FIREPROOF

I'm so excited!! Fireproof just came out on DVD this week and I was one of the first to buy it. I had preordered it through Amazon.com

Several weeks ago, Becka and Tony saw the movie at the theater. They both liked it so much that they ask Jim and I to see it, too.

I thought it was going to be a movie about firefighters, but Becka told me that it wasn't entirely about that and that it was something EVERYONE should see.

Jim and I agreed to go. I am so glad we did. The movie is a love story that every couple should see together. It was totally captivating--evoking a variety of emotions. We laughed and we cried and cried a little more on the way home.

I'm not going to tell you much about it. I'll just say that if you're married, it is a MUST SEE. IT IS LIFE CHANGING. DO NOT MISS IT. It will help your love for each other grow stronger. I promise.

It would be the perfect movie to rent for Valentine's Day.

***Let us know if you've seen Fireproof and what you thought about it.

Super Bowl Sunday

We're having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday. How about you? Are you planning something for friends and family?

We've always been a family that enjoyed holidays and celebrations and the Super Bowl is no exception. Any excuse to have a party is alright by me!!!

I'm planning the menu which will consist of easy to serve foods. Today I'll do the shopping and tomorrow will find me baking homemade brownies (frosted, of course) from an old recipe that I've used for years.

So far, the menu goes like this:

BBQ Ribs
Sloppy Joes
Buffalo Wings
Baked Beans
Potato Salad
Veggie Tray
Fruit Tray
Chips and a variety of dips
Frosted Brownies
Beer
Wine
Pop
Iced Tea
(and more, as I think of it)

***Are you planning a party or will Sunday be a quiet day at your house?

A Proclamation

My personal proclamation for 2009 is....

I, Barbara, hereby adopt the following principles as a part of my everyday life.

1. Love deeply and unconditionally.

2. Appreciate this beautiful, abundant world.

3. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

4. Embrace my unique, creative self, without self-criticism.

5. Validate each person that my life touches.

6. Choose to find joy in all things....even adversity.


***What are the principles governing your daily life?


Don't forget the Valentine's Day Giveaway (details below in a previous post).

Believe

After my children grew up and began leaving home, there were some things I wanted to accomplish and since I was in my early fifties, I felt there was only a short window of time to get them done.

I ended up achieving my goals by defining exactly what I wanted, imagining myself in the role, and actually doing what needed to be done to get there. It took time and effort, but I met my goals.

As most of you know, I love playing games. Today I think it might be fun to do some role-playing...pretending. I want us to act out the person we want to be. Let's get into the character.

1. What are you dreaming of becoming? A best selling author, an artist, a widely read blogger, an actress, a prize-winning cook, an expert in some professional field, a community leader, a business owner? What's your dream? Define it on paper.

2. Will your dream require a time commitment? How much time can you allot to your goal? Will you need a day planner? A babysitter? Household help? Can you sit aside time to attend a meeting, a class, or to be alone? How much and how often? Are you willing to meet and talk with others in your chosen field? Are you interested in reading anything you can find on your subject?

3. Your dream will take discipline and a strong will. Are you willing to work at finding inner-strength. It may take lots of positive self-talk and the discarding of negative personal perceptions.

4. Now, in your mind, practice becoming that successful person. Talk as if you are that person, walk as if you are that person, dress as if you are that person, manage your life as if you are that person.

5. Success is all about having a dream, believing in yourself, discipline, time commitment, and living as though it's a reality.

It won't be easy, but if you do the things I've outlined, you will succeed in becoming the person you dream of.

***Do you have a dream? What are you doing to make it a reality?

A Visit From Kendyl Grace

I thought you might like the latest update on Kendyl Grace. I had a visit with her for a couple of hours today. She is growing so fast and now weighs over 10 lbs.

As some of you know, she was born with most of her intestines outside her body and had a miraculous recovery. She is doing well and loves her bottle.

Thanks again for all of your support.

Lost But Found

Years ago when the children were young I enjoyed doing crewel embroidery and made one of these little horses each year to go on our Christmas tree. As you can see (photo below), they are dated; the first one is dated 1979.

I have six children and only finished three horses. Life got too busy, so I put the needlework away and went on to more important matters.

This Christmas as I took these three precious little horses out of their boxes and placed them on the tree, I wished I had continued to make six of them to hand down to each of my children as keepsakes.

Last night, a vague memory came to me as I was about to drift off to sleep. I got up from bed, went to my closet and found a box that had not been opened for years. Inside, I found two little crewel horse kits that were completely untouched! Well, that would make five when the two were completed. I needed one more. Today, I found one on the Internet and now I'll be able to complete the set.

I have been excited all day about finding the tiny treasures in my closet and the sixth one on the web. This year, God willing, I will finish my children's keepsakes

Don't forget the Valentine's Day Giveaway. Details below.

Valentine Tree Photo

Some of my readers have ask to see a full photo of my Valentine Tree, so here's about the best I can do. The picture doesn't do justice to the tree at all. For some reason I couldn't get a clear image, but I think you'll have a better idea of what the tree looks like, anyway.

Jim and I love it. When I turn it's lights off, Jim wonders why(that's how much he appreciates it), so I switch them back on. It is simply beautiful in real life and a real joy to both of us. Wish you could be here to see it.

I'm already collecting items for the Saint Patrick's Day Tree and the Easter Tree. The expectation and search is so much fun!! I definitely recommend the holiday trees to anyone who wishes to add a bit of celebration to their home year around.

***Don't forget the Valentine's Day Giveaway. Photo and rules are listed below.

The Schnauzer and The Puggle

Our oldest daughter, Lori, and her husband Joe, came for a short visit this weekend, bringing with them Peyton, their puggle. She is Riley's (our mini-schnauzer) best doggy friend. They've known each other practically all their lives. When she arrives, Riley begins a high pitched bark of happiness. He also does this with family members and people he especially likes.

Riley and Peyton in front of the Valentine tree.

Big Valentine Giveaway

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY...

This is the biggest one I've done so far. The name of one of my lucky readers will be drawn a week before Valentine's Day. They will receive all of the items listed below just in time for the holiday:

1. 1 NEW RED LACE AND FRINGE SHAWL
2. 1 "LOVE COMES SOFTLY" DVD
3. 1 NEW FAUX PEARL AND RHINESTONE NECKLACE SET
4. 1 NEW WHITE LACE EXPANDABLE VICTORIAN FAN
5. 1 NEW SILVER TONE SERENITY BRACELET
6. 1 BOX OF CHOCOLATE VALENTINE CANDY
7. 1 BEAUTIFUL NEW JOURNAL

Here are the rules:
~ 1 Entry for leaving a comment. Enter everyday!
~ 5 Entry each time you mention my giveaway on your blog. (Mention me everyday and get 5 entries each day!!)

Why do I offer giveaways? The answer is easy--I've been blessed and I love giving back.

Good luck to all.

Pine Cone Centerpiece

Over the holiday, I made this simple centerpiece for our living room coffee table. I found a short, wide (18 inches in diameter), iridescent red glass bowl at Ross Discount store. I think I paid just a little over $10.00 for it. (I saw the same bowl a few days ago for $39.00 in another store.) I also bought 2 bags of cinnamon scented pine cones to go in the bowl and then added a candle and some pine for accent.

The cinnamon scented pine cones have been the best part of the entire arrangement, filling the room with a deliciously delicate aroma.

Since our home's interior is lodge-style, I intend to use the centerpiece for several months.

The cost of the arrangement was approx. $25.00.

The Jackie O Virtual Pedal Pusher Club

Last summer I discovered I could ride a bike again after not being on one for many, many years. I eventually became confident in my riding skills and went out several times each week for rides along the river biking paths here in our area. I can hardly wait to get out there again and feel a fresh breeze on my face.

Last year I had a pretty purple 18-speed bike that I bought at Walmart. I still love that bike, but I decided one without speeds would be safer, since that's the kind I learned to ride years ago. I just like foot brakes, too. So for Christmas Jim bought me a Barbie pink beach cruiser that's sitting downstairs until good weather is here again.

(Barbie pink beach cruiser like the one I received for Christmas.)
















I wish all of you could be here to ride with me along the bike path when the weather gets warmer, but for now.....




Ladies? Will the meeting please come to order?


I'm inviting you to join the "The Jackie O Virtual Pedal Pusher Club." The first meeting is being held right here at The Serenity Gate.

The first order of business is to set some club rules.

1. Each member must own a virtual bike. Any color will do.

2. Each member must own a pair of big Jackie O virtual sunglasses. Any color will do.

3. Each member must wear a bright colored virtual scarf on each bike ride. Any color will do.


So, let's get crazy and creative.....

It's your turn to add a rule or two, tell us about your virtual bike, where you would like to go and describe what you intend to wear on the club's virtual biking adventures.





Ladies, don't forget the Valentine's Day drawing. See rules below.

Blogging Reality

Last Spring I created my blog. Looking back, I remember that I wanted it to be a place to share my (very serious) thoughts with family and friends. It would be my online journal. It would be a place where I could practice my writing.

Since that time it's evolved into many things--some serious and others not so serious. Some important and others are just trivia. Some jewels and others a bit of junk. But one thing I've learned through it all is not to take myself, my writing, my content, my advice too seriously.

Readers come from various backgrounds and experiences and I've found that it's important to offer a wide spectrum of blog content. Now I offer a little of almost everything, but still most of it deals with finding peace and joy with a dash of comedy thrown in.

Today I want to share my first blog entry with you. It begins......

Hello Friends....

Well, I've decided to enter the world of "blogs" and would like to invite you into my "Serenity Room." I want to share with you the joy I've found there. It will be a journey we take together and I hope you fine a sense of peace here as we explore the beauty of life and living.

Last year as I created my summer garden I found a way to unwind and listen to the world in a new way. I found peace among the plants, birds and wildlife. Each day as I sat in the shade of the afternoon, I began to enjoy my own company. At the age of sixty-three I had come to a place in my life where quiet surroundings were important. I needed a place to relax and to think my own thoughts. I needed a place to find creativity and spiritually...to find myself. I had taken vacations and even though I visited many lovely spots none seemed as precious and special as my little backyard garden.

All summer I added beautiful items to the garden and only those things that gave me peace and inspiration. I even added "soft" music through a CD player that I hid among the plants. Music played continually throughout the day, so that whenever I entered the garden I would instantly hear it.Summer ended too soon and my little garden faded away as the weather changed and the leaves fell from the trees. It was a sad time for me as my sanctuary gradually disappeared. I would have to wait another eight months before it could be restored.

Several months passed before I realized that I had another potential sanctuary within my own home. Our guest room was the perfect place to create a sacred space where I (or anyone) could enter and find solitude and peace; a quiet place.

(That's how my "Serenity Room" was created.....

I eventually changed the name of my blog to The Serenity Gate. )

***Why did you start your blog? Was it for writing practice? A way to keep in touch with your family? Find new friends? Market and showcase your writing skill? Or something else?

Vision Boards

I've been hearing a lot about "vision boards" lately. It seems they are the thing now to have on one's wall.

A "vision board" is a simple visualization tool made of poster board with pictures glued on as reminders of a person's goals and dreams. The concept has been around for ages, but has become popular with the recent best selling book, "The Secret." It is said that focusing on the board will bring about success and help your dreams come true. I don't know if I believe in them, but I do know what I would put on one....if I had one.

1. Maintain a strong faith

2. Inspire others

3. Live in the moment

*** What would you put on your "vision board"....if you had one?

Don't forget my giveaway. Details are below.

There's Going To Be A Big Winner

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY...

This is the biggest one I've done so far. The name of one of my lucky readers will be drawn a week before Valentine's Day. They will receive all of the items listed below just in time for the holiday:

1. 1 NEW RED LACE AND FRINGE SHAWL

2. 1 "LOVE COMES SOFTLY" DVD (BRAND NEW)

3. 1 NEW FAUX PEARL AND RHINESTONE NECKLACE SET

4. 1 NEW WHITE LACE EXPANDABLE VICTORIAN FAN

5. 1 NEW SILVER TONE SERENITY BRACELET

6. 1 BOX OF CHOCOLATE VALENTINE CANDY

7. 1 BEAUTIFUL NEW JOURNAL

Here are the rules:

~ 1 Entry for leaving a comment. Enter everyday!

~ 5 Entry each time you mention my giveaway on your blog. (Mention me everyday and get 5 entries each day!!)

Good luck to all.

Thank You Beautiful Friends

Jim and I are beginning to come out of our emotional fog today. It's been a terrible two days since we lost Tai. We are beginning to forget the death process and replace it with precious memories. God in His mercy, also heals us with His Presence and assures us that we will see her again soon.

I feel that we had a visit from her the evening after her death. Our little schnauzer, Riley, goes to bed around 11:00 p.m. each night. If Jim and I are still up, he will sometimes take himself to bed (on our bed). That particular night I had been sobbing and Riley had been VERY SAD for me. His ears were back and his body language showed his anguish. He stayed up with Jim and I until we went to bed between midnight and 1:00 a.m. After the three of us crawled into bed, Riley got an EXTREME burst of energy, which has NEVER happened in his 4 years of life. He was smiling as he rolled around on the bed, coming back and forth to Jim and me, enticing us to play. He jumped off the bed, ran around the house, back onto the bed, encouraging us to get up and come with him to play. We were exhausted, so we turned out the light hoping he would settle down. He jumped off the bed again and ran to the living room. Fifteen minutes later he came to bed, settling down in his familiar spot for the night. My feeling is that he had experienced her energy as she came back for a short visit with us. Last night Riley was back to his normal routine, going to bed at his favorite time and falling asleep peacefully.

Jim and I want to thank all of you sweet, sweet readers for the kind words of encouragement and the sacred stories and poems you shared about your own pets. Your love for them is tender and eternal.

I have always heard that you can tell the character of a person by the way they treat an animal. I am so honored to be associated with people like you-- people who love and care for those precious ones entrusted to our care.

***Thanks to our youngest daughter, Becka, for creating the picture of Tai with angel wings (see photo below). Becka is the real reason Tai came to be our girl, but that's another story.

God bless all of you.

Farewell

I don't even know where to start, so I guess I'll start by saying this is a story of unconditional love.

My emotional wound is so fresh and raw. My eyes and head hurt from all the tears that have been shed today. Jim and I had to put, Tai, our faithful 14-15 year old Lab-mix down this afternoon. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

Tai died with her head lying on my lap in the vet's office. She drifted easily into a peaceful goodbye as I sat crying using tissue after tissue. The staff was kind, but nothing could change the fact that she was leaving the family she had loved so much.

How does someone replace a "one of a kind" animal? Tai came to our house of her own accord a little over 13 years ago. She was a stray and decided our home was where she wanted to live. I even drove her a couple of miles away thinking she would find her real home, but she found her way back to us that evening! There she was sitting with a smile on her face as if we should be glad she was back. From that night on, she was home and never left our side again. She loved us with every inch of her 47 pounds and would have defended our home with her very life...no doubt about it.

So today Tai's story ended...she will always have a place of great honor in our hearts. A dog we didn't choose, had obeyed our every command and loved us with a selfless love beyond compare. "No greater love is this..."

Goodbye, faithful and loyal friend.

(I wrote a story about Tai last summer. "Tai Goes Home" can be found in the June 2008 issue of Story Circle Journal)

Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad

Thanks to our good friend, Tileena, we now have a new favorite salad at our house. I served it on our Christmas Eve buffet and made it again on New Year's Day. I made it again this afternoon and can't wait to serve it up.

Broccoli And Cauliflower Salad

1 head fresh broccoli, broken up
1/2 lb. bacon, fried crisp, drained, and crumbled
1 c. mild Cheddar, shredded
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1 head fresh cauliflower, broken up

DRESSING:
1 c. mayonnaise
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/4 c. sugar

Combine dressing ingredients and whip. Pour on top of salad ingredients. Mix well. Serve chilled.
Thanks Tileena!!


***Do you have a favorite salad you serve when company comes?

Gentle Giant

(Tucker asleep at Christmas 2008)


Last summer I often sat in my garden alone in the evening listening to relaxing music and sipping southern sweet tea. This was my special treat as the sun slowly moved beyond the sunburned mountain and allowed the valley air to cool.

One evening as I sat in private solitude I noticed Tucker, our 24 lb. Siamese/Lynx Point cat, had come to sit at my feet. He seemed different...more serene. I spoke a gentle "hello" to him, stroked his soft, long fur and turned my attention back to a copy of Oprah Magazine.

Fifteen minutes later I noticed Tucker had moved a short distance away from my chair. He was now sitting under the small table on which the CD player had been placed. His eyes were closed, although, he was not sleeping. I knew, for a certainty, he was listening and enjoying the timeless beauty of Pachelbel's Canon. What an enchanting moment...witnessing our sensitive, furry giant sharing this extraordinary time with me. He and I shared many more amazing evenings as I began to appreciate the Spirit within him.

Tucker seems to understand and honor the indoor "Serenity Room" as well. Knowing he can't sleep on the bed, he positions himself in a quiet corner to listen and enjoy whatever classical arrangement is playing that particular day.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anatole France

***Have you experienced the Spirit of a beloved pet?

Lavendar Dreams (Revisited)

Here's another "oldie but goodie" from my 2008 writing. I think it was the second piece I wrote for my blog.

Every woman needs a room of her own, especially when she arrives at mid-life. Men seem to find this space earlier in the form of an office or workshop or perhaps the fishing bank. My husband once commented after a day of fishing that he found being out in nature was a spiritual experience for him. He could sense the Creator in the beauty around him. I'm sure many men and women have experienced the same feeling and it's not uncommon to find a state of peace while gardening.

As I have mentioned before, I created a space in my backyard garden, where this same peaceful state of mind could easily exist; where the Spirit could be nourished. As fall and winter settled in on us I searched for the same "healing place" I had found in my summer garden. I decided in December (2007) to turn our guest room into my "Serenity Room". It would be a place to pray and meditate, read, write, listen to music and dance if I felt like it.

The room was perfect with it's pale lavender walls and cream colored carpet. Now all it needed was the right accessories. I wanted each picture, vase, pillow, chair, candle, quilt and figurine to have special meaning; evoking positive attitudes and tranquility.

Robert Brault once said, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." Small things make up the content of my quiet room. Joy is found in soft music, beloved books, candlelight, letters well written, soft pastels, fluffy pillows and the down comforter.

Whether, inside or out-of-doors, give yourself permission to relax and rest in a space of your own. The opportunity to be alone for a few moments is priceless. Listen to your favorite music, have lunch on the patio-- served up on your favorite china and crystal, take a nap in the afternoon (delicious), daydream, read poetry, write in your journal, pray, dance.

Treat yourself as you would a welcomed guest.

Enjoy!

Copyright 2008 By-Barbara Davis

How Happy Are You?

Angie over at Gumbo Writer challenged her bloggy friends to participate in the meme, "Six Things That Make Me Happy."

Here are six of mine:

1. Family gatherings

2. My relationship with my Heavenly Father

3. Riley (my mini-schnauzer)

4. My indoor Serenity Room

5. Getting a phone call from an old friend

6. My Valentine Tree

There are soooo many reasons to be happy, aren't there? I could go on and on. The six things listed are only "a drop in the bucket." Blessings are all around us, just waiting to be acknowledged.

***Now it's your turn. Will you take the challenge?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's time for another giveaway!! And this is the biggest one I've done so far. (See photo below).
The name of one of my lucky readers will be drawn a week before Valentine's Day and will receive these items:
1. 1 NEW RED LACE AND FRINGE SHAWL
2. 1 "LOVE COMES SOFTLY" DVD (BRAND NEW)
3. 1 NEW FAUX PEARL AND RHINESTONE NECKLACE SET
4. 1 NEW WHITE LACE EXPANDABLE VICTORIAN FAN
5. 1 NEW SILVER TONE SERENITY BRACELET
6. 1 BOX OF CHOCOLATE VALENTINE CANDY
7. 1 BEAUTIFUL NEW JOURNAL

Here are the rules:
~ 1 Point for leaving a comment. Enter everyday!
~ 5 Points each time you mention my giveaway on your blog.

Good luck to all.

Biggest Giveaway Ever

Hi Ladies!

It's time for another giveaway!! And this is the biggest one I've done so far.

The name of one of my readers will be drawn a week before Valentine's Day and will receive these items:

1. 1 NEW RED LACE AND FRINGE SHAWL

2. 1 "LOVE COMES SOFTLY" DVD (BRAND NEW)

3. 1 NEW FAUX PEARL AND RHINESTONE NECKLACE SET

4. 1 NEW WHITE LACE EXPANDABLE VICTORIAN FAN

5. 1 NEW SILVER TONE SERENITY BRACELET

6. 1 BOX OF CHOCOLATE VALENTINE CANDY

7. 1 BEAUTIFUL NEW JOURNAL

Here are the rules:

~ 1 Point for leaving a comment. Enter everyday!

~ 5 Points each time you mention my giveaway on your blog.

Giveaway starts with this post. Good luck to all.

The Valentine Tree

Dolls hanging from the Valentine Tree.

I don't think I've ever enjoyed our Christmas tree as much as I have this year. So today when I was supposed to take it down and box it up for another year, I just couldn't do it. I've heard of people keeping their trees up all year, decorating each holiday, accordingly.

This afternoon I took the Christmas decor off the tree and put up Valentine's Day ornaments. The tree is now adorned with little dolls, hearts, cupids, white bows, beads, and ribbon.

I am planning an Easter Tree, A Mother's Day Tree, A Father's Day Tree, 4th of July, etc. This should be fun...and I don't have to part with my gorgeous tree.

The Finished Spirit

I published this poem here for the first time last spring. I'm printing it again to share with my new readers.

The Finished Spirit

Heaven.

Where is the wise man

The rabbi

The sage

The prophet

The Finished Spirit?

Dwelling in the higher abode

In the full brilliance

Of God.

Another Kingdom

Where knowledge

And inspiration

Continue the unbroken thread;

Reaching beyond

The zenith

To the fullness

Of the cosmos.

To understand

To fathom the totality

Of Creation

Is their reward.

Copyright 2008 By Barbara J. Davis

The Greatest Is Love

I Corinthians 13 is my favorite chapter of the Bible-- it's called the love chapter. God has directed my attention to it many times throughout my life, but last year He especially reminded me (I'll have to keep that story between God and me for now) of how important the quality of love is. He tells me it should become the most important element of my character. It's the one I will die with, the one that will claim me in His Kingdom, and the one I will leave behind for others to remember. It is the "me" that will last forever.

God is Love, so love is the indispensable component of becoming like Him. It's a difficult lesson for we humans to learn, but nevertheless, He tells me to make it my primary goal -- above all others.

The chapter goes like this:

1: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

2: And if I have [the gift of] prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3: And if I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

4: Love suffereth long, [and] is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5: doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

6: rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;

7: beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8: Love never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall be done away; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall be done away.

9: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;

10: but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

11: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things.

12: For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.

13: But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Wishing you LOVE.

Gracious Living

I first published this here in April 2008. I want to share it again with my new readers.

Have you "graced your space" today?

Women sometimes fall into a rut when it comes to their homes and families. Boredom can bring on a lackluster attitude as we plod along day after day performing the same mundane routine from morning until night. We cook, clean, taxi the kids from activity to activity.....well, you know the drill. But how often do we relax and survey the space we call home? How often do we actually enjoy our dwelling place, our nice accessories and the comfort and peace they offer?

I once knew a lady who had the propensity to safeguard her precious belongings. Her nicest bedding, linen, china, stemware, vases, jewelry, lingerie, etc. were placed safely away for later use. She worried that something might be broken or stained or lost. It was not that she wasn't going to use her fine accouterments....it was just that they were not going to be used today. Today turned into tomorrow and tomorrow turned into next month. Next month turned into next year and so forth until she died in her late sixties. She never experienced the joy and beauty of enjoying those cherished items. She only admired them occasionally as they lay in a drawer or hung in her closet.

Don't wait for tomorrow. Don't wait for company. Today bring out the beautiful linens, albums, quilts, candles, crystal goblets and china. Have each member of the family dress elegantly for dinner (at least one night each week). Eat slowly by candlelight while listening to classical music. Engage in interesting and civil conversation. Practice correct table manners. Enjoy good wine. Say "please" and "thank you". Encourage your family to appreciate and practice gracious living.

Today we can bring harmony and serenity to our home through appreciating one another and sharing our personal luxuries.

Live graciously, love abundantly and enjoy the blessings God has given.

"Perform every act in life as though it were your last." -Marcus Aurelius

I'm More Than That

I have to admit there's more to me than just writing, reading, blogging and surfing the net.

Did you know that...

1. I love movies?

2. I collect cookbooks?

3. I watch reality TV shows?

4. I love games and like to play slot machines?

5. I'm not a "neat freak"?

6. I'm sensitive?

7. I bike in the summer?

8. I love shoes, especially red high heels?

9. My nickname is "Fatima"?

10. I have a BIG sweet-tooth?

***What are your delicious vices?

My Winter Blahs

I don't know about you, but I seem to be constantly fighting the winter blahs.

It's 4:45 p.m. and already dark outside. The early darkness gives me the distinct feeling that I should be getting ready for bed. I'm drowsy and yawning something fierce. Jim's even asleep in his comfy recliner.

I don't think there's a way to stop this lazy feeling, altogether, but there are some things I'm doing in an attempt to stay alert and positive.

So far, I'm doing these things....
1. Taking my vitamins and eating my salads. Heavy food seems to make the matter worse.
2. Watch a comedy on DVD.
3. Spending a little time outside each day.
4. Finding somewhere to go each day, even if it's only to browse at the mall.
5. Placing a phone call to a friend and catching up on emails.
6. Keeping the coffee maker going!

***What are you doing to fight the seasonal blues?

An Interval Of Rest

Hello Everyone!

I'm back from my brief blogland intermission and I highly recommend it to everyone.

After a busy holiday season, my body and spirit said "a quiet interlude" was needed. With the winter winds howling outside and at least six inches of snow on the ground, what better time to settle down beside a cozy fire with a few good books.

For the last few days I was able to finish several books I had started reading.

1. The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman

2. 500 Great Books By Women (A Reader's Guide)

3. The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Gracia

4. Classics For Pleasure by Michael Dirda

5. Book Of Everyday Wisdom by The Delany Sisters

6. The Little Black Dress Diet by Michail Van Straten

As you can see, I read all sorts of things. I suppose I've never seen a book I didn't like, in one way or another.

How nice it is to take a needed break from time to time and enjoy the little pleasantries of life.

***If you had a day completely to yourself, how would you spend it?

Time To Rest And Look Ahead

I trust that all of you are having a wonderful holiday. Mine has been fantastic.

I've decided to take a couple of days off, though, to rest, read, and enjoy the quiet peace of winter.

I hope you enjoy the new background and photo. As you might guess, I'm beginning to think ahead to the joy of sunny days and " the road less traveled."

I'll be back soon. Bye for now.