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