The Heart of a Child...

Isaiah 11:6 - "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."

This is not a religious post, however, this passage from the Bible seems to be appropriate for the story I am about to share.

I had an email from my cousin Heather yesterday, sharing the fact that her granddaughter will be doing a fundraiser in late February, early March for the Canadian Cancer Society.  I was so deeply touched by this girl who has decided to have her hair cut off to raise money for cancer research.  Very touched indeed when you realize that this is a 7 year old girl with lovely long hair and she has made this decision all on her own.

The Cancer Society wanted to be sure that this was truly the child's decision so she and her mother went for an interview and all was worked out to everyone's satisfaction. They are happy to endorse this fundraiser which will be done at the school my very young cousin attends.

Where did the idea originate?  Well, her father suffered with testicular cancer in his early 20s and there was question as to whether or not he'd be able to father children.  He has and he and Heather's daughter have 2 beautiful little girls.  And I suspect that hearing about and seeing others offer to do this put the thought into the child's head, proving once again that children are very aware of and open to what they see, hear and are surrounded by. 

The joy and the hope that fills me is the evidence once again that cancer affects so many, at so many levels.  Cancer is the wolf and the lion and it lies down beside the innocent, taking them unawares.  And here is this child who is leading the way to show courage and spirit and wanting to do something to protect the innocent.

A blessing indeed.

*edited to add:  Deidra asked if there was a way to contribute to the fundraising.  If you are interested, please send me an email.  I will be happy to discuss this with anyone who is interested.

Eye Candy from Jolie Marche

I've been thinking that I would like to dedicate one day a week to "eye candy".  Things, places, people, blogs that I have come across in my internet travels that I would like to share with others.

I'm going to start today, by sharing an etsy shop I discovered.  Jolie Marche (which means "pretty market" in English), is a shop from Tennessee.  The owner also has items in brick and mortar stores in Franklin, Brentwood and Nashville.

 

I love the fabric of these towels as well as the vintage pattern.

I'm not sure I have the windows for panels like these but they would be lovely in a little corner to add a touch of olde world charm.

 

a simple table runner with an elegant pattern would make any meal special.

and this pillow would make a beautiful addition to any room.

Sometimes it's not about "having", it's about dreaming.

*please note that all photographs are from Jolie Marche and are not to be copied or used in any way.

A Little Housekeeping...

Some lovely things...

The giving, generous, open, warm hearted Se'Lah is doing another Gift of Jewels postcard exchange...the joy of sending and receiving something in the mail from someone in a different part of the world...maybe from your own country, maybe not.  So many have already signed up.  Last day to join the party is Saturday the 30th.  Hope you'll make your way over to Se'Lah's and join us.

My wonderful friend from "over the pond" is Spreading the Love...as only Carolyn can.  Check out this post to see how Carolyn thinks we can progressively spread our love to one another.

I will be doing this -- creating tags to share with those who would like to participate.  The first 5 people who tell me they would like to have a gift of love from me will receive one.  I haven't created my tags yet...but I will over the next few days.  One again...you have to trust me that you will like what I make.

I like Carolyn's rules for playing but I'm bending them a bit.  The idea is for 2 to sign up -- one to get my tag and one to send a tag to me.  But I'm going with 5 who will receive from me and if any of the 5 wish to send one to me in return that would be delightful.

If you play though you must offer tags on your own blog to keep the love going!!

*****

And speaking of things I'm giving away...did I mention that I am giving away more than one surprise?  No?  Well I am....something more to look forward to!!

Remember to leave a comment here by midnight (est) January 31st if you wish to be entered.

Kicking January's Butt...

Allrighty then January, stand up and take it like a man....I'm ready to give it to you with both feet...and be glad that there are so few days left in the month.  I see February on the horizon and while it's still "winter", it's a short month and somehow it seems so much more bearable than January.  Especially since we have had so little snow this year.

In keeping with Christina's desire to think about the simple things in life that bring us joy, here are a few things that I love at this time of year...

* * *

long scarves that I can wrap around my neck more than once to keep me toasty warm

being able to smell whatever perfume I've used on those scarves when I take them off or put them on

 

my green Land's End gloves gifted to me by my friend Colleen ♥

warm sweaters

finding great warm sweaters at thrift/charity shops like Value Village

the Sketchers boots I bought on sale this summer (so warm I don't even need socks!)

Jack Frost patterns on the windows

a heater that works in my car

being able to use the car  rather than having to walk on those really cold mornings

a cup of hot chocolate with crushed left over candy canes

my decaf Americano from Starbucks with a shot of gingerbread or pumpkin syrup to make me feel festive

red velvet cupcakes from Starbucks which they only have at this time of  year

 

homemade soups (like the broccoli/cauliflower one Gillian gave me the recipe for)

crock pot meals like chili or stew

French onion soup that tastes better in January than any other time of year

crusty French bread to tear into and sop up the juices for all those meals

the new high efficiency furnace we had installed last winter which works beautifully and has cut our heating costs considerably

afghans and throws to curl up under

burying my nose in book after book after book

this January it has been John Sandford and Georgette Heyer, as many as possible

watching my son play hockey

 

photo from last season's team - my son in the middle after scoring a goal

having a beer or a glass of wine in the bar before or after one of his games with other parents

swimming in the pool at the gym and then sitting in the hot tub afterwards and pretending I'm somewhere south

this January being grateful for a roof over my head, food on my table, heat in the vents and ground beneath my feet that is solid and firm

and being able to donate what I can where it is needed, when it is needed to those who need it most.

***

It's a little harder to think of things that bring me joy at this time of year.  Perhaps it's because I'm taking things slower, being quiet and conserving energy and warmth.  Those simple things are there and I feel lighter in my heart for having searched them out.  Gratitude goes to Christina for suggesting we do this.

The Simple Things -- Part 3

 

The Simple Things...Part Three - Wednesday, January 27th

Will you join us?  Once again the beautiful soul that resides at Soul Aperture, is hostessing another round of  "The Simple Things".  Christina creates the most amazing lists of things in life that bring joy, bliss, happiness and peace and she encourages the rest of us to do the same.  And believe me, once you know Christina, you will never be the same!!

Part 3 is Christina's way of first of all, "kicking January's butt" (which you know I love!!) and doing something to help in the efforts taking place in Haiti.  This time around, for every blogger who participates in "The Simple Things" Christina's family will donate $1.00 to the relief fund.

Something as simple as making a list of things that you are grateful for and make you happy.  Check out the link above or simply go here for more information and indicate that you will be participating so that Christina can link to you on her blog.  I hope you will join us tomorrow.

For today, I want to thank everyone for your heartfelt sympathies and comments on my post from yesterday.  It may be "a simple thing" to offer words of comfort, but the intent is large and the thanks and gratitude are immeasurable.  ♥

Misty Memories...

The little one on the right, the one who is trying to get up out of that chair and make a run for it?  My sister Arlene.

Don't let that fool you though.  For years she tried to keep up with me.  Followed in my footsteps, wanted to be with me, to play with me and my friends, to tag along, to be included in my world. At times I think she wanted to be me.  For much of that time I hurried to get away.  Older sisters do that.  We have our own lives, our own friends, our own world.  Most certainly I played with her and included her, but there were times when I remember saying to our mother as Arlene would be getting up from her nap, "please, please, please just keep her in for a little longer."  Try as she might, that little bull (she was all Taurus) would come charging out the door yelling "She She, where are you?"

She's been gone 10 years today.  Maybe yesterday if I'm honest.  I don't know exactly what time she died, but I know I couldn't reach her on the phone on the 24th and found her on the 25th.  It's hard to imagine these 10 years without her as part of my life.  What I'd give to have her squeezing her way in, to not be left behind or left out.  I wish I'd shown her more love and understanding when we were children.  Our childhood was so mixed up and troubled and it is only in retrospect that I've learned just how much so.

I've long made my peace with our childhood, our lives and her absence.  But there is no doubt that I miss her every single day.

While I Am Gone...

*image eco gift wrap originally uploaded to flickr by tomate d'epingle February 2009

I have been very blessed over the last few months to be the recipient of other people's giveaways.

It is now time to give back.

While I'm away, please leave a comment on this post for a chance to win my giveaway.

This one is a surprise -- I'm not telling what it is.  You'll have to trust me that it will be lovely.

I'll make the drawing for the winner on February 1st.  A lovely way to start a new month.

A Little Break...

Having a slow winter and things are getting away from me.

Time to take a little break from the computer to attend to business.

Remembered...Never Forgotten

In the name of love...

In Our Own Backyard...

 *image "love thy neighbour" from art.com

This has been on my mind over the last week as we've moved forward from the actual earthquake itself, into rescue, relief and clean up in Haiti.  As we know from other natural disasters such as the Tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 that claimed over 300,000 people, to Hurricane Katrina and the damage done closer to home in Louisiana and Mississippi, the relief and clean up endeavours can take a great deal of time.  There is an urge to "help" and do something that is immediate, and the rest of the caring world swings into action to give that relief.  And then it stops and we move on.  We've done our part and feel good about that.

Is it really "over"?  No,  not really.  There are people in the Indian Ocean islands who will never recover what has been lost, who will struggle even more than they did before.  Just as there are people in Louisiana and Mississippi who are worse off than they were before Katrina.  Those who were existing below the poverty level in any country are always hardest hit when disaster strikes.

But this is not meant to be a social commentary ... as such.  I'm thinking more in the vein of how quickly we look out towards others who are far away and yet we are often ignorant of or blind to the need that exists in our own backyards.

I'm not for one minute taking away the validity or the value of human kindness towards others and the doing, giving and sharing towards those who are in need this moment in Haiti.  Not at all.

The other day I spoke about putting my own concerns and worries into perspective.  I was talking about things that I cannot change or have no control over which are worthless to concern myself with in the first place.  And how easily we fall into that in our daily lives until something much larger, with a much bigger impact makes us realize how blessed we really are.

There are, however, personal circumstances and situations that are valid and must be given attention.  Anyone who is facing potential loss of income, or a house foreclosure, serious health issues that are affecting themselves or someone they love.  Those are not trivial and while care and love and concern for others is there, it is not and must not be the focus.  Our own trials, tribulations and disasters take precedence with our hearts and prayers going out to others.  We give what we can within our means.

As the world turns it's attention in these next weeks and months towards Haiti, my heart goes out to others who have suffered in this world.  Many of them in our own countries.  Those who face daily trials and see no hope to a future -- they live below the poverty line, they are homeless, they might even be our nextdoor neighbour who has lost a family income, feeding the family from food banks and wondering how the next mortgage payment will be made.

Please, in all of our compassion and caring and sending money and aid, please remember this,

Love Thy Neighbour.

For every dollar you are sending to Haiti relief, why not match that donation to the Salvation Army or United Way programme in your own city?

If you haven't the funds to do that, remember to include those who live closest to you in your prayers for those in Haiti.

Putting Things Into Perspective

Earlier this week I was struggling with my feelings on a particular subject.  Something that had happened that had annoyed me, disappointed me and brought out my "mother bear" instincts.  It was all about something I wanted for my child, because it was something that he wanted to happen for himself.  And it didn't.  Not because of something or anything he did or did not do.  Simply because of someone else's (or a few someones) perspective, objectivity or subjectivity.  And politics.  And a few other variables that are not possible to control.  I believe we all have days like this.  Times when life hands something down and we react emotionally.  Perhaps we try to make sense of something that cannot be made sense of.  And waste precious, valuable time "worrying" or "stressing" about something that in fact is a non-issue.

Whenever something like this happens and one of my children is disappointed, I listen, we talk and I try to point out the value in the experience.  Where can we find the lesson or the good points.  How can we take those feelings and create a different outlook.  Sometimes I need to do this with them to remind myself.  Like "giving my head a shake" as one good friend is fond of saying.

My mind is filled with compassion, concern, worry and heartache over the crisis in Haiti.  Seeing so much loss and destruction.  And I've been thinking about Marion's comment from yesterday's post, about talking about situations like this with children...how to explain what is happening.  Marion talked about Mr. Rogers and his recommendation to parents that we talk about hope and the good that others are doing in situations like this.  So simple really.  Where we put our focus.  Not on "what happened" but "what we can do about it".  It isn't only children who need to hear this -- we all do. How can we ever make sense of natural disasters like this?  We might know why they happen scientifically but we need to make sense of things like this in our hearts.  And it is by doing and hoping that we can achieve that.

Given everything that has happened this week, the tragedy that happens everywhere, every day to lesser or greater extents, it has helped me to put my own concerns into perspective.  To realize the many blessings in my life and to once again give thanks as I ask for blessings for those who are so much less fortunate, especially in the aftermath of an earthquake where real terror and need will become apparent.

Making a Difference In the World...Won't You?

  *image originally uploaded to flickr by espressoDOM August 2008

We can all make a difference in this world.

Every single day we have the opportunity to do that.

I start every day with this as part of a prayer --

I ask to be blessed so that I can make a difference.

I never know how that difference will come about or what it will be.

I just open myself to the possibility.

By today, there isn't a single person in any civilized part of the world who hasn't heard about the destruction and devastation in Haiti.

Some of you will have already made your financial donations to help through the Red Cross in your own country, or perhaps through some other goodwill organization. 
Perhaps you are still looking for somewhere that you can do something in a way that is right for you.

Yesterday I was reading Deryn Mentock's blog.

An incredible artist and a very faith based soul, Deryn immediately went into action when she read about the disaster in Haiti.

Please read this post of Deryn's.

Make a difference.

Please.

If you are unable to bid on this beautiful piece of jewelry, please make a donation through paypal.

*image from Deryn Mentock's blog and is not to be copied.

If you are unable help financially

then praying,

sending positive thoughts,

whatever it is you do,

please do it.

As Gandhi said:

"You must be the change you want to see in the world"

Comfort...

It's a grey day

without sunshine

the sunshine

that feeds my soul

and warms me right through

It's a cold day

so I wear an extra sweater

and my furry slippers over socks on my feet

and turn the furnace up just a notch to take the chill out of the air

It's a perfect day to have my coffee in a bright yellow mug

the one that fits perfectly into my palms

and warms me like toast

or to create art using only yellow and orange

It's a perfect day to drink white tea flavoured with raspberry

and dream of the wonderfully healthy beverage

I'm sharing with my whole body

It's a perfect day to lose myself in a good book

this one that I'm reading right now seems fitting for the day

It's a perfect day to dream...

as I begin the new journey

with

Mondo Beyondo

Find your comfort where you can

xo

You Are Loved...

And it is so.

YOU

ARE

LOVED 

How easy it is to forget that.  Or to feel it and truly believe it.

Sometimes we need a friend to remind us.  To share that love with us.

A friend to whisper those words and to send them winging their way to you for the times when you just need to hear their softness and their echo.  To know that who you are is enough.

I was blessed with this message and these wings of love by my friend Christina.  We haven't known one another very long, and yet there is a connection of spirit and soul and humour (she knows what I mean when I say I'm "facety"!) and love that flies back and forth. 

 

This was part of my birthday gift from Christina and I will cherish it always.  Made by artist Susanna Gordon who believes in spreading love through her Winged Messengers.

Christina shares her love through her blog, where it is a delight to be warmed and hugged by her words and her photography.  A place to have your soul comforted and to rejoice in life.

We are all loved.  We are all graced with the ability to give and to receive love.  How blessed am I to know this and to have received such a heartfelt and heart warming gift.

Who will you tell today that they are loved?  Will you look in the mirror, or simply wrap your arms around yourself and remind yourself that you are loved?

Meet Lynda Naranjo...

Enter through this door into the world of photographer and fellow Canadian, Lynda Naranjo.  I first met Lynda when she was writing her blog "Among the Hedgerows" and selling at etsy through her shop of the same name.  Increasingly we were treated to more and more of Lynda's beautiful photography and at one point I remember asking when she was going to begin selling her beautiful work.  "Sssshhh" was the response (I'm paraphrasing!), as Lynda let me in on the little secret that she was shifting gears and moving in the direction her heart was telling her to follow.  Photography was her muse and it could no longer be ignored or denied.

 

I asked Lynda if she would grant me the pleasure of allowing me to interview her as part of my fresh start in this new year and she has graciously agreed.  Please join us as we learn a little more about Lynda and her art.

♥

You started blogging and selling on etsy at Among the Hedgerows and then moved into the photography.  When did you notice the shift in your focus as to where you wanted to concentrate and focus your artistic creativity?

When I opened “Among the Hedgerows” on Etsy, I planned to sell note cards featuring my photos along with vintage items (buttons, ephemera, etc.).  A problem with printing the cards sent me in another direction (tags) but early last year, I realized that I wasn’t following my heart.  Opening a new shop was a huge decision but I felt that I needed a new venue solely for my photography.

How long have you been interested in photography and what drew you to this form of art?

I’ve always wanted to paint but could never put on paper what I saw with my eyes.  While studying Interior Design at college, I took a photography elective and fell in love with the camera.  It took me over a dozen years before I followed that path but thanks to my camera and Photoshop, I’m finally “painting”!

What usually inspires or motivates your decision/desire to capture a particular photograph?

I love still life photography.  That probably goes back to my interior design training, but I love to arrange vignettes and photograph them.  My garden is another inspiration … especially my roses.  Some days the light will shine through the window in a certain way and I just have to grab my camera.

Are there any designers and/or photographers who inspire your particular style of photography?

Toshi Otsuki from the old Victoria magazines.  I still flip through these magazines when I’m looking for ideas and his style continues to inspire me.  Michael Skott is another favourite and I’m constantly inspired by the amazing photographers on Flickr.

What kind of camera(s) do you use?

I’m a Canon girl and use a Canon Rebel XSi.  My 50mm lens is my favourite.

 

Lynda Naranjo can be found on her photography blog, on her everyday life blog, From the Heart, on her website, flickr site, and her etsy shop.

Lynda is having a 25% off sale in her etsy shop during the month of January.  Please take a moment to view more of her elegant and vibrant photography.

*please note that all photographs are the property of Lynda Naranjo.  They are used here with her permission and are not to be copied.

Feeling Blue...

*feeling blue originally uploaded to flickr by Grant Hamilton, July 2007

I'm feeling blue.  Not sad, not depressed, perhaps a little melancholy and definitely blue.  It's nothing unusual and nothing that will last.  I've learned over the years that this January lethargy is quite the norm for me. I'm really not a winter person and find that I'm happiest when I'm cocooning and finding ways to pass the colder days without having to venture far.

I've learned and continue to learn to trust myself.  To know how I function, how I roll, how I swing from side-to-side and rise up and down in moods and emotions.  I didn't always know this.  Knowing it now is a gift.

I'm reading M.J. Ryan's "Trusting Yourself" this weekend and it's making me nod my head repeatedly, in agreement and in affirmation.  Sometimes in surprise about knowing what I didn't know I knew.

Sometimes you've just got to go with the flow and accept it all for what it is.  And remember that no matter what kind of day it has been, it has been a good day because I was here.  I can't be any more grateful than that.

Ready, zEtTi, Go....

I'm having a little bit of fun creatively.  After reading Caroline's post yesterday where she talks about "getting uncomfortable" and "breaking through", I felt a little "nudge".  I knew something like this was brewing and percolating in my imagination because I have been so constantly drawn to art of this type in the last few months.  And I realized it wasn't enough to just enjoy looking at what other people have created in this style and it was time for me to "break through" my own boundaries of what I see myself doing and just do what calls.  I can't even begin to tell you how much fun this has been!

*zEtTi Girl art available at Bella ♥ Rennie - do not copy

There is what we "think" we are meant to be creating and then there is what we "are" meant to be creating.  I realize that within my own creativity I've been holding myself back and creating from the place of "who I was" and "where I was" and hadn't realized that there had been a "shift".  I noticed it in how I was starting to dress and the styles of clothing I was drawn to, but I hadn't yet made the connection to how this change was affecting my art.  That isn't to say that I don't enjoy what I have been doing or dislike what I have been doing.  I'm just realizing that there is a part of myself that I haven't opened the door for.  Having done so, I feel an increased sense of delight and joy as I am designing, and creating.  Having cracked the door, I eagerly anticipate what else is ready and waiting in the wings to shine through. 

*zEtTi Girl art available at Bella ♥ Rennie - do not copy

Thanks for the nudge Caroline....now if I could just figure out all the details on this new camera of mine....

For more information about zettiology, please click here

Meet Mae Chevrette

*image from Mae Chevrette's blog - do not copy.

Not long ago, while browsing around on etsy (one of my favourite pastimes), I came across the wonderful art of Mae Chevrette.

This young woman has an interesting and engaging style of both paintings and mixed media work.  In her short time being open on etsy, Mae has already had 50 sales.

Mae also has a blog and she is having her first giveaway in conjunction with her birthday.  Check out this artist's work and enter her giveaway...you have until this Sunday, January 10th.  I could have kept this to myself, as I'd very much like to win some of Mae's art, but I'm all about sharing and giving and I like to spread the wealth!

It's Birth Days

 
18 years ago today I was up bright and early, showered, and then wheeled into the operating room where my son was born, by a c-section shortly after 8 a.m.  He had a head of curly dark hair and was so quiet, placid and easy going.  He's come a long way in these 18 years, with many changes (especially the hair which fell out, came in blond and curly and is now light brown and kept short), and he has a long way yet to travel.  Here's wishing his road is smooth and all the challenges he meets will be easily overcome.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

And then there is my sweet friend Carolyn over in Leeds, England (whose birth I was not present for!) who is celebrating her birthday today.  Carolyn is hostessing a virtual party and asked those who would be attending how they would dress, who they would be bringing as their date and what they would be gifting the birthday girl.

Since we're into the realms of fantasy here, I would of course be accompanied by Robert Downey Jr.

I will of course mention that this is a somewhat dressy affair and that as much as Carolyn might enjoy his physique, a shirt and tie usually go a long way to making a good first impression.  And please, lose the cigarette.  It does nothing for your style.  Filthy habit!

Not only did he dress very nicely, he managed to grow a little facial hair very quickly.  Virile men can do that I'm told!!

As for myself, I decided on something red, to brighten up the dull, dreary winter.  This dress also complements Robert's tie so very well. 

*with thanks to Jessica Alba for being my body double

I do hope Carolyn has the heating on as I've forgotten my wrap and my nylons...bare legs send such a draft up your skirt!  The sacrifices we women make in order to be fashionable!

It's always polite to arrive at a party bearing gifts for the hostess so a bouquet of flowers is a lovely gesture,

and a bottle of bubbly puts guests in a festive mood.  Robert won't be having any -- he's behaving himself these days.

A birthday isn't complete without cake, and this one a la Cath Kidston is perfect for Carolyn.

Before the party is over, Carolyn will certainly be opening her gifts.  I truly hope she likes what we've chosen for her....

A little place we thought she might like for spending her summer weekends.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy CaRoLyN!!

*photo credits: both of Robert Downey Jr. from google; Jessica Alba's body from google; flowers from redribbongifts.co.uk; champagne from freefoto.com; cake from cakejournal.com; castle is caerphilly castle and is an istock photo from google.

The Beauty of Cath Kidston

Many of my friends in the U.K. are fans of Cath Kidston. Then again, I'm sure many of my friends outside of the U.K. are Cath Kidston fans. Her fabrics are bright, bold, romantic and vintage. She evokes a feeling of warmth, love and creates that feeling of specialness in these fabrics which can be used in so many ways.

I've been reading through her book "Cath Kidston's in print, brilliant ideas for Using Vintage Fabrics in Your Home" and more than anything just salivating over the photographs.  I'm not a sewer or a seamstress but I do love looking at beautiful patterns, colour and fabric and imagining how lovely it fits within a home.  I don't necessarily have to be able to "make" it as much as enjoy it and I can always shop to find things that are made for those like me who are "needle challenged"!

This ironing table really caught my eye.  I don't iron (as much as I don't sew!) but just looking at this photograph I can't help but think how beautiful something like this would be in a large laundry room...even if it was never used but only for display.

This linen cupboard is beautiful...and I could most certainly do this -- line the cupboards in fabric or perhaps wallpaper or patterned contact paper, and then add more beautiful fabric.  An easy way to bring beauty into the home.  My towels and linens are "old" and well used and how often do I think of replenishing and replacing these items?  Perhaps when I'm having overnight guests and want to "impress".  And I think...do I not deserve, does my family not deserve, to have beautiful linens and towels to use every day?  Of course we do.  January is "white sale" time...I think it's time to hit those sales!

*all photographs from Cath Kidston's "in print Brilliant Ideas for Using Vintage Fabrics in Your Home"

Valentine Love - From Valentine, Texas

Brenda Seaholm-Wampler is a wonderful friend of mine from the great state of Texas. I love to visit her blog and we share some mighty fine laughter on facebook.  When I was reading her blog yesterday Brenda was talking about Valentine Love and how to have your mail to that special someone or those special someones, postmarked from Valentine, Texas.

*photo from Brenda's blog, "Memories & Treasures"

This would be such a wonderful touch to whatever you decide you would like to send. How much fun for a young child in your life.  This will not work for those of us who live outside the United States....the idea is to address and pre-stamp the card you are sending (requiring a U.S. postage stamp as it is being mailed from the United States), then enclose it in a larger envelope and mail it to:

Postmaster, Valentine, Texas 79854

I suppose if you live elsewhere (as I do) and know someone in the United States you could send the mail there first and ask them to attach the appropriate postage (offering to reimburse of course!).


It may seem "soon" to be talking about Valentine's Day but if this is something you would like to do, you'll need to giddy up and get organized now so there is plenty of time to have your love notes delivered by February 14th.


Thanks Brenda, for sharing such a unique and entertaining idea!

Random Rambling...

As I sit here on this frigidly cold morning, sipping my cup of Starbucks decaf Christmas Blend coffee (the last of the bag), freshly pressed in my Bodum, I'm thinking about so many things, thoughts almost falling on top of one another.  Top of the list of course is how cold I am, having already been outside in the -13 celsius temperatures (-20 with the wind chill...what exactly IS that anyway?  We say "wind chill factor" like we know so much about it, like it's really going to make a huge heaping difference to just "how" cold it really is!  We never used to refer to "wind chill factor" when I was a child -- it was just "x" temperature and that was that...no one cared how much colder it really was compared to what it said on the thermometer!) to drop family members at the places to which they must return today.  I've shoveled the little bit of snow that was on the driveway (first time the shovel has touched the driveway this winter which is quite remarkable!) and though I was wearing gloves, the tips of my fingers are still cold.  The hot mug is doing wonders.

As for these thoughts that are dropping like domino tiles...I realize how completely random I am being today.  Might have something to do with regular routines of work and school resuming today.  Or it might not.

I'm thinking about kindness...how we can't possibly be kind to others if we are not kind to ourselves.  And that's a topic for another day.  However, today I resolve to be very kind to myself by lathering on lots of extra moisturizer to quench my dry skin.  I won't critique my hair today.  I'm just going to like it as it is.   If I eat one of those last cookies in the box, I will refrain from chastizing myself and calling myself some wretched name like "cow" or "fool" or "her fat highness".  I will also not grab the roll of flab around my middle and jiggle it.  I do that far too often!!  If I do not venture back out into the cold and choose instead to savour the blessed, peaceful quiet of having this house all to myself today, I will not feel a "failure" or a "cheat" for not making the effort to take my buns of cinnamon to the gym to start back into my exercise programme.

I'm thinking about leftovers.  I'm thinking about packing up Christmas, of the bareness of the rooms and the walls.  I'm thinking of the boxes that are still here on the main floor of the house that have yet to make their way downstairs (I keep looking, but don't see any legs sprouting on the boxes that will carry them to their destination...maybe a second cup of coffee..).  And from there they must still be packed away in the crawl space until next year.  It's so hard to say "good bye".  I'm thinking about how "bright" it all looked when the house was dressed up to the 9s in all it's fancy, glittery glory.  And how past the first of January if left up, it begins to look a little tattered, shabby and disheveled, like a tart's boudoir in the daylight.

*image from google.com

I'm thinking about how forlorn and unappetizing those boxes of chocolates and cookies look by this point.  When first opened, there are rows of choices...so much wealth and opulence.  And how by this point in time, the boxes have been picked over, the best choices taken in the first round and all that is left is the fat kid with glasses and knobby knees still sitting in the box, waiting and waiting and hoping to be chosen at last.  And how many times we take the last one or two and eat them "just because"...because they are sitting there and even if they look like Aunt Tilly's dried out, rock hard Christmas cake (the one she didn't make with rum or brandy because she probably drank it all while baking...which is why she has always been known as Silly Tilly...).  And you know you've eaten Christmas cake after Christmas is over...you have, no hiding it (although you know you've eaten it secretly not wanting anyone to see).  Even if we can't stand the taste, it's there, the last bit of the holidays.  You actually think it might even taste "okay".  But you're only fooling yourself.  It still tastes like it would have tasted the first week of December.  The stale factor adds a little flavour though I will admit.  Desperation and boredom do the rest.  There is nothing so sad as the party being "over" and picking at those leftovers because we are desperate to maintain the memory of how wonderful it all was.  No one likes a "hanger on". 

So I'm looking at those boxes and trying to decide if there is still one in there that I'd like to have "on my team" (which translates to on my hips) or if I'm just going to pluck up the courage and dump the lot in a garbage bag.  Cleaning up means "cleaning out".  I think it's the kindest thing to do.