Blessings – Page 21 – Gracious Rain

January 13, 2012March 3, 2017

Lovely Things…

to contemplate on this chilly winter morning.

~A new batch of crocheting in the works with just the right combination of brights and softness to sooth my heart. And you know, in my medieval soul, it’s only truly beautiful if there’s some pink in it…somewhere.

~A crisp apple, some Christmas pistachios and a bowl of heavenly Greek yogurt. Thank you Greek yogurt people, you know, for inventing this stuff. Unbelievable.

~A ton more inspirational patterns to dream about and find yarn for– all jumping around in my silly little head just waiting to leap out. And it will, very soon…you’ll see.

~The warmest, most ridiculous, fleecy socks in the universe. Now all I need is to buy about 19 more pairs. It’s a whopin’ 18 degrees outside and I’m a huge fan of toasty feet and these do it. I LOVE them.

~The lovely little sweetheart’s birthday that we just barely had and the one that we may celebrate today if our 4-year-old darlings can get past the sniffles and coughing enough to have their party. I hope…I hope…I hope.

~The age old dilemma–what to spread on the toast when there are too many incredible choices? Flip a coin.

Chokecherry Honey prevailed…for the first round. :}

~Discovering the many ways you can photograph a basket of bananas. Currently, I’ve found 9, thank you, very much.

~A little dolly who knows how to share some of her most prized possessions with Grammy.

~And the little gray kitty who sleeps through it all.

What’s lovely in your world today?

January 3, 2012January 3, 2012

For Another Day

Every year, in preparation for the holidays there are dozens of sewing bags or craft boxes or piles of yarn strewn throughout the house–so that no matter what else is going on, in the event that there is a spare moment–somewhere, the handmaking can continue, uninterrupted. I love it this way, because these particular hands are just too fidgety and restless to sit still for very long, without some purpose–any purpose.

But something interesting happened this year. There were the same stacks and piles and bags and yarn, all with a certain important project to be finished, but quite often, a little whispery voice would nudge me to just put it down…and so…quite often…I did.

True, the Babushka ornaments will have to wait another year to get their flowers…

the button trees are only partly put together…

the girls’ headbands are nearly finished…nearly…

and the cards never got sent at all.

I couldn’t find the laminating sheets for the nativity set…

and the snowflakes were never hung.

But in the end–there were the same smiles and giggles and hugs that come with the season– even without a few “vital” projects–that no one seemed to miss. And for me, the conscious decision to slow down, and be present and enjoy the moment with those faces I love–

turned out to be the greatest gift of all.

January 2, 2012January 2, 2012

To Become

Believe it or not, I’m an avid list maker. Lists about everything–to do, to make, to cook, to crochet, to try, to call, to buy, and to redo. If it can be listed, I’d be happy to do it. This fact, makes facing the New Year more fun because if something doesn’t get done–I’m more than happy to scoot it ahead to the next page…or next week…or month…well, you get the picture.

I do love how the New Year gives us all that gentle nudge to go beyond the ordinary task list, and make a few real-live, honest-to-goodness resolutions. This year, rather than things I’m determined to do, I’ve decided on a few things I’d like…

to become.

Therefore, in 2012, I resolve…

~to become more grateful for the health, happiness and family-life that I’m so lucky to share with those that I love, both human–see above…

and feline. :}

~to become more loving, kind and caring both within these walls, and outside them–more generous with my applause, a smile or a simple nod that could lift someone’s spirits or give them the strength to keep moving forward.

~to become a better friend and listen harder–to actually look people in the eye while they speak, so they know they have my complete attention…no matter how short they may be.

~to become a participant rather than a spectator, to go outside rather than watch from the window, to let a little rain fall on my face rather than dodge for cover–whether or not I’m wearing waterproof mascara. Believe me…that’s big.

~to become more healthy by cooking more and eating mostly wholesome food…and feeding it to my family as well…and to figure out what the heck my deal is with…

peppermint–it’s everywhere! More on that later.

~to become more trusting of my own abilities and have greater faith in myself and what I know deep down inside I can do…and then do it.

~to become a ferociously organized person with an incredibly low tolerance for clutter. I know, I know, big talk…I’m working on it. And no, I’m not showing you a picture of why this is sooo necessary. It needs to happen…trust me.

~to become a brave, courageous person who’s not afraid of anything…or of so many things, at least.

~to become a woman of valor and strength, someone my family, my friends and the Lord can count on–to do what is good, and kind, and right…no matter what.

This is my hope and prayer for 2012.

What about you?

December 27, 2011March 14, 2025

Blessings of the Day

This Christmas there were- oh so many blessings, too many to count…but I’ll do my best.

~Blurry, shaky giggles at seeing all those presents around the tree.

~Sweet little cousins, becoming sweet little friends.

~Finally, finally–Uncle “Bald Kid” dolls. Wondered if they’d ever get finished! Phew…

~That sweet little surprise we’ll be adding to our baby collection soon.

~ Realizing that even little folks can appreciate really good chocolate…from England.

Thanks Sarah!

~Sharing Christmas day joy with our new little sweetheart, Kortney.

~Hugs from the best little Aunt in the world. :}

~ The calm, easy, comforting pace that gift sharing is taking these days.

~ Talking to and seeing my dear boy in far away Siberia–for one whole hour! Thank you, thank you– Skype! More on that later.

~ Christmas day secrets.

~Speaking of which–look at the best kept secret on earth, from my sweet kids–to ME! My friends, things are about to become much…ummm…clearer around here. Hee, heee!