Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Advent Calendar Winners...


"It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us
memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."
POPE BENEDICT XVI


Well, I'm truly getting in the mood for the holiday season now. I've been putting the brakes on myself to wait until December 1st at least before going full steam ahead. It snowed again yesterday -- light, fluffy stuff so everything sparkles this morning. And it's wintry cold out too. The birds were ready for peanuts when I took them out.

Over the past couple of days, I've been writing out envelopes for Christmas cards while watching the enthralling series The Crown on Netfix. I'm on Season One, so I have some catching up to do and certainly have no trouble watching two or three episodes in a sitting. The actors in my opinion are excellent and so I'm completely drawn into the Royal circle as I sit with my tea in front of the fireplace with my card list and stack of empty envelopes.

Only a few more days now and it will be the first of December, which makes me hap-haPpy to announce the WINNERS of my Giveaway for the Jacquie Lawson Advent e-calendars...





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Congratulations to you both, Lin and Cheryl! I'm so pleased for you. I hope that you along with any kids or grandkids around will have great fun with these interactive calendars. (I'll need an email from you so we can get them sent to you, my email link is in the sidebar.) A big thank you to everyone who joined in the Giveaway fun this week. I assume everyone knows Jacquie's beautiful card and calendar online company, but in case you don't, here is the LINK.


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What else can I chat about today? My, the nights are dark these days. Because I sometimes wake in the wee hours unable to get back to sleep, I've taken to leaving on a pretty LED candle all night. How comforting to come down to the kitchen and catch sight of the golden glow in the darkness. I'm always amazed at just how much light these LED lights give off in the dead of night. Add to that, I catch sight of our next door neighbour's coloured lights, also on all night, glimmering through the dining room window. These are such little things, yet they provide such tiny hugs of comfort. 

I went out after supper last evening because I needed another box of Christmas cards -- my list was a little longer than my stash on hand. It was snowy out and many folks had their holidays lights turned on. Oh what joy, making my spirits bright. It can be said it's too early, but the lights aren't just for Christmas anymore -- we all know they create a spot of light in the darkest months of our year, so why not start early.


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In the silence of a midwinter dusk, there is a sound so
faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sounds of the
silence itself. You hold your breath to listen. You are aware
of the beating of your heart. The extraordinary thing that is about
to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just
before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.
FREDERICK BUECHNER


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Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!
Wishing you a beautiful day as we anticipate December's Advent season.

Hugs,
Brenda
xox




12 comments:

  1. I love all the lights and pretties, leading up to Christmas.

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  2. December 1st has always been and continues to be a special day in our home. It was for my mom and I guess she passed it along to me. I do love the lights and Christmas so much. However, I do try and refrain from anything Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Your post is lovely, Bren. And a Happy December 1 to you.

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  3. Congrats to your winners! I'm looking forward to tomorrow and then the fun of decorating my home! Enjoy your afternoon! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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  4. It's always a treat to visit this lovely space Brenda, and especially exciting today to learn that I am one of the winners of the Jacquie Lawson Advent e-calendars!! Thank you so much, friend!! I will think of you each day as I enjoy the fun . . . ❤

    (My email address: thinkingabouthome@gmail.com)

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  5. I love that Buechner quote! Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving, Brenda.

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  6. Lucky you to have snow! Christmas dreams, right there. My favourite season is juts about to be upon us and I cannot wait for December 1st and Advent. I blog every day in December each year, so although it adds to the busyness of the season, I use it as spreading the Christmas cheer and time for me! How lovely to have had an advent giveaway!

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  7. What a great Buechner quote. Snow and lights and cozy times at home are wonderful pre-Advent activities. Congratulations to the calendar winners - I'm enjoying mine!

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  8. Those gals will love their Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar. I've had one gifted to me every year for the past 6 or so Christmases. I always enjoy them. Am excited to download this year's to my computer.

    Yes, darkness is coming early nowadays. Makes it nice to stay home, turn the fireplace on, and just curl up with a cup of tea and a blanket.

    Love,
    Patti

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  9. thanks for advent calendar. unfortunately my closest grandkids are 4 hours drive away on snowy roads so i appreciate your willingness to send them directly the calendar to enjoy....Happy Holy-days to you and yours!

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  10. I love the picture of you entering your kitchen with the led light aglow. And lights from neighbour’s home ... make me so happy too.

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  11. Dear Brenda - thank you for your lovely visit to my part of the world as well as your joyful post. Yes Sunday certainly begins the count down to the blessed Christmas Day. I think the whole month of December though needs to be savored because the special preparations, family gatherings and friends' visits all bring wonderful moments just waiting to be unwrapped. Enjoy Advent friend. Hugs!

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  12. I love this time of year when the evenings are long and cozy and snuggling with a good TV show (I love The Crown!) or a book and some crafting is almost a must.
    Amalia
    xo

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo