When Bliss Is Gone

Dear Ones...

Just a quick note to let you know that I am still here in this thing called life.

However, life as I knew it is no longer. I've struggled to write this post, but perhaps by putting this out there to you all, it might help me somehow, someway.
2016 has taken my loves. My beautiful fella and my sweet boy Mr. Knightley are no longer in this world, but on the other side.

Needless to say, I am lost and trying to find my way.

I'm so glad that I was able to share my joy and my bliss with you all. I truly knew happiness and was the luckiest gal in the world to have loved and been loved by my fella. He truly was my world. He gifted me an amazing six years...all filled with BLISS. He took my heart with him this past March, then Knightley followed on October 21st. Needless to say, I was blessed to know and have the best kitty cat in the whole world.

I miss my loves. I miss my life.

Thank you for having been there throughout my blogging years. I wish you all love.  xo

Sandra

Yoo Hoo! I'm back!

My Dears...

How have you been? It feels ever so long since I've sat down and chatted with each and every one of you. I know I left you all in a curious mode after my last post. Well since the dust is starting to settle, I shall share with you the latest change in my life.

After 40 years as a storefront, I closed my shop's door for good. I sold the building and moved the business home. So hopefully as of May, I will begin or should I say continue my business as a home based mail-order store. This was quite a decision, but one that couldn't be helped and was necessary. Now I hope my long-time customers will stay on board and keep the dream afloat through mail-order.

 Bins of 45's.

Let me tell you my friends...moving 40 years of "stuff" out of a building is no picnic. It took 5 large rental trucks (2 trips back & forth for each truck) and 3 large dumpsters to empty out the place and move the business home. It was quite the undertaking but thankfully I had some help. Needless to say, my sweet fella pretty much orchestrated the move and organization. We were fortunate to have friends and family lend a hand when they could. I never thought we'd get through it in the short amount of time between the final business day at the shop and the closing date of the building's sale. However..we did it!

 To my fella....I couldn't have done it without you. 

Thank you my dahling. *~x~*

So now I have a question for you all. What the heck happened to winter?? We actually experienced the winter that never was. Those who know me by now can imagine how bereft I felt without a nice, frosty winter to add comfort to my evenings. *sigh* Such is life I suppose. No doubt Mother Nature knows what she's about and one mustn't question such things. That said however, I still wonder...what happened?? *insert perplexed expression*

 Dear Mr. Snow Miser...

Where the heck were you this winter?

So moving on....

Now that spring is here and I have a bit more time at home, I guess I should concentrate on gardening. Then again, with spring fever keeping me in a frenzy, I've been thinking of ways to freshen up Harmonie House. Perhaps add some color here...throw some extra pillows there...add a conservatory to the library.
Okay, okay..maybe not a conservatory, but one can dream...no? Anyhow, I do digress. I am in spring cleaning mode and I have thought of doing some serious redecorating. I aim for whimsical. I aim for that sweet cottage look. I aim for dreamy. What shall it be? Wait and see. Actually, I too have to wait and see for I have no idea of where to begin. Any suggestions?

 Really...one can dream.

Easter/Passover came and went. I received my Easter basket, courtesy of my fella, and it was filled with all those necessities a woman requires: A bottle of wine, green Peeps, Dove chocolate bunny, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolates, a pretty scented candle with glass shade, and most importantly...a bottle of Nyquil. Yes my dears...my honey sure knows the way to my heart. I was having a bit of a cold at the time and had run out of Nyquil. Need I say that upon receiving my basket, I was overjoyed? Yes, and I couldn't wait to tear it up and drink up. No, not the wine....the Nyquil of course! I must say...it's the simple things in life that tickle my fancy.

 

Vino? Oh yes..thank you.

 

Chocolate? Mmmm..naturally.

 

Nyquil?? Absolutely! This one garnered kisses. Really.

 Let's talk about wellies. Yes my dears...those nice, colorful rubber boots. I love them and can't get enough of them. I have six pairs already, but I'm working on my 7th. I have fallen in love with a pair of Hunter glossy lavender wellies. *sigh* What's even better...I know my fella is in the process of getting them for me. I count the days till they arrive and I slip them on my happy feet! Come to think of it, I still need a pair in red, black, blue...even yellow! Oh dear. I may need some intervention real soon. Or not.

*winks playfully*

*le sigh* I'm in love.

It's funny the things that make the world go round. Yet I always prefer the simple kind of things. Okay, maybe a conservatory is not such a simple thing...but it is a dream, and dreams are what keeps us believing. They are what gives us hope and reminds us that not all is impossible. I believe that if we spend our days waiting for amazing moments...they will come. Life isn't perfect. I know that. You know that. It's all about the interludes my dears and life needs blissful interludes...we need them too.

I'm glad to be back and hope to blog more often. Mr. Knightley sends you oodles of purrs. To those of you who have stayed with me in blogland throughout my absence, thank you. It truly means the world.

As always...I wish you well. I wish you bliss.

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Changes Are Happening...

My Dears...
As you've most likely noticed, I've been blogging very little of late. This will be a temporary spell since there are many changes in effect in my world as we speak. These are good changes. Hopefully they'll lead to a much brighter and successful new chapter in my life.

The wheel that is life continues to turn and I continue to move along with it...in step with daily bliss and blessings galore.

Till soon...

Blissful Tidings,
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Within The Seasons..

pic source

I'm back..and the snow is falling outside my shop door.

Winter dreams and the promise of a beautiful spring combine in my mind and heart. As I embrace the falling snow..while lying within a snow angel...I'm pondering next spring's garden. While tasting the frosty, soft snowflakes...I can smell the sweetness of my peonies in the not too distant future.

I walk hand in hand with this moment and the next..the comfort of warm nights by the fire and the promise of soft grass under my feet. The warm mug of hot cocoa tastes ever so yummy, especially topped with those snowy white marshmallows. Mmm..yet somehow, I can taste the coolness of a tall glass of iced tea..with fresh sprigs of mint (from my garden) floating to the edge of my goblet. I see myself here and now frolicking in the snow...as it cascades down gently like crystal diamonds from the heavens above...yet I'm able to feel the kiss of a warm breeze scented with clover underfoot.

Somehow the magic of the seasons have come together at this moment in time..they have enveloped me within the gentle folds of their nature. I am promised the kiss of Father Winter's comforts..and the caress of Lady Spring's warm breath..floral splendor...and new beginnings.

T'is all Bliss to me..oh so blissfully blissful! May it be so for you!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Quiet Musings

pic source

Tis a quiet night and I sit here within the tranquil calm...allowing the solitude its gentle embrace. The soft, sweet snoring I hear, breaking the silence in short interludes, is coming from Mr. Knightley...curled up beside me, lost in deep feline slumber.

I sit here in the comfort of my recliner and I haven't much to say...I just feel.

The universe is working its mysteries and making plans...
I feel it. Things are slowly happening...unfolding. I watch and wait...for my life has been put on hold since 2006. I am no stranger to waiting. There is a feeling...something is brewing and it's not mischief. No. An awakening of sorts is within my world. Change is upon the horizon...again.
Tis not a bad change..I feel good vibes.

No matter..good, bad, indifferent. Life is molded by change and after all is said and done, we grow wiser (we hope) and learn another lesson.

To quote a song from West Side Story: "There's something due any day, I will know right away.. soon as it shows."

Life is happening..the wheel is spinning. I smile...and wait.

Nite nite my dears. May bright, positive, and joyful blessings come your way!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

ps: Please remember "Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!"

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

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

Music To Live By

Hello My Dears,

When my world crumbled, back on March 4th, 2008, I had to accept the fact that my life would have to change..I'd have to start all over again.

During that time of sadness, confusion, and just plain disillusion, I lost myself to music.

Music became the words of my soul, and the background to my everyday life. When I was angry, I found angry music to sing to...when I was hopeful, I found songs that lifted my spirit. There was one title of a song that spoke of hope that life wouldn't always be so somber and hopeless. That one title spoke volumes.."The Best Is Yet To Come."

I spoke those words to myself over and over as my mantra. I thought to myself, behind every dark cloud lies the sun..waiting to come out and brighten the world. So indeed I would keep myself hopeful, for I knew the best was yet to come for me...

I thought I would share this video of Peggy Lee singing the words to such an uplifting title. Enjoy My Dears!




xoxo
Miss Sandra

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

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