Thought for the day

When you understand why something hurts, it stops hurting. When you understand you have options, you take action. And when you understand you have wings, you can soar again. Capisce? The Universe

MEMORYMARKERS

Winter has certainly arrived and keeping us all dressed up in white. It has been so cold this week our lawn has changed it's normal winter green to white frosting with patches of deer prints decorating it and it has stayed that way because of the 6 degree temperature. I am cozied up in my home with my four cats and husband. I knew that I would be spending a lot of time in my studio this winter. So, I have made the best of it and created MEMORYMARKERS. They are so much fun to make and I use a torch and solder to create them. I form the bezels myself and have come up with these very cool pendants that I have given as gifts over the holidays and have decided to feature them on my Etsy site. If you need a special gift for someone, please take a look on my Etsy site. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year in health, spending time with people who you love and who love you, enjoying nature and what each season brings, peace and time for yourself.

A Winter Wonderland

Woke up to about 7" of beautiful snow this morning. The pictures are of my garden, that has frozen over and is hibernating for the winter, the view from my studio window where I watch as the birds feed and the little bird house that they haven't been visiting lately. We scatter the seed on the ground under the trees and leave water out on the deck for them. If they are lucky the birds will have their fill of seed before the deer come by and chase them away. Then we chase the deer away....although I DO feel sorry for them, but just have to get my mind around the whole nature thing. I could not stand outside in a pair of hooves and deer hide to save my life. It's so freezing cold out there! They are just built with wonderful insulation.

More snow is due the rest of this week. It's a good time to sip hot cocoa and eat all the Christmas goodies I have been making. I like being in my studio during this time also. I put on the iPod full of Christmas carols and I am in a little bit of heaven. I get melancholy and engulf myself in memories and like to taste my tears, (if I may quote my daughter Tiffany) during this wonderful time. I miss my friends and my family. BUT everyone is healthy and happy and I am enjoying the thoughts, tears, joy and love I feel, so what is there to complain about. Nothing. Did you notice the snow on the roof of the bird house?? Our driveway looks the same way.

Happy Birthday to Jim's mom, Adelka McElroy, who is 96 today and still as feisty as ever living in her home in Rhode Island.

The Joys of the Holidays

The holiday season can be a stressful one. There is shopping to do, parties to go to, the question of what to wear and will it fit, meals to plan, special traditional sweets to bake and more traffic to make one's nerves blow a fuse. We must settle down and realize that the preparation for the get together with friends and family that we cherish so much is what the holiday is about. Take a breath and say the word ENJOY and be THANKFUL. If possible, buy a toy for a tot, donate to a charity or volunteer to help someone shop who cannot get out for themselves. Realize that the excitement of the season lends itself to all this commotion, last minute touches to make those that we love feel special. A little handmade gift or something that reminds you of the special person will give the most joy.

What I love is feeling the winter where I live. The snow is slipping in sideways, gently pushing the tiny snowflakes that are resting on the trees and the ground. Some snowflakes move out of formation and stick on the windows. My cats are sitting on the window sill enjoying the view and the warmth from the fireplace. My family will not be joining us this year, so I will put up some decorations and of course the old nativity creche that my parents agave me when I was first married in 1970. I have re-thatched the roof several times with moss over the years. I love the message of Christmas and do like to sit and reflect what it means to me and how it makes me be a better person. I have a lot to be so thankful for. The many friends I have made over my lifetime who accept me unconditionally. My son and daughter who have brought me the most joy in my life. My husband who I trust, feel secure with and who is always here for me. I have wonderful memories of a childhood with a best friend and memories that have made me who I am, no matter how painful or wonderful they have been.

I am wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and Hanukkah, Peace of Mind, Love and Tolerance of each other in the new year. Be Happiness Itself.

Deck the Halls

Bear Tagging

What Happy Looks Like

Sedona is always smiling....unless she is deep in thought while observing Elmo on a video (which is limited in the household). I cannot believe that Sedona is already 16 months old and walking and signing and understands things you say to her. She is such a happy baby and finds humor in everyday things. She makes me think about how I start my day. I am definitely in a different place since she was born. She has been an inspiration for me and I find myself asking more questions which has lead me inward. It's amazing to me how much Sedona has grown, not only physically, but mentally in such a short time. If she is growing, what have I been doing? I'm growing too and have learned to find balance and truths in the things around me that I am involved in everyday. Forgiveness, love and accepting of myself and others. Going with the flow, appreciating what I have and looking forward to where I am going. Thankful for people who have come and gone in my life and all the blessings I can truly see today. All of this because of a sweet baby girl who loves to laugh and always has a smile for Grammy.