Christmas Magic

My Christmas was magical, wonderful, delicious & just plain fun.

We started one week ago with a lovely visit from my youngest sister and niece. They drove 2 1/2 hours through awful weather conditions to visit my mother and us. Here we are sharing a moment and posing for photographer - Don.

Then on to Christmas Eve with a trip to our daughters home for our traditional pyjama party, loads of yummy hors d'oeuvres .... meatballs with pomegranate sauce, Spanakopita, sausage rolls, delicious homemade cream of tomato soup, sourdough bread, mini quiche & more.

Then our annual viewing of the Polar Express movie.

Zander and Poppa snuggled up in one corner of the sofa, Sebrina & I with Miss Gabriella snuggled between us .... a moment with Mommy for a cuddle then over to Mammy for a cuddle. Ryan, Jayden and daddy on the floor and Nanny in her wing chair which Mike kindly carried up to the loft for her.

After the movie the children went to bed after leaving a treat for Santa and the reindeer and we left to go home too. You know everyone has to be in bed asleep before Santa will visit.

In the morning, we got up and opened our stockings. New dress socks, a DVD, a book for Don and his favourite chocolate Toblerone. For me a new book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini who also wrote "The Kite Runner", a gift card from Starbucks (YUMMY) and David Fosters new Hit Man DVD/CD. We filled a stocking for my mom which she thoroughly enjoyed ... crossword puzzle books, a computerized Sudoku game, maple sugar candy and chocolate for her too. She was quite overwhelmed and said she had not had a stocking since she was a little girl.

Then a yummy breakfast of sausage and quiche with homemade raisin toast.

After breakfast we three opened our gifts.

Sweaters & shirts and Toronto Maple Leaf goodies for Don.

A red & black herringbone wrap to keep her warm and the Clapper for mom to help her get her lights turned on when she's going upstairs.

And for me this beautiful gold bracelet and then the biggest surprise of all ................

Tickets to the "Jersey Boys" which incidentally I have been talking about since it opened in Toronto a few months ago.

So as I unwrapped this last package, I discovered tickets for row F in the orchestra section dated for Valentines Day.

Now it was time to get dressed and head over to our daughters for the real fun of the day.

We were greeted with the usual excitement at the door ... regaled with stories of who got what from Santa.

I unpacked all of our gifts (which incidentally Santa left at our home for the grand babies) and placed them around the tree. Then we all gathered together to open presents, one at a time please so we can try to make the fun last and all enjoy what each child is getting.

New Roots hoodies for each of the boys, new books, the Star Wars Clone Wars game for the Wii along with new Star Wars light sabers.

A new hand knit poncho for Gabriella along with a collectible Li Bien ornament. (These are individually painted through a small opening in each glass ornament on the interior surface. It's delicate, intricate work painted in reverse to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake). Two new Madonna books, "The English Roses & "Mr. Peabody's Apples". A complete set of kitchen pots & pans, mixing bowls & tools, tea set and hand carved wooden fruit to go along with the beautiful new handmade wooden kitchen that Santa left.

Then the biggest excitement of all was when we gave each of the boys a remote controller and Mike a new blue ray disc.

Jayden our middle grandson immediately upon opening said "These are for a PS3 (gaming system), so Don went into the bedroom and brought out another package. As he came out he said, "I almost forgot Santa left this parcel at our house for you too." All four of them, Ryan, Jayden, Zander and our big boy Mike had fun pulling the paper off to reveal their new and best gift a new PlayStation 3.

Then when all the fun was over, Sebrina headed out to the kitchen to lay out a delicious dinner, turkey, stuffing, ham, lingonberry sauce, homemade (artery clogging) three cheese & full cream baked macaroni, yams and white potatoes mixed & mashed and delicious gravy all washed down with a scrumptious sparkling Italian white wine.

Then coffee, liquors (for the adults) and pumpkin cheesecake.

I can still feel how uncomfortable my stomach felt after this feast just thinking about all this food.

We had a wonderful, magical day of love, giving and sharing with our beautiful family.

I hope you all had a magical day too.

Who Me??

Today, I was given this "Love Your Blog" award from Julie at Moments of Perfect Clarity.

Thank you Julie for your very kind words, and may I suggest to those of you who pop in to read my words, swing on over to meet Julie. Her posts never fail to delight, educate, enlighten & amuse me.

I'll be posting a little later on about my wonderful, heart warming and delicious Christmas.

Grateful Friday

Today I am so grateful for my sister.

Although we spent most of our life separated, today we have been fortunate enough to have found each other again.

I have a few memories of Frannie when I was a child, but as she is 11 years older than me we didn't share our childhood or teenage years together.

Whenever I think of her the most prominent thought to come to my mind is "giver".

There is not much she would not do for someone she loves.

When our oldest sister was dying from AML, Frannie was there ..... every day .... all day .... sitting with Gina, helping her with her bathing, reading to her, singing to her or just holding her. She gave her all the love she could in her last months and was there with her as she moved on to her next life.

And this is not the first palliative patient that she has cared for in their final days.

Fran herself has fought cancer and won. Years ago she lost a breast to cancer and she shared with me the words she wrote in her journal during that time ... her feelings, her fears, her triumphs - what a privilege.

She has suffered terrible financial losses resulting in the loss of their very home, but does she feel that the world is out to get her? Not at all - material possessions, financial gain are inconsequential to her. She is happy with her lot in life.

Today, she is am amazing woman who doesn't let these incidences in her life affect her ability to love deeply and give enormously.

She has a wonderful sense of humour and whenever we spend time together there is never a shortage of laughter and just plain old fun!

So today I say with an attitude of gratitude - thank you for this woman I am proud to call "Sister".

I borrowed these edited wishes from Moments of Perfect Clarity. (Julie I hope you don't mind).

Although I wish this for my sister, I also wish these for all family & friends dear to my heart.

1. Laughter every day.
2. A song to go with every occasion.
3. An ability to rest easy within herself.
4. To see her own worth.
5. To pick her loyalties wisely.
6. To be able to recognize her talents.
7. To use those talents to their utmost.
8. Rich, full encounters with interesting, engaging people.
9. Thick, full, fluffy hair.
10. To appreciate what others do for her.
11. To "use the difficulty." as Michael Caine once said on Parkinson
12. Patience.
13. Great love.
14. Building wonderful memories.
15. Peace within herself.
16. Many good friends.
17. People around her who stimulate her intellectually.
18. People around her who stimulate her emotionally.
19. Satisfaction.
20. Getting over the past.
21. Moving on to towards the future.
22. Happiness.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a big thank you to my faithful readers. I cherish the blog friendships I have made and the opportunities to see the world through others eyes.

Thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to read my blog and for your comments. I truly value each and every one of them.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Photo courtesy of Brungrrl's

A Little Extra Gratitude

I feel an attitude of gratitude today that I am able to be in a supportive role for my mother.

She is eating less and seems to be getting more depressed. I hope that the leadup to this week - the first Christmas without my dad - is the main reason.
Unfortunately we find that her sadness translates to her becoming very tense which shows in both her face and body language. This in turn translates to tension between the three of us, we share the tension and then pass it back and forth. This makes for very uncomfortable living conditions. Sometimes the tension is so thick I feel I could chew through it.

Last night I decided to re-read "The Four Agrements" paying extra special attention to the second and third agreement.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

2. Do Not Take Anything Personnally

3. Do Not Make Assumptions.

4. Always Do Your Best

So today I am grateful that I am here and able to support my mother through this very difficult time in her life and remind myself when I feel impatient or resentful just how enormous the loss is that she has suffered.

I Wish This Could Last Forever

Yesterday I had a lovely surprise when I was shopping.

As I was loading my groceries into my cart, I heard someone say .... "Don't scan that twice Jayden."

Thinking to myself, "what an unusual name unless you are my grandson or Will Smith's son", I thought to turn around to see who this child was named Jayden.

As I turned around I saw three little boys, scanning and packing groceries. It took a minute to realize that those three little boys were my little grand babies.

As soon as I said something they all came running over, nearly knocking me down with hugs and kisses.

Then I heard before I saw Miss Gabriella trapped in the shopping cart, arms spread wide calling "Mimi, Mimi".

Ryan, my oldest wanted me to come back to their house of course. I told him I was quite busy, but he insisted that I come for "just a cup of tea". Then he asked if he could come in my car with me. He's a big boy, you know and doesn't need a car seat any more. So I said of course he could come with me.

Then Zander wanted to come as well. My daughter tried the standard bribe, "Zander if you come with me, you can have a piece of chocolate". Zander stood for a moment, contemplating this and then ran over to me and said. "I want to go with Mammy."

Is there anyone more fortunate in life than I am? I am more important to my grand babies than chocolate.

What more could I ask for????

Let It Snow

Well, it's finally here ..... We are getting our first severe winter snowstorm.

Here's the forecast for Ontario:

"Major winter storm with heavy snow and blowing snow. This is a warning that dangerous winter weather conditions are imminent or occurring in these regions. Snow and blowing snow has now overspread most of the warned area. A general snowfall of 15 to 20 centimetres is expected across the district by this evening. Northeast winds of 40 km/h gusting to 60 km/h will give frequent whiteout conditions with blowing snow. Conditions will be especially severe near the shores of the lower lakes where winds gusting to 80 km/h are expected. Furthermore embedded snow squalls off Lake Ontario will likely result in a few local totals of 30 centimetres."

Stay in, stay safe, stay warm and have a wonderful, wintry weekend.

Light a fire, have a hot toddy, grab a great book or watch a good movie - maybe "Casablanca" or how about "It's a Wonderful Life" and don't forget to stay in your PJ's.


Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow .....
Let It Snow ....
Let It Snow.

It doesn't show signs of pausing,
And I've bought some corn for popping,
The lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow .....
Let It Snow ....
Let It Snow.

When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-byeing,
But as long as you love me so,
Let It Snow ....
Let It Snow .....
Let It Snow.

Grateful Friday

My gratitude today is for my Senses

Thank you for my hearing - without which I could not hear the wind in the trees .... my granddaughter calling for me "mimi, mimi" .... my grandsons telling me they love me .... conversing over a coffee with my daughter .... hearing a beautiful piece of music .... silence .... the purr of a kitty .... the birds at my feeder.

Thank you for my eyes - without which I could not see the colors of a rainbow .... the beautiful faces of my grand babies .... be witness to the grandeur of an autumn forest .... view a beautiful gastronomic delight .... study a piece of art .... look deep into the eyes of my beloved.

Thank for my touch - without which I could not feel the skin of my grand babies .... feel the crinkle of leaf as it drops from the tree .... feel the exquisite softness of my beautiful new faux fur throw .... feel the sharp prick of needle .... the softness of freshly grown spring grasses between my fingers and toes .... enjoy the tactile pleasures of beautiful yarns and fabrics.

Thank you for my taste - without which I would not be able to enjoy a delicious Christmas meal .... enjoy the tang of a lemon .... the crunch of a fresh apple .... a refreshing long drink of water .... the hard work but delicious reward of an almond .... the first sip of freshly brewed coffee .... letting a mouthful of peppermint stick ice cream melt on my tongue .... taste after dessert kisses from my grand daughter .... anticipate the salty crunch of sea salt .... the explosion of spices in Indian food .... the sinus burn from Wasabi .... licking off my fingers after consuming a creamy piece of chocolate.

(Thanks to my daughter for a couple of her beautiful pictures)

A Christmas Story - Violet's Dream

Violet peeked into the dark room and then opened the door enough to slip in.

There was her father’s oak desk sitting in the centre of the room with shafts of moonlight cutting across the surface.

She tip toed over, climbed up in his big comfy chair, reached into her pocket and took out a piece of paper. Opening the top drawer she removed a pen. She flattened the paper on the desktop with her hands and looked down onto the letter she was writing.

Violet started to read her letter:

Dear Santa,

Ever since I was a little girl I have written you asking for whatever I wanted for Christmas. I never thought about what anyone else wanted, only me.

Santa, this year I am asking for something special. It’s not a toy that I want, but for my mom to come and spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day downstairs with us.

You see Santa, she is sick and daddy says won’t get better. I told him maybe mommy just needed more vitamins, but he told me that the doctor was giving her all the medicine that she needed.

A little while ago when she started to get really tired all the time, we had to stop playing at the park; she said pushing me on the swing was too hard for her. She stopped playing games with me and we stopped going for our special walks in the forest where we always looked for magical things like owls or fairies or unicorns.

Soon mommy couldn’t make my pancakes or oatmeal or sandwiches or yummy cookies like she used to. She stopped doing crafts with me because she said it made her too tired.

Now she stays in her bedroom most of the time, lying in her bed. Daddy says I can go up to see her twice a day but I have to be quiet – (very difficult for a nine year old girl you know).

Sometimes when I go up, I climb up on her bed and we snuggle together under her quilt, but I have to be very careful, daddy says. Mommy’s bones are hurting so I can only snuggle up gently beside her and hold her hand.

So Santa, would you make mommy better for Christmas Day? Would you bring her a pretty pair of dancing shoes and a beautiful ball gown with sparkles all over it? Pink please, because that’s her favourite colour. She really loves to dance and used to dance with me all the time. And, sometimes when they thought I was asleep I would sneak down the stairs and watch mommy and daddy dancing around the living room.

I hope this isn't too much trouble for you. Thank you Santa.

Violet finished reading her letter and feeling satisfied with it, she signed ................

From Violet Whithaven

Then Violet took her letter, folded it gently, slipping it into an envelope and addressed it to:

Santa Claus,

North Pole
H0H 0H0

Just before she dropped it on the tray with the mail, she sealed the envelope with a kiss and a wish that Santa would get this letter fast and send her what she asked for.

___________________________________________________________________


The days went by quickly as Christmas drew closer. The bitter cold of winter lay over the ground like a blanket.

Winter in Galen’s Bay, where they lived is heartless, the cold biting into every nook and cranny. The temperature dips below zero and the wind whips up the water on the Bay into a cacophony of icy dancers who in their wild abandon cover everything with a fine misting of ice. The once earthy colours of the roofs now shimmer in the sunlight with layer after layer of ice laid across the roofs like blankets over a bed.

Violet stayed inside more often now, because the bitter winds licked at her face like icy needles, forcing her to run for cover whenever she tried to play outside.

However, before Violet could say Christopher Robin and Pooh Bear, it was Christmas Eve. After dinner that evening, Violet and her dad hung their three stockings, one each for daddy, mommy and her by the fireplace. Then he swept her up on his shoulders and carried her up the stairs to bed, where after a bedtime story, “The Velveteen Rabbit” - (Violets favourite you know), he tucked her in soundly and told her to go to sleep quickly so Santa could come.

At this point I must say, that all good children know that they must be in bed asleep so Santa can deliver their gifts.

He switched on her favourite night light, the violet one with beads hanging all around the shade which she got from her favourite aunt for Christmas last year. When the light was turned on the beads sparkled and danced. She loved to lie in her bed and watch the beads shimmer and sparkle and dance around the room when she swished over them with her finger.

Soon Violet was off to dreamland, but suddenly something woke her. She stayed quiet for a moment, listening and hearing the quiet tinkling of her mother's music box. Rubbing her eyes she sat up straining to listen. She was sure now, she definitely heard the music box playing.

She slipped out of her bed, padding quietly across the stairs and slowly opened her door so it didn’t squeak (sometimes it did you know, so she opened it very slowly). Then she continued out across the hall and the closer she got to the staircase, the louder the music became. She sat down on the top stair and ever so slowly started to slide down, one stair at a time until she got to the landing. She peaked through the railing and saw a glow shining from the living room, (this is the room where the fireplace and Christmas tree are).

Was it possible that Santa was here?
What would happen if he saw her?
Would he take back everything he had left under the tree?

Violet didn’t know what to do – should she keep going down the stairs or turn around and try to go back to her bed before she was discovered?

The sound of the tinkling music box enticed her. Like a cat, her curiosity was aroused so she kept moving forward, slowly slipping down each stair until she reached the bottom.

Now she was sure that she heard whispering coming from the living room and then she thought she heard soft laughter - it sounded like her mother. How could that be? She knew that mommy was upstairs in bed and too sick to come down to the living room.

So Violet walked on tip toe towards the living room, slowly, quietly, holding her breath so no one would hear her. As she reached the doorway, she saw hundreds of lit candles around the room throwing a soft glow on everything they touched. Her mother's open music box was sitting on a table in the doorway playing a beautiful song. Then she saw daddy dancing. As he slowly spun around, there in his arms was her mom wearing the most beautiful pink gown covered in beads and sequins. On her feet were pink ballet slippers with satin ribbons criss-crossed around her legs and tied in a beautiful bow. Her strawberry blond hair fell in cascades and curls across her shoulders and down her back. She had a pink satin ribbon tied around her head to keep her hair off her face. And ..... she looked radiant.

How could she be dancing? Just earlier today she had been too tired to even spend time chatting in bed with Violet.

Now Violet was sure she must be dreaming. But as she came into the room, she looked towards the corner, and there sitting in daddy’s big old comfy chair was an old man with a very long, very curly, very white beard. His eyes were twinkling and he tapped his toes on the floor to the music as daddy and mommy danced and dipped and swirled around the room. Her mother’s dress swished and sparkled in the candlelight.

Violet came into the room and when her daddy suddenly saw her, he swept her up into his arms. He and mommy wrapped their arms around her. Their love was like a blanket as she was held between them and felt herself spinning dizzily around and around as they danced to the music.

They danced like this together for a few moments until the tinkling from the music box slowly wound down.

Then Violet got down and went over to the old man who she just knew was Santa.

"Santa, you came and brought my mommy her dress and shoes so she could dance with daddy," said Violet.

"But how could she come down the stairs and dance when her bones hurt so much and she is too tired to even play a game with me?” Violet asked Santa.

“Oh Violet, your beautiful letter, so unselfish touched my heart. You asked for nothing for yourself, only for your mommy to be well enough to dance in a beautiful dress. When Mrs. Claus read your letter, she insisted that I make sure you got this one thing you asked for,” Santa said.

Violet couldn't believe her eyes or ears.

Santa continued, “Violet if you look closely, miracles happen every day, very ordinary things, but miraculous things – you just need to know where to look.

Anything is possible Violet, when you believe. So never stop believing, as you grow older you must become the keeper of this secret and teach your children to believe.”

Violet sat on Santa’s lap and watched as daddy wound up the music box and again he and mommy danced around the room, the sparkles on her dress reflecting the candlelight and throwing sparks of coloured lights around the room dancing like fairies.

Slowly she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the wonderful Christmas Day they would spend together when she opened her eyes in the morning .................

Wow - Half of One Century

A friend of ours just turned "50".

What a terrific age to be. There is something about this magic number that brings a calm realization into life, a new respect and understanding for yourself.

So many people say they have a hard time with fifty, but I found that thirty was my big upset. Forty and fifty - not even a blip on the radar.

So here's to a Happy Birthday and another "50".

We heard you turned “50”
Now that’s a great age
Wise, discerning, judicious & sage.

Now parts will start hurting
The plumbing might freeze
And arthritis will make your poor old joints seize.

Your teeth will get weaker
They might soak in a cup
Dentyne & Polident – you’d better stock up.

Flatulence & gas will become an old friend
You’ll burp and you’ll fart
Will this ever end?

Digestion problems & acid reflux
Better watch what you eat
You’ll need fibre and veggies and lots of whole wheat.

No more tight jeans
They hurt on the tum’
A bigger size and a little looser
To cover that sagging bum.

Now you’ll need bifocals
Can’t read any more
You could see all the words and letters before.

Your forehead’s getting taller
What – no it can’t be
Your hair used to be thick, lustrous & bushy.

Can't walk for an hour
Without getting sore feet
Ten years ago you ran like an athlete.

The doctor says your blood sugar’s too high
Watch your diet he says
Cut out sugary foods like bread, cake & pie.

That “middle-age-spread”
Is taking over your waist
Can’t see your toes – have they been misplaced?

Here’s to the next fifty
You now know who you are
Time to trade in that blue truck
And get a Jaguar!

Happy Birthday Rob

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for my hands.

Without them I could not type this post.

Without them I could not knit, crochet, quilt, scrapbook, paint, garden, bake, play cards, turn the pages in the books I read, feel the skin on my grand babies, hold my husbands hand, turn on a light to chase away the darkness, enjoy the smoothness of wood after I sand it smooth, blow dry my hair, put on my makeup, give myself a manicure, turn a screwdriver, feel the tactile pleasures in different fabrics & yarns and blow a kiss

Without them ...... I COULD NOT TALK.

Almost Ready for the Crafting Party

The suspended ceiling went in this morning

Don is rerouting electrical, moving vents and hanging the framework for the 2'x4' tiles we choose.

And here is Chelsea supervising. It would appear that this is where she'll be sitting from now on when I'm crafting.

She has come down and jumped up here four times now, so I guess she really likes this spot with my girls.

At last the ceiling is installed.

Shhhh - I Stole This Picture

This picture of "Mammy's Cat" is just too darn cute to not share.

Sebrina took it shortly after the boys moved in, but never posted it, so I stole it from her Flickr photostream to post here to share.

Whenever I visit the children, Ryan still runs and grabs Harrison and brings him to me and says, "Here's your cat Mammy!" I think Harrison will forever be known as Mammy's cat.


"Croutons with your salad anyone?"

Christmas Crafts

Finally, my knitting, crocheting Christmas gifts are completed.

Hats, scarves & toasty warm lap blankets are complete.

Boy are my fingers and shoulders ever sore. I think no more knitting for a while till everything stops aching.

However, I might have to do just one more blanket.

The other day while I was out, my mother told me she used one of the blankets across her legs. Her comment was "are those blankets ever warm!"

So maybe, just maybe there will be one more blanket under the Christmas tree.

The Inauguration

Finally, here I am in my "CRAFT ROOM" taking my very first stitches.

I spent the afternoon down there yesterday and completed my squares for my new quilt and then put a strip together.

I Love My New Room!!!!!

Grateful Friday

Love .... given & received.

I love "love".

Tender little childish kisses & hugs given and taken by my grand babies.

The wonderful feel of little five year old arms wrapped around my neck.

The excitement of my precious Gabriella as she runs to me calling out "mimi, mimi" with her little face upturned for the ceremonial kiss.

The unconditional love & devotion of my dog - Chelsea.

The deep and "comfortable-as-a-housecoat" love between my husband and me.

The growing love and respect between my daughter and me through the years.

The fiercely protective love I feel for my grandbabies and children.

The supportive love of my dear friends.

The way love has changed from a dependant love to a nurturing and "I'll-take-care-of-you" love for my mother.

The many exchanges of love between my father and me in the last weeks of his life.

I am grateful for love in all of it's many colours, strengths, nuances and flavours .... the love from and for my children, my grandbabies, my husband, my mother, my family, my friends.

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved,
now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us -

I can live only wholly with you or not at all -

Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits -

Yes, unhappily it must be so -

You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you.
No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never -

Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves.
And yet my life in V is now a wretched life -

Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men -

At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection?

My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day -

therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once -

Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together -

Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell.

Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.

ever thine

ever mine

ever ours

Ludwig van Beethoven

Moving Day

It has finally arrived and I have spent all day moving my crafting supplies into my new craft room.

My "please-go-barefoot", soft, squishy, warm, brighten up the room carpet was installed today in my craft room.

I chose a Berber from Shaw Carpet who run a program to recycle post-consumer nylon into new carpet. This in turn keeps up to 300 million pounds of carpet from landfills each year. As well, I upgraded the underpad which has an R15 insulation value so I won't get cold tootsies should I decide to go barfoot.

All that's left now is to hang the double french doors and install and paint the baseboard.

All my craft books and decorating magazines are stacked up on my sewing table waiting for my shelving unit.
Here's a few boxes and baskets of craft supplies stacked up again waiting patiently for the shelving unit.

Hopefully Don can help me get it down tonight ... then maybe Friday a little crafting!!!!!!!!

And just in case you were wondering ..... here is the completed storage chest (remember I built this to cover a drain in the floor) complete with it's upholstered top.

I brought Mollie and Sarah (you can just see them in the back corner on top of the chest) downstairs just because ..... this is MY room, no boys, husbands or mothers allowed.

However, I guess I'll have to let Don in tonight to help me with the shelving unit, and then again to finish the ceiling and again to hang the doors.

Maybe I'd better take him off the "off limits" list, but once that "honeydew" list is complete ............

BTW, I softened the quality of these pictures, because that is how this room makes me feel.

Mellow, soft, squishy, relaxed and where I can escape ...... well - everything in my own little world.

The excitement is building ....... I can hardly stand the wait to start quilting again.