Have another cup...

Have another cup of tea, or perhaps some java? There are so many vessels by which to drink a hot beverage, especially first thing in the morning. My tea cup of choice is this one. It's a good start to my day.



I love this Mary Englebreit mug. It makes me happy first thing in the morning - very cheery. What is your cup of choice?


Artwork and mug designed by Mary Engelbreit, Inc.

Spring Flowers...mmm not quite yet!

It happened.

Just when I was beginning to see signs of Spring in my garden, bam, we were in the midst of a two day blizzard.


Even now as I write, we are still getting mini snow falls.

I was sitting in my room this morning reading (every woman needs a room of her own -thank you Virginia Woolfe). I would occasionally look out the windows and see a very beautiful and peaceful sight. Snow falling from the third floor is nothing more than a visual delight. Of course, if one has to travel in it, well, then it may be not so pretty. However, if you're sitting in a cozy chair with your feet up on an ottoman, reading a good book, with your knitting bag by your side, and no place to go, well, life is good! I do miss seeing my Marionette daffodil leaves popping up, Rosario irises starting to grow, and Tulip leaves. I believe they will make it through this. The snow is just part of the winter season, so take heart; spring is on its way soon.

Feasting and Celebrating!

Approximately five years ago, Allen and I began a journal entitled "The Feast and Celebration" book. The purpose of this book is to record family and friends' visits for holidays. It lists the people that attend and the menu. I decorate each page to add to the festive occasion. I use Susan Branch stickers, which is the only way there would be any type of "graphics" on the page, since an Artist, I am not.





I love the fact that we began this book. It was Allen's suggestion, and I gladly took him up on it. Soon after a holiday is over, I take the book out, and record it. We have enjoyed looking back and reminescing about one holiday or another. I believe keeping a record of sorts, whether it is photos, scrapbooking, journals etc. is a wonderful way to keep your family's legacy alive.

Peek a Boo!

There is still snow on the ground in NJ - alot of it. However,in our frontyard where the sun beats down like the Arizona sun, most of the sun has melted it. And do I mean melted! Take a look at the tulip leaves that have popped up!



And the Marionette Daffodils are doing the same thing!



Let's write about the Rosario Irises.


Just unbelievable! :)

Debbie and her Father

Artist: Pablo Picasso

I've been friends with a girl name Debbie since the sixth grade. When she came into my classroom on the first day of school, we immediately bonded, and have been friends ever since. She's one of the most thoughtful and kind human beings that I could ever ask to have as a friend.

Now, I've known Debbie's family for as long as I've known her; let me put it in years - forty one to be exact. Her Father always enjoyed kidding around with me about everything. When I would ring their house doorbell, he'd answer it and say "we gave at the office" and shut the door. One time when I was going there to swim in their super deluxe pool, he answered the door, asked me if I had a club membership card. When I replied "no" he shut the door. He then would re-open the door with a smile on his face. The next weekend, he gave me a club membership card he had printed up. I always enjoyed those times, and vividly remember them with a smile.

Once he took Debbie and I up in his airplane, and was so very concerned about my weakness for motion sickness. We flew along the shoreline, stopped to have breakfast, and flew back to the local airport. What an event that was for me! I didn't stop telling people about it for weeks (until I caught on that they were tired of hearing about it). Mr. "C" as I liked to call him is just a great man, a devoted Husband and a terrific Father.

Mr. C is having some health difficulties. It's a scary time for all of us, especially for his wife and three daughters. I'm trying to help Debbie in any way I can, but somehow the words just aren't enough. She listened to me cry uncontrollably when my Father was dying, and she cried with me. I know this is my turn to cry with her. I am a firm believer that when the sun shines, soak it in like a juicy peach. Life moves fast. I will always have a special spot in my heart for Debbie and her family.
Happy Birthday Debbie. You are truly a great friend.

Art and Poetry...

Quote by Marie von Ebner Eschenbach
Artwork by Mary Engelbreit

The beauty in this quote is endless...
What thoughts come to mind when you read it?

Happy Valentine's Weekend!!

It certainly is beautiful!

I love when I see children having fun outside in the snow. It brings back a wealth of great memories from my childhood. Snow, cold, snowballs, accessories for the snowman, hot cocoa, wet boots and gloves, dry socks and clothes (the latter thanks to Mom), all come running back to me when we get alot of snow. Which we did. Approximately one foot or so.

Most adults look at snow in completely different ways. Responsibilites are more serious, and reality is just that...reality.

I may not have built a snowman yesterday, however, last night Allen and I went out for a walk, admiring the beautiful beautiful way the snow hung on all the different types of trees. The sky was midnight blue in contrast to the purely driven white snow. It is so easy to walk in the middle of the road because there is nary a car in sight. The silence is magical and so is the art that nature paints.

Surround yourself...

with friends who support you.




I believe it is vital to our souls to have friendships. There is something I have always thought over the years, and that is: any two "friends" can go out and have a good time. It's the rainy days of being there that really count.

I love meeting women of all backgrounds. For me it is a learning experience in the world of life. No two people come to the table with the exact same personalities, life experiences, etc. They expand my world, and that is a growth factor for me.

We didn't move around as a family in my childhood. Therefore, college opened my eyes to the big 'ole beautiful world (academically and socially), and I fell in love with it. Over the years, I have met people whom I have forged a strong bond with. I have two gems that I have known since grade school, and wonderful women I have met while dipping my toes in the blogworld. As the years pass by, my thoughts and feelings about friends does not change. Friends are to be valued - a very important part of my life map, and I consider myself extremely fortunate.

When someone calls me their friend it is a gift, and I treasure it and try my best to feed it, so it continues to grow. I consider Allen to be my best friend, however, I also love the women friendships I have. Covet your girlfriends, they are a treasure trove.

Cherish

Recently, I was looking at photos on my Inspiration board. I saw a photo of my Mother and Father on their wedding day. I've posted it before, however, I never get tired of looking at them. There is a photo of me at a family picnic. I must have been about nine or ten years of age. And a decorative pillow that has the words "CHERISH" on it.



I love and cherish these photos because of who is in it. My parents and my youth. I cannot bring my Father back, nor can I return to a childhood age. My Father was a wonderful man, and my Mother is a beautiful lady. The photo of me makes me think I want to grow up to be just like them. ;)

LET'S GIVE A BIG SHOUT OUT!

To all those Military, Police, Fire, EMS, Coast Guard and Life Guard who everyday go out to work and risk their lives for others. It amazes me on a grand scale, when I think of these fine people dedicating their mind and body for the sole purpose of making our society a safe and better place.

I think it would be a great gesture if we all said "thank you" to them, whenever we have the opportunity! I am sure they would see the sense of pride in your eyes, and hear the sincerity in your voice.

I apologize if I've missed any specific group. You can most certainly add to the list, if you'd like. Most importantedly, THANK YOU is the key.

Fondly,
~Kathleen