Starting to bloom...

There is a new gift shop in town that has vintage items as well as wonderful new goodies.  I was browsing there for the first time a few weeks ago and saw the most perfect little antique-looking urn.  I'm not sure if it was old but it had been planted with Narcissus bulbs and covered with moss.  It would be just the right size to fit on my kitchen window ledge.   I thought about how lovely it would be to watch it grow and have something to help bridge that time between the holiday decorations and the flowers of spring.  But... it was $35.  Not a fortune, but more than I should be spending during the weeks before Christmas.  So I went home and thought about it... and thought about it.  A while had passed and I decided that I needed a "treat" and that that urn would be just the thing.  So on a Saturday morning, with my hubby in tow, I returned to the shop.  I was delighted to show him all the goodies in the shop, including this urn.  I suggested that I was going to purchase it and he asked if I was going to get a couple.  I asked him if he had seen the price.  He said no - so I showed him.  He questioned whether I needed it.  - and that was it - the world twisted and I saw red.  I didn't want to justify why I needed it.  It was a simple question from him - and a worthy one - but my fun, little "treat" was no longer fun.  We left the store.

He was right.  And I knew it.  But I'm stubborn and I still wanted it.  But I didn't want that one anymore. 

So I went to the grocery store and bought an Amaryllis bulb (inexpensive and less smelly than Narcissus - which I thought was a good choice for the kitchen) and then rummaged around in the garage for a flower pot and planted that bulb.  I also dug up a bit of green moss from a corner of the backyard and covered around the bulb and proudly placed it on my windowsill. 

And I've been watching it grow... daily gaining more length and leaves... til now when it is just getting ready to bloom.

~ ~ ~

My blog has reached its one year "blogiversary".  What a wonderful year it has been!  I have loved meeting so many caring, talented people.  I had no idea that I would feel so connected to all of you.  Thank you for being there.  For taking the time to read my blog and sending an inspirational comment.  I love them all. 

It's funny, I adore all of the design and craft blogs - so I thought that's what my blog would be, and perhaps it will - but I find that I tend to write from the heart.  I'm still finding my "voice" and I'm so thankful that you've put up with all of the squeaks and squawks as I've practiced using it.

I hope you'll take a moment to leave a comment, say hi, tell a little about yourself (and your blog if you have one) and get to know the other delightful people that are also readers.  I can't tell you how impressed I am by all of you. 

And I hope you'll come back often...

and we can grow...

and bloom!

Marcy

Wishes

This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

smiles when sadness intrudes,

rainbows to follow the clouds,

laughter to kiss your lips,

sunsets to warm your heart,

hugs when spirits sag,

beauty for your eyes to see,

friendships to brighten your being,

faith so that you can believe,

confidence for when you doubt,

courage to know yourself,

patience to accept the truth,

Love to complete your life.


Wishing you all of these blessings in 2010,

Marcy


Image by The Vintage Moth, Quote by lynnie buttercup

Merry Christmas

I wish you a holiday of relaxation, peace and fun with your family and friends.  That's what I'm aiming for!

Enjoy the beauty of the season,

Marcy

'tis the season

It's okay...

• if the cards don't get out this week... mail them in January, or divide them up and call or write to a group of people during each month of this coming year... they're always glad to hear from you.
• if the presents aren't beautifully wrapped... gather up the opening of the bag that they came in and put a big bow on it... it is a great, green alternative!
• if all the presents didn't get purchased... offer the gift of your time or services... volunteer to spend some time with the person, do an errand, make a favorite dinner, plant a garden - write a note on a card with your gift.
• if your home isn't decorated...dim the lights, light some candles, cook something on the stove, and turn on some carols... the mood will be warm and festive.

This is a season for reaching out to others and speading good cheer.  Try to keep it simple and not to stress over the details.  Sit back, watch the magic around you, and smile.  It is truly a beautiful season.

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. ~Janice Maeditere

Marcy

Ahh....

I'm back from a Thanksgiving vacation...at home!  Very relaxing...and got a lot done.

It started on Thanksgiving with my mom, sister and her kids arriving for Thanksgiving dinner.  There was lots of food. 

Hubby and son always make the mince pie.  When it came time to make the slits, do you think they did "M" for mince? Or a pattern?  Oh yes, a pattern!  Do you see the basketball court?  Yes, that was the design of choice for the mince pie!

I love setting the table.  I had an old family quilt that I used down the center of the table and an old wooden bowl that I put gourds and leaves in for the centerpiece.

This is our second Thanksgiving without my mother-in-law.  She had collected lots of dishes but my favorites are the Thanksgiving ones ['His Majesty' from Johnson Brothers].  We miss her but using her china is a nice remembrance of her and is a way to "bring her to the table" with us.

It was wonderful to have time with my family, to have time to rest, and time to work hard at home.  I am so grateful for all that I have.  And, you are part of that.  Thank you so much for spending time with me here!

Marcy

Dear Hubby,

I love...

• how much you care.  Your heart is so big, and yet few get to see your tender side. 
• your style.  You like the same things that I do and it is fun to pick things out together.
• your humor.  You can make me laugh and smile at the smallest things.
• how protective you can be.  You guard passionately those that you care about.
• that you can chat with anyone.  You find something unique in everyone.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Marcy

Fall color

"October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came-

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name."

- George Cooper, October's Party
 

 
The past two weeks have produced some of the most spectacular colors of the fall.  Now, most of the leaves are on the ground.  As I walk, I enjoy witnessing the changes that are taking place and capturing their fleeting beauty.
 
Marcy