Happy November!

Tis the season!! Mmmm..

My Dears...

Has it been over a month since my last post? Heavens to Betsy! I haven't forgotten you...in fact, I try to visit as many of you as possible when I get the chance. My world outside of blog-land has been keeping me quite preoccupied. There are changes in the midst and I guess I'm just gearing myself up and laying low while these changes take place.

Well first..Happy Halloween! Belated, yes, but sincerely meant! It was quite a nice one for me and my fella. Harmonie House glowed in candlelight and was scented in the perfume of autumn. Halloween music played throughout the evening, setting the ambiance. I dressed as a gypsy fortune teller and one couldn't tell that I had worked in the kitchen all afternoon cooking away. I made a yummy dinner for us (butternut squash soup...honey/apricot pork with couscous and glazed veggies...and a corn pudding pie for dessert). Oh yes...we were pleasantly full! I hope your Halloween was absolutely delightful!

 Any similarity to Mr. Knightley is purely coincidental. ;)

Did someone say snow?? Yes my dears. Harmonie House was in the path of Saturday's storm. Truth be told, this one caused more damage in this area than hurricane Irene. My front tree lost several limbs and one should see the surrounding neighborhood. Tree limbs line the streets from one block to the next. Tis quite sad really. Thankfully we didn't lose any power. I must say however..this storm made for a most lovely, relaxing time by the fire while feasting on yummy fireside picnic fare (chestnuts, cheeses, crackers, olive bread, etc..). Granted, there was shoveling to be done the next day, but my honey and I made quick work of it!

 from here

I'm thrilled about the cold weather we're having. After all, I'm in my element! Yes the warm soft blankets are out...the afghans...the cozy socks...the flannel...the firewood...and the stock on cocoa and tea has been replenished. *sigh*
Oh I am indeed ready for the nesting season. Are you??

Ratty's home in Wind & The Willows.

The comforts of a cozy winter's nest are evident. 

One of the dearest holidays is upon us now. Thanksgiving brings to me a feeling that all is simply right with the world. It reminds me that my blessings far surpass my woes. It's a time to reflect and be grateful. When Thanksgiving comes along I begin my trip down memory lane, for this marks the beginning of the holiday season. This is the time when the child in me comes out to play! The joys of the season we beheld as children should always be welcomed in our adult life. The childish glee, wonder, and curiosity that made our lives seem so magical should ever be present within us...you will find that this feeling is quite contagious!

Oh and let's not forget Thanksgiving dinner! If there is any thought that instantly brings a smile to my face is that of the table on Thanksgiving! *sigh* Yes..turkey and all the fixings! Tis tradition at its best! I think I better stop musing over this. I'm becoming hungry.

Happy November my dears! May this month bring to you the sweet anticipation of the magical season to come...filled with family, joy, lots of yummy food, and oodles of bliss. May the blessings of our daily lives be counted and never taken for granted.

 "The happiest of people don't have the best of everything...they just make the best of everything."

Blissful Tidings!
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