On New Year's

My Dears,

I have lots to ponder in regard to the year 2009, for I must do some heavy duty soul cleansing before 2010 comes in.
I want to begin the New Year ready to absorb new beginnings, new energies, new surprises...new Everything! So I must begin to organize...keep the good, and out with the bad.

I plan to store away all the beautiful moments of 2009 deep within the treasure box of my heart. It will include: the year's successful moments, the laughter shared with family and friends, the moments of pure bliss and love, fruitful self discoveries, and those unexpected sweet surprises. I will have a special section for the wonder, the magic, and the dreams which helped to make this a most amazing year.

I shall sweep away, right out the door, those aspects of 2009 which were less than desirable. I shall remember them only if there is a lesson to be learned from them.

My arms are open and my heart is ready to welcome 2010.

Speaking of the new year...what are you doing New Year's eve? Please turn off the music at the bottom of this page and listen to a lovely old tune. It tends to evoke a wistful sigh or two on my part...Enjoy!





Let me close this by saying thank you..each of you.. for being one of the best additions to my life in 2009. Making new blog friends definitely goes straight into that treasure box in my heart.

May 2010 grant you those wishes from the heart...and may it ever be filled with good health and happiness.

From my home to yours I wish you Peace, Love, & Joy...
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Merry Christmas

My Dears,

Sending you wishes filled with warmth, peace, and love. May this Christmas be filled with a little extra dose of joy, wonder, and magic. Happy days to each and every one of you.

Merry Christmas!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

My Favorite Movie Of The Season

My Dears,

We all have a favorite Christmas movie, don't we? Well, I want to share with you my all time favorite. I've been watching this every year since I first discovered it. Please make sure to turn off the music at the bottom of this page before you play the video.

So enjoy the trailer for Christmas In Connecticut...and should you like this teaser..go out and get yourself a copy. Truly it's a lovely, funny, and romantic film.





Happy Watching!
Miss Sandra

Christmas in NYC

So it seems I have this wish to visit NYC during the holidays. It's been some time since I last visited the Big Apple during Christmas. Truth be told..I'm not much into the big city atmosphere, but I must admit, NYC is so magical at this time. It doesn't help that this month has flown by..and I have not had the chance to set out and explore the fabulous sights and sounds of the City at Christmas.


I yearn to see the windows of Lord & Taylor, Macy's, and all those other fabulously dressed displays. I tend to have this girlish wish to sneak in and become a part of the display..all dressed up in Victorian finery and smiling at passing crowds.


I must share with you how one year, my vintage group of ladies and I were actually mistaken as part of the display at Lord and Taylor's. We were on our way to tea at the St. Regis..dressed in our Edwardian attire. We went early enough to stop by and view the magical, storybook quality scenes in the windows. Well, not only were we ohhing and ahhing over the Victorian inspired characters in the glass..but we ourselves were attracting our very own audience. They ohhed and ahhed over our choice of clothing..they snapped pictures of us, and thought we were part of the display. That was so much fun! *sigh* So really..I guess my girlish wish did come true. Haven't done that in several years though. Where has the time gone?


Anyhow, where was I? Ahh yes....I wish to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and watch the skaters gliding in merriment across the ice. I'd like to once again wear a vintage inspired outfit and have tea at the St. Regis, visit the portrait of John Jacob Astor on the top floor of the NYC Public Library, and stroll along Central Park. Oh yes!! Let me not forget..I would love to visit the NYC Ballet and enjoy the beautiful performance of The Nutcracker. I've only done that twice in my life. I think I am due.


I'd love to hear the sounds, smell the scents, and fall into the feeling of Christmas in NYC. Now if only I had the time...

Have a great day dears! May you enjoy all kinds of holiday pleasures!
xoxo
Sandra

Winter Solstice

Happy Winter!

So what will you be doing on the longest night of the year? Enjoy the season!

You know I'm happy!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Sunday Morning After The Snow

Good Morning Dears,

After all the hype, all the emergency warnings, and all the preparation hoopla...we got our snow. Granted my share was pretty small, but still lovely to see. This morning, while still in my PJs but all bundled up, I headed out to snap some pics. There is nothing as invigorating as that first gulp of snowy winter air! I stepped outside and found myself deeply immersed within my element...winter and snow. S'wonderful!!

My carriage covered in the white stuff!

A side view of Harmonie House

The tall, majestic pine in the yard.

Oh! I failed to mention that I also indulged in one of my snowtime pleasures...I took off my Big Girl hat..and put on my Little Girl bonnet and proceeded to make Snow Angels!! C'mon! Tell me you aren't tempted to do the same..why shouldn't you? Go out there and make one now!! After all, we still have the inner child within us. Go out and play..this is what life is all about...simple pleasures. Indulge... for life is too precious to waste a single second. Have fun, enjoy the moment, and do whatever your heart desires!! Happy snow my dears!!

The lady of Harmonie House's snow angel!

Sweet winter dreams and pleasures to all!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Tea Party Recap..and Naughty Cold

Closeup of my tree

My Dears,

Just dropping by to say hello! Things have been quiet this week at Harmonie House. The weekend was another story. I hosted my annual Christmas Tea and had a lovely time amongst the Victorian/Edwardian clan. I must add however..I hosted the affair with barely a voice, for I came down with a nasty cold that weekend.

So I squeaked my way through the festivities. I made my opening comments (after ringing the bell to gather all around the dining room table), went back and forth into the kitchen to keep the kettle going, and managed to spend some time with each guest. Surprisingly enough, they didn't keep their distance from me considering I had just started this cold.

The spirit of Christmas was in the air and we were all children again...especially during the Secret Santa ceremony where all the ladies gathered to open their gifts. Now you must know that in this group of friends the majority are seamstresses and we all look forward to our handmade gifts. I made a pretty tapestry evening bag for my recipient and included a 20's/30's music cd for her enjoyment. I received long white evening gloves to be worn with a ballgown, an embroidered sampler, some dragonfly tea towels (I love dragonflies), and vintage linens.
The women giggled with glee. The men, who are not participants in the Secret Santa, gathered in different parts of the house (mostly around the dining room table munching away) and discussed anything but linens and underpinnings. *smiles*

After the opening of gifts..most gathered around the piano for some traditional caroling. This is one of my favorite moments of the day. Unfortunately, I could only lip-sync for as I've said..I had very little voice left. I pouted as my favorites were played and sung..but of course, I smiled for the enjoyment surrounding me. It was lovely.

So for days after..till now, I've stayed in and have been keeping myself medicated and rested. Today I'm back at work and grateful for those lovely moments....and for the gift of friendship.

I apologize for not having posted pictures. There were very few taken this time around.

I hope you've all been well and jolly! Stay warm and keep healthy!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Baby It's Cold Outside!!

My Dears,

So far today has been the coldest day in these parts. Frosty, crisp, windy, and absolutely divine. So in the spirit of the day, I want to share one of my favorite tunes. Please be sure to first turn off the music at the bottom of this page so that you can enjoy this clip. Keep warm dear ones!

Hoping your day is De-Lovely!!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

The Feeling Of Santa

My Dears,

At this time of year it is natural to reminisce of Christmas days of our past. How exciting it was to be a child at Christmas! I knew that Santa Claus was busy preparing his bag of toys and that I was to behave if I wanted my gift included in his bag.

As a very young child, I recall the celebrations throughout the month of December at our place on Willow Ave. These affairs were always filled with family from all over, near and far. The music would play late into the night and dancing was prevalent at our household. The lights would be twinkling and the eggnog aplenty. My brothers and I gathered with the younger cousins to dance, sing, and just be...kids!

The magic however, in this child's eyes, was embodied in that jolly old fellow Santa Claus. He was Papa Noel..Ol' St. Nick...Father Christmas. He represented wishes..hopes.. dreams. I cannot recall exactly when I was told that Santa Claus did not exist...nor do I recall my reaction. Somehow..even at that young age, I think I knew that Mr. Claus was more than just a symbolic creation of the season. He was so much more.

I never truly stopped believing. Instead, I came to realize that jolly old St. Nick was not a person per se', but a feeling. A feeling that inspired hope...a feeling that sent forth wishes to become reality...a feeling of magic. Santa Claus does exist. He lives within you..within me. When we give of ourselves unselfishly and most lovingly..that is Santa Claus. When we hear a melody that fills us to the brink of bursting with emotions so real and beautiful...that is Santa Claus. When we remind those near and dear to us just how much they mean...that is Santa Claus. The light that shines upon us to remind us that we're not alone during moments of despair, confusion, and loneliness...that is Santa Claus. And of course, at this time of the year..that beautiful feeling of joy, wonder, enchantment, and love....that my dears is Santa Claus.

This season, and everyday of our lives let us always spread the cheer of Santa. Sing a tune with a co-worker... share a cup of cocoa with a neighbor...give someone a lift when they're stranded...take some time to help in a soup kitchen. Let's do away with resentments, anger and all those negative feelings that keep us down. Let's smile and laugh!! Hold a hand that needs holding...give a kiss, just because..and say "I love you" when you feel it so deeply that you'll burst.

Yes Virginia...there is a Santa Claus!

These sentiments are deeply felt, always..though life does tend to throw us a few wrenches to thwart our goodness of heart and spirit. I'm not perfect..ohh far from it. I experience anger, disappointments and yes my dears, even the occasional bout of cattiness. *pouts* I have my moments..as everyone else. We are only human after all, but I believe practice makes perfect. I shall endeavor to practice at being the best human being I can be..now and always.

May the feeling and spirit of Santa ever be present in your lives!!

"Pssst! Hey Santa Baby...my wish list is on its way!!"

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Winter Musings And Then Some..

My Dears,

Ohhhh it's nice and cold out....just the way I like it. Funny how winter inspires comfort....at least to me it does. I think of frost and see a nice fire blazing away in the hearth. I see snow and think of how lovely it is to sit in my library, book in hand, and watch the flakes fall gloriously upon the ground. Some days when it's at its coldest, I venture out, if only for a few minutes, to feel the cold upon my cheeks...the brush of icy fingertips cooling the warmth of my skin and leaving it rosy. I find it so invigorating to breathe in winter's crisp air before heading back in to the fireside.

Then there's the comfort wear..chenille socks to keep my toes soft and toasty, my flannel pjs, which sometimes I wear long after I'm out of bed on a snowy day, the homemade afghan.. lovingly crocheted and perfect to ward off the sudden chill. There's velvet, corduroy, wool, chenille, and cashmere..all the fabrics made to love and caress the skin at wintertime. I love gloves..long gloves, short gloves, driving gloves, and evening gloves...I wear my gloves all winter long. Oh..and let's not forget the muff...every Edwardian lady must have one you know! Then there are hats. Oh dear heavens!! I do so love hats..and during winter I'm at my glory. My head is always well covered and warmed by a favorite chapeau.

A cup of hot chocolate or tea is the first thing offered at Harmonie House when the air is nippy. Mulled cider is always a favorite. Tell me my dears..have you ever tried warm cinnamon milk in the evening? Ohhh..that's a favorite since my childhood. Tis simple to make. Take a microwavable mug..fill it with milk, add a cinnamon stick or two, then sprinkle some cinnamon powder. Pop it in the microwave and heat it up. Sweeten as you please and enjoy!! You may also do this the old fashioned way upon the stove. Warning..it's a lovely beverage to lull you to sleep. I usually imbibe this treat while propped upon my pillows, reading a book. Doesn't take long before I doze off. Herbal lore says that cinnamon is used to enhance psychic ability...perhaps some prophetic dreams?? Only if they're good..or I don't want to know!! *smiles*

I need not get into comfort food...it would take up the whole blog. We all have our favorites during the cold months....especially those loaded with carbs. I find quite often that mashed potatoes imbue me with warmth and smiles. I especially love it when made in shepherd's pie. However, hand me a bowl of nothing else but buttery mashed on its own..and you will hear me sigh in contentment. Mmmm.. What is your favorite comfort food?

There is no need to fear Father Winter's embrace when it is lovingly and gently offered. We have the simple comforts to keep us warm and cozy during the season of frost. Let's seek ways to enjoy it rather than scoff when the temperature drops. After all...we have the power to make of it what we wish. Let's become those happy people within the beautiful snow globes. Go out and be tenderly kissed by those magical crystals...snowflakes.


On this, the eve of my 39th year, I have reflected on all the blessings the past year has granted. So much has happened, so many changes, new discoveries, and beginnings. I have changed..I can admit it. On the eve of my 30th birthday, I imagined many things about my future. I had many plans and dreams. I could not foresee what fate had in store for me. I never thought those changes would come so soon. Needless to say, I am not where I thought I would be on the eve of my 30th birthday. No..I am in a place where I never imagined..a place I have created for myself, on my own. If this year has taught me anything, it has taught me the true meaning of the words "I Can"...and for my 39th my words of choice are "I Will".

Thank you each and every one of you for...well...for you of course! If I didn't have you, who would read my musings? You've embraced me, followed my every mood, and have kept me company when I've felt alone. You are one of the blessings of my 38th year.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

December Greetings

Happy December My Dears!

This is the month of cheer and celebrations...the month to welcome Father Winter. Tis also the month of saying goodbye...to the past year.

I look around the house..all dressed up for Christmas. Trees, villages, garlands, lights...every detail inspiring a memory. The beauty and the magic of this season fills me with love..and a bit of sadness. Yes..there has been some wonderful healing of my heart, but it's this time of year when I remember so much and miss so much...but then I smile, for having had so much.

The New Year is around the corner. It's whispering softly to me and saying "The best is yet to come. Smile...keep the faith...and most of all, LIVE!"

So I look upon December as the month to prepare ....prepare for a whole new canvas, 2010.
I have my paint brushes handy and the colors I've chosen are bright with hope, love, prosperity, good health, and most of all happiness...you know, the elusive "IT".


Tis the season of giving. While you're out shopping or busy wrapping gifts for those on your list, do remember to give of yourself. Give your time to those who need a helping hand, give loving advice to those who need a calming word, open your arms and give a hug to those who need a tender embrace, give a warm meal and a blanket to the man on the street who huddles in a corner shivering from cold...better yet, help him to find shelter, and one of the simplest gifts to give...a smile. You'll be amazed how such a simple gesture can brighten one's day. How we give of ourselves can make a difference in the lives of many..not just in December, but everyday of our lives.


So let's celebrate this time in the spirit of the season. Come and take some tea with me..or if you prefer, I'll gladly mull some cider. You know... a touch bourbon and a pat of butter spices it up beautifully. *smiles* Help yourself to some cookies or would you prefer some stew?

I have the Christmas music playing softly...and a roaring fire in the hearth. There are some really good classics in the bookcase should you feel like curling up by the fire and do some reading. I'll keep you company and finish up a scarf I've been working on. Yes..Mr. Knightley would like to sit on your lap. He makes the perfect "lapghan" on a cold night such as this.

Let's enjoy the simple comforts of the season...there are many to be had!! May your December be filled with joy, wonder, and loving warmth!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Thanksgiving Wishes

My Dears,
I want to say thank you for being a part of my life...for stopping by, saying hello, and just being you!
This year I can add to my list of blessings the addition of dear blog friends.

Have a lovely and Happy Thanksgiving. May you find many reasons to be thankful each and everyday of your lives. May your hearth be warm, the table bountiful, and love ever be constant. Most of all..may you be blessed with good health and happiness all the year through.

This is my Thanksgiving wish for you.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Embracing The Season..

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...The holiday season that is!

I can't believe we are several days away from Thanksgiving 2009. It seems just yesterday I was planting my herbs for my spring garden. Well never-the-less, I am happy about it. Two years ago was the last time I hosted Thanksgiving dinner. I am thrilled that this year I shall don my apron once again and have my family over to celebrate and be grateful.

Poor Thanksgiving. It seems it's always overshadowed by Christmas. It doesn't stand a chance. Once Halloween is over...Christmas decorations are on display. As a child, I remember seeing paper cutouts of turkeys on windows in every shop and home. Pilgrims, pumpkins, and other symbols of Thanksgiving were a given and commonplace. You see very little of it today..perhaps a small section at the local CVS...somewhere underneath the Christmas lights.

I guess it shouldn't really matter. Thanksgiving is felt within our hearts...and we have reason to be ever so thankful on a daily basis. The first words I usually speak, when I open my eyes each morning are "Thank you for the blessing of another beautiful day of life."

Those words I have said, even during the worst of times.

And so on...in the spirit of things, I shall officially begin my Christmas decorating this weekend. Yes, yes..I know. Did I not just preach about Christmas overshadowing Thanksgiving festivities?? Silly me..Though really, I have no choice. I like my place to be decorated by December 1st. However, it usually takes me a week or more to dress Harmonie House in Christmas splendor. These days are pretty busy for me, so I have to take advantage of the spare moments I get...especially the weekends. I shall incorporate my pilgrims, pumpkins, and turkeys into the x-mas decor. I love both holidays...very much!!

Christmas 2008 at Harmonie House

So my dears...I wish you all a lovely weekend filled with many blessings..many reasons to be ever thankful.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Something to think about...

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The Possible's slow fuse is lit
by the Imagination..............
~Emily Dickinson

I've been doing some reading this day and came upon the above quote. Needless to say, it made quite a lot of sense and has inspired me to greater imagination.

Possibility is a magical word..it promises surprises. It caters to hope and strokes reality. It is said that all things are possible.

Imagination is a powerful tool...a bridge to worlds of our own making. Our minds create, shape, and form these images that may sometimes seem so real...so much so, the energy we put behind these fanciful thoughts is sent out to the universe... fueling possibility. What a lovely notion...what possibilities!!

I must imagine myself in Vienna..dancing a waltz. *smiles*

Emily Dickinson....a very wise woman.

I raise my glass. Here's to the imagination..and the possibilities in its wake!
....it is said they are endless!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

At home..all weekend!!

A full weekend at home, to myself? I must pinch myself for fear I may be dreaming.

(proceeds with the pinching...) Ow!

All right, I'm not dreaming. I really do have a weekend with no plans..no parties...no nothing. This is cause for celebration for you see, it seems I have been going and going every weekend non-stop since Labor Day. I've not had a whole weekend to myself...till now!

This explains why I am still lingering about in my cozy jammies. Oh how delightful! I must take advantage of this time...and just be.

Should I fuss around the house and do some light chores?
Should I go out and do some shopping?
Should I go to my shop and check in on Saturday's trusty minion and see how business is going?

Hmm....I think not!

This weekend should consist of simple pleasures. I shall surround myself in ambiance filled with music, yummy treats, a good book, the company of Mr. Knightley, and the serenity that comes with deep relaxation. This weekend I shall do some soul searching and hopefully discover something wonderful.

So let the rain fall..let the winds blow. I shall admire them from my window as I sip my favorite brew out of a favorite cup. While the last of the leaves continue their descent towards the ground, I shall smile...and just be. After all, these simple moments..simple pleasures..are to be delicately treasured.

Have a wonderful weekend my dears!
xoxo!
Miss Sandra

After The Ball

My Dears,

A lovely time was had at our annual Armistice Ball. We had a nice turnout, the band delighted us with some great music for dancing, and the Afterglow party at Harmonie House was absolutely divine.

Harmonie House hours before the revelry.

Downstairs at Harmonie House.. Mr. Knightley kept watch from the stairs...while upstairs several of us were busy getting into our gowns, and tuxedos.

Having given my lady's maid the night off...I settled for the butler to help me fasten my gown. *smiles*

The band, led by well known Vince Giordano, gave a stellar performance and provided us with tunes to kick our heels...foxtrots, one-steps, tangos, blues, and waltzes.

The dancers were pleased as pie and were having a ball!

Tis I...dancing away to a one-step


C'est moi..again!

It was lovely to be twirled around the room to the music of another era..long gone. Alas, like Cinderella, I had to leave the ball much earlier...for I had to get the home and prepare for the Afterglow party.

This was only the beginning. By the time all the guests (31) arrived, the table was heavily laden with food...hot and cold dishes. Wine and champagne flowed as did the smiles.

...with Dan Levinson and his lovely wife Molly


Vince relaxing after a fabulous musical night
and chatting away with Tom & Sue.
He and his Nighthawks take us back in time with the authentic sounds of the 20's & 30's.


Dear friend Tom entertained the whole weekend on my Lauter.

After the party...yes, it went on till very late...I was thoroughly exhausted. However, that didn't stop me or my weekend guests from enjoying some ragtime coming from the talented Tom on the piano. Twas 2am, we let our hair down, took our shoes off, and I served coffee (yes..regular not decaf). We listened to music..while we all reclined and talked about the ball and party..we were still glowing.

Yes, the mistress of the house was tired..but still glowing.

Happy days to all!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Shall We Dance

My Dears..

It's that time again...time for dancing. Tomorrow night, the vintage dance group I belong to will be co-hosting the annual Armistice Ball.

Once a year we gather at a hall..dressed in period attire.. and dance to the live sounds of a fabulous band playing the music of the late teens and 1920s. It's a wonderful evening filled with laughter, good company, great music!

The evening does not end after the ball is over. Oh indeed not! A private party for the band and close friends/group members will be held at Harmonie House. We call this gathering the "After Glow" party. This is my favorite part of the evening, for it's lovely to have my guests dancing to the tunes played on the upright..nice to see them letting their hair down and unwind. Here they'll feast upon a late evening supper by candlelight and replay the evening's highlights over a glass of wine or two.

I should have some photos to share with you all within a week or so of this affair. In the meantime, I hope you have a most lovely weekend filled with the comforts of autumn.

Wishing you moments of sheer joy!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

I am

Today I smile because I am....and ever will be; because it is...and ever shall be. I am ever grateful!

Now I'm off to have a nice cuppa tea!

Lovely thoughts and wishes to you all!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

November thoughts..

My Dears,

Happy November to all! The trees are undressing their glory...the ground a canvas painted by the many colorful fallen leaves. Just outside my writing room window, I see my backyard laden with the signs of summer's passing. Crunchy leaves scattered like confetti, invite me to venture out and tread upon them in childlike enjoyment. Very soon the tines of the rake shall make its own cacophony of sound as it clears away the dried offspring of our beautiful trees....clearing the canvas to make room for winter's snow.

Tis amazing how quickly this year has gone by. Christmas is just around the corner and Thanksgiving..practically tomorrow! So fast do the days go. Our present, so quickly made into the past...and our future already the present. I'm afraid to blink for fear I might miss something.

Truly dear friends, time is but a spec of dust..a grain of sand. Our days are but currents in the river of life and time. We should ride that current to our best ability..and while upon the river of life...we should aim for smooth sailing. Yes, the harsh waves will come, but we shall ride them out, for life is not meant to flow smoothly. Otherwise, how would we be able to appreciate all the good that comes, if we never knew the bad? How can we embrace the sun if we do not first know the gray clouds? How does one appreciate the warmth if never the touch of frost has been felt?

Though who says frost...clouds...and rain are so bad? I embrace them all for each in its own way graces us with something good. The cold lures us to the comfort of the hearth. The rain brings forth the colors of springtime..and washes away the snow of the winter. Those dark, dreary days..clouding the sky...they are somewhat magical for they inspire deep thought or if not that, they give us a day indoors to get some housework done. Now that is the magical part! *smiles*

I guess what I'm trying to say is...there is nothing bad that cannot bring forth something good. It has taken me many years to learn this...and loads of acceptance. Thus is life....precious in its education, and ever so delicate in essence. Life is short. Time doth fly. Do not waste a minute..or a second of it. Live it fully...love it...make the most of it!! Find the bliss, get through the bad, and forge on with a smile.

November has reminded me that we are near the year's end. I have lots to do and accomplish by the end of December. I want to begin 2010 fresh..with new experiences, new thoughts, new risks. I shall endeavor to end this year on a happy note, and begin the new one singing a happy song. Thus I shall set the tune for my future years, for they do go so fast!!

Miss Sandra of Harmonie House is now done with waxing philosophically. It's a pretty day out, Mr. Knightley is napping on the chair nearby, and I have a bit to do around here. I've got to go out and get some wood for the fire, and some fixings for a meal. I have some merry company coming over for a musical gathering.

I wish you all a lovely afternoon and evening. May November bring forth many a happy moment filled with bliss!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Holiday wishes!

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Happy Halloween/Samhain to all!

May this day spark some magic in your life to last all through your days!

xoxo
Miss Sandra