretched living conditions. Several churches in the area continue to help, giving a portion of tithes and offerings to provide clothing, blankets and food, money and, even spend time daily tutoring migrant school children. More can be done, for there are so many.

Words by Francis of Assisi ....I'm thinking they may apply here....

Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service love, sacrifice and courage.

Tonight I'm thinking of the struggles of these beautiful families, and I hope they are more comfortable now and warmer. Please pray for them. Dee Dee

Still Thriving

Delicate Impatiens.....tiny bud....

Markedly flawless forms...full bloom

Upon awakening this morning, I came to the realization, almost immediately, that the temperatures had dipped below freezing. Not a good thing considering I had not covered my Roses and other tropical plants, or a very large hanging basket filled with Coleus and Impatiens. Thankfully, they were just fine, somehow having survived the frigid weather. The hanging basket, located closer to the house is still thriving beautifully. I was so relieved, for the white Impatiens, are one of my favorites. As the sun was shining ever so brightly today, I took advantage of our good fortune and snapped off a few photos. *Note the white Impatiens.... At every step of the way, from the tiny delicate bud, to the fully developed blooms, they are markedly flawless forms ...so pleasingly beautiful to look at. Blessings..... Dee Dee

Live With The Three E's

Do you remember when you felt really great, all the time, and exercise was no effort at all? As children, we were in a continual state of motion. The neighborhood was our playground. I remember spending hours on the seesaw...."Seesaw Margery Daw"..... Would it not be the grandest thing to have that kind of energy again? You bet it would. By following a few of these suggestions during this new decade, who knows, it just may happen.

For Good Health:

l. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and natural plant foods.

4. Live with the three E's....Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2009

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours

10. Take 10-30 minutes walk daily. And...while you walk...smile.

Oh....and one more thing. Find a Seesaw and give it a try just one more time.

I'm thinking healthy....Dee Dee