Recipe for a Happy New Year

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer,
one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.

You're bound to have a happy new year.

--- Author Unknown

Fix You

You all know what a tough year 2006 has been for many.
This is one song I have played constantly



When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

High up above or down below
when you're too in love to let it go
but If you never try you'll never know
Just what your worth

Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears streaming down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears streaming down your face and I

Tears streaming down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face and I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Listen very carefully!
We had our family blessed last night by our Priest.
I hope it brings a fabulous 2007.
We need all the beautiful blessings from Heaven
after such a hard and difficult 2006.

New Years Eve

May Angels protect you
May troubles neglect you

"Here's to the bright New Year.
and a fond farewell to the old,
Here's to the things that are yet to come,
and to the memories that we hold."

Two gorgeous blondes

I have a weakness for blonde hair especially on handsome men.
I love both Sting and Chris Botti

Fabulous concert!

Aunt Barbara in loving memory

Joy must have sorrow.
-- Polish Proverb

Life would not be life if a sorrow were sad, and a joy merry, from beginning to end.
-- Germaine Guevremont

This was taken May 2006 at my cousin Kerrie's shower
With my Aunt Barb on the right Aunt Ruth in the middle
and my Aunt Mary on the left.
We always had good times with Aunt Barb.
God bless you dear lady!

Prayer of Remembrance:

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,

we remember them.

In the glowing of the wind and in the chill of winter;

In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring;

IN the blueness of the sky

and in the warmth of summer;

IN the rustling of the leaves

and in the beauty of autumn;

In the beginning of the year

and when it ends;

When we are weary and in need of strength;

When we are lost and sick at heart;

When we have joys we yearn to share;

We remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,

as we remember them.

The key is to not resist or rebel against emotions

or to try to get around them by devising all sorts of tricks;

but to accept them directly, as they are."

- Takahisa Kora

In loving memory of my precious Aunt Barb

who was called home to Heaven today at 11:00 A.M.

I sat with Grandma this afternoon and we recalled all the fond memories

of this darling lady.

God bless you Aunt Barb

Son Shine Superman

My son shine celebrates his champagne birthday today.
28 on December 28th.

I always told him his life would be enchanted and things dreams and fairytales are made of.
I was right.

"There was a place in childhood that I remember well,
and there a voice of sweetest tone bright fairy tales did tell."
~Samuel Lover

The Greatest Love of All

I belive that children are our future

Greatest Love Of All
I believe that children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me

I decided long ago
Never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I will live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity

Chorus:
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

And I decided long ago
Never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I will live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity

Chorus:
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

And if by chance, that special place
That you've been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love

Happy Birthday Son
I am so very proud to be your Mother
May Heaven smile softly and hear your every wish.
God bless you today and always!

The Secret

Joy Fest

Have fun! Misery is optional.

Jean Westcott
Writer


Blessed are the joymakers.

Nathaniel Parker Willis (1806-1867)

We were invited to a dear friend of mine's last night.
Paul and I had the best evening with everyone.
There was about 25 of us for dinner
and the joy fest went on for hours.
How divine.
God loves it when we sing and dance and giggle.
That was soul therapy for me.
My handsome guy had a wonderful time too.
God bless the people who bring joy to our hearts
and cause our spirits to soar.
Love you all
Jeanne

Life is short
Make FUN of it!

Love and Peace

the risk of love is loss,
and the price of loss is grief
but the pain of grief is only a shadow
when compared with the pain of never risking love.
~ hilary stanton zunin

A beautiful portrait of my beloved Mom my Sister
had restored and framed and gave to me on Christmas day.
It is a most treasured and beautiful gift of our beloved Mother.
Thank you dear Sister for all you do for me!
I love you!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

Prayer of Remembrance:

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,

we remember them.

In the glowing of the wind and in the chill of winter;

In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring;

IN the blueness of the sky

and in the warmth of summer;

IN the rustling of the leaves

and in the beauty of autumn;

In the beginning of the year

and when it ends;

When we are weary and in need of strength;

When we are lost and sick at heart;

When we have joys we yearn to share;

We remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,

as we remember them.

The Prayer by Josh Groban
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe
La luce che to dai

I pray we’ll find your light
Nel cuore restero
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarchi che
When stars go out each night
L’eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza

Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita

La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E’il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child

Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe
E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salvera

When a Child is Born

Merry Christmas my lovely ones.
We are hearing positive feedback about our little man in the family Jakob.
Thank you for your world wide love and prayers for this little prince and his family.
My son called us this morning from Indonesia.
He is having a fabulous Christmas on this tropical island

My husband and I did lots of visiting yesterday and will do so today.
God bless you all at Christmas and always

A ray of hope flitters in the sky
A shiny star lights up way up high
All across the land dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when a child is born

A silent wish sails the seven seas
The winds have changed whisperin the trees
And the walls of doubt crumble tossed and torn
This comes to pass when a child is born

A rosy fume settles all around
Youve got the feel youre on solid ground
For a spell or two no-one seems forlorn
This comes to pass when a child is born

(spoken)
And all of this happened
Because whe world is waiting
Waiting for one child
Black, white, yellow, no one knows
But a child that would grow up and turn tears to laughter
Hate to love, war to peace
And everyone to everyones neighbour
Misery and suffering would be forgotten forever

Its all a dream and illusion now
It must come true, sometimes soon somehow
All across the land dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when a child is born

All across the land dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when a child is born

When a child is born

Happy Birthday Jesus!
Merry Christmas to you all

Santa Baby

T'was the night before Christmas

And the children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions
of sugar plums danced in their heads



THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Carly Simon


Children carry through the streets
A brightly painted star
Angels gather 'round the hearth
Strumming on guitars
Men of great renown and faith
Say prayers on boulevards
It's the night before Christmas

But you don't have to be an angel
To sing harmony
And you don't have to be a child
To love the mystery
And you don't have to be a wise man
On bended knee
The heart of this Christmas is in you and me

The night before Christmas
The night before Christmas

If you're heart's been longing
And you've been afraid to try
Sorrow's kept you company
And the dance has passed you by
I'll lift you up and blaze with you
Across the moonlit sky
On the night before Christmas

'Cause you don't have to be an angel
To sing in harmony
And you don't have to be a child to love the mystery
And you don't have to be a wise man
On bended knee

The heart of this Christmas is in you and me
The heart of this Christmas is in you and me

The night before Christmas
The night before Christmas

It's coming on Christmas

May your Christmas be Merry and Bright!
Justin has arrived safely in Lombok Indonesia
and is headed off for another island tomorrow.
He said it is very beautiful indeed!
Kim and Drew are in Thailand.
Lily and Brady are so anxious for Christmas to come.
They leave reindeer food out on the front lawn
Christmas eve night.
I plan to have many magical moments
with those I love
Christmas
Believe in the magic!
Love you all
Merry Christmas
Jeanne
X0X0

The Gift of Love

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."



The Gift of Love
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
But do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
Preparing gourmet meals
And arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
But do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home
And give all that I have to charity,
But do not show love to my family,
It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
Attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata,
But do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has
coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return,
but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust....

But giving the gift of love will endure.

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

~ author unknown ~

May your Christmas be Merry and Bright
Remember we don't need Christmas in our hands
We need it in our hearts.
My my heart and home to yours with love
Merry Christmas.
Love Jeanne

For my Beloved Mother and all my loved ones in Heaven

This came to me in a card from a dear friend.
I would like to share it with you and for all of you feeling sad for your loved ones in Heaven
may this help heal your heavy hearts.
God bless you all and thank you all so very much for your prayers for Jakob
our little family member fighting hard for his life.

Prayer of Remembrance:

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,

we remember them.

In the glowing of the wind and in the chill of winter;

In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring;

IN the blueness of the sky

and in the warmth of summer;

IN the rustling of the leaves

and in the beauty of autumn;

In the beginning of the year

and when it ends;

When we are weary and in need of strength;

When we are lost and sick at heart;

When we have joys we yearn to share;

We remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,

as we remember them.

Prayers continue for Jakob and his parents

Our newest little family member
on my late husbands side
is having a very tough time of things
since his birth.
I light a candle every day for Jakob and his parents and pray.
It is all in God's hands now.

God bless you Jakob and Chris and Rennae

What is Christmas? It is the tenderness for the past,

the courage for the present, and hope for the future.

It is a fervent wish that every cup

may overflow with blessings rich and eternal,

and that every path may lead to peace.

~Agnes M. Pharo

Live simply

Love generously

Care deeply

Speak kindly

and leave the rest to God.

2006 has been a year like no other for struggles and heartache

in our family.

Quite frankly I will be so happy to see it end!

Happy Happy Birthday Babeeeeeeeee

Today is my baby Sister's birthday!
God bless you my lovely Sister today and always with
everything that makes your heart happy.
May Heaven smile softly and hear your every wish.
Love you
Your Older Sister Jeanne
and our family!

Her birthday is 3 days before Christmas
and my son's 3 days after.
Fabulous Capricorns!

Christmas in our Hearts

Remember sweeties
We don't need Christmas in our hands
We need it in our hearts.
Merry Christmas my family and friends.
God bless you all real good at Christmas and always!

Life is the Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to

visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into

complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and

returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups -

porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive

and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

After all the alumni had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

"If you notice, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up,

leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to

want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems

and stress."

"Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most

cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we

drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you

consciously went for the best cups...and then began eyeing each other's

cups."

"Now consider this: Life is the coffee. The jobs, houses, cars, things,

money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold

and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor

change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on

the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.

"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it means you've decided

to see beyond the imperfections." It's called love."

Peace on Earth Goodwill towards men.

Live in peace and peace will live in you.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me

GOODWILL

Goodwill to others is constructive thought. It helps build us up. It is good for your body. It makes your blood purer, your muscles stronger, and your whole form more symmetrical in shape. It is the real elixir of life. The more such thought you attract to you, the more life you will have.

Prentice Mulford (1834-1891)
Philosopher


An act of goodness is of itself an act of happiness. No reward coming after the event can compare with the sweet reward that went with it.

Maurice Maeterlinck (1862-1949)
Writer

Believe

I watched the wonderful movie again The Polar Express
This is my favorite song from that movie
Believe!

Children sleeping
Snow is softly falling.
Dreams are calling
like bells in the distance.

We were dreamers not so long ago.
But one by one we all had to grow up.

When it seems the magic slipped away,
we find it all again on Christmas day...

Believe in what your heart is saying,
hear the melody that's playing.
There's no time to waste,
there's so much to celebrate.

Believe in what you feel inside,
And give your dreams the wings to fly.
You have everything you need,
If you just believe,

Trains move quickly to their journey's end.
Destinations are where we begin again.
Ships go sailing far across the sea.
Trusting starlight, to get where they need to be.

When it seems that we have lost our way,
we find ourselves again on Christmas day...

Believe in what your heart is saying,
hear the melody that's playing.
There's no time to waste,
there's so much to celebrate.

Believe in what you feel inside,
And give your dreams the wings to fly.
You have everything you need,
If you just believe.

If you just believe.
If you just believe.
If you just believe.
Just believe.
Just believe

Somewhere over the Rainbow

Mom has been sending me the most beautiful rainbows from Heaven.
Her and I loved this song sung by
Israel Kamakawio'ole
This one is for you my beloved.

May your Christmas be Merry and bright

I love this Vintage Christmas movie.
Something I came across on You Tube.
It is not my family!
I love you tube presentations!

My Grown Up Christmas List

My Grown Up Christmas List


Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list

This is my grown up christmas list

Appearance of Cheerance

Time for tea and to thank thee

To My Precious Friends at Christmas

For the Holidays and all through the year

One of the best feelings in the world comes from being a friend

And having a friend in return

I would not trade my friendship with all of you

For anything because I know that nothing else

Could ever begin to bring me the contentment the wonderful caring and love and support

The laughter the understanding and all the thousands of things we share together

One of the sweetest feelings in the whole world

Comes from knowing that everything we share and the joy that graces our lives will warm our hearts forever

In all the days ahead

For no matter how far apart our paths may wander

And not matter how long it has been

It is so great to know that

You and I will always be the such close and dear friends

Merry Christmas my Precious Friends

I love each one of you so very much

Thank you for all the joy and love and happiness

you bring to my heart each day

Love Jeanne

So This is Christmas

During this Christmas season,
May you be blessed
With the spirit of the season, which is peace,
The gladness of the season, which is hope,
And the heart of the season, which is love.

Keep the Christ in Christmas!

'Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - No one could say.
The children were told by their schools
not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ."
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted R amadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your
"Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!


I embrace the true reason for the Season
The birth of Jesus Christ!

Son Shine

Photo and video editing at onetruemedia.com

Seoul Man

A year in pictures

I had a lovely visit with my precious Grandmother today.
We make the most of our times together.

My son who will soon turn 28 on December 28th
He is on his way to Indonesia this week~
Bali here he comes!~~~~~~

Lucky young man.
I always told him since he was a small child
he is destined for a charmed and happy life.
So far I am right!

Have a Beautiful Christmas Season

I embrace the true reason for the season
Merry Christmas
Glory to God in the Highest!

Ruby Tuesday

Giggles

The spirit of a person's life is ever shedding some power,

just as a flower is steadily bestowing fragrance upon the air."

- T. Starr King

INGREDIENTS for Lemon Snowflake Cookies

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix with pudding
• 1 egg
• 2 1/4 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Mix the cake mix, egg and whipped topping together. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended (batter will be sticky).
3. Drop batter by teaspoonfuls into the confectioners' sugar and roll to coat. Place cookies onto ungreased baking sheets and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

One Week from Today

A mosaic of Christmas trees from all the fabulous
pictures of flickr friends of their trees around the world.
Technology is wonderful.
I travel around the world each day!

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.
~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

“If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.”
Bob Hope

One week from today is Christmas

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round,
as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Christmas Giggle Gram to all my female friends!

Merry Christmas To My Female Friends

If I were ol' Santa, you know what I'd do
I'd dump silly gifts that are given to you
And deliver some things just inside your front door
Things you have lost, but treasured before. I'd give you back all your maidenly vigor,
And to go along with it, a neat tiny figure.
Then restore the old color that once graced your hair
Before rinses and bleaches took residence there.
I'd bring back the shape with which you were gifted
So things now suspended need not be uplifted.
I'd draw in your tummy and smooth down your back
Till you'd be a dream in those tight fitting slacks.
I'd remove all your wrinkles and leave only one chin
So you wouldn't spend hours rubbing grease on your skin
You'd never have flashes or queer dizzy spells
And you wouldn't hear noises like ringing of bells.
No sore aching feet and no corns on your toes
No searching for spectacles when they're right on your nose.
Not a shot would you take in your arm, hip or fanny
From a doctor who thinks you're a nervous old granny.
You'd never have a headache, so no pills would you take.
And no heating pad needed since your muscles won't ache.
Yes, if I were Santa, you'd never look stupid
You'd be a cute little chick with the romance of a cupid.
I'd give a lift to your heart when those wolves start to whistle
And the joys of your heart would be light as a thistle.
But alas! I'm not Santa. I'm simply just me
The matronest of matrons you ever did see.
I wish I could tell you all the symptoms I've got
But I'm due at my doctor's for an estrogen shot.
Even though we've grown older this wish is sincere
Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year.

Credo at Christmas

It all begins with family!

If someone makes you joyful then go ahead and share it
And if it brings an extra smile I'm sure that you can spare it
When there's a disappointment don't worry never mind it
There's so much beauty in the world
Just look around and find it.
~Iris Hesselden

I love this picture of me in the front row second from left,
always so shy and never ever wanted my picture taken.
I would cry most times~
I am next to my baby Sister Debbie who will be having her birthday
December 22nd,
with my Grandmother and cousins and Aunts
Mom was often missing as she was always at work
supporting us all!

CREDO AT CHRISTMAS


At Christmas time I believe the things that children do.

I believe with English children that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.

I believe with Swiss children that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love.



I believe with Italian children that La Befana is not an ugly doll but a good fairy who will gladden the heart of all.

I believe with Greek children that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread will bring good luck to anyone who finds them.

I believe with German children that the sight of a Christmas tree will lessen hostility among adults.

I believe with French children that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl will rekindle life in people who have lost hope.

I believe with Dutch children that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky and fill the earth with joy.

I believe with Swedish children that Jultomte will come and deliver gifts to the poor as well as to the rich.

I believe with Finnish children that parties held on St.Stephen's Day will erase sorrow.

I believe with Danish children that the music of a band playing from a church tower will strengthen humankind.

I believe with Bulgarian children that sparks from a Christmas log will create warmth in human souls.

I believe with American children that the sending of Christmas cards will build friendships.

I believe with all children that there will be peace on earth.

~Daniel Roselle~

And Heaven and Nature Sing

Thank you Phil and Mindy!
A book is a gift you can open again and again.
Wave to me darlings when you are on Oprah on your book signing tours.
I love and appreciate your love and kindness so very much
and your friendship all through the year!
God bless you both and your families real good!
Muuuuuuuahhhhhhhh~~~~~~~*************

I started my day out with a beautiful rabbit on our front lawn.
I left all kinds of gourmet goodies today for all the animals and the rabbit stayed and stayed.

How divine is that?



The mail box is brimming.
I have been leaving gifts all over the town for those that take good care of me all year long.
Doctor, dentist mail people, sanitation workers...............our priests..........
goodies galore......

I too had goodies galore waiting for me when I went to the mail box.
My precious and adorable friends Mindy and Phil each sent me their book signed with a million kisses
and glorioius salutations.

Read about them here:

I thank you both for your gifts of love

also treasured ornaments and letters of love from my fabulous relatives from Nova Scotia
and cards galore and now Fedex has just called and said a huge box is being delivered.

Remember darlings it is not the things it is the thought that people love you so much they will do these
things for you.
I am a truly blessed woman.
My friends are divine as is my family, fur angels and everything good in my life is a blessing from Heaven!
I am so very loved and appreciate it so very very very much.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the goodness and kindness in your hearts
I am having a hard candy Christmas as you all know

Hey, maybe I'll dye my hair
Maybe I'll move somewhere
Maybe I'll get a car
Maybe I'll drive so far
They'll all lose track
Me, I'll bounce right back
Maybe I'll sleep real late
Maybe I'll lose some weight
Maybe I'll clear my junk
Maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine
Me, I'll be just

Fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down

I'll be fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow get me way down

Hey, maybe I'll learn to sew
Maybe I'll just lie low
Maybe I'll hit the bars
Maybe I'll count the stars until dawn
Me, I will go on

Maybe I'll settle down
Maybe I'll just leave town
Maybe I'll have some fun
Maybe I'll meet someone
And make him mine
Me, I'll be just

Fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down

I'll be fine and dandy
Lord it's like a hard candy christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I wont let
Sorrow bring me way down

I'll be fine and dandy
Lord its like a hard candy christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I wont let
Sorrow bring me way down

cause I'll be fine
(I'll be fine)
Oh, I'll be fine

Life is an Advent Season

Life Is an Advent Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONNECTIONS, 11-28-93

"Life is a constant Advent season: we are continually waiting to become, to discover, to complete, to fulfill. Hope, struggle, fear, expectation and fulfillment are all part of our Advent experience.

"The world is not as just, not as loving, not as whole as we know it can and should be. But the coming of Christ and his presence among us—as one of us—give us reason to live in hope: that light will shatter the darkness, that we can be liberated from our fears and prejudices, that we are never alone or abandoned.

"May this Advent season be a time for bringing hope, transformation and fulfillment into the Advent of our lives."

These beautiful words and beautiful photographs to view
I seen this morning on Fabulous flickr!

Thank you

Wedding Poem for New Brides

"Christmas, my child, is love in action.
Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas."
Dale Evans

For all my new brides this December and their first Christmas as man and wife
I enclosed this poem in their greeting Christmas card

Marry when the year is new,
Always loving, kind and true.
When February birds do mate
You may wed, nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow,
Joy and sorrow both you'll know
Marry in April when you can,
Joy for maiden and for man
Marry in the month of May,
You will surely rue this day.
Marry when June roses blow
Over land and sea you'll go.
They who in July do wed
Must labor always for their bread.
Whoever wed in August be,
Many a change are sure to see.
Marry in September's shine,
Your living will be rich and fine.
If in October you do marry,
Love will come, but riches tarry.
If you wed in bleak November
Only joy will come, remember.
When December's snows fall fast,
Marry and true love will last.
~Ellye Howell Glover

Embrace your bliss

Make an online slide show at onetruemedia.com

Special prayers are needed for a new little baby in the family

God loves it when we use knee mail!
The power of prayer.

My late husband's family has kept me informed on a new little boy Jake born into the world last
night at only 3 pounds and on a respirator with some major health problems.
His Father my nephew by marriage Chris and his wife
are in my prayers as is all the family!
Please pray for little Jake and his parents and all the family!

Blessings

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).


I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth
would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in
storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained,
or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much
less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his
youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day
because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while
watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't
show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every
moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only
chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go
get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's" More
"I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at
it and really see it ... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE
SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each
day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have
a blessed day.

~Humility is the strength of the strong
and the weapon with which the wise conquer their foes~
Tirukkural 99:984-985
http://www.teachermovie.com/

Seoul Man

As you all know two of our children live in Asia
My son took a bunch of night shots in Seoul around
his condo.
They are all gorgeous.
I love to see Christmas all around the world!

What I put in his baby book when he was born.
I send it to him each year on his birthday!
He will be 28 on the 28th of December
His champagne birthday!
I love you Son Shine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A child is born.
"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children."
-Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso. Spanish Artist and Painter. 1881-1973.

Share the love at Christmas and Always

Memory is such a beautiful thing
it gives us roses in Winter
What memories are you making for your loved ones today?

Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas
time with the endless unrestrained and often silly
buying of gifts is that we don't quite know how to
put our love into words.
-- Harlan Miller

CHRISTMAS

that magick blanket that wraps itself around us, that something so tangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved

A Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney

Ding, dong, ding, dong
Ding, dong, ding, dong

The mood is right
The spirits up
Were here tonight
And that's enough
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time

The party's on
The feelings here
It's all because
This time of year
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time

Don't cry poor children, sing this song
Ding, dong, ding, dong,
Ding, dong, ding.

The word is out
About the town
So lift your glass
And don't look down
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time

The mood is right
The spirits up
Were here tonight
And that's enough
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time

By Paul McCartney 

Mom's Memory Table

Christmas flowers in the kitchen
Season everything with love and kiss the cook often!

Mom and I love to feed the birds
and I still continue to do so each day.
We love animals and nature.
Today is her 4 month in Heaven date.
Today I made for her this little tree with her favorite
maribou feather and birds.
God bless you Mom!
I know you are taking care of all the animals in Heaven too!


Christmas Cherry Bread:

Ingredients:

1	jar	(10-ounce) maraschino cherries
1/3	cup	butter or margarine, softened
2/3	cup	firmly packed brown sugar
2		eggs
1 3/4	cups	all-purpose flour
2	tsp	baking powder
1/2	tsp	salt
1	cup	ripe mashed bananas
1/2	cup	chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts

Procedures:

1	Drain maraschino cherries, reserving 2 tablespoons juice. Coarsely chop cherries; set aside.
2	Combine butter, brown sugar, eggs and reserved cherry juice in a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed with an electric mixer until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; mix well.
3	Add flour mixture and mashed bananas alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in drained cherries and nuts.
4	Lightly spray a 9x5x3-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spread batter evenly in pan.
5	Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 1 hour, or until golden brown and wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean.
6	Remove from pan; let cool on wire rack.
7	Wrap in plastic wrap or store in a tightly covered container.

---

Beautiful Friends

My beautiful friend Karen
who owns her own dance studio in Stratford Ontario
Lace up your shoes and dance amongst the stars!

Artful Thoughts
As well as creating my beautiful web page design,
and doing a multitude of kind things for me and many all year long,
my precious friend Dani has been busy
creating all kinds of Christmas graphics,
please pay her a visit and share the love.
She is fabulous at everything she touches!

God loves it when we sing and dance!

So She Dances

A waltz when she walks in the room
She pulls back the hair from her face
She turns to the window to sway in the moonlight
Even her shadow has grace
A waltz for the girl out of reach
She lifts her hands up to the sky
She moves with the music
The song is her lover
The melody's making her cry
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently

A waltz for the chance I should take
But how will I know where to start?
She's spinning between constellations and dreams
Her rhythm is my beating heart

So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently

I can't keep on watching forever
I give up this view just to tell her

When I close my eyes I can see
The spotlights are bright on you and me
We've got the floor
And you're in my arms
How could I ask for more?

So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently

I can't keep on watching forever
And I'm givin' up this view just to tell her

All of my friends are fabulous and I am blessed to have each one in my life!

Christmas cards
Are you sentimental like me and save many years of Christmas cards past and wonder
what to do with them now.
The link above is one way of offering a suggestion!
Merry Christmas.
I embrace the true reason for this season!

So She Dances

The Colours of Grace

I am using my Mother's nativity set this year.
How all the more sacred it is!

The colours of advent are varied with the colours of grace.
The colour of the stole, chasuble and the tent like veil covering
the tabernacle and other elements of the sanctuary follow these rules:

Violet, signifies longing nad penance, it is used in Advent and Lent.
Rose coloured vestments are a sign of anticipated joy and are used
on the Third Sunda of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
White, the colour of purity and of glory, is used during
Christmas ad the Paschal Triduum,
as well as on certain feasts of the Lord and the feasts
of the Virgin Mary and many saints.
Vestments of gold or silver cloth may be used on great solemnities.
Green symbolizes growth, fruitfulness and hope and is worn
on Sundays and weekdays during Ordinary Time.
Red, recalling the blood of Christ and the martyrs
as well as the fire of the Holy Spirit is worn
on Passion Sunday, Pentecost, Masses of the Holy Spirit
feasts of the Holy Cross and apostles and martyrs.
For Masses of the dead and funerals, violet, or black vestments
may be worn.

Sunday Afternoon

Photo and video editing at onetruemedia.com

Love is all you Need

The Message of Christmas is Love
The Spirit of Christmas is Peace


A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to
visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into
complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and
returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups -
porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive
and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

After all the alumni had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:
"If you notice, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up,
leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to
want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems
and stress."

"Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most
cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we
drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you
consciously went for the best cups...and then began eyeing each other's
cups."

"Now consider this: Life is the coffee. The jobs, houses, cars, things,
money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold
and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor
change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on
the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.


"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it means you've decided
to see beyond the imperfections.
" It is called LOVE"

Live in peace and peace will live in you.

From home to home and heart to heart
From one place to another.
The warmth and joy of Christmas
Brings us closer together.
- Emily Matthews

The Message of Christmas is Love

Cute Christmas Presentation

Children carry through the streets
A brilliant painted star
Angels gather round the hearth
Strumming on guitars
Men of great renown and faith
Say prayers on boulevards
Its the night before christmas

But you dont have to be an angel
To sing harmony
And you dont have to be a child
To love the mystery
And you dont have to be a wise man
On bended knee
The heart of this christmas is in you and me

The night before christmas
The night before christmas

If youre hearts been longing
And youve been afraid to try
Sorrows kept you company
And the dance has passed you by
Ill lift you up and blaze with you
Across the moonlit sky
On the night before christmas

cause you dont have to be an angel
To sing in harmony
And you dont have to be a child to love the mystery
And you dont have to be a wise man
On bended knee

The heart of this christmas is in you and me
The heart of this christmas is in you and me

The night before christmas
The night before christmas

From home to home and heart to heart
From one place to another.
The warmth and joy of Christmas
Brings us closer together.
- Emily Matthews

The Nativity Story

We really enjoyed this movie last night.
The Nativity Story!
The young lady that plays the part of Mary
(Keisha Castle-Hughes)
was in another movie I loved called Whale Rider.
Yes darling ones I cried through the entire movie~
I am so glad movies of this true reason for the season
are coming to the theatres again!
The world needs to embrace all the goodness of life
now more than ever!

Snowmen are so special

Snowmen are so special they make your hearts melt!

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sympathetic
with the striving and truly caring of the weak and strong.
Because someday in your life you will ha been all of these.
~George Washington Carver

December 8, 2006 ~In memory of John Lennon

26 years ago today, John Lennon lost his life. I remember!

Forgive us." A message for all people and all times. The hardest thing to ask, the hardest to give. The greatest and most elusive of all human virtues.

~ Yoko Ono!

My First Christmas in Heaven

My Mother was the most perfect and

magnetic character, the rarest

combination of practical, moral,

and spiritual, and the least selfish,

of all and any I have ever known,

and by me O so much the most

deeply loved.

~Walt Witman

A Christmas basket I made for my precious Mom and Sister.
I go to their grave each week and pray and bring them
gifts and my love the way I always did while
they were on this Earth with me.
I am praying for us all that will have our loved ones
celebrating their first Christmas in Heaven this year and for
all the loved ones that have gone on before them.

"You cannot control what happens to you,

but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you,

and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you."

- Brian Tracy

My First Christmas
In Heaven


I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love
He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.



*This poem was written by a 13 year old girl named Lysandra Kay Bencke
Lysandra had a seizure and was in a coma for five days before she died
on the anniversary of our Lord's birthday, Christmas Day 1997

Christmas Cookies

Merry Christmas Sugar Plums
from my heart and home to yours with much love!

A mosaic you can see who to credit for all of these fabulous cookies
on my flickr account.
I don't bake any longer as there is just Sugar Bear and I.
I just make a few small little treats for our grand angels!

Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cake
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup diced dried cranberries
6 ounces white chocolate, cut into chunks

Frosting
4-ounces cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup diced dried cranberries

Drizzled Icing
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
2 teaspoons vegetable shortening


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Make cake by beating butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, ginger, and salt and beat well. Gradually mix in flour until smooth. Mix 3/4 cup diced dried cranberries and white chocolate into the batter by hand. Pour batter into a well-greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake is light brown on the edges. Allow cake to cool.
3. Make frosting by combining softened cream cheese, 3 cups powdered sugar, lemon juice and vanilla extract in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. When the cake has cooled, use a spatula to spread frosting over the top of the cake.
4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of diced cranberries over the frosting on the cake.
5. Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and shortening. Drizzle icing over the cranberries in a sweeping motion or use a pastry bag with a fine tip to drizzle frosting across the top of the cake.
6. Allow cake to sit for several hours, then slice the cake lengthwise (the long way) through the middle. Slice the cake across the width three times making a total of eight rectangular slices. Slice each of those rectangles diagonally creating 16 triangular slices. (http://www.topsecretrecipes.com)

Makes 16 bars. Enjoy :-)
Kiss the cook often and season everything with love.

Hallelujah

I heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it pleased the Lord
but you don't really care for music, do you
well it goes like this the fourth, the fifth
the minor fall and the major lift
the baffled king composing hallelujah

hallelujah...

well your faith was strong but you needed proof
you saw her bathing on the roof
her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
she tied you to her kitchen chair
she broke your throne and she cut your hair
and from your lips she drew the hallelujah

hallelujah...

The Rolls Royce Babeeeeeee

The City with the most Rolls-Royces per square miles is Hong Kong.
I heard an interesting tidbit on the radio yesterday.
When we were small our Mother's would say eat all your food there are children starving in China.
I wonder if the Mother's in China now say eat your food there are children in Michigan starving.
Jim Harper Detroit Magic Radio Station
How our world has changed!

"Find something to be happy about every day, and every hour, even if only for a few minutes, and if possible moment-to-moment.

This is the easiest and best protection you can have."

- Gregg Braden

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!

Yesterday I was invited to the Starbuck's Cheer's Party.
I was served my latte and Cranberry Bliss bars
and had some cheery visits with lovely ones.

Someone I know pulled up in his fabulous Rolls Royce to also attend.
My darling and beloved Mother once dated a man who also owned
a Rolls Royce I am a lucky lady to have driven in one of these fabulous cars.
But remember darlings
the best things in life ARE NOT things!!!!!!!!!!
Remember the reason for this season!

Her legacy lives on the fabulous Audrey Hephurn

I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.
Audrey Hepburn

London - Already having made cinematic history, Audrey Hepburn's little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's set a new world record when it was sold for a dazzling 467,200 pounds (924,588 dollars), including the buyer's premium, at auction house Christie's in London Tuesday.

The winning bidder paid 410,000 pounds for the garment, worn by Hepburn in one of her best-known roles as eccentric Manhattan socialite Holly Golightly in the 1961 adaptation of Truman Capote's novel.

The winning sum, exceeding its upper estimate of 70,000 pounds by more than six times, set a world record for a dress worn in a movie, Christie's said.

A dress worn by Marilyn Monroe to sing Happy Birthday to President Kennedy fetched 583,000 pounds in 1999.

There were gasps, tense laughter and applause in the packed auction room at Christie's when bidding passed the 400,000-pound mark.

Once 300,000 pounds had been topped, offers came in at dizzying speed.

But there was little time for bidders to catch their breath, as a 'gentleman in the room' upped the price to 405,000 pounds, only to be topped by the winning bidder over the telephone.

A model displaying an imitation of the famous dress, complete with pearls, but bare of the gamine charm and elegance of the Belgian- British actress, kept her composure throughout tense proceedings.

The dress, an iconic piece of cinematic history, was designed by Hubert de Givenchy, who became Hepburn's life-long friend in 1953.

He donated the dress to Dominic Lapierre, founder of the charity City of Joy Aid, which helps India's poor.

Lapierre, who set up the Calcutta-based charity after a meeting with Mother Theresa in 1981, said Tuesday he was moved by the sale.

'There are tears in my eyes. I am absolutely dumbfounded to believe that a piece of cloth which belonged to such a magical actress will now enable me to buy bricks and cement to put the most destitute children in the world into schools.'

Hepburn, who died in 1993, devoted much of her time in her later life to her role as Ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund.

City of Joy Aid is supporting the work of more than 1,000 social workers, doctors, nurses, therapists and educators in India, helping more than four million sufferers of tuberculosis, cholera and leprosy.

In 2005, Christie's in London auctioned a dress by Hollywood star Judy Garland, which she wore as a 17-year-old in the film The Wizard of Oz, for 140,000 pounds.

In 2004, a cane used by Charlie Chaplin fetched nearly 48,000 pounds, while a Hitler moustache worn by Chaplin in The Great Dictator went under the hammer for 17,925 pounds.

© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

This Years Love

Many had asked me what was that song on my latest montage I created.
Here you go Sugar Plums

David Gray
This Years Love

I believe

I believe that you should never take life for granted or anyone that you love.
I believe when your heart speaks take good notes.
I believe it all begins and ends with family.
I belive that every person that has entered your life,
was there for a reason.

I believe in the power of prayer and my faith now more than ever.
I believe in the Christmas spirit and the kindness and love of people.
I believe in love, we are all born with a great need to be loved and never ever outgrow it.
I believe in handwritten letters and more than words lettters mingle souls.
I believe in the pure of heart and I believe in the word and eyes of my precious Grandmother.
I believe in Heaven and life everlasting and I believe I will see my beloved Mother again in Heaven.
I believe in our children and their fabulous lives!
I believe in peace and love and joy and my friends each and every one!
I believe that pure and loving thoughts and kind words go a long way.

I belive in my adorable husband.
I believe that there should be peace on earth, now more than ever!.
I believe that everyone should have time off at Christmas.
I believe in embracing the true reason for this season!
I believe in mail boxes brimming especially in December!
I believe that we all have great joy and blessings in our lives in spite of the sadness that creeps in.
I believe that my life was a gift from God and what I do with my life is my gift to God.
I believe I am a truly blessed lady!
I believe life in embracing my bliss~!

My Little Friend Jennifer

Taken just now the big full moon on this December 5th morning.
My husband and I rise about 4:30 or 5:00 A.M. every morning.
I enjoy the quiet time to reflect upon my many blessings and to thank God
for them all.

My precious and dear friend Nancy
hand makes these origami cranes for me........
She just gave me another one on Friday
to honor my beloved Mother.
I have them in my dining room. Friends, our life would be such a wilderness without them.
There is a big full moon in the sky.
Bella Luna!

I am ever thankful to my dear friend Shelagh
for introducing to me to a very special child Jennifer from Nova Scotia.
She has been my very special pen pal since she lost her Mother.
She is now living next door to Shelagh and some lovely neighbors
of Shelagh have adopted Jennifer. She seems very happy and doing so well.
I received a beautiful Christmas card from her yesterday with a picture and a song she wrote.
It deeply touched my heart.

I am going to send this one back to her in my reply to her today.

Snow Ball

I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be
I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it's head
Then, last night it ran away
But first -- it wet the bed.

Shel Silverstein

God bless all the little children of the world
and keep them happy and healthy and surrounded
by love and joy!
All children should have a childhood of magic!

Thinking of our loved ones so far far away

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The magic of children

People have more than their share of worries today the laughter of a child is magic.

Peace

Lord I pray for peace on earth and let it begin with me

Peace on Earth - Day 1

In 1963 Pope John addressed his great encyclical Pacem in Terris
to a world living under the shadow and threat of war.
He spoke fearlessly of a divinely established order in human affairs
which is the basis of peace.

The world will never be the dwelling place of peace till peace has found a home in the heart of each and every person, till every person preserves in himself the order ordained by God to be preserved. (Pacem in Terris)

Peace begins with me. Praying at Sacred Space, today, I can be especially open to the gift of Peace in my heart. It is a gift and can't be forced.

As we long for peace we remember our brothers and sisters of all faiths who share our longings.

A Buddhist Prayer

Evoking the presence of the great compassion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion - towards ourselves and towards all living beings.

Let us pray that all living beings realise that they are all brothers and sisters, all nourished from the same source of life.

Thou who hast given us so much,
mercifully grant us one more thing—
a grateful heart.

-George Herbert

Source of information

Christmas

Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote
so many years ago: to tame the savageness
of man and make gentle the life of this world.
~Bobby Kennedy

Especially during this time of advent
how is the gage on your moral compass?

Life always holds magic, and
there are so many ways wonder touches us.
Its beauty and its joys cannot be counted.
We have but to believe
And when Christmas comes at last
Oh, how it shines in our hearts,
lighting the skies above with rays of hope
and bringing all us together.
Wishing you at Christmas
and always everything wonderful life has to offer.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

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Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.
Bobby Kennedy

Especially at this time of advent
how is the gage on your moral compass?

Eyes of a Child at Christmas

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories
and love of kindred,
and we are better throughout the year for having,
in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

We had a magical day with our grand angels
yesterday.
We brought them to the movies
and had them help us decorate our Christmas tree,
took them shopping had them make out a few special
Christmas cards,
I did a web cam with them for Uncle Justin and Aunt Kim in Asia
we took them to mass and they
enjoyed a dinner out with us.
A fun filled packed day.
We must make the most of them when we see them
as they are busy little social butterflies.
Do you believe our eldest grand angel is 8 now.
This picture was taken at their home last week.
Blessings!

And So This is Christmas

Remember the Reason for the Season!

Rabbit Rabbit

Always my first words of each month!
Rabbit Rabbit!

December my son will have his champagne birthday this month 28 on December 28th!

I open the door. The gorgeous guest from afar sweeps in. In her hands are her gifts~
the gifts of hours and far-seeing moments, the gift of mornings and evenings, the gift of spring
and summer, the gift of autumn and winter. She must have searched the heavens for boons so rare.
~Abbie Graham
(from my book of Simple Abundance)
December's gifts, custom, ceremony, consecration, come to us wrapped
up, not in tissue and ribbons, but in cherished memories. This is the month of miracles.
The oil that burns for eight days, the roay son born in a stable, the inexplicable return of Light of the longest,
darkest night of the year. Where there is Love, there are always miracles. And where there are miracles,
there is great joy. Gratefully we weave the golden thread of the season~ and bring joy into our tapestry of
contentment. At last we embrace the miracle of authenticity changing forever how we view ourselves.
Our daily round. Our dreams. Our destinies. Day we once call common we now call holy!

December embrace it and truly remember the Real reason for this Season!


December the diamond-frosted clasp
linking twelve jeweled months to yet another year.
~Phyllis Nicholson

The Old Year wanes. No more yearning for what mght
have been. Instead, open December's generous gift of what
is......Let the darkest day shed new light as you rediscover old-fashioned reasons, for the heartfelt season of simple splendor.
Hang the stockings, trim the tree, get in line for Santa's knee.
Believe us, you have been good this year.
What can True Love brings, if the turtle-doves go missing or there is no golden ring?
An opulent month or ordinary miracles wrapped up in a reverie of romance.
Glad tidings of comfort and joy!