Counting Bits of Joy

Tonight at midnight, bringing the Year 2010 to an end. Barely a minute after, a New Year...2011...begins. A Year not before known, yet filled with the promise of hope and anticipation of life a new. May you have health, happiness and hope today and always. Wishing you Joy for the New Year.

Is the "magic" of Christmas. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas. May you each receive, and give, smiles of happiness that will fill your hearts with gladness today and always.

When and how I became a collector of deer escapes me. However, the dear friend in my life, is certainly aware of my fondness for all things deer. Her talent in finding and presenting such treasures tops the list of deerlightful happiness. Deer in all shapes and sizes. Look closely...deer on the hanky and the lace surrounding it...just wonderful! So many more details in this display...an antique sugar bowl filled with wonderful trees, transformed from new green ones. A lovely antique glass dish filled with yummy chocolate covered mint sticks...Bogdon's Candy Company, made locally. A heart milagros and angel for my "Peace" corner. Small velvet pumpkin. Why you ask? It's setting on my favorite "Mexican Pumpkin" candle by Picwick & Co. candles...also local. Not too many would think to call the company to track down their off season scent! All this atop an old silver tray! Shhh...don't tell anyone...this is my Christmas, all thanks to a dear jewel ! D...

And what am I doing? Enjoying family, friends and the sights and sounds of Christmas. After all, isn't that what it is all about? The weekend began listening, or as the principal says "following", the voices of angels at the annual Christmas program. Way too much action to take photos during the performance, so before will have to do. And besides, the grandgirls now consider this photo an annual tradition. Then yesterday, off to view the visual treats provided by Hallmark Cards in celebration of their 100Th year. A team of talented individuals reproduced thousands of Christmas cards to decorate both Halls Plaza and Halls Crown Center stores with images beyond imagination. Not only were the displays (indoors and out) amazing...watching shoppers walking by without even noticing dresses, shoes, flowers and so many works of art made entirely of cards, left me speechless. This photo of the "Holly Gown" does little to show the true craftsmanship...just imagine if you ...

Don't you just love that word? Even my husband, who did not know the meaning of the word before me, is now an expert on "vignettes", or so he thinks. After all these years, I suppose he's entitled...lol. The house is completely decorated, although photography eludes me so here are a few of my little "vignettes". The apothecary jar filled with childhood ornaments. This may be more of a display than vignette, but still shows off some of my favorite Santas. My corner of Peace...next to my stitching and reading chair. A little nature? And of course, the grandgirls' room has to be decorated! Vignettes...little corners of pleasures. Thank you for dropping by, won't you tell me about your vignettes?

And everyone appears to be caught up in what was once known as the "hustle and bustle" of the season. Today it seems as though many are in a hurry and so tired and out of sorts they can't possibly take time to think what the season even means to them. When did that happen? Why are we all in a mad rush to find the "perfect gift"? Not me...not today...time spent driving around our City remembering different buildings and places with a little comfort food on the side was perfect! What do you think...wouldn't time enjoying our days be the perfect gift?