Mother's Day

In honour of Mother's Day. . . . 

Hoping all the moms have a wonderful day, shared with loved ones. :)

Proof!

First crocus of the season

Proof of life, that is.  Bits of spring hinted here and there.  In spite of the last wintery blast, the sun is making more frequent appearances.  And its giving off greater heat.

Yellow wildflowers called Coltsfoot and often mistaken for dandelions

Suddenly out of nowhere, there are tons of red-breasted robins pecking in the lawn in search of worms and grub.

Fresh green stuff!

Amidst all the grey decay and dead matter, new life sprouts.  Green stems and stalks break through the once frozen earth.

Tulips breaking through . . . 

I love spring!!  The promise of something fresh and new is in the air . . .

Looking Back . . .

Sparkling Star

Hope 2012 proves to be better than 2011.  At the time I refrained from mentioning too much here, but it was a bugger of  a year for me.  I started off last year recovering from a weird ailment that initially sent me to the ER.  Then my son had a scary trip to the ER (he now carries an EpiPen due to tree nut allergies).  Coupled with other stresses, I found myself experiencing insomnia and frequent anxiety attacks . . .  Without boring you with all the details, it was a long journey back to normalcy.  It was capped off with a summer trip to Toronto and a move to the farm house.

Holiday Star

So right now I am feeling thankful for all that I do have, especially for all the good people in my life.  May the new year bring many more blessings.  
  

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year dear readers and fellow crafters!

Bubbly Spirits

First off, I don't think I can thank you enough for visiting and reading.  And I especially appreciate all your lovely comments.  My first meager posts in cyberspace felt like a monologue exercise (not that I mind talking to myself, but the give-and-take of conversation is so much nicer).  Over the past year, the blog has grown, resulting in new friends--both cyber- and real-life.  

So as I raise a glass of sparkling bubbly, I want to wish you and yours a happy, healthy and crafty 2011.  Cheers!

The Good Things

What are the good things in life?  What's the secret to happiness?  The love of a good partner, happy & healthy children, caring and supportive family and friends . . . the rest will take care of itself.

Nothing like a health scare requiring a trip to the emergency room to sharpen one's senses and to put things into perspective.  Rest assured that all went well and we're on the road to recovery.  If you've ever had to spend time in outpatients/emergency, the sounds of pained cries and sobs can be disheartening.

Hope you are enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.  Give them an extra hug and let them know how much you love them.

All Through the House . . .

Not a creature was stirring . . .
except maybe a mouse.
The stockings were hung near the faux fireplace
To lend the room a sense of whimsy and grace

Ahh, the best time of the year: Christmas!  

I love the scent of pine through the house after the tree gets set up.

Putting Up the Tree

I love the twinkling lights, both inside and out.

Outdoor Lights Aglow

And I love decorating the tree with all the lovely ornaments: some handmade, some special gifts from friends and some crafted by wee hands no longer wee.

Handcrafted Porcelain Angel, Tin Foil Bell, and Knitted Stocking



One of a Kind Santa and Plastic Canvas Train

But most of all I love spending time with my boys, and watching the joy on their faces.  Then after the excitement fades to quiet, dear hubby and I sip our coffee . . . 

A Cup of Jo and Toast . . . Perfection!

Hope your holidays are filled with peace and joy. :)

Happy Turkey Day

Scarecrow courtesy of MorgueFile.com

Here in the Great White North, it's a long weekend in celebration of Thanksgiving.  At the in-laws, we'll feast on the traditional turkey complete with stuffing, gravy and all the fixings.  And while we sit 'round the table, we'll reminisce and count our blessings.

Pumpkins courtesy of MorgueFile.com

When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was never a big deal in my immediate family (being from rural southern Italy, its not a holiday my parents celebrated).  Instead of turkey, we'd have antipasto, lasagna, followed by veal, veggies and all the fixings of a grand Italian feast (think six-course meal).  Not exactly a traditional Thanksgiving.

Apples courtesy of MorgueFile.com

As I get older, it is not the type of foods we eat that matter.  Rather, it is the time spent with family that matters.  And more important, the recognition that there is value in being thankful and appreciating all that we have--'cuz sometimes it feels as if we don't have much when, in fact, we have more than we think we do.

Corn courtesy of PixelPerfectDigital.com

Corny?  Maybe.  Perhaps just a wee bit nostalgic?  Maybe.  My parents, brother, sisters and their children live halfway across the country.  I haven't seen them in a few years.  Sure we talk on the phone and catch up on Facebook, but its not the same as being together in-person.  I miss them.  And its usually 'round the holidays when I realize how much I  do miss them.

Hope you get to spend this weekend with your family and loved ones.  Have a good Thanksgiving. :)

Nice to Be Appreciated

This past week we had our annual staff appreciation supper at a local fish eatery (ya know your fish is fresh when the harbour is a stone's throw-away).  And each staff member received a single rose (among other perks).

It's nice to be appreciated.  And it got me to thinking about all that I appreciate in blogger-land and the internets.  Thanks for visiting and reading my sometimes long rambles about my crafts and garden.  And I especially love the comments.  I truly do appreciate it all.  It's nice knowing I'm not a lone voice in the wilderness of the web.

Have a great week!  :)