Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Let there be Peace

Wouldn't it be amazing if there was Peace on earth? It wouldn't take too much. It would take each individual to be kind and thoughtful. It would be for individuals to carry peace and joy in their hearts and to give it away every day. It would be for us to celebrate and embrace our differences because we can learn from one another.  It's our own uniqueness that makes our world an amazing place.  I invite you to sing along with these most talented children.


Friday, December 17, 2010

Kitchen Yeah!

Yes, it's done - Bob the Builder has done a great job in fitting the new microwave and hood into the current scheme of the kitchen. 

This is what I started with - ugh! First order of business - get new appliances especially the fridge.  It was running and running, so annoying.  The stove didn't work too well.  I finally gave up when baking a cake took twice as long as it should have.

So the new appliances arrived.  Thanks to my neighbor, Julie, she had done some homework and shared it with me.  That' when I found out that the microwave hood didn't fit.

It was too large compared to the space.  Oh well, Plan B into action.  Bob the 'all around fix it guy' was back in business after an extended shoulder injury.  Just in time, and of course there  was a list of lots of other items.

So here it is.  As he said, 'it was a bit crazy making the cabinet smaller and it became insane when the doors couldn't be made smaller'. I give him a lot of credit, especially while we were shopping in Lowes together to come up with a "fix".

Two brains, lots of patience on Bob's part, some stain, okay a couple of stains to match, and Plan B happened- voila doors with a black mesh sreen. 

Don't think a decorator could have done better!

Glad to have appliances that work and my electric bill went down $14 in the first month!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

First Day of Winter

While all of us are getting ready for the holidays - we are coming up to the first day of winter. The Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night on our calendar here in Connecticut. I enjoy the the winter and love the snow.  I look forward to seeing the snow fall, smelling the fireplaces burning, and enjoying the special drinks and foods that are only winter.  To bring in Winter, I'm featuring my niece, Taylor's video she made, set to Sara Bareille and Ingrid Michaelsons's song Winter Song.  Thank you Taylor, Thank you Sara and Ingrid, .... Enjoy!



PS about 100 days till Spring :)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Tis the Season - The White Tree

Two years ago I put up my white tree for the first time in a long time.  That year was special as my nephew, Seamus help decorate the tree.  This year, now the third time.  It has evolved a bit from the past years.  I found that those pics you get at the craft store make a lovely decoration to the end of the stick branches.  I found little doves in silver, gold, and white.  I  found some beautiful crystal icicles in Storrtown Village at the Big E.  Hand made and imported by Kurt Adler, they reflect the light so beautifully and add that extra sparkle to the tree.

The new addition to this year is a hand made crystal pineapple.  I found it at the Yankee Candle on my way back from New Hampshire.   Pineapples have long been a symbol of welcome, hospitality and wealth to all that live here.

It goes back to Christopher Columbus and to colonial America.  Once discovered, the pineapple became the 'treat of kings'.  No matter if you were back in Europe or here in colonial days, the pineapple became sought after.  Shop keepers were known rent out the pineapples before they were purchased by the more affulent families in the town.

In the seafaring towns of the east coast of America, the symbol of the pineapple can be seen in the architecture.  It was said that pineapples would be put out on the gate signifying that the sea captain was home and available to receive guests.

Time to take the tree out, set it up, and enjoy the ornaments that you have collected over the years.  No matter what holiday you celebrate, those decorations have stories.  Do you have the stories written down?  Hopefully this year, as you decorate for your holiday, you may have the chance to write about them.  

By the way, my tree is complete and I'll be enjoying it all month long!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Spread Joy to Everyone

The season is upon us and it is the time we spread joy to those people we pass by each day. A nod, a smile, a simple greeting, it really doesn't take much. We don't know what is going on "over there". With a simple gesture, you may turn around someone's day. The reward is that you feel better and you smile deep down inside. What could happen, you may make it your daily rountine :) May you have lots of JOY in your life.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Give a Hug & Get a Hug

The holiday season has arrived. Some of us look forward to the festivies, parties, being with friends and family. There are a few humbugs and grumpies too.  So through this holiday season, I will be sending you little bits of inspirations that will raise your spirits and those around you.

Just imagine being in this square - hugs are the best, we all should have a dozen hugs a day.  Enjoy and I send you a big hug today.