New Year's Eve

Masterpiece-Finest Drama

I suppose most women are inclined to be somewhat attracted to fine romantic stories, movies and books. It's in our nature, totally and completely designed by our Creator. It's that time of year...new beginnings and right up at the top of things to get excited about is "fine feminine drama!"

Tess of the d'Urberbvilles beginning January 4th, 2009
Violated by one man, forsaken by another, Tess Durbeyfield is the spirited heroine of Thomas Hardy's novel. Gemma Artrton stars as Tess, joined by Hans Matheson as her seducer, Alec, and Eddie Redmayne as Angel, the idealistic man she loves.

Starting the New Year 2009....... This is how it all begins.
For some time now, I have been a big fan of PBS's Masterpiece Theater. Each winter and spring, MASTERPIECE CLASSIC features signature period dramas. For 2009 MASTERPEICE CLASSIC premieres with host Laura Linney.

Wuthering Heights-A new adaptation of Emily Bronte's haunting classic which chronicles the passionate spiritual bond between Heathcliff, a Gypsy boy adopted by the Earnshaw family of Wuther Heights, and the family's daughter, Cathy. British heartthrob Tom Hardy stars as Heathcliff, and newcomer Charlotte Riley is Cathy.

Enjoy!

The Turquoise Wall

Every photographer learns early on that "composition" is everything. One of my favorite towns seems to have just about every little "nook and cranny" decorated, landscaped or painted. I took lots of photos of this tiny bit of paradise on our last visit, and while going through them, I found the photo of the "turquoise wall" to be one of my favorites. I found so many beautiful elements in this one short alley way. The wall of course as a backdrop, the gorgeous fall leaves, the old lamp lights and last but not least...a single Camellia blooming. Click on photo...

Wishing Well

Do these mysterious looking wells have the power to grant wishes?

I'm not sure when I first heard of the custom, but all my life I've tossed coins in fountains, wells and other bodies of water, hoping to have a seemingly impossible wish granted. I know lots of folks do the same thing, never believing their wish will actually come true, they seem to have some kind of hope connected to this practice. Curious as to when the custom began I did a little research, and found it fascinating that water, being considered a source of life, often scarce in some places is acknowledged as a gift from God. Certain peoples considered springs and wells sacred places and thought the water to have healing powers. Wells became popular for not only drinking, but bathing and wishing over them. Believing the wells to have heavenly guardians, people began tossing coins inside and asking for wishes to be granted by these mysterious well watchers. I wonder....going into the New Year 2009, if you could have a wish granted, what would it be? Hmmmm..."Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight....I wonder how it came about to wish upon a star.

New Year's Resolutions....

Have you made any New Year's Resolutions? I've been giving this a lot of thought this year. Upon awakening of a morning, I sometimes begin with prayer, talking to the Lord about pretty much anything that comes to mind. Lately I've been giving it a lot of thought as to what my "legacy" might be. Looking back over the years, I have been so blessed. Long ago, I realized that God has placed a burden on my heart, to do for others. It is on my mind continually that it is time to make a difference and give back. I've been praying that God reveals to me what it is He wants me to accomplish for Him. I don't expect it to be anything quite as grand as an Angel visiting me as one visited Bernadette Soubirous back in 1858. She was a French peasant girl that had an experience that forever changed her life and the town of Lourdes where she lived. While gathering firewood with her sister and a friend, she saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in a grotto. The "lady" instructed her to dig in the ground with her hands which resulted in the discovery of an underground spring. The water was soon found to have healing powers and the town of Lourdes became a haven for the sick and afflicted from all over the world. My prayer is that God would direct me and use me in a mighty way this next year. My "New Year's Resolution" is that I will seek and find His will.....

Photo by Norman Rockwell....Jennifer Jones portrayal of Bernadette

"Girlhood Fantasy World"

Some of my fondest memories are of shopping days in the city...back before Malls. During my high school years, Saturdays were spent "downtown." We got up early, dressed in our "shopping best" and off we went to the bus stop. City buses were the mode of transportation for just about everyone when I was a young woman and when it reached town we pulled the cord for the bus to stop and off we went. The sidewalks were crowded, for everyone had the same custom...shopping was saved for Saturdays. I loved the window displays in those days and could only dream and imagine dressing in such beautiful clothing. Back then, my girlfriends and I lived in a girlhood fantasy world, getting our fashion ideas and hair styles from Hollywood movie magazines. We walked from store to store, never making a purchase from the finer department stores. The Five and Dime is where we spent our few coins, making sure to save money for lunch at the S & W Cafeteria and bus fare home. Never could we have imagined anything quite like this Macy's window, even in our wildest girlhood fantasy imaginations.....

Prayers For The New Year

I was out in the garden this morning watering plants, found that my Camellia had bloomed and noticed how the sun cast shadows on this little garden angel. It reminded me of how much we needed to pray for each other, our nation and our world. God has blessed us in so many ways, yet we have turned our backs on Him. My prayer for this coming year is that "Revival" will take place in the hearts of people all over the world......

Christmas Day Play

How I felt after Christmas Dinner....

Photo...Bergdorf Goodman Window Display

Oh yes...you know what I'm talking about. All morning long we're in the kitchen preparing that incredibly delicious Christmas dinner. The build-up happens and before you know it, the adrenalin is at it's peak. The table is set with the finest china and stemware, the candles are lit and all is at ready. The doorbell rings... Act I, Scene I begins. I'm telling you, it was a beautiful thing and all went off without any lines dropped, and no one missed their cues. The dinner was enjoyed, and tasted as though it had been prepared by Paula Deen herself. Pecan pie for desert with delicious coffee...enjoyed by all. Act II.... the packages were opened and no deviations from the expected script at all...ooohs and aahs, hugs and kisses...... all in the appropriate places and time. Mountains of Christmas wrappings were left in the floor, so perfectly placed as though by stagehands at the right time and place. Act III....Family game of "Ned's Head"...shall I say we needed no "canned" laughter. The cast carried this performance off like seasoned entertainers, and afterwards our day came to an end. Waving goodbye to everyone we walked back into our home, noticing the quietness, almost unwelcomed. We missed them, no sooner than they were gone. As I began tidying up, I thought of how this closed out Christmas for another year. The excitement and anticipation was over for now...it had all happened so quickly, seemingly somewhat like a "Christmas Day Play."

Christians Awake Salute The Happy Morn!

Christians, awake, salute the happy morn

Whereon the Saviour of the world was born

Rise to adore the mystery of love

Which hosts of angels chanted from above

With them the joyful tidings first begun

Of God incarnate and the Virgin's Son

Then to the watchful shepherds it was told

Who heard the angelic herald's voice: "Behold

I bring good tidings of a Saviour's birth

To you and all the nations upon earth

This day hath God fulfilled His promised word;

This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord."

Christmas Eve....

"Merry Christmas dear friends and may

God bless us...everyone."

Dear Heavenly Father

My heart quietly waits in anticipation of the grand celebration that tomorrow brings. Thank You for the gift of Your Son. Thank You for redeeming grace.

In Jesus Name

Amen

And There Were Shepherds Abiding In the Fields....

And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying..."Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men of good will."

Good Hours

I had for my winter evening walk

No one at all with whom to talk,

But I had the cottages in a row

Up to their shining eyes in snow.

And I thought I had the folk within:

I had the sound of a violin;

I had a glimpse through curtain laces

Of youthful forms and youthful faces.

I had such company outward bound.

I went till there were no cottages found.

I turned and repented, but coming back

I saw no window but that was black.

Over the snow my creaking feet

Disturbed the slumbering village street

Like profanation, by your leave,

At ten o'clock of a winter eve.

Robert Frost.....In many of Frost's poems he walks along a path and comments on what he sees. Here, on a cold winter's night, he feels the companionship of those inside the houses he passes.

Time For Jolly Old St Nicholas!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas To All!

In Time For Christmas

A rose blooming at Christmastime?? Uncommon in the northern states, but not so uncommon here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. A few years back I gave this gorgeous climbing rose to my daughter for Mother's Day. She had given birth to our beautiful little granddaughter that year and we were so thankful for this blessing, I wanted something lasting to thank her with. This beauty continues to thrive with the help of the care given by our daughter along with sunshine, fertilizer and most of all help from our God, in this case called "Mother Nature."

The photo's above came to my home this morning via the Internet and I felt it only befitting that I should share with others...another Christmas blessing.

White Chocolate Lolly Pops

This is my week for staying busy in the kitchen, making all sorts of Christmas goodies. To begin with, today I've made these adorable white chocolate lolly pops. Oh yes....the little ones in my life will really like these. Later today I am making snow flake shaped sugar cookies, decorated with white and silver....these are a few of my favorite things to share with others...on my list are some sweet elderly ladies....

Small Tree Decorated For Children

The small tree in our Family Room is decorated with children in mind. Bunches of white lights, sheer red ribbon, red Christmas balls and of course red ornaments. It's a happy little tree, sure to brings smiles to the faces of our grandchildren. Easily recognizable is Mickey Mouse, truly leader of the Disney World band......

Given To Me Freely....

I've been going to a wonderful little gift shop in the village for many years, called Erica's Place. As a matter of fact, I was one of the first customers to enter the door. The owner Joanne and her mother were very excited about finally owning their own business and graciously welcomed me. We instantly bonded as friends and they shared a little about themselves and how they had wanted to do this for quite some time. It seems the mother, when much younger, was close friends with Jackie Kennedy Onassis. They had shopped the world together, and many of the items in the shop were personal items belonging to Joanne's mother. The shop was full of gorgeous vintage collectibles, beautiful pieces of art and fine linen she had purchased in her travels. Needless to say, these ladies had impeccable taste. I had that feeling you get when you've made a grand discovery and my home has a few nice pieces purchased there from time to time. I stopped in to see my dear friends this past weekend, glad to see the shop full of customers, knowing business was good. We exchanged warm greetings and asked about one another. I stayed a short time enjoying each moment as we shared in genuine, caring for one another, conversation. My purchase was the beautiful candles shown in the photo. As I embraced my friends, and wished them Merry Christmas, I realized I was walking out the door with something so valuable, given to me freely by them....it was the gift of their friendship. A beautiful thing....

Wearing Bling....The Nutcracker

Finally the time has arrived....Tomorrow, mother, daughter and granddaughter, dressed all in theatre finery will watch The Moscow Classical Ballet's Nutcracker.

SNOW SNOW SNOW CAME DOWN.....

Moose spotted out by the fence....Mother Nature helped decorate the wreaths....

We are "pea green with envy"......Family in Cooperstown cuddled up with nice warm blankets, sitting by the "Pellet Stove" on a cold December night...... It gets better....they are snowed in! How wonderful does that sound to me?? It sounds just grand, considering the temp here on the coast of Florida today was in the high 70s. Doggone it, when it's Christmastime, you want it to look like those old fashioned Christmas cards......snow, sleigh rides, warm fireplace, snow angels, ice skating on the pond and of course a Snow Man in every yard. Photos taken this morning in a Cooperstown snow storm, by my daughter....a labor of love. Out in the snow with trusty "muckers" on...weathering the wind and snow she took snow pics for us and sent them our way via the internet. The Moose photo is now on my desktop. Doesn't he look great? He's made of wood, but in the snow storm he has taken on a more realistic look.....gotta love him. Hmmm......if I close my eyes I can just about imagine lovely snow flakes slowly drifting down from the sky.....I can almost feel the cold wind and my feet getting cold....I love the snow and I do miss it, especially at Christmas......

Christmas Magic

Natural elements in holiday hues by VICTORIA! Red roses, green hypericum berries, evergreen, holly leaves, fresh cranberries and miniature pine cones. Arrange in a glass saucer. From the greatest magazine ever, Victoria helps me capture the magic of Christmas.....

Small Treasures

Christian Cross....Elegant Locket....

Sherwin Mouse Charm....

Drop a little hint to the man in your life. Found in finer department stores, created by Jay Strongwater.....All are elegant and exquisitely created...... and much loved by me.

Christmas In The Village

Scottish Santa Claus....

Florida Snowman....

On my way home from a Christmas brunch this morning, I dropped off my friend Margaret. She lives in an apartment building right on the Gulf, down by the Marina. It's one of those older buildings with style from the old days. Her apartment has Crown molding, hardwood flooring, sun room, tall windows....you get the picture. One of those "to die for" places. There are so many wonderful things about this place, especially the location. She is within walking distance of the village, near all sorts of quaint little shops and restaurants. As I left her apartment building, I parked the car and took a walk. The weather was incredibly gorgeous and although it felt nothing like Christmas, I could see that the celebration was well underway here in this little Gulf Coast village. I took some fun shots with my camera to share with anyone out there, snowed in and longing to see a bit of sunshine. You might find it humorous seeing a "Florida Snowman." click on photos...

Inspired

We all have something, someplace or someone that inspires us in our fashion and home decor. Every woman develops a sense of style when it comes to decorating her home. Along the road of life, it happens. I have many friends and I'm always aware of their sense of style in the clothing they wear and the way they choose to decorate their home. We're all individuals with likes and dislikes. I am a visual person....I am constantly looking at magazines and this can be fatal in that my style continues to change. It's not that I'm unhappy with the decor in my home, I just simply find something different and desire the change in colors, textures and fabrics. Country Living's December magazine so inspired me, that my selection of color for Christmas is blue. You can see why in these gorgeous rooms with various shades of blue throughout.....Hmmmm.....just beautiful..

Christmas Images

Blue is the color of Christmas in my home this year. When I enter the room, it feels calming and peaceful.

Give Books

Do give books...religious or otherwise for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal. Lenore Hershey

I've been to The Family Christian Store, Barnes & Noble and Borders Book Store, shopping for Christmas gifts. During the Christmas holidays, all three of these stores are "chock-a-block" full of the most wonderful books in the world. Have you noticed these masterpieces, just how beautifully illustrated and colorful they are? CHRISTMAS BOOKS! I have no self control at all when I approach a table laden with these tempting beauties. So, I just simply do not fight the temptation. I pick them up one at a time and look through them. As I handle the book and turn the pages I am like a "kid in a candy store" so enthralled that I want to look at them all and I want to bring them all home with me!!

Star Of The Magi

Christians consider the star of Bethlehem a miraculous sign given by God to mark the birth of the Messiah. When I was a child of five years old, the Star of Bethlehem was the most beautiful part of the Christmas pageant held at our church. Dressed as an angel, I watched as the Star almost magically came from the balcony of the church slowly descending until it stopped directly over the manger where the baby Jesus lay. I recall this each year and share the story with my children and now my grandchildren. The star was simply made of cardboard and covered with foil. A light was directed on the star causing it to shine brightly and to me it was beautiful and appeared real. Nine years ago, my youngest daughter, hearing this story so many times while growing up, made a star resembling the one of my childhood. We placed it on top of our family room tree that year and each year since it has adorned our tree. This little homemade foil star in our home, now follows the Christian tradition, as it represents the Star the Magi followed, as they traveled in search of a King, the King of the Jews......

"Welcome To My Home"

A wreath on our front door is a custom we follow each Christmas , and most homes we visit seem to have one as well. They're all different and they all seem to have the same message ....."you are mightily welcomed." Each year my wreath is different. Something I've seen in a magazine or in the shops seems to inspire me as to how I will decorate it. A movie has even influenced my Christmas wreath design in the past. In the movie Little Women, the mother opens the front door and places an evergreen wreath adorned with a plaid fabric, rag bow. Somehow I saw a message in that old rag bow. The March family, experiencing hard times, still had Christmas in their hearts. My family thought our wreath odd that year and wondered at the plain rag bow. I suppose I might have been thinking the bow somewhat symbolic of the simplicity of the manger where the Christ child was born. In any case, with good intentions my wreath that year might have had the message..."you are mightily welcomed to our humble home."

Christmas Baking Ready

Today I made the rounds, picking up all the things I will need for Christmas baking. Sam's club was a good place to buy pecans, I suppose. The size of the bag is huge and should make plenty of cookies, Kahlua Tarts, my husband's favorite and lots of other goodies. The "Blogworld" is a great place to pick up new recipes. The Pretzels from "My Five Men" is one of my favorites so far. The ladies from church will get some of these. When I bake the Gingerbread Men and Ladies, they will wear pants and skirts thanks to "Warm Pie Happy Home". I'll wait for the grandchildren to come over to make these guys. They need a child's touch to make them "real." I'll post on them to let everyone know how well we did.....

A Doll For Christmas

I can still remember Christmas far back to the age of five years old. Each year Santa Claus brought me a doll. I named my doll and she became my best friend. She slept with me each night, so that I no longer had to be alone when the lights were turned out. She was always willing to hear me whisper my thoughts into her ear as I waited for the "sandman" to come. The year I turned nine years old, would be the last Christmas to receive a doll from the man who had always been kind enough to leave toys for me, knowing that I had been a good little girl. I will always remember her and that she had long hair braided into pigtails. Each Christmas while shopping for my granddaughter's gifts, another doll resembling her is always there on the shelf....a doll with long braided pigtails. I struggle with the urge to bring her home with me. I came across this photo of a beautiful vintage doll. She is very old now, but she appears to have been well loved and taken care of. Perhaps she was a best friend to a small child, so long ago, that needed a bit of comfort as well, when the lights were turned out.......

A Christmas Carol

In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone

Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him. Nor earth sustain:

Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign;

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ.

Christina Rosetti (1830-1894)...A Christmas Carol

Ebeneezer or Ludwig?

Everyone in our home gets into the Christmas spirit...and that includes Ludwig van Beethovan. When I placed a little wreath next to my Beethovan bust, I couldn't help but notice he still had that grumpy look on his face reminding me of another grumpy fellow....Ebeneezer Scrooge....

"Christmas Spirit"

I had a nail appointment today. Just one of those things I do for myself. I'm not so sure what I enjoy most....having my nails done, or all the "goings on" in the Beauty Shop. Most women know what I'm talking about when I say you can learn more about our world in those few hours we spend with beauticians and nail techs, than any other place we might frequent. We cover it all, from hair styles, fashion, politics, girl talk and the latest gossip in "Hollywood"...... I hear things like, "I have this 22 year old guy who is interested in me....should I go out with him?" "I hate my hair this way, this growing out stage is driving me crazy." "Where did you get those shoes girl?" Some of the things I hear.... I will spare you the messy details. I've been going to the same Shop for years and genuinely love all these young ladies. I feel good when I leave, having had my share of laughs at their "just plain fun" humor. Today the conversation made my heart happy as they discussed the needy family they would buy Christmas gifts for. The shop humor had changed to a more serious subject, and I recognized it right away....it was the "Christmas Spirit" .....

Christmas Images

I stopped in at Borders yesterday to pick up some "Stocking Stuffers" and found a wonderful, though impractical little wind-up Monkey. He is suitable only for my enjoyment. I was reminded of Phantom Of The Opera....wind him up and he clashes the cymbals together. I've been humming "Masquerade" all day.....

"Christmas Downsizing"

When the trees are decorated, the shopping completed and the packages wrapped, I get a feeling of satisfaction and contentment. It takes a lot of energy and effort to complete all the traditions we began years ago. I suppose when we were first married, we set out to do things our own way, create our own decorating styles....We did Christmas in ways then, that we continue on with today. This year, I've come to a realization that it is time for a few of our Christmas customs to become nice memories. The large trees covered with an accumulation of ornaments collected all through the years, are no longer a necessity. I suppose I consider that we are "Christmas Downsizing." The tree in our living room this year is decorated more formal and is much smaller than from Christmases past. It took hardly any effort at all to decorate this tree, considering the lights were in place when we purchased it. Same goes for the tree in our family room. Small and decorated with our grandchildren in mind, it is covered with ornaments that they will recognize, and are appealing to children. I suppose as the years pass by, it becomes necessary to prioritize. My "better half" is happy that I no longer feel it important to hang lights outside, requiring him to go up and down a ladder. I thought about all these things as I did some finishing touches in the living room today. As I placed the Poinsettia on a table, the afternoon sun was shining through the window directly on it. It occurred to me at that moment, that after all my decorating efforts, trees, lights, candles, ornaments....none of them had the beauty of that bit of sun shining through the window creating a glowing affect on that beautiful pink flower. It made me stop and linger for just a short time, taking it all in.......It was like seeing a little reminder of God.....after all, this whole Christmas season, is all about Him. I've decided that downsizing a little this Christmas is a good thing.....

A Softer Look For Christmas

Sometimes if you just keep it simple.... Those were my thoughts this year when deciding on how to decorate for Christmas. I found the most beautiful soft gold colored ribbon and a large box of blue teal Christmas balls. That was all I needed to transform our tree into a thing of yuletide beauty. Instead of our usual manger scene, Mary and the Christ Child alone have brought the Christmas message to the room. White lighted candles in the windows, white Poinsettias and the room is complete.

Nutcracker...Moscow Ballet Company

The Theater, The Orchestra and The Ballet......these are a few of my favorite things. All during the year I enjoy all of these at Ruth Eckerd Hall, a wonderful theater located not far from my home in Clearwater Florida. But none of the performances during the year come close to bringing on the happiness I feel when I attend "The Nutcracker Ballet" each year at Christmas. My daughter a former Ballerina, my little five year old granddaughter a beginner Ballerina and I never having been a Ballerina, have been doing this together for quite some time now. Oh yes, this is an important annual tradition for us and we go all out for the occasion dressing in our finest theater attire. For the past few years we have seen the Miami City Ballet Company perform, but this year we are more excited than ever, for The Moscow Ballet Company is performing, along with The Florida Orchestra. This is indeed a most glorious time of year......