Life's Courses

My Dears,

I was recently asked where do I find myself at this point in my life..... I pondered, and pondered. I searched back through the years, from very early on, to now. How did I respond you wonder? I smiled...almost sadly, but with wisdom (at least I hope I've garnered some).

I thought of my life in terms of a restaurant menu...

For starters, my life began as an aperitif..
A sparkling wine was I as a child...filled with wonder and curiosity of this world. I was very outgoing, always the little actress with the friendly smile when another child was nearby. I was the one who championed the kid who was bullied at school. I was the one who would one day become a teacher, a lawyer, or a nurse. I dreamed quite a lot those days.

I chose my teen years as the appetizer of my life.
Outgoing still and with many friends, my turbulent teenage years were filled with crushes, school band and chorus fun, French for sophistication, heart-ache over a first-love, and the ever present question...what shall I do after high school? I became lost in the music and days of old. I was called the 50's girl. Not very popular was I... but I was content in my own little world. High school was at its end. Many friends parted ways and it was time to move on to the next course.

Then came the salad years...
Oh what lovely years. I was in the midst of self-discovery. I worked several jobs, went to a few schools, and studied radio broadcasting. I immersed myself in the love of all things old (vintage, Victorian, Edwardian). I met my husband during those years at an oldies show he was hosting. We were married a year later. It was during those years that I became a domestic engineer. Oh how I loved being a homemaker and hostess! I was given wings to fly. I made many new friends during those years. I made the husband happy......I was happy.

Yet every happy scene must have a sad entry...no? Well in my menu it did. The dressing in my salad course turned bad...very sour. I grew up, really grew up during those years of my husband's illness and passing. I learned grief, but with that grief came acceptance and a new discovery. I discovered ME. I found a woman of courage and strength, for as the song says, I picked myself up...dusted myself off..and started all over again. I took on the business, practically overnight and have tackled many obstacles along the way. It's not been easy, but I'm not afraid.

So where am I in my life right now?

This is my Intermezzo.
I am now in the in-between of life's menu....my palate must be cleansed before I move on to the main course...the rest of my life. *smiles* It is in this stage of my life...this tasty sorbet... where I shall hone my skills, improve myself as a human being, and continue my quest of self discovery....for there is so much more to me that I've yet to discover. Oh..and believe me, I shall make sure to enjoy this quest...this brief foray... before the intermezzo is taken off the table. I do hope my main course will be an absolutely delicious dish. *playfully smiles*

Did I mention? I can hardly wait for dessert!!!

I hope your life menu has served up some wonderful dishes!!

xoxo
Sandra

It has finally arrived!

My Dears,

Happy Autumn! The season of change...beautiful change...has arrived.

I am now fully awake, for it seems I hibernate during the summer and come alive in Autumn. Once winter comes...I'll be at my peak. *smiles* Did I mention I love winter?

The afghans are ready to come out and be placed in every room, and the firewood properly stacked and ready. My tea cabinet is fully stocked as is the baking cabinet. I look forward to many evenings in the kitchen...filled with the aroma of comfort food.

Time to prepare the woolens and get out the comfy slippers. Oh, and did I mention I've already started Halloween preparations? Never too early to get into the spirit of things. As I always say... grab that bull by the horns.

Anyhow, I wanted to stop by and say hello. I hope this day has been a lovely one for you all. I wish for you an Autumn season of comfort, happy moments, and love!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Serenity Of The Moment

Tis a quiet Wednesday.

I love this...the peace and calm. The clouds are nigh, and the brisk breeze is blowing through the windows. Outside those windows, the Rose of Sharon trees tremble slightly...politely nudged by the wind. The linden waves to me in its tall, majestic splendor...protective in shade and in sheltering those beautiful creatures of nature. The herbs are whispering softly, asking to be harvested very soon
....before the first frost makes pretty cold pearls of the dew upon their green.

The rain is hovering...waiting for the right moment to cascade upon this earth. I welcome it with a smile and invite it to come down and make its beautiful, hypnotic sounds as it falls upon my window panes. An unfinished book is lying upon the table..beckoning me to turn its pages and lose myself in its world. The kettle too is calling...reminding me that a cup of tea will complete the serenity surrounding me.

*sigh*

How tranquil I am at this moment...how in love with this precise point in my life.

Mr. Knightley is sleeping...curled up in a black ball of the softest, velvety fur I have ever felt.

How beautiful.

Harmonie House, my Shangri-La, is quiet..yet I can feel the stirrings within. I can sense the beating of the heart which lies deep within its walls...for this home is alive with feeling and spirit. Its beams sigh along with me in appreciation of now....today.

Perhaps this reverie will dissipate shortly. But for now...this very minute...this moment is mine...all mine.

Wishing you moments of serenity,
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Change

Hello My Dahlings,

Happy September to you all. I hope the weather has been as delightful for you as it has been for me. The evenings have been quite lovely with just a hint of coolness to remind me that the season of comfort is upon us.

The picture above has inspired this post. Such a lovely message it conveys to me. Acceptance... I have accepted the changes in my life...and I do not like change. However, I have stared down the big elephant of change. We now see one another, eye to eye. I can now place my hand upon this creature and say "It's okay...you were inevitable. I just needed time. I accept you. I've made my peace with you."

Funny though...change comes in so many ways. A dear friend who has known me for about 5 years recently asked me...."Who are you really? You are not the Sandra I met five years ago. I see many facets of you, all these glimpses of a different woman...many women in one you." I begin to wonder...is it really a change or is this finally the true me emerging from my cocoon?

No matter....I love me and shall embrace this woman I have become.

As for change...welcome!!!

Look out world!!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra