The Peaceful Path

 

My Dears...

Isn't this a beautiful image? It seems every time I look at it, I find myself on the peaceful path to a better place in heart, and mind. Sometimes when the cares of the world seem a bit heavy, even if just for the briefest of moments, all it takes is for me to set my eyes upon such a lovely sight and I'm reminded that the road in our lives is paved by our thoughts and actions. 

This is the path I want my road to lead me on...a peaceful and blissful path. 

Just a reminder my friends that even though life isn't always easy and we are thrust into the occasional stormy sea...we have the power and heart within us to get through it and find our inner peace.

Blissful Tidings...

xoxo

Miss Sandra

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

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

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