Kindred Sister Spirits Across the Miles

Today I want to share with all of you another very special bloggy sister who lives in the very cold polar regions of Minnesota! One would think it would never be Winter and freezing there just like in Narnia, because Suzanne lives there. And she has the warmest, kindest spirit of a beautiful woman....a Sister..



If you have not met Suzanne or had the pleasure and delight of visiting her blog, let me encourage you to go over. You will never miss one of her posts ever after.
She has the gift of expression with words. (*And her accompanying photos are awesome.)
I don't just mean she has the talent to write and compose entertaining messages. What I mean is that she has been graced by God to communicate with words what most of us cannot, because they come from her inner spirit. It is written words from our language. The message carries an invisible touch that reaches out and grabs your heart and soul, and thus you have met your kindred spirit sister. She has embraced the place in you that you cannot explain to others in words.

That is Suzanne. I love to visit her new posts. I rush to them when I see the feed. However I do not rush to leave...I linger, and read it several times, and then try to comment to her how much she has blessed me that day. It is always a highlight for me. A delight. She knows already that if she EVER writes a book, I will be one of the first in line to buy it. :-)

So...why am I blogging today about this sweet friend?

Because she has been so kind in word and deed lately in my sorrow ...both in my mama's passing, and in her encouragement as I miss my sweetheart far away...so bad it hurts some days. Lately I have been sore and felt bruised inside from all that has occurred. Dear Suzanne has written words of comfort, along with many other precious bloggy sisters.

Today I got a parcel in my mailbox. Inside was this... the note touched my heart, in the same way as she so keenly accomplishes in her blog.



She had asked for my address so I knew it was coming, but knew not what it held.... Oh my. Inside was a beautiful angel.



This gift touched me more than she even knows. My mother adored Angels. She had them all over her house both as figurines and beautiful framed prints. ( a number of them from me!) And so it was like a gentle loving reminder that my mama was still hovering...sending a love message through a precious friend. Thank you Suzanne. You couldn't have known...




And here she rests, at my desk where I do mail, right beside a little reminder to Rejoice Always...no matter what the circumstances. It is not the outward events and times that should touch our inner source of JOY... but the firm and solid confidence that we are secure and all is well, under the watchful eye of GOD. This reality... my mama lived out loud. And so I will remember each time I see this angel here.

Thank you dear bloggy sister. I hope to meet you and many others one day. God give you extra measures of joy and peace for all that your gift passes on to others.


Please go and visit Suzanne. You will become a regular sister knocking at her blog door to sit with her and share life together.

http://privetandholly.blogspot.com/

Hugs to all who drop by to visit, and Extra special hugs to Suzanne today from one who is blessed to know her...

Taking TIME.... Three or More....

http://www.thegypsyscorner.com/

Yesterday morning I spent some time....playing...not thinking...not grieving...not worrying about others...not chastising myself about what I SHOULD be doing...

Coffee + quiet music + posting for today = "DOWN-TIME". It is a piece of the day where one simply does what is chosen. Not required. Not dictated. Not driven.



Everybody needs Down-Time. The secret of contentment with walking through this territory is to not stop and settle in. But to enter, pause, gain some pleasure and respite, and then to move on.


To consider staying too long would be unhealthy.

Down-time, simply put, is a moment where all else is shut out, a recess occurs, and then, the renewed mind is set to hit the routine again.

I did some play with my camera, changing it to Black and White mode...to try some photos for White Wednesday, and decided to do it for this post too.

Interesting, and a change for me.

Today I am joining Tam for a Three Or More Tuesday. Taking time out to share about three pieces I have found in Thrifting Ventures this past Fall. I always tend to drift to Thrifting and the awesome thrill of finding something so unexpected for such a small measure of money. Wondering how it ended up discarded on a re-sale shelf or for sale by the previous owner for such an inexpensive price.






But one man's junk is another man (or woman's) treasure...so I just say Thank You to the Lord when I find them. Even in objects, God allows us small joys in this world. I always thank the ONE who ultimately gives and blesses...



This clock was in a resale shop I visit now and again. I couldn't believe it was there...not snatched up yet...but I was glad. Sometimes things have just been set out in the store, and it is simply a matter of perfect timing... It now resides at the bottom of our stairwell, by the front door, for all coming down to take note of where they stand in their schedule.



This Toile clock was on a bottom shelf in the Salvation Army store. As soon as my eye caught it, I knew where it would go. Over my little computer corner, my nook. My eyes can read this clock face from my bed too.
It perfectly matched the little metamorphosis pic I did earlier in the year.





This AWESOME find was by chance, seen on Craig's List. I clicked on it simply because I wanted to see the picture of the "Floor Clock". It is a heavy wrought iron 6 foot tall beauty. I love it.



So...this is what I journal today. How about you? In the midst of Christmas pleasures and pressures...are you taking Down-time? A cup of hot tea or coffee, some quiet music or a good book, a recessed nook or corner get-a-way? Time for play, Time for reflection, Time with the Lord???

If not, I would prescribe it for you. From one bloggy sister to another...Find respite from what can rob you of the holiday and season's treasures. And I send a BIG OL HUG to you as you do...

Have a wonderful Tuesday and Thanks for popping by. Please visit Tam for more inspiring Three or More posts... God Bless.

In My Heart...

Last night my dad and I went to my church's Christmas Musical. It was on the life of George Handel and his writing and composing of his famous work THE MESSIAH.



It was beautiful. It was awesome. It was moving. It was incredible. It put the listener's heart in the Christmas spirit. The true reason that we celebrate The Christmas Day. God With Us.

And it was a very special concert because my son Kam was singing in it. He said it was extremely hard music to learn and sing.



Here are some pics I caught of him getting ready before he took off .







And then I caught him over 3 hours later, after it was over. *whew...long program, but worth it. He enjoyed being a part of it, my dad and I enjoyed being in the audience. Can you tell he looks tired???? This was the second night run. They still have tomorrow night to do to!!! So many people come, the staff decided to do the concert three nights this year.



Kurt asked me if I could hear Kameron singing....well in a choir of at least 150 strong, not singularly, but I told him , "yes...in my heart." :-)

It is always a grand finale and a climax to stand for the Hallelujah Chorus and it never fails to give me goosebumps...



King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And He shall reign forever and ever...

Hugs to all who drop by today. May you have a wonderful Sunday to begin your new week. God Bless...

The Stockings Were Hung.....

All I Want.....

Missing...Missing...Sending Hugs across the miles



Waiting....Waiting... To Da Man...This one's for YOU...

Wandering through another Wednesday...

Oh Kobe...saying your prayers again for Daddy to come home soon??? poor puppy...
There's always somebody missing someone....somewhere.....


Sebby???? You don't usually come downstairs and stay. Must have been watching all the birds outside the dining room window after I refilled all the feeders...



Sweet little wrought iron stand found new at Goodwill with the Crate and Barrel tag still on it. Shopped the house for fluff, and found a motherlode of wine corks and toppers in one of my petsitting client's kitchen trash!...

(shhhh! I liked all the different ones with colors and pulled some out before I tossed their trash!)



Here's another attempt at some Christmas decorating. This little bird cage stand is another one I redid. From Brass to a Powder Baby Blue color. I put one of my favorite Christmas Saint Nicholas with angels figures in it.

They sit in a bed of shredded white gift stuffing with glittery glass balls. I put a white cutwork pillow sham over the base.

I love blue and white...


Got my lights on the family room mantel. This is where I usually display my collection of Pencil Santas. There are over 50 of different colors, shapes, nationalities, and heights. I have been collecting them since Kat was 5 years old.
Kurt has given me a number of them. I am decorating lightly this year, so I will not get them out...maybe next year.


A secret Santa elf loving care package going to my much missed Honey. Can't say what's in it since he may read this....but I did tell him there are cooking spices coming his way for his kitchen. Missed my Marine from March to October...now I'm missing my man from October to ....?? Make it short Lord....make it short!!


Thanks to all of you for your encouraging comments ... They sure can comfort a sad spirit... Hugs to all! Hope you all have an outstanding week as you all are preparing for Christmas. I can see all the hard work in the blogposts! May the Spirit of Christmas fill all our hearts with the JOY of this season.


Let's not forget our Marines and all military heroes who are away from home this Christmas. Saying a prayer...


God bless America. God bless our troops. Bring them home!
SEMPER FI!!!!

Grins and Glitter....

GOTCHA!



My two absent men. Grabbed this shot over Thanksgiving break. Even got my usually solemn-faced Marine (in front of a camera) to smile with a "PLEAAAASE".

Missing these two. This shall be my compy background for a little while. Love the GRINS given to me.

I have not stepped one foot in the attic or my walk-in to get any Christmas decor out...yet. Waiting for the moment to come when I am ready. Mama would want me to very very much. I know it would make her sad if she knew I wasn't. She loved to decorate for Christmas...every room in her house. When I went over to my Daddy's yesterday, he had gotten their beautiful tree down and was fiddling with the little electric twirlers on it that make certain ornaments (the angels) spin around. I almost lost it. I told him I was proud of him. I knew mama would be so happy he was doing it. He is doing well, and I thank my bloggy sisters for your prayers. You are all special.

I do have one new item sitting out, simply because I just got it at my favorite little Thrift Store. A lovely Saint Nick. Loved his face, and the white and gold.
So for now,...here is one Christmas pretty embellishing the Living Room. Saint Nicholas is NOT a myth. He was a real person, and lived to help the poor and needy.
He does not fit the image of our Santa Claus today.... he truly was a saint of a man, adored by the ones who benefited from his charity and loving, giving nature.







Thank you, all who visit, and I hope you feel the true joy and comfort of Christmas and all that it means for us, knowing the truth that our Savior has come. The prophecy has been fulfilled, and we have eternal life because of the Precious One of Heaven who was born here on earth with one purpose. To die and take the punishment for us, that we deserve, that we would be able to have eternity with Him. The best and truest sacrifical Gift ever presented in this world. Thankful today for it.

Hugs and Christmas Blessings to all. May you have much happiness and memories that are treasures this December month.