It's December!

My Dears...

Just want to wish you a most lovely December. I'm in the midst of decorating for Christmas. Naturally I'm bubbling with excitement over this magical season.

Thanksgiving was a delightful affair for me and my fella. We were treated to a snowy countryside all weekend. We also watched a Christmas parade and participated in an old fashioned, small town tree lighting ceremony. Twas absolutely lovely. I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! May this month be filled with all sorts of magic and merriment for you all.

Here's a tune for you to enjoy.

Till soon! Blissful tidings...
xoxo
Sandra

I'm Back From a Sweet, Brief Holiday!

The view of Lake George from our room.

My Dears!

I do hope you've all been well. To all you fathers out there, I hope you had a most lovely Father's Day. Best wishes all around!

I know it's been almost a month since I last posted. Life has kept me busy...work-wise, and bliss-wise as well! I have loads of catching up to do, yet I'm still catching up with Mr. Knightley who missed me terribly while I was away with my fella on a blissful getaway to Lake George and Lake Placid.

So, hopefully I'll get caught up soon enough to post more often. I've missed you and I'm happy to be back in blogland.

We enjoyed a most delightful boat ride!

Oh..and by the way...I want to wish you all a most blissful Midsummer's. Enjoy the season..embrace the magic present in our lives.

Midsummer's Night Dream by Diane Sellers

Till soon..I wish you all 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

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

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

Thanksgiving Wishes

My Dears,
I want to say thank you for being a part of my life...for stopping by, saying hello, and just being you!
This year I can add to my list of blessings the addition of dear blog friends.

Have a lovely and Happy Thanksgiving. May you find many reasons to be thankful each and everyday of your lives. May your hearth be warm, the table bountiful, and love ever be constant. Most of all..may you be blessed with good health and happiness all the year through.

This is my Thanksgiving wish for you.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Embracing The Season..

pic source

...The holiday season that is!

I can't believe we are several days away from Thanksgiving 2009. It seems just yesterday I was planting my herbs for my spring garden. Well never-the-less, I am happy about it. Two years ago was the last time I hosted Thanksgiving dinner. I am thrilled that this year I shall don my apron once again and have my family over to celebrate and be grateful.

Poor Thanksgiving. It seems it's always overshadowed by Christmas. It doesn't stand a chance. Once Halloween is over...Christmas decorations are on display. As a child, I remember seeing paper cutouts of turkeys on windows in every shop and home. Pilgrims, pumpkins, and other symbols of Thanksgiving were a given and commonplace. You see very little of it today..perhaps a small section at the local CVS...somewhere underneath the Christmas lights.

I guess it shouldn't really matter. Thanksgiving is felt within our hearts...and we have reason to be ever so thankful on a daily basis. The first words I usually speak, when I open my eyes each morning are "Thank you for the blessing of another beautiful day of life."

Those words I have said, even during the worst of times.

And so on...in the spirit of things, I shall officially begin my Christmas decorating this weekend. Yes, yes..I know. Did I not just preach about Christmas overshadowing Thanksgiving festivities?? Silly me..Though really, I have no choice. I like my place to be decorated by December 1st. However, it usually takes me a week or more to dress Harmonie House in Christmas splendor. These days are pretty busy for me, so I have to take advantage of the spare moments I get...especially the weekends. I shall incorporate my pilgrims, pumpkins, and turkeys into the x-mas decor. I love both holidays...very much!!

Christmas 2008 at Harmonie House

So my dears...I wish you all a lovely weekend filled with many blessings..many reasons to be ever thankful.

xoxo
Miss Sandra