Toys, tops, books and bears...

And as the closets are emptied I am finding more and more goodies - and running out of places to put them!

This one is old, homemade and in my early bear phase - and still one of my favorites.

I should get a better angle so you can truly appreciate it!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Decorating is just fun - happy in your heart fun - no doubt about it.  I am a collector of things and very sentimental when it comes to decorations.   As a result, I have multiple trees and way too many boxes of ornaments.   After visiting your blogs, I suddenly feel much better about it as I now realize I'm not alone! 

I am joining Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Mondays.  Please join her to see more lovely mosaics.

It Sparkles and Glitters

In the Meadow We Can Build a Snowman - Winter has arrived!

Our first snow - 8 plus inches with schools closed!

Isn't is beautiful - I can say that as I'm not driving in it or shoveling it.

Can't wait to get out there tomorrow and see what snapshots I can find. 

And it just goes to show I should have moved the deck furniture BEFORE I put up the tree!

"Scarlett Syndrome" kicked in again - "I'll worry about it tomorrow!"

Holiday Traditions

Traditions are such an integral part of us and the approaching holiday brings out special memories for all of us.  Each year, those traditions become more precious to me.  As I thumb through magazines looking at beautifully decorated trees, my heart soars...then as I unpack the decorations, sentiments kick in.

Who can resist the ornaments made by our grade schoolers?   Am I the only one who has a paper plate angel (made by my 40 year old son when he was in 1st grade) as a tree topper?  They just don't make those Dixie paper plates like they used to!    Or the pictures glued on paper cups or styrafoam cups?

Yes, my tree is beautiful and one of our holiday traditions is the festive crowning of the paper plate angel - which all kids participate in!  And if you look closely, you will find nestled in the tree among the glistening ornaments those homemade ornaments from years gone by.  Truth be known, I treasure those more than anything.

And I've found that multiple trees are the perfect answer.  One for each room!  And this year, we added a new tradition for Grandpa and I.  Our 4 yr old grandson and 18 month old granddaughter put up their own trees in our family room...one 6 ft tree and a cluster of five little trees...the first of another new tradition.  Just watching them in their excitement will be a moment I will forever cherish.   They ran out of steam long before I ran out of ornaments... it was pure delight.  Topped by a special showing of "Tinkerbell" - can you think of a better way to spend the day?

I'm curious - what is your decorating style?

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

You can feel the excitement in the air.

People are starting to smile and look you in the eyes

saying "Merry Christmas"

This time of year seems to bring out the best in all of us.

It is time to rejoice!

It's a New Look

It took a new look - and this is temporary - to find my "followers" again.  Although you could see them in bloggerland, I was not able to do so.  Changing the template seemed to solve the problem - wish everything were that easy!

Life just keeps happening and I'm struggling to get back into daily postings.  I'm grateful for those of you who continue to stay tuned.  

Weather here has been absolutely beautiful this weekend.   Ventured out today after a week in bed with the flu - felt so good.    My intentions were to accomplish lots - let's just say that didn't happen, but what I did do,  I did well!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow!

How Quickly It Changes,,,

Snow - was that actually snow this morning - can't be!

But it was and thankfully just enough to cover the table on the deck

and it melted quickly.

I don't about you, but I'm just not ready for snow YET!

Actually this picture is about two weeks ago and the rain took care of the leaves - they are still beautiful - just now on the ground.  And the rain has continued to make it impossible to pick them up.  Hopefully this weekend we will be able to "winterize". 

It's only a few weeks until Thanksgiving and my grandson reminded me tonight that
Christmas is just around the corner.

    How did this happen - it should only be July - August at the latest!

Please tell me I'm not the only one that feels this way.

I'd better kick it into gear if I'm going to be ready for all of this.   Just please, no snow YET!

Oh NO! Oh NO!

I've lost my followers......a computer issue or two....thought I had it resolved. Now I find that my "followers" list is gone. Is anyone getting my posts??? Please let me know.

Thanks.

And the seasons change...

Have I ever mentioned that fall is my favorite time of year? I'm sure I have...and probably too many times. It's been raining here for days and today brushed away the last of my favored colors of fall. The leaves are still beautiful, just now on the ground!

Do you have a favorite season? I wonder what makes us attracted to certain times of year. Is it childhood memories, work that needs to be done, rewards of that work?

So I guess it's time to focus on the next season - Thanksgiving - when the family gathers to share laughter, love and a wonderful time. And meal too!

Here's to wishing each of you a smooth transition to the next season of our life.

Just Remember to Breathe!

Life has been very hectic the last two months with a lot of life changes. I am hopeful that things are going to settle down and we can all relax for a while. Thanks to those who checked in. I've missed blogging and reading my daily blogs.

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. Colors are bursting out all over. I love the vibrance of the colors and the briskness of the air. The planters have been retired for the season, mums planted for next year and I sit each morning, while contemplating my day's activities, and look out my kitchen window to beautiful, beautiful colors...and breathe...and know that tomorrow will be a better day.

This picture is a cozy corner in my kitchen - nothing fancy, just a shock of color that makes me smile. The Witches Elbow plate is from T.J. Max - and boasts of on-site repairs. Always a conversation starter!

Here's wishing each of you a beautiful and bountiful fall season!!

Mosaic Monday: Mackinac Island - A Perfect Getaway

Looking for a weekend getaway - or to spend a leisurely day? I have a wonderful recommendation. Pack your comfortable shoes, your camera and be prepared to spend a day or weekend taking it all in.

Did I mention you have to take the ferry across as there are no vehicles allowed on the island? Yes, everyone who lives there does their shopping, etc. via boat. The ferries do allow visitors to take their bikes on the ferry, or there are bikes available to rent on the island.

My hubby and I rented a bicycle built for 2 (I always thought that was so romantic!) and rode round around the island - it's only an eight mile trip. (Let's just say that was probably the ONLY time he has been totally in charge - I spent the entire time staring at his back!)
Okay, that was an exaggeration!

There are so many beautiful homes, cottages, gardens, specialty shops, Ft. Mackinac, churches, rock formations, scenic views, the infamous Grand Hotel and many, many shops for the tourist - including some of the best home-made fudge around.

We were there in the summer and are planning on going back once the leaves start to change....I can't wait to get pictures since fall is my absolute favorite time of the year.


Please visit Mary at Little Red House for more lovely mosaics!

Remembering...

Saturday was another rainy day - so we decided to jump in the car and
take a ride. About an hour or so away, nestled in the country, is this amazing
treasure, a true step back in time, coke in the glass bottle (I STILL think it
tastes better that way), mile high apple pie, the waitresses in old -fashioned
blue uniforms, blue tiles lining the wall and best of all - no rain! A bit
breezy and overcast, but a wonderful day nontheless.

A neat step back in time!!

What I've Learned Today

That smiles, hugs and gentle touches warm the heart.

That life is exciting through the eyes of a child.

That days with these babies are never long enough

and most importantly...

That Grandbabies are truly bits of stardust blown from the hand of God!

Blue Monday Mosaic

Sorting through pictures for these posts have brought back some wonderful memories...
of places we 've been fortunate enough to visit, wonderful people we've met, and so many
things in life that we take for granted.

I have truly been blessed in so many ways and am a very thankful gal!
Life is too short and we all need to live each day to the fullest and leave nothing unsaid. We never know what tomorrow will bring and a lifetime is a long time to life with regrets.


Check out other Blue Monday posts at Smiling Sally
and
Mosaic Mondays at Little Red House

Thanks to these lovely ladies for hosting the fun events!!

Beauty in a Touch Pool

Ahhh, so relaxing!! And pretty!!

Life is good!!

What does this say to you?

There's nothing like a warm, humid day to make one find something to occupy their time. As far as I'm concerned, one can never go wrong in wandering through a local museum, garden, or unique place that captures your heart.

This statue is a favorite - it seems like it says so much about life. All these letters forming words, things I need to do, some I've forgotten to do, and lists of things that need
to be done in the near future.

What does it say to you?

Sunflowers Make Me Smile

"You may know that the peony is Jeannin's,
the hollyhock belongs to Quost,
but the sunflower is mine in a way."

Vincent van Gogh (to Theo)

THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF sunflower

While their distinctive and brilliant appearance makes it easy to see why sunflowers have long held our fascination, when they were first grown in Central and South America, it was more for their usefulness (providing oil and food) than beauty. And perhaps this unique combination of striking beauty and utility is, in part, why sunflowers have appeared as such revered symbols throughout the ages.

It’s said that the natives of the Inca Empire worshipped a giant sunflower, and that Incan priestesses wore large sunflower disks made of gold on their garments. Images of sunflowers were found in the temples of the Andes mountains, and Native American Indians placed bowls of sunflower seeds on the graves of their dead. The Impressionist period of art is famous for its fascination with the sunflower, and this striking flower remains today a commonly photographed and painted icon of uncommon beauty.

The 3rd wedding anniversary flower and the state flower of Kansas, sunflowers turn to follow the sun. Their open faces symbolize the sun itself, conveying warmth and happiness, adoration and longevity.

(From Teleflora.com)

Desert Beauty

I'm always fascinated at the beauty that surrounds us and the places we find it without putting forth any effort. These photos were taken in a desert in New Mexico. The desert scenery is amazing.

Outdoor Wednesday - Butterfly

At first glance I thought this was just another oddly misplaced leaf - after several glances, I realized it was a butterfly. Nature is amazing!





Susan at A Southern Daydreamer is introducing Outdoor Wednesday. Details on participation can be found on her blog.