My Heart This New Year's Eve

Source

Long shadows wind themselves over and around our chimney and tree tops as I sit down to write a wee note on this mild last day of the year.

It comes time to wish you a very Happy New Year, and I want to assure you this simple but well known phrase is being offered to you with all the fullness of affection and love that I have in my heart for you at this very moment in time.  To be Happy. Healthy. Well. Whole.

Here are a couple of other thoughts as we ready ourselves to bid goodnight to the old year and welcome in the new one...

First, there's the wonderful quote from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel where Sonny, new hotel proprietor, explains to one of his discontented guests about things not being as expected:

In India, we have a saying: 'Everything will be all right in the end.' So if it's not all right, it is not yet the end.

Didn't someone else say something along similar lines?

For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (see 2 Corinthians 4:17)

If it's not all right in your corner of the world at this time, it is not yet the end. That is a hope we carry with us into 2013... our present troubles, even a nation's troubles, are temporary compared to eternity.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (see Jeremiah 29:11)

Guardian Angel from a DaySpring note card I own

Second, I want to leave you with the lyrics from an old song Mario Lanza once sang. The words to Guardian Angels have blessed and comforted me on more than one occasion during a rough time in my life. No doubt the piece was written originally to comfort small children when they imagined scary bears in shadowy corners of their rooms at night.

Turns out it's not only small children who need to take comfort in the Psalmist's ancient words that He gives His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways. Adults sometimes need big scary bears shoo'd away too.

We can rest safely in His protection -- we receive it the same way we receive any other promise He gives ... with childlike trust.

Guardian angels around my bed
Joining me in my prayers
They hush the shadows when they dance about
They shoo away the bears

Guardian angels to comfort me
If I wake in the night
They gather all my dreams
Their halos are my light

They dry my tears
If I should weep
They tuck me in
They rouse me from my sleep

Guardian angels around my bed
Standing by till I rise
There's one with shining wings that holds my hand
And shows me Paradise

And so... all these words later, my cup of tea is now gone cold, a few crumbs remain on the cake plate, and my heart is at rest. I wish you all the best for 2013 -- may every day be filled with glimpses of heaven in unexpected places.

Hugs and blesses

and an affectionate kiss atop thy head,

Brenda
xox

Orange, Apricot and Pecan Muffins

Today we're baking Orange, Apricot and Pecan Muffins. They are like a burst of California sunshine in every mouthful and the whole house smells yummy when they're in the oven. The recipe has been adapted from one I found in the cookbook The Best of the Best and More.  Enjoy!!

Orange, Apricot and Pecan Muffins

Makes 12 small or 6 large muffins.
Turn on the oven to 375F (190C)
Get out your blender (yes, your blender).

1 large orange - cut into 8 wedges and then cut wedges in half; leave rind on.
1/2 cup orange juice
1 egg
1/4 cup oil

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
pinch salt

1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped  (you can substitute raisins or dried cranberries)
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (any nuts works)

In the blender, add the cut-up orange, juice, egg, and oil. Blend until a wee bit chunky -- or smooth if you prefer (I like the chunks). Then add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Blend.  Add fruit and nuts. Mix together.

Spoon into greased muffin tins and bake for 15 - 20 minutes.

Important Nothings...

We're well.
Still in that relaxed mode.

Just pulled Orange/Apricot/Pecan Muffins from the oven.
As you can see we barely wait for them to cool before
testing them.  Oh yes... yum!  Will set out the recipe next time. 

Fresh linen on the beds with plumped pillows
(awaiting an afternoon nap, I'm sure).
How fortuitous then that the sun will be slipping in
through the west window to fill the room with light and warmth.

NB. The snowflake pillow on the bed was designed and created by my dear
blogging friend, Katherine, over at Sew Me Something Good.
We actually met, with husbands in tow, last December for the first time --
as it turns out we live in the same province -- how's that for a small world!
Isn't she the most amazing quilter/crafter?
 

 * * *

More of this and that,
which includes poking my nose in a book or two or three:

Winter Solstice -- a delightful re-read by Rosamunde Pilcher
The Hobbit -- never read before and now I want to see the new movie
The Shack Revisited -- if you were captivated by the first book, you'll likely enjoy this further look



Watching an episode or two of Pie in the Sky
with hubby later this evening

Slurping down homemade turkey noodle soup
when hubby gets home for the gym....

(no I didn't go)

There... my day of  important nothings and stuff like that.

And you? 

Wishing you joy for the day.....

 

Relaxin'

Nibbling away at leftovers and goodies... deciding which new book to start... a handful of new movies to watch... relaxing by the fireplace...

It's all good on this Day After.

We'll chat soon,

 Photo source:  Vintage Catnip

Wishing You...

With loving wishes for a Happy Christmas to you and yours.

Wishing you lots of presents to give wonder and delight under the tree...as well as ones that nestle snugly deep inside your heart.

With loving hugs, a Christmas kiss atop your heads, and glimpses of heaven in unexpected places!

Photo source:  GlitterGraphics.com

The Dawn Painter

The skies were dark and cloudy this morning.

 And then, the Dawn Painter rose.

We scurried for our camera.

 

Have you ever noticed that skies filled with lots of clouds

seem to provide the best canvas for the most amazing sunrises (or sunsets)?

My artist friend says you need dark to show light.

Perhaps the Dawn Painter uses the clouds in our own lives
as canvas for those breathtaking mosaics
we are promised but still can't quite see or even imagine.

When I saw the dawn filling the eastern sky this morning
I felt hope arise...
and today I pray for those who mourn.
May the Comforter spread a Quilt of quiet peace
over grief-rendered hearts.

And may a ribbon of hope begin to weave around
lives broken by recent events.


With a hug and  'holy' kiss atop your heads,

 

My Song This Christmas

 
Every December for years now there seems to be one carol or piece of music that makes its home in my heart over that particular Christmas season.

I never know which one it will be... but it usually comes out of the blue and I feel it's been given as a gift to me. That is to say, I don't choose the song -- it chooses me!

From all the possible choices one will stand out from the rest. One year it was O Little Town of Bethlehem.  I'd sung and loved it since I was a little girl, but that particular year, I can still remember the moment when suddenly the words became so real and alive, it was as if I had never heard it before.  It touched me somewhere deep inside.

This year it turns out not to be one of the old familiar carols with which I grew up, but it's a piece I don't think I've ever heard before. That is, until it popped up in the middle of a bunch of Rudolph and Jingle Bell renditions a few days ago on the local Christmas radio station.  One small phrase caught my attention the first time I heard it and by the second and third time, I knew my music gift from heaven had been sent...and delivered to moi.

So... here it is from my heart to yours..... Christmas Must Be Tonight with Robbie Robertson.  I share it with the hope that you will be touched by its gentle, ever fresh and current message.  Who knows, it might become your song this Christmas too.

Hugs,
Brenda
xox

Advent: At Home In My Heart

"Christ asks for a home in your soul, where he can be at rest with you, where he can talk easily to you, where you and he, alone together, can laugh and be silent and be delighted with one another.

~ Caryll Houselander, This War is the Passion

Toes Up Time

 
Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day

is the rest we take between two deep breaths.

~ Etty Hillesum

If you are feeling a little weathered from the stress of the week or maybe even a little numb by all the stuff expected or toted as 'must do this or have this' in order to have a merry Christmas, then Dr. Brenda is definitely prescribing some 'toes up' time.

I think I could take my prescription quite nicely in this cozy, cute sitting room. How about you?  Looks like there's room for two.

Taking time for peace and rest today... and I'm wishing you plenty of heaven moments in unexpected places.

Hugs,

 

Animated Photo source:  GlitterGraphics.com
Original Owner of Photo:  Jane at Posy
Used with Permission

Quiet Quests

 

 

Let it Snow...let it snow...let it snow!

 That's what it's doing around here this weekend.

After a busy and happy day of celebrating someone's birthday yesterday

it feels wondrous to snuggle deep near the fireplace

with candle lights flickering...

Orange and clove flavoured pots o' tea

Not to mention nibbles of Godiva dark chocolate

And words whispering comforting thoughts page after page.

Ahhhh... bliss for this grey snowy day.

Feeling quite content ~ I feel His peace near. 

With warmest wishes for beauty and grace to you,

A Photo That Changed My Focus

Mother defending her child during the bombing in the Middle East

Photo Source:  Unknown

I was kinda grumbling to my sis the other day about my irritations of the day. Minor they were, but at the moment I felt like everything was up-side-down. In her kindly sisterly fashion, Sister asked if she could send me a sad photo from a news story she'd recently received; she thought it might help me to put things in perspective. Oh yes, please, send it!

Oh my ... upon seeing this photo my focus and perspective immediately cleared right up. Gratitude returned. As well as the deep desire to pray for this woman and her child.

After seeing this poignant photo, I am also reminded of those ancients comforting words from the Book of Psalms: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty... He will cover you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge.

I'm saving this picture because I want it as a reminder...

~ To pray for these two and others in this region.

~ That our Heavenly Father longs to gather us close to Himself as a hen would gather her chicks beneath her wings when we're in the midst of our own 'terror' attacks (of whatever shape they take).

~ That my world is really very good ALL things considered.

Draw near. Be blessed.

Be grateful.

Be safe.

Hugs and loving thoughts,
Brenda
xox

The Nourishing Nectar of Books

 George Hiles

 

"I go to books as a bee goes to the flower ~
for a nectar that I can make into my own honey."

~ John Burroughs

Of late I've been gleaning nectar from Sarah Young's book, Jesus Calling.  If it had not been for this little book filled with comforting and nurturing words, spoken as if Jesus was telling me himself, I don't know what I would have done these last few months, getting up every morning at three to go off to work with hubby.

Yet, every time I opened the book, I'd hear His whisper of encouragement that, yes, I was able to do all things through His strength... with joy and peace even. Here are a few lines that are especially dear to me at present:

"I have promised to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches. Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace." p. 97

"I am calling you to a life of constant communion with Me. Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances..." p. 96  

"Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer." p. 4

I'm wondering if there's a book from which you've been gathering 'nourishing nectar' these days? We'd love it if you shared a title or a quote or two.

Wishing you heaven glimpses between book covers,
Brenda
xox

Linking with A Return to Loveliness

Pear and Cranberry Crisp

The beginnings of Pear and Cranberry Crisp

It's snowing here today which makes it a perfect day for hibernating.. AND.. for turning on the oven to bake something fragrant and yummy like this Pear and Cranberry Crisp. It's guaranteed to gather the troops from all corners of the house and put a smile on any face.

You need your basic apple crisp kind of recipe, but then replace the apples with not-too-ripe pears and add some fresh or frozen cranberries (I used fresh).

There are a couple of yummy varieties of the recipe over at Epicurious. One includes walnuts, one is without; one is served with vanilla ice cream, the other with cinnamon ice cream.

A tip about the cinnamon ice cream -- I just take a few scoops of vanilla ice cream, sprinkle it with cinnamon, and then mix it together. You can serve it softer or put it back in the freezer till hard again. 

RECIPE LINKS

 Pear and Cranberry Crisp

 Pear and Cranberry Crisp with Cinnamon Ice Cream

Here's wishing you a peaceful Sunday!

Hugs,
Brenda
xox

Important Nothings

It's beautiful here today. It was snowing most of yesterday, but today it's cold. Crisp. Clear. And, the sun is out making the snow all sparkly. (sorry, my camera didn't catch that). Skies are that cool wintry blue.

I like winter. Very much. And this year, especially. I don't mind being locked in a couple of days by snowbanks all around (even if it is only November).

Aren't those roof tops interesting? They remind me of fruitcake wrapped in marzipan icing. Or maybe a cream cheese frosting over a carrot cake.

Which reminds me I've been pondering about my fruitcake baking for this holiday season coming up. I don't always feel like making fruitcake, but this year I do. Finger tapping ... shall it be my grandmother's dark fruitcake recipe? Or Marie's Light? Or the Italian Siena Panforte? More pondering.

We've got plans for coffee out at our favorite cafe, a visit through a new show home (just looking)... oh yes, we mustn't forget to stock up on bird seed and treats for our feathered friends. The Northern Flicker dropped in yesterday, not doubt looking for lunch. He let us know he was around -- no doubt it was a friendly reminder to get the seed bar set up now snow has covered everything.

On that note, I'm off...

Wishing you glimpses of some nice things for your own Saturday!

Brenda
xox

   

Snow Snow Snow

It started early this morning....

 and it hasn't stopped since.

A good day for peering out at the white stuff

with a pane of glass between us...
holding a steaming cuppa something warm.


Isn't it lovely?


This morning we did need to venture forth into the whiteout
to lay in some victuals for the days ahead.

There are weatherman promises of more to come. 

The car got stuck at the edge of the driveway--
 the wheel base was packed with heavy wet snow
and the wheels lost traction when I stopped to let the garage door open.

Fortunately hubby is very handy with a snow shovel.

 It's quite blowy out there now, which makes it a perfect
evening for snuggling in and enjoying homemade bean soup for supper
which happens to be simmering away as we speak.


* * *

I hope you are cozy wherever you are.
Wishes for a pleasant rest of the day.


Hugs,
Brenda
xox

Serendipity and Pumpkin Pie

 Pumpkin Pie Muffins

My sister was yearning for a yummy something yesterday afternoon. Something nice, like a tasty muffin.  Only thing when she went routing in the pantry was a tin (or do you say can?) of pumpkin pie filling. She did wonder where and when she bought that... she doesn't often make pumpkin pie -- I told her maybe it was a hint from hubby.

Being the experienced baker and chef that she is, she had no fear in pairing her tried and true banana bread recipe with that surprise tin of pie filling.

To her delight and sheer joy, it all worked together for good!  Perfectly. Deliciously. Satisfyingly.

In her own words, she said the muffins were 'spicy with cinnamon, moist with pumpkin, chockablock with plump raisins'. Here is the link to Kathy's new, hot-from-the oven Pumpkin Pie Muffins.

Aren't you glad when something comes together so well and so tasty? Now, I wonder if there's any pumpkin pie filling lingering in my pantry?

Wishing you glimpses ... and a spicy hug,
Brenda

It's All New...You're Invited

Source

The other morning I heard the words 'Just Write'. It's as if they floated through the air and landed in my heart.  Jotting them down in my journal, I pondered these two simple words.  Just write... can it be that simple?

Yes, that's what I needed to do.  Just write.  And quit worrying about the details of the how and why and where and for whom... etc. etc.

So in a couple of hours this evening, I've created a brand new blog where I will have but one focus, one goal... to Just Write.  Free fall style... whatever comes up from my heart, wherever His wind bloweth the words... to speak to my own heart, the hearts of others, even perhaps back to His own.

If you want to come and see my first two postings.... consider this your very cordial invitation.

(I can tell I'm onto something, for I feel His grace in this... in the matter of a couple of hours, I've got a new blog and two postings up!  I feel the freedom, the joy, laughter and yes, even like dancing.)

Wishing you glimpses...
Brenda
xox

Met Author Alexander McCall Smith

The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection

Last week my sister and I had the happy opportunity to attend a local evening event where Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith was a guest speaker. How thrilling to hear him speak. And then to wait in the line up with other happy fans to get my copy of his latest book autographed in person!

Oh my, I could have listened to him for hours. He was entertaining and funny, and I was so pleased to catch a glimpse of who this author is as a person -- someone who seems to be wise, kindhearted, gracious.

I've always enjoyed McCall Smith's stories about the No. 1 Ladies' Detection Agency, but now I appreciate them -- and him -- even more.

Wishing you a pleasant day.

Hope there's time in your day to read a little something.

Brenda

 

Happy Winds-day!

No gentle winds here today. No wispy leaves drifting down in lazy swirls. No! Today the winds are blustering, howling and generally whipping up a frenzy. Any willowy tree determined to hold onto her autumn leaves like a modest maiden will have a fight on her hands twiggy branches.

Which is why I was reminded of that marvelous old Disney movie 'Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day'...
 

Gopher:   If I was you, I'd think about skedaddlin' out of here.

Pooh:       Why?

Gopher:   'Cause it's 'Winds-day'.

On that note, I'm skedaddlin' too.

Here's wishing you a happy "Winds-day!"

Hugs,

Brenda

xox

Blue Skies And A New Week

This morning we have glorious blue skies crowded with pillow-y clouds. Thankfully that white stuff from last Wednesday lasted only the one day ... and then it was Fall again. We shrugged off our warmer jacket and grinned that we should be given more time to revel in Fall-crisp rather than Winter-frozen.

Someone wise once said, "In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy." I'm tucking this wee thought into me pocket as it's a lovely reminder for a brand new week.

Happy Day...

Brenda

xox

 

Something Else is Fall-ing

Three guess about what it's doing here today?

That's why when hubby and I came home from work early this morning, I just had to plug in my twinkle lights in the living room (aka as tiny white lights on my fig tree).

 Ahhh ... there now, that's better.

Sending wishes for a lovely day,

Brenda

xox

Kitty Graphic source:  glittergraphics.com

It's Fall-ing

 "Come said the wind to the leaves one day,
Come o'er the meadows and we will play.
 Put on your dresses scarlet and gold,
For summer is gone and the days grow cold."

~ From a children's song of the 1880's

October arrived and in our neighborhood it came with grey skies, a bit of rain and blustery winds. Crunchy leaves swirl into piles everywhere. 

We're not complaining -- for it  makes me think of fireplaces, hot apple crisp, and cozy nooks replete with afghans for naps or curling up with a good book -- or even a good husband.

I found a lovely piano piece entitled Leaves in the Wind. Written by composer Isaac Shepard, it seems a perfect fit for this Autumn afternoon.

 Wishing you glimpses of beauty in every leaf....

Hugs,
Brenda




Graphics source:  glittergraphics.com

Beautiful Life Turns A Corner

We have been pondering and musing about the future of this blog. I know that my time is limited with my part-time night job working with my hubby, and too often I feel be-draggled around the edges for not having quite enough rest many days, but despite all that, it does seem that when I think about coming to post something here, my feet drag. In truth, it's my heart that drags.

This sense of pulling and dragging, in the past, my dear friends, has usually signaled a shift in my heart's passion. When the zeal lessens about a project or focus or job, it either means I've outgrown something, I'm no longer excited about what I'm doing, I've accomplished or fulfilled that particular mission, or there's something else that I'm meant to set my sights to and grow.

And then it becomes time to neatly fold up the gift of this present experience, tuck it into my life experience steamer trunk, thank God for it, and press in to discover that new love that's simmering.

I've been feeling a shift in the air for some time -- as I say, I've been thinking about this blog for a while -- and it's not just because it's the new schedule, or it coming into autumn, but because there are other kinds of writings stirring on the inside of me that seem to be struggling to come out. I've thought about just adding a new category here, but I don't think these new things will fit within the already generous parameters of my theme for It's A Beautiful Life.

If you've followed me for any length of time, you will know that living a beautiful life is very important to me for my own sense of happiness and well being.  And the joyful thing of it all, I have found so many of you who share that similar heart.

When things get ugly 'out there' there is a whole host of us pushing against that dark tide with hearts wide open in expectation that we will still find all manner of glorious, lovely, graceful, and loving expression around us to nourish and fill with hope. Sometimes, as I've said over and over, we find it in the most unexpected places.  (Even when Miss Molly and I are zooming around the performing arts theatre lobby or we'll polishing the brasses once again.)

But something, or rather, Someone entreats me to join forces with Him in the push against the darkness. The One who lives inside me breathes an urgency to begin to share more of my life and all that He has poured into my being these five plus decades.

The grace for staying true -- in untrue and up-side-down times -- comes when we quiet ourselves to listen for that Call to live out every day in every way the Royal Law of Love. It's what ultimately creates those corners of 'heaven on earth' we all long for.  It's what so many others are waiting for, as if with bated breath, waiting for someone to tell them it's possible for them too.

 

So... if you wonder why my postings have been few and far between of late, too often choosing to share words written by other noble hands, that's a little of why. We're not leaving this blog ... maybe taking a turn and we're not quite sure where it leads. Perhaps this past year with all its awkward experiences has been bringing me closer to my new door.

I'm wishing you the pleasantest of evenings.

May your days this week be sweet and filled with hope for good things ahead.

With Love,
Brenda
xox

Posting Links Mentioned Above

The Dance of the Night Shift

The Pleasure of Ca-Plunk

Brass Polishing Moments and Other Nuances

I'm Supposed to Go Through This Door?

Photo One:  Lilac & Lavendar

Photo Two: glittergraphics.com

Mother Teresa Speaks

Although many of us have probably heard it before, this piece attributed to Mother Teresa is worth a reminder as it illustrates a vibrant picture of what walking 'on earth as it is in heaven' looks like in working clothes -- it's just doing the right thing...anyway.

 

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.
 

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.
 

If you are honest, people may cheat you.

Be honest anyway.
 

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.
 

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.
 

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.

Give your best anyway.
 

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.
 

~ Mother Teresa

 

 

 photo source:  Vintagefeedsacks

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Autumn Day

Looking from my backyard into that blue, blue sky!

'Tis one of those perfect autumnal days.  Mellow with bright blue skies, temperatures warm with a wee nip in the air, birdies gathering in sunny spots amongst the shrubbery. Peaceful. Languid.

We're off enjoying some time with family which includes celebration around birthday cake -- black forest, to be exact. Yum!

Here's wishing you beautiful glimpses...

Brenda

xox

 

Floral Glimpses From My Perch

Who could have guessed the Rudbeckia we planted earlier this spring would make such a showing in its first season out. We had hopes it would help fill a 'hole' in the garden once the spring and summer perennial parade had waltzed past.

Well you can imagine, then, how DELIGHTED we were at the utter exuberance of this particular plant, towering well above the window sill at around seven feet. It obviously feels planted in the right spot (hot and protected in the southerly exposure).

I've never looked that closely at this flower before -- isn't she a beauty?
What a hat ... fit for a Russian Princess, wouldn't you say!

A sprightly dance they made
as petals fluttered in the breeze.

Hope you've got something that's delighting you as much today,

Hugs,
Brenda
xox

 

Here is Your Life

Words from Frederick Buechner that speak to me today

Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you.

Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.

There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.

Wishing you  glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,

Brenda

xox

Photo source:  The Graphics Fairy

Simply Sunday: Slowing Down

I like to keep Sunday as a quieter and simpler day. It doesn't always work out that way, but an ideal week for me includes a time where I can shrug off the cares of the world to take time to pause and reflect, to look inward and upward.

Peter Marshall (1902 - 1949) a Scottish-born minister who became Chaplain of the US Senate, gave us a similar thought shaped in a prayer:

"In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time to live---time to get acquainted with You, time to enjoy Your blessings, and time to know each other."

I used to think the harried hurriedness of our society was just a malady of the 20th and 21st centuries, but after reading numerous books and accounts of people who lived in past decades and centuries, it seems each generation has had to face its own version of temptation to 'live too fast'.

I've been learning that it takes deliberate planning to make space in my week to rest. But I'm also learning the value of taking that time -- as Peter Marshall says to become better acquainted with God, to relish the myriad blessings that have come my way, and to savour the friendships I share with family and friends.

On that note, I wish you a gentle rhythm of peace and rest, the time to pause and enjoy, to be refreshed and ready for a new week!

Peacefully,
Brenda
xox

Photo source:  Vintage Feed Sacks

Who Cares About Wrinkles!

"Do not regret growing older --

it's a privilege denied to many."

~ Unknown

Who cares such a small thing as wrinkles when you put it that way!  So... I want to treasure my day today.  To be aware of the throb of life all around me.  To treasure the very air I breathe. To be extravagant with my love, pour it out on everything and everyone.  And, to chuckle with glee the next time I find myself peering too closely in said mirror.

There... that's a good way to start a Monday morning. And yippee-cadoodles!  Hubby and I did our stint of cleaning at the performing arts center last evening because there were no events scheduled, so WE DIDN'T HAVE TO GET UP AT 3:00 AM! Will you do a twirl in your computer chair with me?

The weather is going to be a sizzler today (nothing like a 100 degrees or anything that wild) but hot enough to make us long to sip something sloshing in ice and find the breeze behind a whirling fan!  We're glad summer isn't over just yet.  It's been such a lovely one this year.  Warm evenings and lots of hot days, with rain to cool us and water our parched plants.

Here's wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places.

Hugs,

Photo source:  Lavender and Lilac