Do you ever find yourself in a moment, a day, or perhaps longer, wondering where all the pretty went? Sometimes, it can be a challenge to see the pretty in life, some days just seem gray, and some times in life can be shadowed by that same grayness.
As a person who struggles with depression, this time of year can be particularly hard. The vibrant colors of life seem to vanish, or at least look quite dull, possibly due to the continuous cloudy days we experience here during the winter months. I am tempted to indulge in my sadness, as it is much more challenging to see the beauty in life right now. But...
I will work to resist that urge and instead I will focus on something better, something brighter.
The holidays are here and it is supposed to be a time of all good things. Today, that doesn't feel real, but if I let my thoughts linger on it for just a moment, if I close my eyes and recall the joy and excitement of a child at this time of year...I can muster up a smile and then it spreads. The smile spreads from my mouth to my eyes and then it finds it's way into my heart.
A friend on twitter often shares this message, or something similar...
"The most beautiful thing this side of heaven is the smile of a child."
I couldn't agree more. Have you noticed how magnificent the smile of a child is...how bright and full of life, how it is almost as if you experience their joy just by witnessing their smile?
This is where I will find the pretty in my days when the sun is not shining...right in the faces of my children and in their smiles.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
If It Sparkles
Something about the sparkly things in life that get this girl going. I don't know if there is a natural inclination to be attracted to things that glow, or if I am just lucky to find so much beauty in often such small things.
I find myself especially fond of objects that sparkle with that same kind of light as a diamond, it's purity might be what draws me in... I get lost there in gazing upon such lovely things. I think my eyes might be lighting up now as I think on it.
We are all drawn to light I suppose, especially in the darkness. It may be that I see hope in the sparkles of life. Either way, no matter the reason, if it sparkles, it delights me.
My favorite pin, upon my favorite denim jacket.
"We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle." - Marilyn Monroe
I find myself especially fond of objects that sparkle with that same kind of light as a diamond, it's purity might be what draws me in... I get lost there in gazing upon such lovely things. I think my eyes might be lighting up now as I think on it.
We are all drawn to light I suppose, especially in the darkness. It may be that I see hope in the sparkles of life. Either way, no matter the reason, if it sparkles, it delights me.
My favorite pin, upon my favorite denim jacket.
"We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle." - Marilyn Monroe
Thursday, November 12, 2009
So Thankful!
Inspired by a contest, I want to share with you the importance of the Thanksgiving holiday to me and traditions that we have in our family. Like so many others, I love the holiday season, and I want to enjoy each holiday without rushing on to the next too quickly! The hustle and bustle and the rush, rush of the retail stores makes me weary, so, I just have to take a step back and breathe...and focus on what is going on now.
Very soon, we will gather as a family, enjoy an incredible meal and be thankful for our blessings...it is as simple as that! We do have some traditions in place that make our holiday special and meaningful to us and yet, many years we have been known to throw in something a little different just for fun, but the mainstays of the holiday are what I will share today...
The burden is not put on one person to cook the meal...we all contribute...whether it's rolls or a casserole to the main course we try to split it up, usually among the women, so that we all contribute. It is a little easier to do this now that us "kids" are all grown up and we contribute almost as much as the Mama's (I know my mom will chuckle at that!). The Mama's now consist of my mom, her sister and two of her cousins, but if we were to really lay it on the table, I would have to say my mom and her cousin Linda do the bulk of the preparations. Even still, we do try to share the responsibilities. My sister-in-law, Nichole, is always a huge part of the labor involved as well.
Texas Potatoes! None of us are from Texas, but we have been enjoying this dish for years! It has now become my "specialty" and I enjoy making it every year for Thanksgiving. I think I am correct to say it is a favorite of almost everyone in our family. I was thrilled when my mom first asked me to make it and I am always eager to prepare it every year, most years I now make a double order so that we get left overs and are sure to have enough! Want the recipe? I'll insert it at the bottom of this post!
Circle of Prayer. We gather in a big circle before the meal, hold hands, and pray together. We ask God to bless the food and we thank Him for our family, our time together, and for our abundance of blessings. Even in difficult times, there are always so many things to be thankful for. Our circle of prayer is a time when that really hits home for me and I can relish in my gratitude.
Times are changing and things are always in transition, but the last few years we have celebrated Thanksgiving at my mom's house. I love celebrating the holiday at this house. My parents have not had this house for very long, but it feels like "home" to me and especially when it is filled with my favorite people. I don't typically do well at group functions, especially not big ones, but this bunch is one I really enjoy... I have to admit, I have missed far too much of the fun in recent years because I usually end up taking a big nap in the middle of the day, (my own personal tradition) but I am hoping this year I will feel more energetic!
Fun and Games! In addition to the Wii, that is a big hit with the grandchildren at Nana and Pa's house, we usually play games such as Uno, Sequence, and traditional card games. It is always funny to see who ends up being the most competitive!
The Plaza Lighting Ceremony: this is a tradition in the whole Kansas City Metro area. We don't always get to watch it "live", sometimes it is just too cold or we are not up for the crowd. It is always televised on Thanksgiving night, but seeing it for yourelf is a delight and a great way to kick off the real beginning of the Christmas season! The architecture and fountains down at the Plaza are just gorgeous, the shopping is fabulous, the food is some of Kansas City's finest... it is an area worth celebrating and it is fun for the whole family to watch as it all instantaneously becomes aglow with Christmas lights!
Of coarse, after Thanksgiving, the shopping and chaos in preparation for the holidays really begins. You might find yourself in the midst of this very soon in stores like Target, (Target is the lovely sponsor of this contest!) with parents hurrying to get the most popular toy of the season before it sells out. Being that we are in some challenging economic times, lots of us, will not be able to go with gusto into the season of shopping. But looking back on Thanksgiving, we can remember what is most important...such as our loved ones, the memories, and the moments of joy we share with one another, just being.
Very soon, we will gather as a family, enjoy an incredible meal and be thankful for our blessings...it is as simple as that! We do have some traditions in place that make our holiday special and meaningful to us and yet, many years we have been known to throw in something a little different just for fun, but the mainstays of the holiday are what I will share today...
The burden is not put on one person to cook the meal...we all contribute...whether it's rolls or a casserole to the main course we try to split it up, usually among the women, so that we all contribute. It is a little easier to do this now that us "kids" are all grown up and we contribute almost as much as the Mama's (I know my mom will chuckle at that!). The Mama's now consist of my mom, her sister and two of her cousins, but if we were to really lay it on the table, I would have to say my mom and her cousin Linda do the bulk of the preparations. Even still, we do try to share the responsibilities. My sister-in-law, Nichole, is always a huge part of the labor involved as well.
Texas Potatoes! None of us are from Texas, but we have been enjoying this dish for years! It has now become my "specialty" and I enjoy making it every year for Thanksgiving. I think I am correct to say it is a favorite of almost everyone in our family. I was thrilled when my mom first asked me to make it and I am always eager to prepare it every year, most years I now make a double order so that we get left overs and are sure to have enough! Want the recipe? I'll insert it at the bottom of this post!
Circle of Prayer. We gather in a big circle before the meal, hold hands, and pray together. We ask God to bless the food and we thank Him for our family, our time together, and for our abundance of blessings. Even in difficult times, there are always so many things to be thankful for. Our circle of prayer is a time when that really hits home for me and I can relish in my gratitude.
Times are changing and things are always in transition, but the last few years we have celebrated Thanksgiving at my mom's house. I love celebrating the holiday at this house. My parents have not had this house for very long, but it feels like "home" to me and especially when it is filled with my favorite people. I don't typically do well at group functions, especially not big ones, but this bunch is one I really enjoy... I have to admit, I have missed far too much of the fun in recent years because I usually end up taking a big nap in the middle of the day, (my own personal tradition) but I am hoping this year I will feel more energetic!
Fun and Games! In addition to the Wii, that is a big hit with the grandchildren at Nana and Pa's house, we usually play games such as Uno, Sequence, and traditional card games. It is always funny to see who ends up being the most competitive!
The Plaza Lighting Ceremony: this is a tradition in the whole Kansas City Metro area. We don't always get to watch it "live", sometimes it is just too cold or we are not up for the crowd. It is always televised on Thanksgiving night, but seeing it for yourelf is a delight and a great way to kick off the real beginning of the Christmas season! The architecture and fountains down at the Plaza are just gorgeous, the shopping is fabulous, the food is some of Kansas City's finest... it is an area worth celebrating and it is fun for the whole family to watch as it all instantaneously becomes aglow with Christmas lights!
Of coarse, after Thanksgiving, the shopping and chaos in preparation for the holidays really begins. You might find yourself in the midst of this very soon in stores like Target, (Target is the lovely sponsor of this contest!) with parents hurrying to get the most popular toy of the season before it sells out. Being that we are in some challenging economic times, lots of us, will not be able to go with gusto into the season of shopping. But looking back on Thanksgiving, we can remember what is most important...such as our loved ones, the memories, and the moments of joy we share with one another, just being.
Texas Potatoes
1 Large Bag of Hash Browns (I use the diced potatoes)
12 oz. Sour Cream
2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 1/2 sticks melted butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
Mix together. Spread over Hash Browns (which you have placed in a sprayed 9 x 13 pan)
Top with approx. 3 cups crushed corn flakes mixed with 1/2 - 1 stick of melted butter.
Do not cover.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
1 Large Bag of Hash Browns (I use the diced potatoes)
12 oz. Sour Cream
2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 1/2 sticks melted butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
Mix together. Spread over Hash Browns (which you have placed in a sprayed 9 x 13 pan)
Top with approx. 3 cups crushed corn flakes mixed with 1/2 - 1 stick of melted butter.
Do not cover.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
More Fall Fun
I have to admit, I don't get out near as much as I would like to, and I am just not even close to being as active as I would like...but I am improving and part of my new approach to life includes making a greater effort to do things as a family, FUN things! After all, life is much prettier while you're having fun!
This last week we had a great time creating our first ever homemade scarecrow. My kids and I purchased some burlap, some yarn, a couple buttons and a small bale of straw/hay. The cost should have been around $10-15 but I never seem to get out of the craft store getting only just what I need!
My daughter and I cut a big round pattern for the face, making two of them. We stiched, with big black yarn, the circles together leaving the bottom open for stuffing and the "neck". Button eyes, some fabric marker, and a lot of family fun stuffing the straw into all of it's body parts...
Voila!
We quickly determined that we will use a smaller shirt next year, a lot less stuffing needed! But we really did enjoy ourselves, all of us, including my husband. We get to see the fruits of our labor every day, greeting us in typical Fall fashion, and wearing a big smile.
A couple more pics of some fall decorating I have done... nothing extravagant, we have a small home, but I like to bring a bit of the season inside.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Pillows and Pumpkins
Have you ever found yourself looking at your surroundings... and thinking how you don't know if you can look at the same "stuff" one more moment...because it has just lost its luster, gathered too much dust, or seems like a permanent fixture rather than a piece of decor?
I think sometimes we just need a new perspective and often I know I just need a little bit of a change. Doing things in my home to change it up and add a new color or texture... or moving a picture, a new candle over here...a different lamp over there...it just freshens life up for me!
I am a lover of pillows...I love throw pillows, especially the feather-filled kind, but really, if it looks pretty, that is what matters most to me! I recently updated my pillows in my living room and it helped me a ton! I tell you what, if anyone ever says I'm difficult...remind them of how much joy I get from the simple things, won't you?
I also decided to change out my silverware caddy, and that seems quite small and insignificant, but it changes the whole feel of things to me in my kitchen, and now this one single decorative, and functional item sets the tone for my fall accessories...candle holders, trays, dishes...you name it, if I already have it and can tune it to Fall, I will try. I will very soon bring these things out of hiding and begin scattering pumpkin dust and cinnamon sprinkles around the house. In fact, I wonder if I should start now...I feel my creative juices flowing...or perhaps I'm thinking of hot apple cider?
I believe Fall has arrived here... cool crisp air, warm blankets are sounding awfully cozy, and I even wore a pair of jeans the other night...And, as a side note... pumpkins are a favorite of mine during the season. I think it is because my mom always used to call me "punkin"!
I think sometimes we just need a new perspective and often I know I just need a little bit of a change. Doing things in my home to change it up and add a new color or texture... or moving a picture, a new candle over here...a different lamp over there...it just freshens life up for me!
I am a lover of pillows...I love throw pillows, especially the feather-filled kind, but really, if it looks pretty, that is what matters most to me! I recently updated my pillows in my living room and it helped me a ton! I tell you what, if anyone ever says I'm difficult...remind them of how much joy I get from the simple things, won't you?
I also decided to change out my silverware caddy, and that seems quite small and insignificant, but it changes the whole feel of things to me in my kitchen, and now this one single decorative, and functional item sets the tone for my fall accessories...candle holders, trays, dishes...you name it, if I already have it and can tune it to Fall, I will try. I will very soon bring these things out of hiding and begin scattering pumpkin dust and cinnamon sprinkles around the house. In fact, I wonder if I should start now...I feel my creative juices flowing...or perhaps I'm thinking of hot apple cider?
I believe Fall has arrived here... cool crisp air, warm blankets are sounding awfully cozy, and I even wore a pair of jeans the other night...And, as a side note... pumpkins are a favorite of mine during the season. I think it is because my mom always used to call me "punkin"!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Pretty PaperCakes!
Talk about pretty!
I have a new source for all things pretty and cute! Her name is Chelsea and I was blessed to meet her on twitter. I have no idea how our paths crossed, but boy am I glad they did! Her finds and homemade creations tickle my "pretty" fancy each time I take a look at an item she has listed or photos she has posted. I just can't get enough and I am having to use a lot of personal restraint and will power all the time now that I have found her.
Chelsea has an Etsy shop where you can find her creations and she has a beautiful blog where she features other adorable and beautiful baubles and vintage finds. She goes by PaperCakes on Twitter and this blog of hers I mention is titled PaperCakes Finds.
Her most recently listed item is so high on my wanted list, but I have to hold back right now. So maybe you will buy the set of 3 beautiful magnets and send one to me? Seriously, what girl would not want one of these? I dream of Paris, don't you? And anything that sparkles just makes me happy. Not only do a lot of her things sparkle but most are made in a very ECO-friendly manner which just pulls Chelsea and her creations in closer to my heart! 
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Count Your Blessings
Blessings abound...so easy to miss, so easy to count. They are lost and they can be found just by looking a little closer.See the beauty in the flower and all of the worlds magnificent power, unharnessed and in order, it makes my mind fill with wonder.
Just make sure to do it once, or maybe twice a day, it's important, for all bright things can soon turn gray.
Count your blessings, friend or foe, you have them, they are there to cherish, treasure and to know.
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