Thursday, April 23, 2009

Time To Go Back...and I Mean The Past


I'll be away for a few days. I am going back in time actually. This weekend I'll be wearing petticoats and pretty gowns for I shall be a Victorian & Edwardian dancing away through the veil of time.


Stay tuned....I might even have pictures.


In the meantime, have a most glorious weekend filled with sunshine and laughter, now and ever after.

Hugs!
xoxo


Monday, April 20, 2009

On A Rainy Day


I tend to ponder quite a bit when the sky is gray and the rain comes pouring down upon our earth. Whether it's the soothing sound of the rain dripping against the window panes, or the dimness within my home due to the sunless sky, I somehow manage to lose myself in deep thought.

As I wandered through the inner depths of my mind, I pondered human nature and the little things that make people click. No one is perfect...I personally can vouch for that. After all, it's our imperfections which make us unique and wonderful. That said however, we have a tendency to react quickly to even the most minor of circumstances. We'll either huff and puff in anger or walk away from the situation mumbling under our breath. We are so blinded by our instant response that we do not stop to take it in and see it for what it really is....petty.

Indeed there have been situations which go beyond the realm of accepta
ble behavior, but most disagreements stem from an unreasonable reaction to a minor misunderstanding. Everything from lovers' spats to family quarrels can at most times be traced to our propensity to react without taking in the situation at hand. I know, for I have been guilty of reacting unreasonably. By the same token however, I've been on the receiving end of such behavior either for giving advice when unsolicited or by speaking my mind. *sigh*

What this diatribe all comes down to is
this....let's stop and take a deep breath. Let us, in any situation, take in what we see or what we hear and make sense of it before we react. Life is too short to lose our temper. More importantly...life is too short to lose ourselves within a chasm of negativity that may alienate those we love.

I now look out my window and see the beauty of green all around. The lawn's reaction to this constant rain is to grow in verdure abundance. So lovely.

Though it may seem dreary to most, this is indeed a beautiful day. May the raindrops of laughter, love, wishes, and dreams shower you with the promise of a happy today, tomorrow, and ever after.
xoxo

Friday, April 17, 2009

Home and Contentment


It was a lovely day today. The sun shone out of a beautifully clear blue sky. The magnolia in full bloom shared it's fragrant essence with those fortunate to be near...and I, suffering a heavy bout of spring fever, could not get home soon enough from a long day's work.

No sooner did I enter my personal realm of contentment and harmony, that I was flinging the casement windo
ws wide open to let in the warm air and yes, the intoxicating aroma of the magnolia outside my front yard. The scent mingled nicely with the citrus lemon essence on the recently polished woodwork in my home. I need add that I left work, stress, the rest of the world and its issues outside my door. No place for it in my Shangri-La.

As the kettle busied itself with getting the tea water to full boil, I took off my shoes, raised the volume on my classical music, and gave my kitty Mr. Knightley his due affection, love...and treats! Finally, with a cup of Darjeeling in hand and a good book to lose myself in, I enveloped myself in total contentment of the moment. Sitting in my favorite room, on my favorite chair with a cat curled on my lap, I sighed and smiled. The comfort of a good cup of tea combined with the familiar beautiful surroundings eased my mind and soothed my soul.

I was home..plain and simple. The word itself, HOME, moves me to no
end...for it is there my soul resides fully. The outside world has its charms no doubt....but it is my world, that which shelters me, warms me, and welcomes those near and dear...that world called home is the only one to ever have a hold of my heart. *sigh*
I admit it...I am a homebody and happy to be so.

What does your home mean to you? xoxo!



Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Of Life And Change


Life is funny...but not always in a "ha ha" sort of way. One day we are living one way, the next we are in a whole different situation. Life is about changes after all. We have to adjust either we like it or not. Yet we must realize that sometimes it's all for the better.

The same goes for people. They come into our lives for one reason or another. Some stay and some go. I've learned however, that they always manage to leave an impression behind whether good or bad. They have taught us something even if we're not aware of that fact till long after they've gone.


Let's embrace the changes in our lives for they help to move us along the path of life's journey.


Let's embrace the people who come and go in our lives. For they help to make up the experiences which make the journey not only interesting, but ever fruitful.

Let's be grateful for all that makes our world go round...the good, the bad...the laughter, the tears...the happy and the sad. Let's greet each day with open arms, with the knowledge of another chance given us to make it better.


I am grateful. xoxo



Tuesday, April 14, 2009

My dreams for tonight...






While I get myself back in the swing of things here, I shall leave you with lovely images of England & Scotland. You know...I plan on living there some day.

Until the next... xoxoxo!

*The top two are Scotland....the bottom 2 England. Absolutely lovely. *sigh*


Monday, April 13, 2009

Monday Musings


I'm tired...wrung out. Don't know why. I didn't open the shop today. I had a lovely Easter with my siblings...I slept well. Why this heavy feeling? Truthfully? I think my mind is full...beyond capacity.

Since becoming widowed over a year ago, I've had to take up more than I had been accustomed to. Giving up my post as home maker to run a business, making decisions I never had to worry about before, and really...adjusting to a
whole new life without the hubby. A hubby who was my world.

New beginnings can be wondrous, yet frightening when one does not know what lurks behind a new dawn. Does that make sense?? Starting a new chapter in the book of my life has been an adventure wrought with laughter, surprise, many tears, and sense of self-pride I never knew I had in me. I have realized this past year that I am a much stronger woman than I've ever given myself credit. I can stand on my own two feet and take over my life in full force, and with a mission.

Then why so heavy of heart and mind??


I'll chalk it up to hormones...yeah, that's it! That or just the knowledge that this new chapter of my life will be full of many edits. It'll take quite a while before I find my happily ever after. I know this and truly I'm okay with it.

So dear readers, I shall lift my glass of wine and toast to my new book of life. May each chapter lead me to the happy finale we all deserve.
xoxo


Saturday, April 11, 2009

To Fridge or not to Fridge?


That is the question. It seems I have no choice in the matter when it comes to the answer, for I'll have to fridge it regardless. You see, I got a tip on a 1930's GE refrigerator on Ebay. The opening bid was 99 cents and upon looking at the pictures of this fabulous antique appliance, I decided to make a bid...much higher than 99 cents mind you. Seven hours later, I now own it. Let me tell you all about it.

The seller claims that it was working back in 1999 when he got it out of his aunt's basement. He also went on to say that for safety reasons, he cut cord. I figured I can get some electrical crafty individual to fix that issue. No problem.

The hours passed as I waited to see if I'd be outbid. It was somewhere between doing the dishes and checking e-mail when I suddenly thought...where the heck am I going to put that thing?? My kitchen is spacious enough, but looking around me I found that every space was taken up. Oh oh..


That put a whole new spin on this bid. I figured there would be others waiting for the last minute to outbid me. If that were to happen, I'd not be upset one bit for that would solve my space issue.
As luck would have it...6 more bids were entered, but not one touched my final bid. *SIGH*

I look at it this way. I'm meant to own the lovely 30's GE refrigerator and it will fit in nicely in my historic home. As far as space goes, I'll manage to squeeze it in here somehow.


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

...and then there is peanut butter.


Well a small spoonful at least. That's what took care of my evening craving for something sweet. As most of you know it's just not easy trying to keep fit and healthy. Egg whites, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit, tofu dishes, loads of veggies, and tons of water are now my nearest and dearest of foods. No sarcasm there...really. I do enjoy all those foods and know how to play them up.
Really though, I do eat other stuff and have a whole day in the week to be bad if I choose, so it's not all shabby.
Needless to say, I've been feeling more energetic and have noticed the changes in my eating patterns. The thought of pizza does not thrill me as it used to. I think I'm doing well on this plan.

As for exercising...now that's another story. Granted, I do my workouts on a daily basis: upper body one day, aerobics the next, lower body the next, etc. Abs are tough. Crunches, sit-ups, whatever you want to call them....they really stink. However, I've seen the results of putting oneself through the torture and believe me, it's worth the temporary discomfort.

At 38 I keep telling myself that once 40 comes around I want my body to look like I'm still in my 20's. I do love my body now...I'm just trying a bit of "restoration" so when the "changes" come, I'll be ahead of the game...or so I hope.

I'll take that spoonful of peanut butter rather than that piece of pound cake or the chocolate bar loaded with 24 grams of fat. In the end, it'll all be worth it! Skippy...here I come!!


Tuesday, April 7, 2009

My Very First Time

...At blogging that is. Drawn by the pull, no the very innermost urge, no...DESIRE (yes!) to write, I decided to give blogging a try. So alas, here I am.

I'm moved by the beauty of nature and all that surrounds me. I'm inspired by the seasons and the little things that bring a smile to my face. So my musings for this evening shall be about Spring. Those who know me know that Winter has always been my season of choice however, even the snow queen needs a thaw. Besides, flowers make me smile.
I've heard nothing but constant rants lately over all the rain we're getting. Naturally I hold back the sassy remarks about this being April, and showers, and..well you get the point. I kindly remind them that flowers ,blooming trees, and beautiful, lush lawns will be the result of this deluge. At least that's what I tell myself...and it works! Rain holds a particular magic for us all.

Think about it. Rainy days go well in hand with a good book and a comfy throw...
a cup of tea and a classic film. How about baking?? Some days cleaning is the perfect way to spend a rainy day. If one doesn't have the luxury of being home on such a day but is stuck behind a desk at the office...no problem. That's when you are grateful for not missing out on a perfectly lovely day. Does that make sense?

Nevertheless, it's all about appreciating the moments..each and every one of them. For without them, what would make up our lives? I am grateful for the rain, snow, the good, and yes..even the bad, for without it how can I know and appreciate all the good life can bring?

I'm not sure if I meant to be philosophical tonight but once I begin rambling, anything goes. Besides, I'm having a bit of blogger's block. Perhaps that's a sign to quit while I'm ahead. *sigh* All right. I guess it's time to call it a night and wish everyone a most lovely slumber filled with delightful dreams. Have a beautiful Spring day tomorrow....even if it is raining.