“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Christmas Angels

I love Christmas and I love Christmas Angels.



One of my most favorite things about Christmas, are all of the gorgeous images that appear at this time of year. They are everywhere, on cards, gift wrap, candles, dishes, towels and anyplace else you can imagine. I think I love the angels most of all, because of their beauty and the amazing ways artists have imagined how their likeness should appear to us, since most of us probably haven't seen an angel close up. If we did, I would guess they don't sport ten foot wings, so maybe we didn't even know they were angels. Today let's take a look at just a few of these lovely winged creations.







From the art work we see, I guess most angels must be female. Maybe the artists thought the male angels were busy with other things. The female angels seem to be, well, angelic, always doing some helpful deed, like bringing a tree or presents. They are shown taking care of children and animals. Often they are singing or playing music or just holding a candle to light the way. The angels are our link to the mysterious other side. The place of joy and happiness, a place where anything is possible. In the image below the angel has a tree and presents for someone, a pretty little deer is helping out. I guess Santa was not available so she is filling in. How beautiful she looks, peeking in the window, making sure no one notices her or her companion.





At Christmas they are the reminder of why we celebrate in the first place. The angels were the messengers for all involved in the Christmas story. Angels help to guide us still. The angels you see here have never really existed except in the artist and our imaginations but that does not mean angels aren't real, in fact most people believe in them. So if your angel is short or tall, winged or not, male or female, it doesn't really matter because they are there for you. So if you have an angel, I think you are very lucky. Thank you to all the angels that may have passed through my life when I was unaware of them. Maybe one day I will get to thank them in person. In the mean time I will continue to admire the beauty of these angel images as well as the many others I have and I will occasionally share them with all of you too.





I would love to have an angel help by bringing me a fully decorated tree complete with ornaments and candles. She effortlessly flies through the air, not a hair out of place. Oh, what am I saying! What fun would that be, part of Christmas is decorating the tree yourself with family.


More darling little angels with some lovely candles.





Angels as messengers, telling the shepherds about the birth of Jesus.




Sweet little Angels, sending us greetings.






Tell me your thoughts about angels.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Grateful, Thankful and Joyful...

Here we are just a few days before Thanksgiving. It's a busy time I know, but take just a few minutes and listen to this song. Really listen, and watch the video too, and read the lyrics. It's the lyrics that I find so moving and of course Josh Groban's incredible voice. I have loved this song from the first moment I heard it.

Since most of you may have already heard this, (he sold a zillion some copies) instead browse through some of my favorite images and Pinterest finds while listening. If you haven't heard this before, then you are in for a treat. Have a tissue handy though, it just might bring tears to your eyes, tears of gratitude and joy, I hope. Gratitude and Joy for all those things you yourself are Thankful for.





Thankful by Josh Groban



I am thankful for this beautiful uplifting song and Josh Groban's amazing voice.


CInnamon stick candles, except do mine as water candles



A warm cinnamon candle, smells like home... that makes me thankful.





























































































































































































































































































































two swans in lake during fall



I am thankful for the beauty of nature and all the lovely animals.

I am grateful for my many blessings and being able to share with others.


Grateful for family and friends and the abundance of the earth.







Thankful for my sight to see the beauty all around me!



Autumn colors in the Napa valley






I am thankful for the sun and the changing seasons....and

Autumn Light









Moments of solitude with a quiet guardian like this magical angel statue.


Autumn Angel







I am grateful  for warm fires and warm hearts.

Cat and fire






I'm thankful for the everyday things that make our lives more pleasant.

Miss Janessa's flowers




I am grateful for being able to experience the joy of life....

And the closeness of a good friend.....


Even if they seem different from me.

Little girl a kitty and leaves 11 8 2012















































            












   













  


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!


Monday, November 21, 2011

More Lovely Blogs...

A few days ago, Sharon from Sharon's Sunlit Memories, nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award.  I am very honored as we just recently discovered each others blogs and have found we have similar interests. It all happened because of paper dolls! As you know, I love cute things and had posted about a wonderful Christmas paper doll play book called Santa's Workshop. A friend of Sharon's referred her to my site to see the post and I in turn visited Sharon's blog. I of course immediately fell in love with her blog!  
Sharon's Sunlit Memories is a wonderful trip back through time; to a time when there was true artistry in illustrating children's books and games. Alright, yes I know there are still many wonderful illustrators  today, but I still prefer the more traditional style of art found in older works. Sharon shares beautiful images and history about many vintage children's books and their illustrators.  
Thank you Sharon for including me in your list of nominees for this wonderful award. Please make sure to visit Sharon's blog, I am sure you will be as delighted as I was to discover it.




I'm copying the the requirements of receiving the award from her blog:
1. To thank the giver and link back to her site.
2. Provide 5 random facts that folks may not know about you.
3. Pass this award on to 5 other lovely blog sites and let them know you're awarding them.
4. Copy the award logo and paste it onto your own site.

Here are my 5 random facts:

1. I am not left handed.

2. My degree is in Home Economics.

3. I, like Sharon, have a Scottish background. My family came from Scotland in the mid 1800's.

4. I worked in the travel industry for many years. You will find this ironic when you read the next
    random fact.

5. I have never left the United States (except virtually), no not even Canada!


I am passing on the award to these swell blogs. These are bloggers I have known for several months and in whose blogs I always find fun and inspiration when ever I visit. 
Congratulations to all! 




Please visit these lovely blogs and leave a kind note behind.  
Have a lovely day!  ~~ Diane ~~





Saturday, November 19, 2011

Let's Walk Through A Rose Garden

My own roses in the garden are long gone, the snow is on the way,
but I want to imagine walk through the garden when the roses perfumed the air. 
Let me think back, what was that like again?









Hope you enjoyed this little walk through this virtual garden. 





Join others today at Natasha's


Join me at
PINK SATURDAY


Update: Because of changes to Pinterest.... regretfully, images have been removed. ~ Diane

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Night Before Christmas - Playbook

Another great find of mine for all of you interested in these cute paper doll/ house sets. This one is especially cute and it is designed around that most wonderful time of year, Christmas! This is another paper doll set that would be really cute put together and displayed on a shelf with some faux snow and mini lights. Very nostalgic! If you missed out on this as a kid, now is your chance to recreate those memories. Have a look at the pictures below.

Here are a few details.

The Night Before Christmas Playbook - To push out and put together, 1960, Whitman Publishing Co.
















This is an original book and has never been put together, it is in remarkable condition. The book is approximately 13 3/4" x 10".  It consists of the house, Mama & Papa, the kids, the family pets, a Christmas tree, toys, dolls, furniture, and of course Santa and his sleigh and reindeer! There are more pieces to make the house complete such as a fire for the fireplace and the proverbial Christmas mouse. Everything is here to complete the famous poem!

Update: This item has been sold to a lovely customer. Thank you for visiting today!






Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Butterscotch Pumpkin Cookies

I have pumpkin on the brain. I have been thinking about pumpkins too much. My Pinterest board is overflowing with pumpkin things, soups, main courses, desserts, decorations, all pumpkin. After a while, I will have had it with pumpkins. The next thing I will be into this season will be cranberries, but that is for another day.

Today we are still thinking pumpkin. Here is a wonderful recipe that I adapted from one I found on Pinterest. My family thinks these are the best pumpkin cookies ever! The Butterscotch Frosting really makes these cookies over the top good!


Butterscotch Pumpkin Cookies

2 cups flour
1- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)


Butterscotch Frosting: 6 Tablespoons butter
1/3 cup brown cane sugar
2 cups powdered sugar 1 or more teaspoon(s) water to right consistency

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Chop pecans.  In a saute pan, toast pecans until fragrant.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon,ginger and nutmeg.  Set aside.  In a large bowl (or mixer) cream together the sugar and butter.  Add one egg.  Stir in the pumpkin.  Add flour mixture and mix until incorporated.  (Do not over mix.)  Stir in pecans by hand. Drop with a teaspoon onto a cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10 – 12 minutes.

For the Frosting:
Heat butter in a a saucepan.  Add brown sugar and stir.  Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar.  Add a teaspoon of water or more until you reach desired consistency.  Frost the cookies. Grate a little more nutmeg over the top before the frosting sets. Wait at least five minutes, then sample!





Pumpkin Chewy Deliciousness




Linked to What I Love Wednesday

Monday, November 14, 2011

Fall Into Winter....

I have a Pinterest board by the name Fall into Winter. I pin both autumn, winter and that in-between- season, photos there. In many parts of the country, we are in just that time period, so I thought I would share some of my favorites from that board. Enjoy some of these lovely photos and cherish the beauty of this in-between-season.


                                                                                

                                                 Winter is Coming ...





                                                                                                            
      Autumn At End…










Apple & Snow












                                                                                                                       

                                                    Autumn is here Winter is Coming…



autumn snow 2



                                                                                                                 
                                                             

                                                                                     
                                                          
                                       Fall into Winter Clothing

time for a scarf!
                                                                                                                    

Warm bird


                                       Saying Goodbye to Autumn and Hello to, well you know....


Want to see more.... check out my pinboard below.



Sunday, November 13, 2011

For Love of Animals...

On a Silent Sunday think of the animals you love, 
both pets and wildlife.

Rooster



Owned Cat-dog







like cat and dog





peanut bird










How do animals make your life better?








Friday, November 11, 2011

Remembering All Veterans Today

Please take a  few moments to remember our Veterans.


Those we loved but lost
are no longer where they were
but always where we are...
 unknown





"May It Be" by Enya




Here is a way to really help your local Veteran Business Owners. Buy Veteran is a national campaign spearheaded by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) to bring the success and momentum of the National Veteran Business Movement to all of America’s 3 million veteran-owned businesses. In 1999, the federal government passed Public Law 106-50 that set a mandate to award 3 percent of all federal contract and subcontract dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.......
To read more visit this site Buy Veteran.com.



Look for the following badge online or displayed in a store near you.





Thursday, November 10, 2011

Snow Flakes in the Air...




Looking out my window today, I saw snow flakes. They weren't exactly falling, they were floating mid-air. There were just a few of the little flakes and the wind was bouncing them around, tossing them like a ball back and forth to an invisible hand. They must have melted as soon has they finally made it to the ground, or maybe they just vanished on their descent. It is so dry here they may have just evaporated into thin air! Whatever, they are gone, but it was just another nudge by Mother Nature letting me know that winter indeed is on it's way. With that said, let's have one last look at a few plants in my garden before they disappear below the heavy snow which will be here any day now.



fothergilla shrub




hardy geraniums



















This variety turns red with colder temperatures.