Simply Sunday: Hopeful Musings

I was thinking it's time to jot a little something on this blog, get the 'stalled car' back on the road.

Of course I want to write something beautiful -- after all that's my theme -- but more to the point, I want to share something that will keep our hearts hopeful when we find ourselves in the midst of our storms and downpours... there seem to be more than usual, or are they just nearer my own corner of the world?

Life has so much pressure. Every age and era has had its own, but here we are in the 21st century, with experiences and situations that are unique to this generation. We do need to find God-inspired ways to tread in such ways as to not blow ourselves up--personally and globally.

Which always comes back to the fact I can't run from...I need to write. I'm always reminded of that when I read books like Sarah Young's Jesus Calling... bedside reading companions for the dreary days, the weary days, the spooky days, the totally out-from-left-field kind of days.

This little book was a godsend (or God sent) this past year for me. Many mornings I'd wake up at 3:00 am to find myself, not only weary beyond words, but in pain, because my little cleaning job was starting to have not-so-little effect on my body, yes, and my soul too. Not having my usual time to wake up quietly and gently, I'd oft reach for Sarah's book and ask the Lord for a right now word to help me get up with some measure of joy in my heart instead of the cranky that wanted to well up instead.  Thankfully, I'd read a few lines to find just what my heart needed many mornings.

So... I shall be writing more to that end of helping us focus on the good, the beautiful and the hopeful in the midst of our days that are less than perfect.  I need that for me, I assume someone else needs it too.  I shall write.

In the meantime, may I also introduce you to someone I just met (aren't search engines wonderful). A blogger, Dawn-Marie, who daily shares quotes from the Jesus Calling book on her blog of the same name.  Along with her selected excerpts, she shares her thoughts that arise from her readings. If you like Sarah Young, I think you'll enjoy Dawn-Marie over at her blog Jesus Calling.

There... you never know what comes up when you sit down and wait. Listen. And just write. I should do it more. Yes, I will do it more. It's time. He's says it's time.

With a gentle kiss atop thy head, I wish you grace for the journey.
Brenda
xox

 

Graphic Source:  glittergraphics.com

And The Giveaway Winner Is...

 
It's Friday, and without further ado, I am delighted to announce that the sweet little book Remembering Dear Friends by artist Aude Kamlet goes to:

Lisa from These Prairie Dreams

Congratulations, Lisa!!!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered my giveaway. It was lovely connecting with you -- so many who are also friends of Victoria magazine.
 

Wishing you all a beautiful day...
Brenda

The Giveaway Draw...

 

It's Tomorrow

Contest now closed.

We're celebrating the first day of summer

with this beautiful book giveaway!

If you haven't left a comment, it's not too late.

The draw will be tomorrow at 9: 03 am MDT.

Here's wishing you all the best...

Brenda

Remembering Dear Friends by Aude Kamlet

Click to preview pages inside

I'm very excited about something I just ordered online.  And I'm delighted to share it with you, my dear friends!

In less than two weeks the mailman will be delivering a parcel that contains not just one, but two copies of a book I never knew existed until I did a very modern 'Google' search looking for info about its author.

Now, if you have been, or still are a faithful fan of the original Victoria magazine with founding editor Nancy Lindemeyer, you must remember the wonderful artist, Aude Kamlet, whose lovely mini watercolours often adorned the 'Dear Friends' pages.

Ms. Kamlet made comment that of the many illustrations signed by herself, those done for the "Dear Friends" column of Victoria Magazine from 1992 to 1998 were among her favorites.  I have to admit I loved those little touches of beauty too.

Which is why I. AM. SO. EXCITED.  Because 'Remembering Dear Friends' is a little book that Ms. Kamlet created commemorating that very season of her life, and--joy, joy--it's still available to purchase!

I'm looking forward, therefore, not only to enjoying this book for myself, but I have the greatest delight in offering the second copy as a Giveaway gift.  (This is where I wish I could give a copy to each of you.)

 

The Giveaway is now closed.

Brenda

Photo source:  Blurb.com

Can You Live A Beautiful Life...

When the dust bunnies have taken refuge under the antique Duncan Phyfe sofa in our bedroom? Not only that, but they have now taken liberties of hopping out and showing off their dusty powder puff tails so that I can see them! Not in the crystalline rays of sunshine (where all hidden things are revealed) but when the room is shadowy and dim because it's overcast outside. A couple of days ago we started to feel suspicious that those grey shadows along the couch's ornate feet weren't shadows.

'Tis not a good sign. Especially since we, my dear Beloved and I, are the cleaners/polishers at our local performing arts center. Methinks it's a clear example of that old tale that shoemakers' children go without shoes... and cleaners of other people's events will find dust bunny conferences in many corners of their own abodes.

Ah... but the amazing thing is that in the midst of this alarming discovery, with the furniture all awry in the center of the room and the vacuum hose unfurled across the carpet, I've had to stop everything.

Because, you see, in the middle of my dust bunny tango, I've had a burst of creative energy in another direction. I'm suddenly inspired to write about something I've been eager to share with you for a while now.

It's a Giveaway. And it's all connected to an artist whose lovely illustrations any loyal fan of the old Victoria magazines will recognize and appreciate.  Are you familiar with the name Aude Kamlet?

If you've got your vintages magazines handy, go and get your copy of the April 1995 issue and turn to page 98. And if you don't have a copy, not to worry, all shall be revealed. I'll be posting the Giveaway Friday!

So then, I guess it is possible to imagine nice things and live in a state of beauty even when it's dusty in here. Ca-choo!

Now, where's my feather duster?

Hugs

Brenda
xox