Waiting For Christmas

Miss Kitty instructed her staff to place

her chair cushion on the table --

That way she would be much more comfortable

as she waited for Christmas to arrive. 

Peering out on the frost-biting day, she finally...

found the best spot.

And while Missy tended to her post,

Mom and I happily tended ours as we worked

on our last day preparations before the arrival of Christmas Eve --

which to me is the most beautiful day of the year.

Wishing you lots of JOY...

'Twas In the Moon of Wintertime...

The moon has been so beautiful these past few days.  I just love how it casts its soft light over the neighborhood, creating interesting shadows in our backyard... even in the middle of the night! 

As I took this photo early the other morning, I was reminded of that old Christmas carol, The Huron Carol. Falling in love with the piece when I first learned it in Grade 5 or 6, I have never forgotten its haunting melody and beautiful words.

Here is Gabriele Lynch to sing it...

'Twas in the Moon of winter-time

When all the birds had flown

That Mighty Gitchi Manitou

Sent angel choirs instead

Before their light the stars grew dim

And wandering hunter heard the hymn:

'Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born

in excelsis gloria.'

JOY-fully,

Gift In The Mail

Something very special arrived in the mail yesterday from my very creative and talented friend, Katherine, at Sew Me Something Good.

That we are fellow Albertans is one thread that connects our hearts. We met on-line shortly after I started blogging. I keep returning to her site because I LOVE seeing what delightful thing she is working on next.

It turns out she's the crafts-woman I'd like to be, but don't really have the patience for; I'm much better at knitting together words than yarn. I am greatly content to admire and delight in seeing those beautiful projects she shares online for her readers.

 

Back to the surprise... here is what arrived in the mail via express-post:

   Wrapped in tissue and a pretty pink bow with a noted tucked inside...

A cute fabric graphic sewn to a paper card

with a lovely handwritten note...

 The cutest little bag -- a change purse...

 stitched with me in mind!

 Not only did I find the little quilted bag,

but a fragrant handcrafted soap...

that is destined to dwell in the

dresser drawer with my pretties.

Katherine, you delighted me to the core with your thoughtful and gracious gift! What a start to Christmas!

Now, that's why I LOVE blogging -- I have 'met' so many beautiful people and my life has been enriched for it.

Wishing you beauty in your own mailbox,

Hugs,

Brenda

xox

Some Wintry Favourites

"Oh the weather outside is frightful."

Today we're having a real snow day. It's stormy and blustery and cold. Brrrrr. But, wait, that means it's a perfect day to enjoy a few of my winter favourite things.

Doing things like....

Making homemade soup like Luscious Lemon Chicken Soup

Wrapping Christmas parcels with bright paper and ribbons

Letting a purring kitty cat curl up in my lap or play with the ribbons

Hunkering deep into my comfy chair by the fireplace

Reading something light and cozy

Shoveling some snow off the driveway

Experiencing that exhilarating tingle on my face, fingers, and toes

Keeping twinkle lights on ALL day ... and to heck with energy bills

Visiting my dear blogging friends

*****

All in all, it's a great day to thrill at being alive....

Wishing you some of your own winter-y favourites!

A warm hug,

Brenda

xox

It Smells Like Christmas

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas,
everywhere you go...

Peppermint candy canes
Sweet marshmallows melted into hot chocolate
Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg

Wood smoke wafting in the air on a frosty evening
Crushed pine needles
Wet woolly mittens on the heat register

Sugar cookies baking in the oven
Fresh cranberries turning into to sauce
Apple cider on the stove  

Wishing you the pleasure of simple joys today!