The magic of the color Pink

I was at the Magic Kingdom yesterday...last week...two weeks ago...I don't remember when, but I decided that my mission was to search for Pink. It wasn't very hard to find as it was everywhere! Including all the little pink princesses running hither and yon. The castle was illuminated with a soft pink light that glowed against the gloomy grey sky.

They have a new window display filled with packages topped with huge pink bows...
and blue. They had one for every occasion.

I love this lamp post with the ribbons, cones, and flowers. I couldn't decide what the theme was...is it Valentines or dog bones? It seems an odd combination, but the Disney seems to be able to get away with anything.

The divine little petit fours in the window display...
they look good enough to eat, don't they?

Disney always has the best toilet paper signs...
and I love this one with the Gibson girl in her flowered bonnet.

There was one in the mens room as well! Minus the pink of course.

Pink and brown are my favorite color combinations and I just loved this package with the brown paper bag with the cousin tag dangling from the big pink bow. I took this picture for my cousin Rebekah (hi Rebekah) who I'll be seeing later this evening and wait until you see what I've made for dessert! The most delicious rich chocolate cream pie in the world...with a twist, but I'll be posting about that Sunday evening.

These were just a few of the pink delightful objects I found along the way so if you're looking for more pink stop over and visit Beverly at: How Sweet the Sound and check out her long list of PINK. Remember: Pink it's not just a color, it's an attitude! I think Ell Woods coined that term.

OK, I know that some of you are wondering how I took the bathroom sign from the mens room...right? I'm not going to tell :).

Who spilled the Coffee!

Photo courtesy: Markolson's photostream.
Click on the picture to see more

How cute is that little squirrel chipmunk type creature and how lucky to have a cup of Tim Horton's! Have you ever had a cup of Tim Horton's? It's the Canadian equivalent to Starbucks only it's GOOD and they have soups, salads, yummy delicious pastries, and excellent coffee. Hubby and I discovered them while vacationing in Montreal and Quebec several years ago and every so often I just wish I could enjoy a cup.

So one day I went on line to find the closest location to our lovely little hamlet...would you believe Kentucky...or Vancouver? There aren't a lot of Timmy's in the states which I think is quite sad for coffee drinkers everywhere. As a nation we really do need to wake up and smell the coffee. Then and only then will we realize that it's not that good. It smells burnt, it tastes burnt, and it leaves the nastiest after taste in your mouth (sorry to all you Starbucks lovers...hope I haven't offended).

I'm rabbit trailing here, but I have to tell you this story. I have a friend who LOVES Starbucks. We were discussing her love of it one day and she told me that she has a tall cup every morning. She orders the cup half empty or half full then she adds water, cream, and three packets of sugar. So I said, "you really DON'T like Starbucks, do you?" She had to think about that one...rabbit trail over, back to Timmy's.

I keep trying to talk hubby into jumping in the car and driving off to Kentucky for a delicious hot cup of Tim Horton's Coffee. Be spontaneous...do something out of the norm...add a bit of whimsy to our life...go off on an unplanned adventure. Sounds fun doesn't it? So far I haven't convinced him, but one day it'll happen. Maybe I should just kidnap him and tell him we're going for a drive then just keep on driving.

When you've finished
getting yourself ready in the morning,
you must go get the planet ready.

The Little Prince

Be strong and of good courage,
do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the LORD your God,
He is the One who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

For more ABC's of the Word stop by Pam's blog Grey Like Snuffie and help us stir up God's word in our hearts.

Tea & Friendship

Well would you look at that...
it's Cori G. sitting with Ellen B.

Ellen and I found each others blogs about a year ago through a tea-a-thon and once it was over we just kept posting comments on each others blogs. Every now and then she would post somewhere she had been and I would comment that I had just been in the same area and that our paths must have crossed as we were traveling in opposite directions. Well, today those paths intersected and what a treat it was.
We met at a nearby bakery and only had an hour to sit and share stories and laugh all over a cup of tea...her's was hot, mine was iced...tea nonetheless. It was so much fun to have so many questions answered and discover more about who The Happy Wonderer really is.

We talked about our childhoods, books we've read, and our common belief in Jesus the Messiah. I think we covered a lot of ground in one hour don't you Ellen B.?
Sadly our hour passed too quickly and it was time for us to part ways, but I left feeling privileged and blessed to have met such a wonderful woman and friend. Hopefully we can do it again.

Happy Birthday Eric!

Everyone, this is my cousin Eric...let's all say "Hi Eric!" He has no idea he's being posted on my blog. Anyway, Saturday we celebrated his 40th birthday in grand style and I can't remember a time when I've ever been to such a huge birthday bash. There were probably 75 to 90 people and it was held in a banquet room at a local Golf Club.
All the guests were treated to a sit down dinner of delicious chicken, Tri Tip steak, mashed potatoes (yum!) salad, and steamed veggies.
Not only were we fed, but we were entertained by a live band, a magician, and a hilarious comedian.

This is him. When he first walked in the door with his rather somber looking suit I thought, "who is this guy. He looks like the undertaker". But when it was his turn to be on stage he turned into a completely different person. He had everyone in stitches as he poked fun at Walmart and the 99 cent store...two of my least favorites, thank you.

Then he started picking on this poor guy named Tim who I think is Eric's wife - Angie's - cousin. Tim was wearing one of those shirts you see all the young guys wearing; black with the large white stripe down the front. They've always reminded me of 50's style bowling shirts. Anyway, there sat poor unsuspecting Tim with his shirt as the comedian used him as fodder for his jokes. I would imagine that when Tim dressed that afternoon he probably thought he looked pretty cool, but I would also imagine that by the end of the evening he may have thought twice about wearing that shirt again.

And then the comedian started making fun of people who wear Converse Tennis shoes.

Pretty balloons don't you think? These were the centerpieces for each table. They rested on a circular mirror covered with Hershey's Kisses and votive candles. Very simple yet visually calming. It's hard to go wrong with Kisses as part of a centerpiece or the combination of silver against a royal blue background!

OK. Back to the comedian making fun of people who wear Converse tennis shoes.

I just purchased this pair that morning and was tempted to wear them to the party...with a dress of course and striped stockings...very Victorian. You're probably thinking that striped stockings are only worn by pirates, but they originated during the dark ages and were worn by the peasants. Then of course by the Encroubles of France and then down to the Victorians. Pirates merely stole the fashion sense from those who went before them. That's what pirates do.

The first thing sweet hubby did when the comedian started joking about the tenni's was to look under the table to see what I had on my feet. He was happy and relieved to see that I had my imitation Doc Martins on paired with the familiar striped stockings. He smiled his sweet little smile with his darling dimples.
In hind sight I wish I had worn these darling little tenni's, with the baby pink stripes, just to prove that Converse tenni's never go out of style and can be worn with any apparel...even lacy petticoats. You won't catch me being intimidated by the fashion police. I say this with a smile.

By the end of the evening we were happy, satiated, and ready for bed. So off we went to rest our heads. What a fun time we had!
Thank you Eric for having such a wonderful birthday!

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

The Living Bible emphasizes a different aspect of this verse: "Don't be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God's answers and be thankful when they come." The Christian life is dependent upon constant communication. Just as Jesus was in continual and constant touch with His heavenly Father, I need to maintain a constant "open line" to heaven. And there's more involved than continually "asking"--I'm to be careful and consistent in thanksgiving as well. That means listening as well as talking--resting as well as walking. Once I've learned to turn my weariness over to the Great Burden-bearer, I should be more effective in both talking and walking.

Taken from the book: "Today, Lord, I Will"

My thoughts:

As I read today's devotion I thought to myself, "this is pretty basic stuff. Every Christian knows this simple principle...pray without ceasing." But then, I realized that I've been trying so hard to listen that I've stopped speaking. So the two must go hand in hand...in order to listen, one must pray and in order to pray one must listen.

I've been asking the Lord lately to release me from my ministry (selfish, I know), but in light of current events I don't think He will. I've always believed that some people are given a ministry for life while others are given them for a season. Mine I'm beginning to believe is for life.

So my prayer for today is:
Lord, please give me the strength and desire to continue in what You have set before me. Help me to do it with love and compassion, but above all help me to lay down my will before Your throne and desire Your will and not my own.

I'm listening to the sound of gentle rain splashing on the window panes. On days like this I want to do nothing more than stay indoors and bake sweet delicious cookies for my hubby. A girl can dream can't she? Instead I've got to brave the wet and make my way to church for the afternoon.
Do you remember our little cook book? Well, it hit a glitch when it came to having it printed so I'll be doing the printing myself. I don't mind really. There's something comforting about the hum of the printer while page after page is slowly being fed through the machine...I think it's the sound of progress and knowing that the job is finally coming to an end.
So I must leave my cozy little cottage and the gentle sound of rain.

Good morning Ladies,
I'm getting my post up late and am so sorry. Last night after I had gone to bed I realized that I hadn't started my letter X. It must have been on my mind all night because I never fell asleep until the wee hours of the morn...explains why I'm up late.

Pam had decided that since there are so few X's in scripture we could post one of our favorites, but how does one choose a favorite when there are so many rich and beautiful nuggets to hold on to. I was going to post Psalm 91: 1&2, but as I sit here typing away an Xceptionally meaningful scripture popped into my head...I may have used it before so if I have please Xcuse me.

DEUTERONOMY 30:20

That you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, FOR HE IS YOUR LIFE AND THE LENGTH OF YOUR DAYS;

I remember I first time I read this scripture I was babysitting a clients house (I used to do nails) while in the process of looking for a new apartment which was always a scary thing since I made little to no money. Time and time again I saw the Lord do such miraculous things in my life and provide in ways I never could have imagined. I clung to this scripture that day and have every day since then. When every thing around us falls apart HE IS STILL THERE TO CLING TO! Praise God for His steadfast love and care of His darling daughters...that means you.

I hope you all have a very blessed day and don't forget to stop by Pam's blog to help us stir up God's word in our hearts!

We have a new cottage creation in the making and I thought I'd give you a sneak peek...although who knows how long it will take from concept to completion. Saturday morning sweet hubby and I enjoyed a cup of coffee while drawing up the plans and this is the end result. The upper portion will have glass doors, pink bead board for the interior with four shelves, and crown molding to finish the top. The lower will have wooden doors, two shelves, and a small bead running along the base. We used an old built-in from the turn of the century as inspiration...
after all, there's nothing new under the sun.

This is the corner where our new cupboard is going to be. Don't you just love the 50's style tile and cupboard hinges? One day...

My poor little cottage is low on cupboards so I have to find creative ways to store and hide groceries. It makes me wonder how a wife and mother of the 50's functioned in so poorly a designed space, but then she didn't have a microwave...oh, neither do I :).
Oops. It looks like some of the Christmas ornaments escaped on packing day.

All of these lovely little coffee mugs will make the journey to the Good Will store unless any of you would like to provide a good home for them.

Even my beloved pink bicycle is in the kitchen because there's no where to store her in the garage. Well, actually there is, but I couldn't stand the thought of her cute little pinkness being covered in sawdust. So here she sits where I can visit her everyday.
Well, as the work progresses I'll give you updates...I'm sure you're all dying to see how it turns out. Oh! Can you tell I have a thing for green and pink. It's a good thing hubby's color blind.

Why are you crying?
Who are you looking for?
This is a graveyard
Were you expecting more?

You feel abandoned
Like every hope has died
The death of all your dreams
This is the price of life.

He will claim His lost possession
Repossess you pay the cost
He will purchase you for freedom
He will find all that was lost

There stands the Stranger
There on the flowering slope
The Servant waits for you
In a garden of hope

Do you perceive now?
And have your eyes been cleared:
Have they been opened?
Have they been washed by tears?

He will claim His lost possession
Repossess you pay the cost
He will purchase you for freedom
He will find all that was lost

So run and tell all
Those who have longed to hear
The wait is over
The risen Savior's here.

Lyrics: Michael Card

I wish you could hear how beautiful this song is. It's from Michael Card's CD titled, "Hymns" and from the first note to the last I was mesmerized by both the lyrics and the tune.
I don't know its background but it reminds me of the story of Mary Magdalen when she went to the garden tomb and found it empty. She must have been consumed by such a dark hopelessness until she saw the risen Messiah standing before her.
Hope kindled anew.

One of the pleasantest things is going on a journey;
but I like to go by myself.
I can enjoy society in a room;
but out of doors,
nature is enough company for me.

William Hazlitt

Frodo: I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil.

Quote by: J.R.R. Tolkien

The weather man said today will be in the 80's AGAIN...

How I wish I could be a mermaid
gently drifting out to sea...

When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

Matthew 17:8 (NIV)

There is a tremendous spiritual lesson wrapped up in these ten words. Notice the direction Jesus' disciples looked...up! Notice the object of their attention...Jesus! Notice the centrality of their concentration...they saw Jesus only! The lesson we need to learn is to keep our eyes on Jesus. If we look to men around us for inspiration or fellowship, sooner or later we are bound to be discouraged and disillusioned, for men are fallible, human creatures at best. It is inevitable that they will stumble or fall, and our ideal of them will be shattered. But Jesus is perfect and imperishable. We will never be disappointed in Him.
O Lord, let me see "no one except Jesus"!

Taken from the book, "Today, Lord, I Will"

My thoughts:
Each week I go through this devotional and then choose my favorite to post on Sunday Mornings, but this week it sat on the shelf unopened. Instead I've been wandering aimlessly through the scriptures reading here and there with no direction at all. When I opened my devotional this morning and it fell to this page I read it. And I realized that this is me. My gaze has wandered from where it should be to where it should not.
I was reminded of when Edmond had betrayed his brother, sisters, and all of Narnia for a nibble of Turkish Delight. Being accused by his siblings the argument began...until Aslan appeared. His presence was so commanding that all eyes fell to him and all accusations dissipated like the morning mist.
So this morning I have chosen to set my gaze on the Author and finisher of my faith...Jesus the Messiah and not on fallible human creatures such as myself.

Do you ever buy something and then wonder "why?" This is one of those sweet little treasures that I've always wanted to own...a pair of vintage bloomers. When I saw them sadly draped over an old towel rack I knew they had found a new home, but now that I have them what do I do with them?
The fragile delicate lace is in perfect condition and they're even my size. Maybe I should wear them with those cute shoes two posts down or my granny boots with striped stockings. Or maybe for now they'll hang on a pretty little hanger from a small wooden shelf in the guest room.
If they belonged to you what would you do with them?

This has been one of those weeks where I've spent a great deal of time wandering about in my head as I've tried to make sense of many things that have come to my attention. Many things that I'd rather not deal with.
I tend to be one of those people who chooses to believe the best about people and their intentions, but when something like this happens I begin to question everything. Can a person really not be aware of how things are or is it simply easier to bury ones head in the sand and act as if nothing is happening?
Why does life have to be so complicated at times? It seems the simplest situations become the most difficult to deal with.
So I have been praying and asking the Lord what I should do and in which direction I should go. While I believe the past is the past and expect nothing in regards to righting what is wrong (in the past) I do want it righted for the future. Are you thoroughly confused? Me too!

On a funner note (is "funner" an actual word?): my friend Kathy and I started our Belly Dance class this morning and am I out of shape...and uncoordinated! I've been at this for several years and am really terrible, but it's so much fun and a good lesson about being able to laugh at yourself. Plus we get to wear sparkly belts and make a bit of noise...not too much noise though.
Our class is from 8-9 am Saturday mornings and afterward we stop for coffee and wander around down town Fullerton for some antiquing. It's a relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning.

Have you ever seen a pair of shoes that are more darling then these? I know, I know...many of you are probably looking at them and thinking, "what is SHE thinking?" But I happen to think they are the sweetest, cutest, most darling pair of shoes ever created and they would go perfect with my quirky wardrobe... a black velvet skirt with a hint of vintage petticoat peeking from beneath.
Now if I can only sneak them into my closet without hubby noticing.
I found them in the new Victorian Trading Company magazine. Oops! Maybe I shouldn't have told you where to find them. After all they may all sell out.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through Him,
and without Him nothing was made that was made.

In Him was life,
and the life was the light of men.
And the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not comprehend it.

JOHN 1: 1-5

For more ABC's of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie

Because he has set his love upon Me,
therefore I will deliver him.
I will set him on high
because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me and I will answer him;
and I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
and show him My salvation.

Psalm 91: 14-16

You will guide me with Your counsel,
and afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth
that I desire beside You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my
heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73: 24-26

And this is love, that we follow His commandments; this is the commandment, as you heard from the beginning, that you follow love.

2 John 6

This passage really speaks to me in the area of obedience and loving my neighbor. So often I get "the cart before the horse." I ask the Lord to use me, forgetting to pray that I might be, first of all, in the center of His will, right where He wants me to be. If I could only learn that following His commandments, living according to His plan for my life, will automatically put me in the place of loving my neighbor as I should. Love requires that I place the needs of others before my own selfish concerns. By so doing I can give God His proper place in my life--and live out the command that I follow love.

Taken from the Book: "Today, LORD, I Will"

Fridays Fun

I completely forgot that I was going to get together with my friend Kathy today (which was yesterday) so my gardening will have to wait until this afternoon. Instead we went to see the movie Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Ann Hathaway. When it comes to movie's I have a saying, "if you expect nothing you may not be disappointed." It turned out to be a cute movie with a good moral...there are some bonds that are too strong to be broken, no matter what the situation. In the end it's the friendship that matters and not the peripheral situations in life.

The theater just happened to be down the street from my garden destination so we dropped in for a stroll around the gardens. As many gardens are in winter, it was very bare, but there was a peacefulness as you meandered through the paths and beneath the trellises. We wandered under the warmth of the sun and investigated the statuary until the wind began to howl and whip through the trees tops.

In all the years I've been visiting this little plot of land I don't think I've ever seen it so bare and when I asked the shop keeper if they were closing I think she was offended. Open foot insert mouth...at least I didn't ask her if the bird had died.
She explained to me that they had just taken down their Christmas ornaments and were preparing for a new shipment of plants.

I don't know if you can see the picture above, but there's a huge metal crown in the urn. There were several of them grouped together as you walked down the path.

The garden is filled with bird houses that on hot summer days send out a spray of mist. Something I've wanted to do in my gardens for years.

On our way home we stopped by the Artist Supply Warehouse to pick up new journals for a new year.
Now I'm off to do some gardening of my own.

If your looking for my Pink Saturday Post it's at my other blog, "The Pinkie Teas".
Simply click on the picture above and it'll take you there. Have a fun Saturday filled with lots of PINK.

I woke this morning with no plans for the day until I gazed out the window and peeked into the fairy ring. What a mess... even the finial from the bird house is missing. The gardens are in such a state of disarray that if you drove by the cottage you might think it was abandoned or belonged to a little old lady who never ventures beyond the front door.
So I've decided to spend my day in the garden weeding, pruning, and cutting back the wisteria vine or, maybe I'll drive over to my favorite Vintage Garden for some fresh inspiration.

I wish you could go with me, but since you can't I'll leave you a link to their website...it's truly a delightful place filled with fairies and all sorts of garden creatures. Who knows, maybe you'll find some inspiration for your own garden...enjoy!

Cottage Nursery Gardens

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.

2 Corinthians 4:6-8

For more ABC's of the Word stop by and visit Pam @ Grey Like Snuffie and help us stir up God's Word in our hearts.

Soft glow of Candle Light

Our little cottage is packed from end to end with so many treasures and magazines... twenty years of magazines. There are stacks of Old House Journal, This Old House, Renovation Style, and so many many more.

So I've decided this is the year to weed through the stacks hidden in the nooks of the closet and toss them out. It's sad really as I've found a lot of comfort being curled up on the couch with the candles lit flipping through the old worn pages as if I were visiting a sweet friend.

I'm perusing through my old Mary Engelbreit issues searching for particular articles and all the while discovering long forgotten inspiration as well as new.
But as they say, "all things must come to an end" so in the recycle bin they go...unless of course any of you would like them.

Image: John Waterhouse

My eyes are dry
My faith is old
My heart is hard
My prayers are cold
And I know how I ought to be
Alive to You and dead to me


But what can be done
For an old heart like mine
Soften it up
With oil and wine
The oil is You, Your
Spirit of love
Please wash me anew
With the wine of Your Blood

Lyrics: Keith Green