Thursday, November 26, 2009

Giving Thanks


Here's a little something I wrote last year about the Holiday Season, and well, I still feel this way so I thought I'd share it again. :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all - friend, foe, those I know, and those whom I do not. May we all have somewhere to be and have someone to love.

Love to all

***

This is the time of year when my very soul is enlivened by the delicious scents of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, when apple cobblers and pumpkin pies are baked in our homes, when cozy boots, sweaters, and scarves clothe us all, when Halloween, Thanksgiving (my most beloved holiday) and Christmas impend their promised magic, when luscious wreathes adorn inviting doors, pumpkins are carved and their seeds baked, and Christmas music fills the air. The weather cools promising snow angels and icicles for many, when geese leave for winter, when children giggle as they whisper their greatest of wishes to Jolly St. Nic, when homes are warmed by blazing fires, when candlelight flickers and glows in windowsills, when families walk under the night sky to enjoy the neighborhood's lights, when friends stop in to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or spiced cider, when family visits from afar, and when stockings are hung by the chimney with care. When New York City is jiving with rosy-cheeked ice skaters, when Salt Lake City bustles with excited reverence while it's lighted Temple is a beacon in the nights, when choirs raise their voices in joy and praise, when parents become suddenly secretive so as to hide their family's gifts, when life ~ even if just for a while ~ is cheerful and sweet. When we lay aside our cares and worries, when we create with gladness in our hearts the very magic the season is intended for, when we come home and warm the chill from our fingertips, when we watch a little longer the the giddy playing of bundled children outside, when we sip our cocoa and slowly savor the marshmallows just that much more, when pieces of candy canes stick to content children's smiling cheeks, and when we relax in our warmed homes while our children play in the golden and rusty leaves outside. When Halloween begs us to give a trick or a treat, when Thanksgiving reminds us what is really important, when Christmas brings it's resounding joy. When we bring glad tidings to those less fortunate than ourselves.

Oh how I wish this were so year 'round, oh how I wish.
Until such a time, I will hold tightly to my season, to the cheer in which my soul so delights!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

NieNie on the Today Show

Our beloved Stephanie Nielson is on the Today Show today. Please enjoy, and then go hug your loved ones!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Mine Heart Doth Swell

Man, oh man. This kid makes my heart swell with pride. Have you ever heard a more eloquent and well-spoken 10-year-old in your life?! May this child be blessed with a smooth and clear path in his studies of law in years to come and may the world be in turn blessed with his heart and mind to indeed create and promote 'liberty and justice for all".

I am just beaming right now!!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Long Live the Queen


Last night I had the awesome opportunity to see comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean LIVE! Let's just put it this way: Lisa and I are new BFFs. ;) lol She's great. I had the ballz to go up to her after the show and ask her if she happened to be in need of a professional makeup artist. The door wasn't exactly a closed one...

So anyway, love Lisa. Check her out here, here, here, and here.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Being Thankful

This post is a bit early this year, but, once again, Stephanie Nielson has inspired me this morning with this post.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, my favorite, favorite, favorite. The main reason for this is because there is absolutely no greed involved at any time during the celebration. It is all about the opposite of greed - being thankful. Oh how I love that!

So if I may, I would love to list that which I am so very grateful for - from the important to the not-so-important:

* My husband, through thick and thin
* Our girls, for the joy they bring
* Our home, which keeps us warm
* Our car, 'cause she's trusty
* My job, it puts dinner on the table
* My mind, it keeps me entertained ;)
* The Internet, it keeps me connected
* Seasons, for keeping life interesting
* Autumn, for the coziness it brings
* Change, for the learning
* Hardship, to better appreciate the good
* Friends, with whom to enjoy life
* My cats! No explanation necessary
* Our good country, for opportunity and safety
* Our wonderful president, for his ability and strength
* Comedy, for cheering me on sad days
* Hope, for teaching me to have it

Really, there is much more. So many little things throughout the day that make me smile for feel comforted. Since I was a small girl I have always counted my blessings. And not out of guilt or requirement or fear, but really just because I have always been blessed with the understanding that I need to be grateful for what I have. Perhaps it came out of poverty, or loss, but whatever the reason, one more thing that I am grateful for is a time where everyone gives thanks. It doesn't matter to whom, some it's to their god, for others like me it's to my family, but either way, it is a really warm feeling to know that at least for one day, people across our great country are thankful all at once.

Lastly, please enjoy this warming message from the LDS church. Thank you!



Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Christmas Linkage!!

OK. So this year I am working hard and saving money for our Big Move. So in lieu of said saving, Christmas this year is going to be more modest than it has been in years past. My husband insists on getting me something, so I told him I'll take on of these and one of these. I will be quite happy with those. Not to mention, my dear, sweet mother-in-law is getting me on of these. I am quite the lucky girl. I know exactly what I am going to get/do for each of our girls, and am still undecided on what to get DH. In fact, he is quite possibly the hardest person to shop for in the history of hardest people to shop for. This is mainly because he doesn't "need anything". Which, in terms of the reality of who he is, it's true. I wanted to get him one of these, but considering the move, I'll wait 'til we're settled into our new abode. Books are always something he'll enjoy, but which book is the real question at hand here. Perhaps a gift certificate? But then he'll just view it as money sitting there that could be used for more practical things. Oy vey, is he hard to shop for! Collections? His are full. Hobbies? None to speak of at the moment.

Sigh. I'll figure it out. In the meantime, I am just workin' my little tail off trying to save up for both Christmas and the move. Not to mention, come January, my hours will be cut down because the Holiday Shopping Rush will have ended. No significant complaints, though. All is indeed well.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Mme. Chanel at Home



If I had the time (and maybe a more intense interest) I would love to study fashion. Moreover, interior design. But Mme. Chanel is a real inspiration to me for her fresh and classic fashion sense.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is one of my top two favorite periods for art, aside from Renaissance. Upon looking at both styles, I see in both a hint of romanticism and simply romance. I love discovering and analyzing things that I like!

Here are some examples:

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Not For The Faint Of Heart

This is so not for me, but I know a few people who would love it. *shudder*




If You Can't Do It, The Can Man Can!

LDS Temples



For anyone interested in learning about LDS temples. If anything, they're very beautiful!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

 
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