WINTER JOYS

 

Winter has now begun to settle in.  Although it doesn’t get nearly as cold here in south GA as many places, it is still a time of shortened days with a chill in the air…time for nature to go into rest…and time for those like me to nestle into the comforts of home.  I used to not like wintertime so very much, but over the years I’ve decided it has its place in my life.  Now in my “more mature” years, I am learning to embrace the thoughts of a time to slow down, a time to reflect, a time to plan for the coming spring when life will burst forth once again.

My days are lonelier now since I am retired, my grandchildren are older and friends have either moved away, died, are going through health issues or have just drifted away…as friendships often can do.  Thankfully there is email and texting so that I can still connect with my high school VALLEY GIRLS.  Thankfully my husband now works only 3 days a week.  But…still there are hours of loneliness; hours when I find myself being bored and longing for new adventures…or old adventures from my past.

I’ve decided though to try to embrace all this “me time” and find ways to celebrate it, ways to snuggle into these winter months and savor all the blessings that are mine.  Here are some things that I will utilize to bring warmth to my soul and peace to my mind…some things that will help me smile and embrace the joy of each day no matter the season.

 

Nothing says COZY WINTER to me more than this stuff.  I posted about it in SING IT, JULIE (my last post).  My sweet husband knows how much I love it and gifts some to me every Christmas.  It may not be the nectar of the gods, but it is so very delicious and just soothes my inner being.

order from Amazon

 Sipping it from a beautiful or whimsical mug makes it even sweeter.

both are Amazon products

And having this little beauty enables me to have my drink of choice much faster…the red just makes me smile (and matches other appliances in my kitchen).

Wal Mart or Amazon

 With mug in hand, now it’s time to really snuggle in with a soft throw and a good book…I just finished this one and I really enjoyed it.  Took me a short while to figure out what was going on, then I got hooked.  Now I’m on the hunt for the next good read.

ordered mine from betterworldbooks.com

If there is a lovely fire roaring in the fireplace, the moment will be even more delightful.

And on the pretty days when it’s not too cold, I’ll throw on my scarf and boots and earmuffs and take a lovely walk in the neighborhood…but there will (sadly) be no snow.

I’ll make sure our feeders are always filled and ready for our winter cardinals…they bring me so much joy and in turn I keep their tummies filled…a fair exchange I’d say.

I will pull out my old journals and photo albums and scrapbooks and reminisce…maybe even open up those boxes of memorabilia from my much younger days.  I will read and think and reflect…I will smile and also probably shed a few tears.  But remembering is good from time to time. 

Then I will open up a brand new journal…all the pages blank…and I will begin to put pen to paper with thoughts and dreams and hopes and wishes and prayers to warm my heart and soul through the cold winter while I wait for the spring to come and bring with it newness of earth and life, sun and flowers…a time to unwrap myself from my winter warmth and bask in the sunshine that spring will bring.

Wishing you a warm, cozy, and comforting winter.

What special things help you to find your winter peace?

WINTER SLEEP 

Shhhh!!!

Don’t make a peep!

In her hide-away nest, mouse is asleep.

Cozily dozing while winter winds blow

And the forest around her fills up with snow.

She’s perfectly waiting for winter to pass,

for spring to bring some nice fresh grass.

Till then, tiptoe as you go through the snow,

knowing mouse is asleep in her nest below.

Shhhh!!!

SING IT, JULIE!

 

When the dog bites,

When the bee stings,

When I'm feeling sad…

I simply remember my FAVORITE THINGS

And then I don't feel so bad.

          (My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews)

I didn’t get bitten by a dog or even stung by a bee, but still 2020 was a year that made us all feel pretty bad.  It was difficult to put on a happy face and feel positive; but it’s 2021 and maybe…just maybe…it will turn out to be a decent year.  One thing I am going to “try”  my very best to do is to be more POSITIVE and think more good thoughts.  So for this post I thought I would write about some of my favorite things…things that bring a smile to my face, things I enjoy, things that make life just a little sweeter.

 

This is a new favorite thing.  I was out looking for things to put in my tiered tray for Valentines, and I came across this beautiful mug.  It’s a good reminder to me as I drink my morning coffee that no matter what’s going on around me, LIFE is a blessing from God and so LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!  And would you believe this pretty little thang ("southern” for “thing”) cost only $1 at Dollar General!)

Speaking of my tiered tray…it’s become one of my favorite things.  Here it is all ready for Valentines Day. 

 

Every year for part of my Christmas, my husband gifts me with this.  Y’all!!!!  It is absolutely delicious.  He orders from Amazon; I’ve never seen it in a store.  Give me a cup of this, my soft PJs, and a good book and I’m happy as a pig in mud!

 

I don’t mind spending a little more on skin care, but I’m not one to spend a ton of money on my makeup…and this mascara (though cheap...$4.99) is a favorite.  I saw it recommended on several blogs and youtube channels and decided to try it and so glad I did.  I have had more expensive (and good) mascaras, but this one works as well or better, and what a bargain.  Again, Amazon!

 I just happened to pick up a box of these one day awhile back as I was grocery shopping.  So glad I did because they are absolutely yummy.  If you want a salty snack, I highly suggest these.

 I love to read although I take it in spurts.  Before Christmas I read both of these and if you like to read I think you will enjoy them.  You can read about them along with reviews on Amazon (where else?)  They are both a little sad but turn out fine in the end.  They are both stories of how resilient the human spirit can be if we don’t give up.

        

 I’ve developed a real relationship with YOUTUBE!  I don’t watch much TV (especially these days when there’s nothing but sad news and reruns).  My husband watches lots of hunting, fishing, and sports shows along with a few other shows I don’t care for…and he’s the King of the Remote!  I want to be with him in the evenings, so while he watches TV, I watch youtube videos and have developed quite a list of those I’ve subscribed to.  One of my favorites is THE COTTAGE FAIRY.  (Be sure to click on that for the link.)  Her soothing voice and the lovely music are just so lovely and calming.  

Here is a description:

Paola Merrill is an artist, teacher and YouTube creator known as The Cottage Fairy. Merrill shares glimpses of her rural idyll in Northeastern Washington State  and chronicles the simple things: her bunny Mr. Darcy, drying wild flowers and catching the sun rising over the mountains.  In her words her channel is about “lessons on living with abundance while living simply.”  

So “these are a few of my favorite things” …things that add a little joy to my life.  If you drop by to “chat”, please tell me one or two (or more) of your  favorite things.  And if you want to read about some more of my favorites, you can read this earlier blog post.

Here’s to 2021 and hoping this year you will get to enjoy many of your favorites…and maybe we’ll find new ones to add to our list.  Life is just too short not to find things to enjoy!

 

Now to try and get that song out of my head so I can go to sleep!!!

WHAT'S THE WORD?

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, dear readers!  I’m so thankful 2020 is behind us, and I’m hoping, wishing, and PRAYING that 2021 will be a much better year…only time will tell but I’m really “trying” to be positive!

 

As I explained in this past post, I don’t do NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS.  They just don’t work for me, but this year I really do want to focus on some things in my life.  And one way I am going to “attempt” to do that is by choosing a WORD FOR THE YEAR.  Have you heard of it?

In case you haven’t, there are MANY articles & posts about it…just ask Mr. Google.  Here is a quick definition that I found (here)

It is a word, or phrase, that encompasses the thing you will focus on for the year.  Your word is something that resonates deeply with you and will help you achieve the goals you set and become who you envision for the end of the year.  It is the filter you run every decision through, the word that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

I’m not sure who started this idea…I’ve read different people…but I think the idea does have merit.  Plus I just think it’s kind of fun.  I will admit though that my last word of the year didn’t go as well as I had planned.  My word was JOY  but 2020 didn’t bring a whole lot of that!

 

So what word have I chosen for 2021????

That may seem like a strange choice, so let me explain. 

I am 71 years old (a young 71 in my opinion😊), retired, somewhat bored with the way my life has been going, and (thanks to the COVID pandemic) realizing that the ability to participate in adventures can be taken away in an instant.  I want to do my best to make the most of each and every future day that God chooses to bless me with. 

 

So what is an ADVENTURE?  I like this definition:

          An  adventure is something challenging; something that                               takes us out of our ordinary lives.  An adventure usually involves                challenging ourselves or trying out something new.

An ADVENTURE could be as exciting as climbing a mountain or

traveling to some exotic place, but it could also be:

          *trying new recipes or new foods

          *taking up a new hobby

          *learning a new language

          *eating at a new restaurant

          *trying something new (like yoga or crochet)

          *meeting new people

          *reading a different type of genre than usual

          *trying a new hairstyle

          *saying “yes” to new opportunities that come your way

 An ADVENTURE is something different for everyone.

 I know that with the pandemic still going on some adventures will have to be put on hold, but just doing some things differently or stepping outside my comfort zone will (I think) make life a little more interesting and exciting.  I want to wake up each morning and think to myself, “What ADVENTURE can I have today?”  It might be as simple as taking my daily walk in a different area…or it might be something a little more “out there” like packing our bags and just taking off, destination unknown, for a quick road trip.  (We did that years ago and it was loads of fun!)

 There is a quote I love and I want it to be my mantra from this day forward:

 

So…do you choose a WORD FOR THE YEAR?  If so, what is it?

If you don’t but are interested, here is an article with tips on

how to choose your word.

 

Here’s hoping all of us have a wonderful year filled with love,

laughter, healing, happiness, and lots of ADVENTURE  !

         PS:  Sorry if this has some weird spacing!  Blogger is at it again!!!

Christmas Feelings

 

The tree stands lonely without all the packages…the empty boxes stacked along the wall, the pretty ribbons and papers now thrown-away rubbish, the gifts all opened and stored away.  Christmas Day is winding down and only my dear hubby of 50 years and I are left to sit together…the grandkids and their parents home celebrating with their other family. 

 

There are mixed feelings within me.  There is a feeling of satisfaction knowing that our family breakfast went well, even though I feel sure HUDDLE HOUSE would never offer me a job as a short-order cook.  But knowing that I was able to fix favorites for each and every one and that they all left the table sated and happy does warm my soul.  

There is a feeling of relief and thankfulness that all gifts seemed to bring smiles to the faces that I love.  

 

There is a level of tiredness in my body and mind thinking of how much time was spent decorating the whole house (including 4 trees), shopping for just the right gift for each and every person, choosing the wrapping paper and ribbons to cover the surprises and then carefully wrapping each one.  

A feeling of joy that I was able to spend at least part of the day with the 5 people dearest to my heart and hearing their joy at discovering the treasures that had awaited them. 

But there is also a strange feeling in my heart and soul…one I can’t readily identify.  It feels somewhat sad…sad that our church had to cancel our Christmas Eve service (but at least we had it over the radio with all our church family listening in and lighting candles....

sad that the special time of Christmas morning is over for another year, sad that many friends and family members celebrated the day alone or far from their loved ones, sad that I can’t hold onto this day for a little longer.  It also feels like I’ve lost something…in a way.  And I suppose I have…I’ve lost another Christmas, I’ve lost another year (although 2020 is not a year I will be sad to say good-bye to).  I know there are many less Christmases in my future than in my past.  And I am also feeling nostalgic thinking of all the Christmases we have celebrated as a family.

But there is also a great feeling of GRATITUDE.  How very thankful I am that, first of all, God sent His son to be the Savior of our world…and that He let me be born to a mother who made sure that I was raised to be a Christian.  Thankful that I have never strayed from that upbringing. 

My heart is overflowing with thankfulness for my husband, my soul-mate, that I have shared so many wonderful Christmases with…some when our purses were slim and presents were not as plentiful but always more than enough love to make up for the lack of any store-bought goodie…thankfulness for the many memories of my son and daughter (now celebrating Christmas in heaven) waking up with excitement to see what Santa had left for them…and now thankfulness for the memories that are continuing to be made with my grandson and granddaughter who have me wrapped around their fingers (which are no longer so little)…and I love that!

So…as Christmas Day 2020 winds down I will allow my thankfulness and my joy to reign over any sadness or fears or feelings of being exhausted or too nostaligic.  I will soon put my head on my pillow and know that I have been SO VERY VERY BLESSED…and I will thank God for that.  Then tomorrow life will begin again and I will look forward to a new year (hopefully much better than the last) and wait with anticipation for the next Christmas when more memories will be made and more feelings will flow into my heart and soul…and I will savor each one.

KETCH-UP TIME!!!

As is often the case, I’m behind on writing my blog and reading those of others.  Where does the time go?  Thought I’d try to “ketch-up” (that’s how it sounds when we Southern drawl folks say it)!

The pandemic has kept me inside more lately…numbers are up in our small town.  The recent death of  a very special local lady has really hit us.  Granddaughter and all her co-cheerleaders are in quarantine after one of the girls came down with COVID.  She will be “free” in a couple days, so praying no one else has to quarantine.

Grandkids and I need to have our PICKLE HUNT…I will be sure to write a post about that later, but you can go HERE for past hunts.  SO MUCH FUN…and this year there will be a REAL SURPRISE (I’ll tell you about it later!)

Got some reading in recently and I highly recommend these two books.  Gave them to a friend and she has loved them too.  Both have some very sad parts, but the endings are good…one ending in particular will surprise you.  Won’t tell you which one😊

We had the two huge very old pecan trees in our front yard cut down.  I didn’t want to, but hubby (who NEVER frets over anything), has fretted over those trees for about 5 years now.  Every time a big wind comes up, he holds his breath fearing they are going to fall on the house.  It was amazing watching the trees come down.  Would you believe the young man who did all the cutting is afraid of heights???  Hopefully the video will come through...if so, you will see/hear that I got a little distressed!

Soooo sad…my church has now closed down again due to the rise in local COVID cases.  First time in all my (many) years that we have not been able to attend church and sing Christmas carols.  Our school system also shut down a week early for the holidays with kids going virtual.  I am so thankful we will soon have the vaccine.  I have thought and thought and read and read about it trying to decide if I want to take it.  Hubby and I agree that we will.  I heard on the news that 70% of us will have to take it in order to reach “herd immunity”.  I know many are afraid, but I got to thinking back when I was a child and the new polio vaccine came out.  Our parents were thrilled for us to get that vaccine, and so I’m going to look at the COVID vaccine in the same way.  (I absolutely HATE shots, so this is a biggie for me!)

Thankfully, we got to see two Cheer Competitions…wearing masks and mostly social distancing.  They haven’t won yet but they did great the second competition.  Only one mistake that cost them 15 points…those judges really judge VERY harshly!!!

She’s a DADDY’S GIRL for sure!

My last shopping got done this week…stocking stuffers.  And that’s my VERY FAVORITE part of Christmas shopping.  I found some great things at DOLLAR TREE this year.  Here are a few of the items I found there:

          SNUGGADO brand fuzzy socks (got myself a pair too; cute patterns and so soft

          SHOE ERASER…like “Magic Eraser” accept for shoes

          PURE SILK Shaving Cream (for us ladies)…great reviews

          LA GIRLS Lip Balm…comes in several colors in containers that look like macaroon cookies and with cute sayings on top

          Godiva chocolates

          Cute picture frame (for grandson & his girlfriend’s photo)

          Cute note pads

          Miniature screwdriver set (hubby has one and uses it to fix my jewelry)

          Emory boards…cute patterns

          Taco flavored sunflower seeds…son loves these seeds & this is a new flavor I hope he will like

          MOSSY OAK work socks…this is a great brand and for $1 (bargain)

          Bath/Shower Exfoliating glove…different colors; saw same ones at Wal-Mart much more expensive

         E.L.F. makeup brushes...sold at Wal-Mart for more

            Christmas pattern travel mugs (plastic; tall kind with top; I got myself one with gnomes…I adore gnomes

The DOLLAR TREE Website has some great ideas for cute gift baskets!

 

Got some other things other places so their stockings will be overflowing this year.

 

And I do hope and pray that your CHRISTMAS will be overflowing with love, hope, joy, and peace.  And may ALL of us be Blessed with a much Happier and Safer NEW YEAR!