Gingerbread Crumbs & Company

Some Bunny thinks it’s Spring!

2012-01-16T10:13:00.001-08:00

Even though it’s still blustery cold outside!!!!
But then Bunnies are always ready for spring even in the dead of winter.

Last week my friend Nancy and I drove to Riverside to check out the historic Mission Inn…
but this post is not about that.
It’s more about what happened at the end of the day.
Nancy had been wanting a new camera and finally got one for her birthday, so who better to call then her shutterbug crazy friend Cori. Off we went for a day of picture taking, exploring, and just plain ol” fun!
I met Nancy that morning at her mechanic’s in Tustin just across the street from one of my favorite stores…”Whimsy.” have you heard of it? Have you been there? Twice a year, Whimsy hosts one of the most amazing Artisan Fairs filled with, well, amazing artists and their wares. It’s called “GLITTERFEST,” and you guessed it! It’s filled with all kinds of glittery goodness.

(Me thinks this Bunny lady is taunting me with her tiara’s. Do you think she will let me try one on)?

Nancy’s car wasn’t ready by the time we made it back to the mechanic so we decided to venture across the street and visit Whimsy. It’s a wee little store jam packed with all sort of creative wonders and in the back, right out of view of the front door, is my favorite section. I never know what I’m going to find there, but it’s always a delightful surprise. This day was no different!!!

As I rounded the corner, there she was…all decked out for Spring.
All I could do was stand there and laugh at her ridiculous expression and choice of silly attire. It was almost as if she was yelling at me, “HEY YOU! Yeah you! Come here! I want to show you what I’ve got!! How would you like to buy one of my tiara’s???” Can you hear her too, or is it just me?

Anywho, this spring’s Glitterfest will be held on March 10th and here’s a list of some of the amazing artist who will be selling their wares…
oh! And wouldn’t that be funny if my Bunny lady friend would be there to greet all the guests at the door?? I think it would be most delightful!!

FuN things come in 3’s

2011-12-23T11:13:00.001-08:00

I’ve been very busy lately, what with Christmas being right around the corner, but if you were to ask me what I’ve been up to…well, I can’t rightly say. Isn’t that terrible?? I know…it is. But I can tell you that 3 fun things happened last weekend.

I turned 50 for one, so Yes! I am now a 1/2 century old.
To celebrate my 50th I thought it would be fun to visit a few sights that were much older then me and since I’ve always wanted to ride the Funicular in down town LA and visit the Biltmore Hotel that was where hubby and I went to celebrate.

This lovely little train/trolley is the shortest railway in the world and was built in 1901 where it was used to shuttle the Victorians from their homes on Bunker Hill to the business district below. I’ve always imagined it filled with ladies in Bustle gowns and men wearing bowler hats. It’s a short 298 ft. ride up the hill for the price of a quarter.

At the top of the Funicular we stopped at Starbuck’s for a refreshing frosty Peppermint Frappuccino…yum!

This is a view of the fountain in Pershing square taken from the top floor of the Biltmore. I had to lean wwwwaaaayyyyy out over the railing to get this picture and felt ever so dizzy when I pulled myself back. Interesting, now that I look at the picture there’s not a person in the square. It was a quiet day in LA,

And this is a view of the roof lines directly across the street. There's so much beautiful stone work to see up there that it’s a shame you can’t see it well from below. I’m a wee bit crazy about architecture, in case you didn’t know “-).

Anywho, we hung out at the Biltmore for quite a while, walking up and down halls and exploring every corner. Here I am in the Ladies Room. I loved how the lights reflected in the mirror and formed an arc.

If you’ve never been to the Biltmore I highly recommend it…even if it is just to look around. There are amazing light fixtures every where. These are located in the atrium room, where many movies have been filmed. One of my favorites is a Bollywood version on Pride and Prejudice, titled, “Bride and Prejudice.”

Hubby and I plopped ourselves in two comfy chairs and watched as people moved about in the main lobby. As I sat there, I thought to myself, “I could easily get used to this.” Everything was so beautiful!
Somewhere in my memory I remember telling my mother that I was born into the wrong family. I had this crazy notion that the stork who flew me was instructed to set me down at the Vanderbilt’s, but accidently dropped me and I rolled into my mother’s yard instead. Of course, she was delighted to have such a sweet child to care for. Yep! Wrong family indeed, but then the Lord had other plans for me…you know I’m just kidding right?

Well, I must get out of here for now and begin my Christmas baking, but I’ll be back later with more on the Biltmore.
If I don’t see you before then I hope you all have a
VeRy MeRrY CHRISTmas!!!
xoxo Cori

Water Color Kittens

2011-12-15T20:04:00.001-08:00

Hello! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I keep trying to find my blogging rhythm and every time I think I’ve found it, just like that, it slips away. I’m hoping 2012 will be better… when it comes to me and posting.

Can you believe that Christmas is just one week away? Me neither and I think it’s safe to say that I’m not exactly ready, but then I never am.
So where have I been lately, you ask? Well, I’ve been trudging through another semester of school. I say “trudging” because that’s the only way to describe what it’s been like. Even up to the last day with finals, my computer crashed 20 times. Oi Vey! Thankfully I’m done…until next semester.

For Thanksgiving hubby and I decided to drive up North and spend the Holiday with one of my Aunts and cousins. We had a wonderful time enjoying the cold weather, slow pace, and the beautiful stars shining in the night sky. Living in Southern Cal a girl can easily forget that there are so many constellations overhead. I can’t tell you the last time I saw the Milky Way, but there it was, shining ever so brightly, illuminating the sky.

Since my Aunt’s house was filled to overflowing, hubby and I, along with our pups, spent our nights beyond the orchard in the motorhome. Many times throughout the night I woke and lay there gazing up at the stars. I think the stars remind me of how small I am and How Big my Lord and Savior is. After all, He is the One who flung the stars out into the universe.

The following morning we went into town to explore the local antiques shops. This is where I ran across these adorable water color kittens. Tucked beneath a pile of books was this half tattered children’s book with 3/4 of its pages missing. But the illustrations where so delicate and the colors exquisite. My pictures can’t possibly do them justice.

As long as I can remember I have adored children’s books and this little one captivated my heart, so home with me it went. When we returned home I became curious about the markings and set off on a little fact finding mission.
What did I discover about my little tattered book…
It was published about 1893 by a well known author named Ernest Nister from Nuremburg, Germany.

He created many books having movable parts as well as pictures that dissolved into other pictures. And after my search I also discovered that many of the beautiful Victorian illustrations that I love so much were used in his publications.
Sweet little water color kittens

2011-12-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

that's how it's done :-)

Hello! I'm showing my niece how to upload images so please ignore this post ;-)

Houston, the reindeer have landed!

2011-11-18T19:30:00.001-08:00

Hello Hello Hello!!!! I’m just popping in for a wee minute to see if anyone is still out there. I’m still here and if you happen to stop by, thank you so much for doing so!!!

I have been super busy with life, school, and hubby being unemployed. It’s a tough market out there, but I’m sure you haven’t stopped by to hear about my woes, so, on with my story…

This morning I headed off to school to try and catch up on a pile of homework. My thought was, that today being Friday, possibly the lab would be quieter then on a normal school day. I was right. So I found my favorite computer chair empty, sat down, plugged in my flash drive, and began my work. I had planned on getting the majority of it done so I wouldn’t have to spend my entire Tuesday there. I opened the program, opened my file, made one change, and BAM! Just like that, the program froze. “OK, we’ll try again.”

So, I rebooted the program, opened my file, made one change, and BAM! Just like that the program froze again. I did this about 10 times before deciding to move to another computer.

So, I opened the program on the next computer, opened the file, made one change, and BAM! The program froze. Now I’ll bet your thinking that I accidently copied the line from up above…nope! This was how I spent an hour and a half of my morning. Sound like fun? Not really!!!

In my frustration I decided to leave school and head over to the Magical Kingdom for a brisk walk and some much needed fresh air.
It would appear that most of my posts lately have been about the Mouse House and I’m beginning to think that maybe Mickey should put me on the payroll for all the free advertising I do for him.

Wow! That was a lot of text with no pictures…sorry!!!
Rabbit Trail…SORRY AGAIN!!!

Anywho, back to my brisk walk.
I arrived just in time to see the Christmas Parade, which just happens to be my favorite and then headed to Big Thunder Ranch. And guess what I found there? Can you guess? OK, I’ll just tell you…

Santa’s Reindeer!!!

YES!! Santa’s Reindeer had arrived for the season!!!

Here’s a handsome fellow!!!

There was Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen (who names a reindeer Vixen)? Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall…
the most famous reindeer of all? Well, that one wasn’t here. Apparently there was a huge power outage at the North Pole and Rudolf was needed to illuminate the elves workshop…gotta get those gifts finish by Christmas Eve and loaded into that sleigh.

Did you know that a reindeer sheds its antlers every year and the next year they grow back identical to the year before? Their antlers are to them what our finger prints are to us. I sure would like to hear Darwin's explanation of that one. And while I’m at it I’ll throw in another interesting tid bit. Did you know that if two Love Birds with different markings breed, their offspring will have characteristics of both, but not look identical to either? But that’s not the interesting part. The interesting part is that the offspring are born sterile. They can not reproduce. I guess they’ve never heard of evolution.
Oh there I go again, off on another rabbit trail.

Well, I better get out of here for now. Hubby and I are going to have a large bowl of popcorn and watch Les Miserables with Liam Neeson.

I hope you have a fun and peaceful evening…Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a week away? Me either!

Welcome one and all!

2011-10-21T20:57:00.001-07:00

To our Beloved Fanciful Friendling, Vanessa Valencia’s, annual HaLLoWeeN PaRty!!

I thought, “what better place to celebrate Halloween than at The Most Magical place of all…
Disneyland, of course!!”

I don’t usually go to the park at night, but I thought since it was Halloween I might just dare to take a peek. Tis rumored the park is haunted so we shall see what we shall see.

The river boat is always a fun destination, however this evening it cast an other- worldly glow over the water, so…no thank you. I’ll keep walking.

I rounded the bend to find Mickey looking a wee bit frightened and when I turned to look behind me I understood why.

The old dead tree had sprouted gnarled leaves that grew into scary jack-o-lanters staring back at me.

Other then the wind in the old dead tree all was quiet in Frontier Land till I heard the faintest sound of mariachi bands drifting from the ground.

I tried to get this old woman’s attention, “Excuse me mam, could you tell me where I can get a bite to eat?” She glanced down then looked away and had absolutely nothing to say, as her boney body swayed to the sound of the guitars.

I was becoming very hungry when I spied this salty old gent strolling by. I tried to get his attention too, but he was busy pointing at an old torn map while mumbling something about buried treasure…hmm.

I passed by the old planation house with it’s candles all aglow. The place has been vacant until recently when the strangest of characters moved in with a bunch of his even stranger friends.

I continued on my way until I happened upon this little guy who looked like he could use a pastry or two or three or even four. Maybe he could point me to a door that would lead to treats galore.

Yes! He knew, but who would have known, that this little man with no skin only bones would know the way to pleasures unknown…
what else but a giant slice of chocolate cake with a steaming cup of coffee.

Well I had a fun time but saw no ghouls or ghosts…
however, there was this woman trapped in a tower as I scurried on my way.

OK, now it’s your turn to scurry off and visit all the wonderful fun posts at this years party and a BIG HUGE THANK YOU to the Beloved One for hosting such a fun annual event…

YAY VANESSA!!!!!!!

I don’t know what it is

2011-10-18T12:10:00.001-07:00

About this time of year, but every Fall without fail my taste buds start craving
PUMPKIN SHAKES!!! Does that happen to you as well?
Each morning when I wake up it’s one of my first thoughts…
strange, I know, but true.

Maybe it’s due to all the happy pumpkins, grinning at me,
as I stroll down Main street USA.

Or the happy pumpkin man who beckons me to stop and watch the pumpkin carving contest.

Maybe it’s the brightly colored banners swaying beneath the most amazing blue skies…
I can’t recall a year when our skies were filled with such beautiful billowy clouds…
makes me wonder what’s going on in the heavens.

I think they may be wondering too!

Oh yes, I almost forgot…
Pumpkin Shakes!! what makes me crave them this time of year?
I guess it’s just a tradition of mine.

And in case you didn’t know,
Jack’s Pumpkin shakes
are BACK!!!

I’m an Autumn kind’a Girl

2011-10-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

If I had to choose one season over the others, it would definitely be Autumn!
Autumn is my favorite time of year.
Spring is wonderful with its profusion of bright colorful flowers and who can resist the first sprigs of spring after a dull gray lifeless winter…

But I’m an Autumn kind’a girl.
Autumn holds memories of cool damp mornings that fade into warm golden afternoons. Only to be followed by midnight blue skies filled with bright shining diamonds twinkling above.
Even the moon appears brighter in the autumn night.

I do have to admit that I love the cotton candy shades of the color wheel, but I’m always drawn away by the warm subtle undertones of reds, yellows, and orange. After all, Autumn is my favorite time of year.

What is your favorite season…I’d love to know.

2011-09-22T08:17:00.001-07:00

The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.
The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,

As the party goers came dancing, dancing, dancing,
as the party goers came dancing up to the Fanciful One’s door.

Yes! In case you have not guessed…
It’s that wonderful Fanciful time of the year when our Beloved Friendling,
Vanessa Valencia hosts her Halloween Party!!!

I am so looking forward to it!!!! I hope you are too…

The when and the where:
Saturday, October 22, 2011
We’ll be blog hopping all weekend long
and probably into the week.
Hope to see you then!!!

I borrowed a few lines from Alfred Noyes…
I hope he doesn’t mind

Things that are Lost

2011-09-16T09:32:00.001-07:00

I have spent the last few days obsessing over those boots. Obsessing to the point of even calling my mom to see if she had them stashed somewhere in the back of one of her closets. She just giggled at me and said, “Oh, Lainey, that was over 30 years ago.” Yes, I know, but it seems like yesterday or maybe just a year ago.

But then, it made me think of other things that have been lost with the passing of time. Objects once loved then passed on to a new owner for safe keeping. Will they cherish them as much as I once did?

My mind moved from objects to people. Friends who have come and gone. I’m not talking about friends who have passed from this life into eternity, but friends who have stayed a short while only to move on due to circumstances or neglect. You see, I’m an excellent listener and all my friends know this, but when it comes time for me to talk no one listens, so I retreat into my own little world neglecting those around me.

Last week I was cleaning my guest room and ran across an empty envelope from a friend postmarked some 20 years ago. I’ve often thought about her over the years but somewhere in between her moves and mine we lost touch, so I decided to look her up on the internet. Marvelous thing this internet. Low and behold, I found her and sent a quick email. In a short time she emailed back. Many things in her life were the same but there were also many changes. Heartbreaking changes.

My mind then went from lost friends to those who had become lost to Him…The Lover of our souls. Some have walked away because we’ve been hurt by the church or disillusioned by the tedium of life (is that a word…tedium)?
But it is He who has come to save the lost, to find those who have wandered away, and to restore us and make us whole again in Him.

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
LUKE 19: 9 & 10

So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
LUKE 15: 3-5

(More images from The Vintage Marketplace)

SweeT!!!

2011-09-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

Well, Hello again!! The last time we were here I told you that I was going to show you some pictures from the sweetest little vintage trailer I think I’ve ever seen. It belongs to Two Wild Roses, a mother daughter collaboration of vintage dry goods…isn’t that the sweetest name?

Here are just a few of the pictures I took while at The Vintage Marketplace. This little gem made my heart skip a beat.

Don’t you just love this PINK oven???? I believe I could spend many happy hours baking cookies here while listening to the waves crashing along the sea shore.

The white on white color scheme made the interior seem larger then it really was.

A pair of lacy pantaloons and other unmentionables were hung from a small clothesline and left to dry in the cool of the morning.

Who would have thought… a Victorian Cottage on wheels and all the gingerbread!!!

Some of Christie Repasy’s beautiful rose paintings were displayed throughout the little trailer along with many other wonderful trinkets.

Here’s another view of that lovely tin ceiling and more gingerbread.

I think seeing this little trailer was one of my favorite inspirations of the day and maybe one day I’ll be able to have one of my own.

Well, I’m off with my camera to take pictures today while the light is still good.
Do you have any fun plans?

Until next time…xoxo, cori

The Vintage Marketplace

2011-09-13T07:48:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of the Vintage Marketplace? It’s held once every three months in a small town called Rainbow somewhere in between Temecula and Escondido, and is hosted by two very talented women, Christie Repasy and Rita Reade.

This is my sweet friend, Janet, who decided to join me at the last minute. Just as we were getting ready to leave the blue sky disappeared while thunder clouds started rolling & rumbling followed by lightning bolts. It was kind of fun and exciting in a strange sort of way.
My hubby was on his Saturday morning bike ride, with some buddies from church, when it started pouring down rain. So they hid under an overpass for 20 minutes until it stopped. When they finally reached Seal Beach they were pelted by hail. Weird weather we’re having.
Sorry for my little bunny trail…now, back to the market place.

The very first thing I saw, as we rounded the first row of booths, was this old pair of Tony Lama boots…chocolate brown with wing tips and buck stitching. It was like seeing a dear friend for the first time in 30 years. How I LONGED to wrap my arms around them and twirl and dance like I did many many years ago!! Maybe even give them a kiss or two, but I was afraid people would think me odd. You see I owned an identical pair back in 1976 when I was in the 8th grade. Each day after I wore them I’d give them a nice little buff with a soft cloth and place them in their special spot in the closet. How I loved those boots and how I miss them now!!!! This pair of boots represents some of my most cherished childhood memories. Summer days spent on the racetrack in Prescott Arizona. Mucking horse stalls. Climbing the fence on the backside to watch the horses do their morning workout and just spending the weekend with my mom.
I stood their staring at them for the longest time thinking they had to be the very pair I once owned. A woman suggested I try them on and so I did, but I was unable to get my heel in. If you wear boots you probably know what I’m talking about. The point where your toes are in but there’s that last tug before your heel drops down. I felt just like one of Cinderella’s ugly step-sisters trying to force her foot into the delicate glass slipper. Now that I’m writing I think I could have tried a little harder and maybe, just maybe, I would have been able to get them on, however my shoulder was causing me too much pain and the idea of having to wrestle the beloved things off my feet were just too much for me at that very moment. I’m still convinced that they are the very pair of boots I once owned, size six with the same marking where a horse once stepped on my foot.
I wore a size six up until about ten years ago when my toes, not so politely, informed me that they would prefer NOT to be smashed into such a tight shoe. Alright enough about the boots. Beside, my heart is breaking at the thought of leaving them behind…sigh.

Had I been able to squeeze my heels into those gorgeous boots I would have bought this lovely pink gown to wear with them. Wouldn't that have made a lovely ensemble? Yes, I believe it would…double sigh.
This was the sweetest display…all white with burlap and silver jewelry.

The tents were all so gorgeously decorated. One even had a Tutu dangling from the cross bars and a swing behind it ready for afternoon tea. I think this was Rita’s tent…I had to borrow her sock to try on the boots so I’ve decided the next time I go to one of these lovely events I’ll take along a pair of my own, just in case ;-O.

I loved the expression of this solemn angel as she watched the shoppers moving about.

There were so many lovely displays filled with trinkets and treasures and
the day turned out to be perfect with a cool breeze and white puffy clouds.
In my next post I’m going to show you the sweetest little gem of a trailer all dressed up with a tin ceiling and Victorian Gingerbread…It was so delicious I thought I was going to swoon and faint from it all.
Until next time, I hope you all have a great day
xoxo

9 months later

2011-09-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

As you know from my last post, I tripped and fell the other day right in front of two of my favorite people…Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
But what I didn’t tell you is that I fell on my left shoulder…or did I?

You may be wondering, "what's up with her shoulder?" Well, I'll tell you. It all started 9 months ago, December 2010, when Hubby decided to buy me a new PINK mountain bike for my 49th Birthday.

Yep! That’s Hubby with his bald head . We shaved it after I made a mess of his haircut.

And here’s my PINK bike that sent me to months of physical therapy. How did this happen? On a short little bike ride through the Fullerton Loop, a well known mountain bike trail in our neck of the woods. In fact, I think it’s the only mountain bike trail in our neck of the woods.
Anywho we were out riding one beautiful Saturday morning and rode past a house that looked like something out of a dream. Me being the curious sort decided that I needed to take a closer look. So I rode my new PINK bike up the narrow precarious hill. Did I mention that my new bike is PINK? Cotton Candy PINK to be exact.

Back to the hill. Within seconds I was at the top of said hill, however, being the short sort that I am, I wasn’t able to get a good enough glimpse into the backyard. And yes, I do peek in peoples backyards and on rare occasions I even try to peek in windows…to see furnishings and wall treatments and architectural details…not the people.

Hubby was below the hill telling me I shouldn’t be peeking in peoples yards, while I was standing tip-toed over my bike and balancing against the fence. The next thing I knew I lost my balance and started toppling to the right. Trying to keep myself from going over the precarious little hill I quickly jumped to the left while grabbing my bars. I came up right, but in that moment I felt the strangest sensation in my shoulder.

It was as if the muscles in my upper arm stretched an inch and a half. It didn’t hurt, but at the same time it didn’t feel right.
I didn’t notice anything at first but as we continued down the trail there was a huge tree stump followed by a dip. It was then that I noticed my shoulder and arm refused to do what my brain told them to. It just hung there limp, barely able to grip my handle bar and it was a bit scary to see my arm in that condition. Not wanting to alarm my Hubby I decided to tell him that I thought we'd gone far enough for the day and I was ready to head back home.

For several months I ignored the pain, thinking it would go away, until one day Hubby bumped my shoulder which sent searing pain through my entire back.
Off to physical therapy I went.
My shoulder is better in some ways and the same in others. I still can’t stand “Peter Pan” style with my hand on my hip and my arm refuses to go above what I like to call “10 o’clock.” So this is the shoulder I fell on the other day and I’m feeling the pain today. My Dr. was afraid I’d re-injure it on my bike, but leave it to me. I can hurt myself anywhere…HA!
Oh! none of these pictures were taken with my new camera .

I can’t I can’t…

2011-09-06T16:36:00.001-07:00

I can’t!!!!

I think those are two of the worst words in the English language, don’t you?

But today I learned that there are a few things I “can’t” do with my new camera…

I can’t take picture with my glasses on

I can’t take pictures while wearing a hat…

and I can’t remember how to set my aperture

But I’ll tell you ONE thing that I “CAN DO”…

I can trip over the curb and fall to my knees then gracefully roll to the left before my shoulder slams into the pavement. All this was done while balancing my camera by its lens (and perfectly, I might add) to keep it from hitting the ground. Did I mention my legs flailing in the air while my shoulder made contact with the concrete?

Maybe I should have left that part out.

Anywho, I’m off to ice my swollen knee caps…

I hope your day hasn’t been as exciting as mine…she says with a giggle.

Can You Feel It?

2011-09-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

Autumn is in the air!

We awoke this morning to a wee bit of rain, multi-colored skies, and the tiniest bit of a chilled breeze. So, the puppies and I wandered out to the vineyard to sit beneath the copper colored vines. The Blue Jays were collecting their morning rations of peanuts and the hummers where dipping and diving in and out of the Budlia bush. It was a glorious morning.

I think I’ve said it before, but it’s well worth repeating…

AuTuMn is my FaVoRiTe TiMe Of YeAR!!!!!

What’s yours?

Oh, by the way, Happy Labor Day!

just Playin’ aRoUnD

2011-09-02T16:33:00.001-07:00

I’ve been playin’ around with my new camera and
DO I HAVE A LOT TO LEARN!

Who would have thought there would be so much to a Digital SLR.

But, I found this great website (which I’m sure you all know about) that has made the wee light bulb go on in my brain. After reading many articles I think I finally understand what an Aperture is…now onto LIGHT!

Oh the website…
The Pioneer Woman
Of course you’ve all been there, right? I thought so .

Back to my reading. Happy Friday

Bye Bye…for now

Pass the Blunders Please!

2011-08-27T11:14:00.001-07:00

It’s a funny thing how some seasons of our lives are relatively peaceful and then there are those where everything goes wonky in our world.
I’m in one of those wonky seasons where I keep committing blunder after blunder.

It all started with the purchase of a new camera. You see I enrolled in a Digital Photography class, but after enrolling I thought to myself, “you don’t even own a digital camera…at least not an SLR, which is what I needed for the class.

I debated for a long while as to whether I should drop the class since this isn’t exactly a good time to be spending extra money. What with hubby being laid off and all. But in the end I decided this was something I’ve wanted to do since high school, some thirty years ago.

So, I did a wee bit of research to find the perfect camera. Oi! I can be so impatient when it comes to things like this and I often pay the price in the end, which is exactly what happened…Blunders, blunders, blunders!!

PAYING CASH…

Not wanting to end up with a balance on the credit card, I decided to raid funds from my “Vintage Airstream Account.” So, one bright Thursday morning I skipped off to the bank and pulled out said moneys.
Being the impatient little thing that I am I immediately headed to my favorite electronics store…whose name shall remain unspoken.

SETTLING FOR LESS THEN WHAT I WANTED…

I looked over some of the more popular brands and decided on a certain one, but all the while I was wanting something else…a brand new Pentax. Why in the world is it difficult to find a brand new Pentax that you can actually hold in your hands? It’s beyond me. Anywho, like I said before, I’m an impatient little thing and settled for less then what I wanted.

Later that afternoon I headed to Disneyland to try out my new toy, but alas, I couldn’t get one good shot from it and left disappointed. I have to admit that the cameras today are much more complicated then they used to be, but could I really be that bad of a photographer? Not one good shot out of 50!!

NOT KNOWING THE RETURN POLICY…

I don’t like admitting when I make such HUGE blunders, but I knew I wasn’t going to happy with this camera, so 28 hours after buying it I took it back. Who would have thought that it would turn into such a blunder? Not me.

The first thing that happened was a sales clerk came over and unpacked the entire thing and started questioning me about what was wrong with it, why didn’t I like it, maybe it was just me and not the camera. Feeling frustrated all I could say was, “the thing wouldn’t focus and all the pictures were blurry.” All I wanted was my money back…no big deal right? WRONG!!!

SPENDING TOO MUCH CASH MEANS YOU HAVE TO WAIT TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK.

This to me was the most frustrating!!! If you remember Blunder #1…paying cash is not always the best thing to do and since my camera cost me a wee bit over 500 I had to wait for the corporate office to send me a check…gggrrrhhhhh!!!
Hubby was becoming VERY FRUSTRATED and asked to speak to the manager, but when she turned over the receipt to show him the policy on cash purchases, he noticed a restocking fee of 15%. Blunder, Blunder, Blunder!!!! He decided that waiting for a check to come in the mail wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

IMPATEINCE DOES NOT PAY OFF!

In the end everything worked out just fine. I got ALL my money back (no restocking fee attached), I found a Pentax K-r that I’m perfectly in LOVE with, although I’ve barely figured out how to turn it on, and I learned some very good lessons through all my blunders.

OH! ANd if you’re in need a a few blunders yourself, I’d be happy to laon you some of mine…I’ve got plenty more .

Well Good Morning Sunshine!

2011-08-19T10:17:00.001-07:00

I awoke this morning with a feeling of anticipation for what the future may bring. If you remember from my last post, today is the day. The last day that hubby will be at his current job. And we are ok with that.

I went about my morning as usual and then I turned on my laptop to find that someone new had visited my blog. I think it’s always so much fun making new friends in the blogging community and here was a possible new friend.

But as I read her comment I realized she didn’t have anything worth reading. No words of encouragement, no words of kindness, just words that tear at your heart because they are rude and insensitive. Insulting my husband, myself, and my GOD!!

I thought how sad that a person who has never visited before would leave such a rude, unkind, thoughtless comment and I became a bit angry, to say the least. But I was reminded that I don’t know anything about this woman or her life story. Heartaches she’s lived through. Disappointments that have marred her dreams. And I realized that I had no right to judge her for her words…no matter how mean they were.

I was also reminded of a book I once read where the author said that two types of people will always come in and out of our lives. There will be those that she called “Balcony People.” People who encourage you and lift you up. People that will always have a kind word and be a joy to be around.

And then there are the “other people.” The “Basement People” as she called them. Those that come into our lives and tear us down, beat us up emotionally, and then tell us we were asking for it and we even deserved it. People that seem to delight in spewing their anger towards those around them.

We have choices in our lives, whether we choose to be a blessing or a curse. Whether we choose to use our tongues (words) to lift people up or to tear them down. My prayer for today is that I would never be a person who chooses to use my tongue, words, or actions to tear down another.

^{Proverbs 25: 11} A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

^{Proverbs 12: 18 & 19} There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Tick Tock…

2011-08-16T09:58:00.001-07:00

Tick Tock. Time has run out on this clock.

I am counting the days, the hours, the minutes, until the hubby, once again, joins the ranks of the unemployed.
We knew this day would come, sooner or later, and we’re grateful it lasted as long as it did. But when Friday comes it will be all over…again.

Hubby was told he could transfer to the plant in Washington and that was all I needed to start dreaming dreams. I envisioned us kayaking through the San Juan islands, taking the ferry to Friday Harbor and having tea at the Empress Hotel during the Christmas season. I would be close enough to Vancouver Island that it would become my very own fantasy land. And the two of us would be able to explore his native country together…Canada.

But it was not meant to be, for hubby has become too accustomed to our Southern California weather. Riding his bike each day after work, flying his little airplanes by the beach, and the never ending sunshine and heat.
And so, he will look for a new position elsewhere, while I continue my studies.
Are we worried? Not at all. We serve the King of kings and Lord of lords and whatever road He leads us down we know that He is just a stones through away.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am,
to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need.
Philippians 4:11 & 12

2011-08-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them,
"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
Mark 6:30-32

Can you relate to what the disciples are feeling here? They are exhausted, weary, burdened, and burned out. Too often, life is an exhausting ordeal.
But here's the encouraging news: Jesus has so much compassion for you, and He desires the very best for you.

Maybe you need to get away from the hectic pace of life and the stress it brings, and spend time in a quiet,
deserted place with the Lord to seek His desires for you. Or maybe you are already in a deserted place, spiritually,
where Jesus is absent from your life; you need to get out of that place and seek Jesus alone for guidance and hope and joy.

You see, not only does Jesus want to give you rest for your soul, He wants to be with you. Notice that Jesus said, "Come aside."
He desires to spend time with you, because He's the one guiding you and ministering to you. He doesn't leave you alone for you to figure out
what your next steps are; He's right there with you, offering His help to you.

Trust in the compassion of Jesus, not the stressful rat-race of life, to get your significance.
Ask Him for rest. Ask Him for advice. Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6) for your next steps.
And above all, find your true rest and comfort in Him.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

From the Dailey E-Devotion of Horizon Christian Fellowship

Life

2011-07-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

Have you ever noticed, that no matter what’s happening, in your life or mine, the earth continues to rotate? For some time stands still. Frozen in time. Their life will be forever changed and those of us around them cannot begin to fathom the imprints that will be left in their hearts or memories.

Like the petals of a rose, life is fragile. It’s a gift! Given to us by the One who created the heavens and the earth. Who also flung the stars into the universe with His fingertips.

Let’s not throw it away or cast it aside like something that has lost it’s beauty.

But choose to live it by loving those He’s placed within our reach.

Life should not be spent in a cage. “To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire.”

But instead, it should be spent in laughter and joyfulness while bringing comfort to those who are in sorrow.

Is there someone you love that you forgot to tell today? Don’t let time slip by before you do…for it is but a vapor that vanishes without warning.

Quotations: the words of Eowyn, The Lady of Rohan

2011-07-12T07:16:00.001-07:00

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan, has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me,
strengthen your brethren.”
Luke 22: 12

Do you ever feel as if nothing is going right in your life and whatever you do, a road block is put in your way? I know that many times in my life I’ve been there and it’s because of this particular passage of scripture that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I can continue and that I will find the strength to prevail because the Creator of the universe
is praying for me…just as He is praying for you.

May you find encouragement today for whatever task is set before you.

JUNE

2011-06-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

I don’t know about you, but I love June gloom…

The flowers appear to be bathed in candle light, beneath shrouded skies of gray…

The gentle trickle of water sounds like faerie laughter in the trees…

The sweet sound of bird song can be heard drifting through my back door.

the earth becomes His sanctuary, and I wonder what it was like before the fall…
all is well during the month of June.

Breathe

2011-05-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

Finally! I can take in a deep breath and exhale once again.
Why, you ask?
Because I finished my first semester of classes.

Now it’s time to get back to this…

All things green & growing in my garden.

How deep the Father’s Love

2011-04-22T13:06:00.001-07:00

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Lyrics: Phillips, Craig, & Dean

Image: Still from “The Passion”

12 months in 7 days

2011-04-08T12:10:00.001-07:00

It all began with a homework assignment…

to create a 12 month calendar. In betwixt everything else I had to do.

Up to this point I hadn’t been very inspired by my homework
projects, which poses a terrible dilemma…
NO INSPIRATION=NO FUN!

But this was different

I was able to choose my own theme…yippee!

Can you guess what I chose?

TEA!!! Or tea cups…which ever makes you happiest

But then there was this one. A bicycle mixed with tea cups?
My thoughts on the deviation from the theme...
Who needs to be drinking hot tea in the middle of July?
We should all be out riding our bikes .

I spent 7 days building this 12 month calendar only to get to class
and find out that I had to spend 3 more hours fixing a problem that
took me 7 hours to figure out.

LIVE & LEARN!

And it all began with Miss V.’s Halloween. Looking through
my pictures this one caught my eye so I decided to use it
as my jumping off point.

Then build around it.

Now I just need to print it, then turn it in.
And I WANTED to go back to school.

2011-03-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

It's a different World...

2011-03-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that at my age, going back to school is much different then I remember.
The kids all seem like children and me...an old lady, but I'm not letting that get in my way.
I remember when...

students carried pencils and note pads.

Now they carry laptops and you can hear the rhythmic click clack click of their fingers on the keyboards.

when instructors lectured and students took notes.

Now instructors lecture and do demo's while students take notes on their laptops and work on their computers while performing the different functions of the demo along side the instructors.

I remember when learning was simpler and life was less complicated...

IT'S A DIFFERENT WORLD!

image:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Steamtop.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16307058@N00/2848341848#/

Finding my way back Home

2011-02-24T08:26:00.001-08:00

It was the oddest thing. Strangers kept walking past my yard and asking me if my bunny was loose. “Bunny,” I’d reply, “I don’t own a bunny.” And each time, I’d remember back to the days when I was happily owned by a bun. Early one morning I peered out my living room window and there she was hiding between the arbor and the rose bush. The smallest little furry creature with a white tipped nose.
Each morning I’d meet her on the steps of my cottage with a hand full of peanuts, papaya, or carrots.
You see, I know the way into a bunny’s heart…
I learned their secrets long ago…
they, like me, have a terrible sweet tooth!!

At first she was shy, as all bunnies are, but it wasn’t long before we were the best of friends.
Working in the front yard became a joy again, as I watched her dance across the yard with her little ears flopping to and fro. She was never far from view.
I worried about her little life because of the hawks by day, but failed to remember the big white barn owl that soared by night.
One evening hubby and I went out for a bite to eat and as always she greeted us on the path that leads from our door. When we returned home she was gone.

The next morning I went out to search for her. I looked beneath the roses, behind the hedge, in the neighbors yard, and every other place where a bun would hide. I never found her.
I couldn’t walk out the door without looking, searching, wondering what had happened to my little furry friend. And each time I felt as if a piece of my heart was breaking all over again.

The following Sunday hubby and I decided to attend the evening service. After communion they dimmed the lights and our pastor asked us to spend some quiet time with the Lord. Whatever was on our heart…bring it to Him and lay it at His feet.
All I could think of was the little bun that graced my life for such a short time. I wept quietly in my heart and begged Him to help me to stop searching for her every time I went out my door. And in the quiet I heard Him whisper, “Where have you gone, my little lost lamb? I have been searching for you.”
I realized then that I, like Peter, had decided to follow at a safe distance.
Now I’m finding my way back home.

If it’s not this, it’ll be something else!!!

2011-02-08T14:53:00.001-08:00

I’m sure you’ve all begun to give up on me, but please don’t give up yet.
I’ve had computer issues, wireless issue, Live Writer issues, and just plain old issues in life. But sometimes that how life is, as I’m sure you well know.

Are you a Super Bowl person or are you one of the strange ones, like myself, who could really care less about the game? My hubby wanted desperately to go to someone’s house for the Super Bowl, so when his sister invited us to her place he jumped at the chance.
Me, not being a football person thought, “what am I going to do while they’re all glued to the TV?” What do you think I did? In case you couldn’t guess, I brought along my laptop so I could play with Photoshop. So, before leaving the house I dumped all my pictures from my camera onto my computer.

Much to my horror I discovered that I hadn’t downloaded any pictures since the middle of December.

That’s awful especially for a girl who never leaves home without her camera tucked safely in her bag.

Anyway, these were the pictures that I decided to play with. Sometime way back in December, my friend Nancy and I went to a Craft Fair that was held at Christy Repasy’s home. It was a lovely day and a lovely event with many talented artists.

And it looks like she’ll be having another event in the month of March.

So, where have I been? Well, I’ve been going to school, getting over a month long cough, and trying to get my poor garden back to its normal beautiful self. Which it hasn’t been for quite some time…
due to the fact that I had a job…
which I no longer have…
YIPPEEEEE!!!!!!
Still basking in the beauty of knowing I don’t have to go to work.
At least for a few more years.

What’s going on in your life, I would love to know!!

xoxo cori

A New Year and New Dreams

2011-01-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile hasn't it? I never intended to stay away from my blog for so long, but life happened and it wasn't a pretty picture (at least not to my way of thinking).
If you were to ask me to choose two words to describe 2010 those words would be,

"GOOD RIDDANCE!"

Needless to say, I'm glad it's over!!! So, what happened you ask? Well, I'll tell ya. I became like that withered up rose in the picture. Dry, weary, and feeling like life had zapped every once of beauty from my little world. The long and short of it is that I finally, after years of threatening, only under my breath of course, quit my job and decided to go back to school.

And I can't begin to tell you what peace has filled my heart. I'm looking forward to a New Year filled with new dreams and possibilities and my prayer is that your heart would find that peace in this New Year.

Oopsies!

2010-11-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I've been having computer problems lately and haven't been checking my weence little mailbox. Just by accident I discovered an email from my FABULOUS Friendling, Rhonda Roo and it was then that I discovered several other emails and comments that were buried amidst all that other email-stuff...SORRY!!!!
But I'll be back in a few days to share some exciting news. We don't want to be too hasty now, do we? No! Not hasty at all...
See you real soon!!!!

xoxo Cori

2010-11-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Where you go I will follow…

2010-09-05T09:56:00.001-07:00

There once was a family Hacienda in the heart of Old Towne, that became a hotel, then a cannery, and back to a hotel. Then sometime later it was abandoned. The old Hacienda under went many changes in its life time, until it was transformed into the most delectable restaurant known as Casa de Bandini.
There once was a girl who loved to munch on fresh chips and salsa, in the courtyard of this restaurant, while listening to the gentle rhythm of the fountain and happy sounds of the strolling mariachi band. And on special occasions she would treat herself to one ice cold margarita…only one mind you.
It was at this very restaurant where the girl, and the boy she married, had their first meal as man and wife.

As the years rolled by the restaurant moved back in time only to become a grand hotel again. A grand hotel where the girl and boy decided to stay for their 16th anniversary.


They woke from their dreamy slumber in the comfort of the old antique bed.	The smell of hot coffee and sugar coated scones were waiting outside their door.

They wandered the streets and explored the back alleyways, to see what they could find.

They visited the old synagogue where they said “I Will”

It seemed like only yesterday, when they exchanged their vows, and yet many years had passed. Much remained the same and yet much had changed.

The old Victorian, where they spent their honeymoon, had been shut down and purchased by a huge corporation. A corporation that cared not for its history or the beautiful old furnishings that adorned the rooms.

They contemplated the years of their life together… things they had done…things yet to do.

They sat and listened to the thundering of the roaring sea…

and as the sun cast its golden beams across the water, she was reminded that there is much to be thankful for in this life.

I have always said…

2010-09-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

but the bigger question begs to be answered, “how do you know when it’s the Lord speaking to you or your own little voices in your head. I'm not talking about being crazy here, but Do You KNOW?

I like to play "connect the dots" spiritually. You may be wondering, "what does that mean?" Well, I'll tell you. When I'm struggling with something that I've been praying about I like to look around me to see if the Lord is speaking through the every day activities of my life. It may be a particular scripture, a message I hear on the radio, a song playing in my car, or something I experience in nature. God performs the extraordinary through the ordinary and I think that due to the busyness of our lives we often miss the miracles or just pass them off as coincidence. You are probably wondering where I'm going with all this nonsensical chatter, right? Right! So I'll just get to my point...in a round about way.

Many of you know that I have a love/hate relationship with my job, which by the way, I'm sure many of you do too. But, I have always said that if my hubby was ever called back to Boeing I would quit work that very same day. Some time in June I was on my way home from work, tears streaming down my face, and asking the Lord, "How long, Lord? How long do I have to carry this cross?" And as I pulled into the gas station I got a call from hubby. "Guess what?" says he. "I don't know", says I. "I just came home and found a letter in the mail and I've been recalled, I start in July." I felt a flood of relief wash over me and felt that my prayer had been answered.
We had just finished reading the account of David & Goliath and there were two points that stood out.
1. Saul, the king of Israel, sent a boy out to do a mans job and 2. David didn't have his eyes on the circumstances before him, he had his eyes on his LORD. The LORD of Hosts...the God of Israel. He knew that this giant was an enemy of God and God was going to use a young boy to destroy His enemy.

So hubby and I sat down and weighed the pros and cons and upon further investigation we found out that the deal wasn't as rosy as we had originally thought. But we decided to take a leap of faith over the edge of reason and jumped...head first. Two months into his job the rumors start to fly that there's going to be a lay-off mid September...HELLO!!!! We just got back here!!! So we shall see what the next few months bring, but whatever happens to be around the corner, I know that the Lord will be there too.

Oh, and by the way, I'm still at my job.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6 & 7

Just in case you were wondering...

2010-08-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Where I've been lately...

I've been in the garden, planting lavender...

smelling the sweet scent of roses...

discovering things I hadn't seen before...

watching the bees buzzing about my hollyhock...

making new friends...

creating new garden spaces...

and dreaming of Autumn...

How has your Summer been?

2010-08-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

Party at Mr. B’s Cantina

2010-07-30T17:16:00.001-07:00

Wait, wait! Has the party started without me? What party you ask? Why it’s Darling Deb’s Cantina Party at Mr. B’s and everyone is going to be there. After searching and searching I found the perfect swim suit, but do you think it makes me look fat? Maybe just a little? Oh well, I couldn’t resist the plaid scarf.

Since I’m the designated driver at this shindig I’ll be the one drinking lots of ice cold Perrier.

And if you’re too inebriated to drive home all you have to do is ask. You’ll be driven home in style, but please! There’ll be no throwing up in the back seat (or on the driver) since I just had the interior detailed…hm….maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to volunteer for this job.

Oh! And one last thing…
just in case you can’t make it to the car…

I hired this guy to carry you out.

Happy partying everyone and don’t forget what Darling Deb said… “NO THROWING THE CAT IN THE POOL!!!!”

2010-07-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Two years ago I posted these lyrics on the fourth and I thought they were well worth re-publishing.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday!

I walked through a county

courthouse square
On a park bench, an old man

was sittin' there.
I said, "Your old court house is kinda

run down,
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town."
I said, "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit,
And that's a ragged old flag

you got hangin' on it."
He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down,
"Is this the first time you've been to our

little town?"
"I said, "I think it is."
He said "I don't like to brag,
but we're kinda proud of That

Ragged Old Flag
"You see, we got a little hole

in that flag there,
When Washington took it

across the Delaware.
and It got powder burned
the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it,
writing "Say Can You See"
It got a rip in New Orleans,
with Packingham & Jackson

tugging at its seams.
and It almost fell at the Alamo

beside the Texas flag,
But she waved on though.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville,
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee and

Beauregard and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on

That Ragged Old Flag
"On Flanders Field in World War I,
She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun,
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp, and low, a time or two,
She was in Korea, Vietnam,
She went where she was sent
by her Uncle Sam.
She waved from our ships

upon the briny foam
and now they've about quit wavin'

back here at home
in her own good land here

She's been abused,
She's been burned, dishonored,

denied an' refused,
And the government for which she stands
Has been scandalized throughout the land.
And she's getting thread bare,
and she's wearin' thin,
But she's in good shape,

for the shape she's in.
Cause she's been through the fire before
and I believe she can take a whole lot more.
"So we raise her up every morning
And we bring her down slow every night,
We don't let her touch the ground,
And we fold her up right.
On second thought I *do* like to brag
Cause I'm mighty proud of
That Ragged Old Flag"

Song By Johnny Cash the Man in Black.

I hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July

2010-06-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

Hello all you Mad Tea partiers!
Welcome to my little corner of Bloglandia...
I hope you enjoy your stay and come back again…real soon…AND I hope I remember to come back real soon too. Anywho, this wonderful event is hosted by the ever Delightful, Whimsical, Enchanted creature Vanessa Valencia of A Fanciful Twist. Be sure to stop by her blog (If you haven’t already) to find the list of other Mad Tea Parties going on in cyberspace.

Now onto my tale…

I awoke this morning like any other day.
Prepared my coffee and pulled open the shade. But what a strange sight did I see…there were strange goings on beneath my tree.

So I grabbed my binoculars to get a closer peek. Surely my eyes were deceiving me. “That’s odd. Those signs weren’t there when I went to bed.” Funny how sleeplessness can mess with your head.

So I slipped on my slippers and ran out the back door hoping to glimpse something more.

There was this sign with nary a clue of where I should go…or what I should do.

So I decided to follow this one.

It led me beneath the arch of my tree where two tables had been set, apparently for tea, but where were the guests and where was the food?
Me thinks this hostess a little rude, for setting up tea beneath my tree without even thinking of inviting me.
Being groggy from my sleepless night I decided to find a place to rest my head.

when suddenly from beneath the table appeared a pest of a guest, “there goes my rest.” So I threw her ball till she grew weary of play then she curled up at my feet to dream of her day. Finally I could get some sleep.

When I awoke beneath the shade of my tree there was sugared toast, fruit and faerie rose tea…if only I hadsomeone to share it with me.

Now this is a curious thing to be sure!
Drink me? Do I dare? Would you? Would you?

Eat me? Hmm…it looks like a chocolate delight.

Well, OK, maybe I’ll have one little bite.

So I took a bite and as soon as I did my world became blurry, distorted, and dim. I felt like I was shrinking as small as can be. Soon I would be no bigger then a leaf dangling from my tree.

But something stirred somewhere inside, it was my trusty little puppy at my side. You see, I had been caught in a dream all the time, where nothing makes sense, and not everything rhymes.
Ok. Now be on your way to our Fanciful friendling @ a Fanciful Twist.

A Mad Tea

2010-06-25T19:30:00.001-07:00

Now onto my tale…

I awoke this morning like any other day.
Prepared my coffee and pulled open the shade. But what a strange sight did I see…there were strange goings on beneath my tree.

So I grabbed my binoculars to get a closer peek. Surely my eyes were deceiving me. “That’s odd. Those signs weren’t there when I went to bed.” Funny how sleeplessness can mess with your head.

So I slipped on my slippers and ran out the back door hoping to glimpse something more.

There was this sign with nary a clue of where I should go…or what I should do.

So I decided to follow this one.

It led me beneath the arch of my tree where two tables had been set, apparently for tea, but where were the guests and where was the food?
Me thinks this hostess a little rude, for setting up tea beneath my tree without even thinking of inviting me.
Being groggy from my sleepless night I decided to find a place to rest my head.

when suddenly from beneath the table appeared a pest of a guest, “there goes my rest.” So I threw her ball till she grew weary of play then she curled up at my feet to dream of her day. Finally I could get some sleep.

When I awoke beneath the shade of my tree there was sugared toast, fruit and faerie rose tea…if only I had someone to share it with me.

Now this is a curious thing to be sure!
Drink me? Do I dare? Would you? Would you?

Eat me? Hmm…it looks like a chocolate delight.

Well, OK, maybe I’ll have one little bite.

So I took a bite and as soon as I did my world became blurry, distorted, and dim. I felt like I was shrinking as small as can be. Soon I would be no bigger then a leaf dangling from my tree.

But something stirred somewhere inside, it was my trusty little puppy at my side. You see, I had been caught in a dream all the time, where nothing makes sense, and not everything rhymes.
Ok. Now be on your way to our Fanciful friendling @ a Fanciful Twist.

2010-06-16T13:46:00.001-07:00

2010-06-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Do you remember, "The Sign?"
For the past few weeks this has been it's message.
I'm still trying to figure out what it means.

Destination ~ San Juan Capistrano

2010-05-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

It seems like an eternity since I’ve visited my blog…and many of you. And as time has flown by in my little world so much has happened that I don’t even know where to begin. So maybe I’ll work my way backward and begin there.

A few months ago my SIL moved into our weence cottage and we’ve been having tons of fun since then. Not that we didn’t have fun before, because there is always fun to be had. She’s just added a different kind of fun. Does this sound strange to you? It isn’t really as she’s got a great sense of humor and can find the “funny” in most every situation. Some evenings the three of us sit around singing songs while she and hubby play their guitars. Me? I don’t play any musical instruments even though I took piano lessons several times throughout my childhood. But each time my instructors said I was much too fidgety a child and lacked the attention span. One of my instructors even tried bribing me with chocolate bars, but after a while not even chocolate could tempt me to sit still long enough to practice. So, there you have it! I play no musical instruments, however, I’m thinking about taking up the harp…oh how I love the harp and the gentle music that flows from its strings!!!

And then there are the “other nights” where we sit around and play Farmville for hours and have long conversations about this, that, and nothing at all. Endless jabber is what I call it, but oh what fun to see where it leads and trust me, it always leads somewhere.

Last weekend hubby and I met my dad along with his SO in the quaint little town of San Juan Capistrano for lunch at Ruby’s Diner and then a stroll about the gardens of the Mission.

Have you ever been to the mission? It’s such a serene place to spend the afternoon and the perfect place for me to visit after attending my friend’s memorial service. I hate memorial services! Especially when you walk into a room where you don’t know a single soul or only 1 to 2 of them. These are what make up some of the most uncomfortable moments in life.

But the gardens filled with trickling fountains of goldfish and water lilies took my mind off the mornings memorial. Missions always have a quieting effect on my soul.

There was this tiny enclosed courtyard that led through the doors of the old stone church or what’s left of its remains.

If you look to the left and see the bells, the enclosed courtyard is on the other side. Oh Dear! Look! There’s a person on my blog! Aw…it’s just my dad! isn’t he cute? He didn’t know I was taking pictures of him. Don’t tell, but one Christmas a little boy saw him in Target and thought he was Santa Claus…I can’t imagine why, can you?

And just in case you’re wondering…”no,” those are Not his toes…they’re mine ;-). Although I’m sure they bear some resemblance to his, minus the polish, of course. Oh, what was that, “you’ve never seen me wearing jeans before?” Yeah, I know, I’m kinda on a jeans kick, but with the warmer weather approaching I’ll be going back to my linen skirts and ruffled petticoats.

I’m deviating aren’t I? To tell you the truth, I’m not sure where I was going with all this. Oh yes, my life over the past several months. Let’s see…SIL moved in…went on vacation to Arizona…visited some amazing and not so amazing places. Some of those amazing places I need to post pictures from.

It appears I have seasons in my life with different rhythms and different desires and somehow my rhythms have all become catawampus (I like that word). And it appears that I have lost my blogging rhythm all together, but will try most earnestly to get it back…like my roses that have gone wild.

I know I’m making no sense what-so-ever, but thanks for listening anyway.

A fair weathered friend

2010-05-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friend passed from this life into eternity.
She had been sick far longer then the seven years we had been friends.
Her life had been woven with sorrowful tales and heartache mingled with many "I can't-s" strung along the path.
I became her personal cheerleader...the one running along side her...encouraging her at every turn...always telling her, "you can.! I know you can!" At some point, I don't know when, I decided to carry her burdens for her instead of allowing Jesus to do it...that is after all why He died. To save us from ourselves and an eternity of separation from Him and the Father. But I thought I could handle this one...help Him out a little...was I ever wrong!

Under the weight of her burdens I stumbled and fell and like a defiant child I simply said, "I can't!" "I can't do this any longer...I can't carry your heartaches or fears...I can't." While I sat there, on the side lines, licking my wounds, I watched as others came along side her, gathered her heartaches, helped her to walk, and brought it all to Jesus for they knew they couldn't carry them for her. They prayed with her and cared for her and in the end helped her cross the finish line...while I sat there on the side lines...her fair weathered friend.

2010-05-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

My children, there is no good thing that I would withhold from you. I have not left you to fend for yourselves nor to make your way by your own devices. I am the Lord your God. I am your provider and your defender. I care for you with a deep and tender love. I am all-wise and all-powerful, and will be your defense against every onslaught of the enemy.

Anticipate My help. I will not fail you.
look down at the path before you. You will see the print of my feet, for as scripture says, I go before you, and I make the path ready for you as you follow.

Taken from the writings of: Frances J. Roberts

2010-05-03T10:02:00.001-07:00

I used to know you all by name, but time has erased them from my memory.
How long has it been, 1 year, two? I can’t recall, can you?

Do you remember the days when I would greet you in the cool of the morning? When your velvet leaves were covered in morning dew? You brought such peace and joy to my soul.

I would twirl and dance within your shadows and breathe in the beauty of your sweet scent.

But you have grown wild in my absence and taken on colors and shapes I never would have imagined.

Can you once again be tame and yield to my gentle care? I think not, but still I will try to recapture your beauty.

My Senior Moment

2010-04-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

I've been told that as you age and go through different stages of your life your brain changes and sometimes leaves you altogether. Well I've been wondering about mine lately and most definitely feel as if it's abandoned me for good.
My tale begins with mine and hubby's last vacation. Being the unorganized-organized person that I am I try to start packing a few days before I leave for anywhere. If I'm going to be gone longer then I pack that much sooner, but this time that didn't happen. Hubby and I planned to up before the sun and on the road by 5 am Thursday morning. Wednesday evening rolled around and still no packing had begun. Thursday morning I was up by 4:30, showered, threw a bunch of clothes in the suitcase, packed my overnight bag, and ran out the door. We made our customary stop at 7/11 for hot coffee and chocolate donuts then hit the road. Nine hours later we reached our destination...Bisbee Arizona. We pulled into the parking lot of this cute motel, checked in, and apparently the first thing I must have done was to partially unpack my overnight bag and place my blow dryer in the window sill.

LOOK! IT'S CORI'S BLOW DRYER IN THE WINDOW SILL.
CAN YOU SEE IT? I CAN!

The next morning I woke up, showered, and went to pull my blow dryer out of my overnight bag. But can you guess what I found? NO BLOW DRYER!! But how convenient that the motel had an identical one sitting in the window sill. Two mornings in a row I was ever so thankful for the nice young woman who ran the motel and for the blow dryer that was there for me to use. But each time we drove away and then pulled back into our space, I wondered, "why would an innkeeper not have a shelf or a drawer to store that blow dryer in. It didn't look very appealing sitting in the window and none of the other windows had one. Oh well! Those things happen in life.

I spent the next two days using the hotels blow dryer and upon returning home discovered that I had packed mine and also left it behind. Has this ever happened to you? Please tell me I'm not the only person who has lost their brain, or at least temporarily misplaced it?

Greetings! from Bisbee Arizona

2010-04-21T20:28:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I decided to take a small vacation so we loaded up our car and hit the road. We thought it would be fun to explore the old mining town of Bisbee Arizona.

The town was built in the twisting turning valley’s of the Mule mountains around 1877 and soon became known as the “Queen of the Copper Camps.”

(The lobby of the Copper Queen Hotel)

I often ask myself, “what is it about these old mining towns that I love so much”? Is it just the architecture or is there more to my curiosity? I wonder about the people who lived there and what their lives must have been like? Did they dream of a better life and did they find it when they reached their destination or were they met with heartache? Where did they come from and what brought them here to the first place?

I always imagine the Victorian era as being an exciting time to live. It was a time when the common woman could be seen strolling down the street hand in arm with her beau while wearing the latest Parisian fashions or the cozy rooms of the humblest homes could be adorned with intricate wallpapers. It was the industrial age where the impossible became possible.

The little town is filled with old hotels in various stages of restoration. This one appeared to be trapped in a time warp.

We stayed in a quaint little Motor Hotel built in the 30’s called the Jonquil. The room was small, but comfortable with cottage furnishings and down coverlets.

On the side of the motel was this huge wall mural, but I don’t remember the tale behind it so I’ll give you the Link. Click on the image above.

Some of the little homes were perched on top of giant cross beams that spanned the gulch running along side the road. It was a quirky little town with plenty to do and see.

2010-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

the road to patience
travels through the valley
of trial and tribulation.

2010-04-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Each morning as I check my mail box I'm greeted with a morning devotion from Mike MacIntosh of Horizon Christian Fellowship. I know I've posted some of them in the past and every time I do I feel as if someone needs to hear the words he's written. So here we go again with a little snippet of wisdom from my favorite pastor and God's healing Word.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

How sad to see this world running in circles, looking in all the wrong places for joy and happiness and love. Love and joy are two tremendous powers that come from God. Both of these powers are a profound presence, reaching into the deepest, darkest area of your soul to turn on the healing lamp of God. Joy flows from the well of love. You see, a vast amount of our hurts come from the lack of love and joy. But just mix these two elements into our recipe of living, and there isn't much in the area of hurt, pain, and suffering that can linger too long. The fact is, the joy of God heals. I know this may sound too simplistic, too easy. Most of us, in our more cynical moments, have questioned the sincerity of those who tell others to "have a nice day." One lady was overheard saying to someone who told her to have a nice day, "I have other plans." May I ask you, What are your plans? Are you ready to take your hurts to God and allow Him to heal you? If you are simply ready and willing, He wants to heal your hurts by imparting love and joy. He has been in love with you for years. He's seen your smiles and He's seen your tears. Let God heal you of your hurts. He's ready to do it, you know! His love has the wonderful power to heal you today.

A Glorious Morning

2010-04-05T13:36:00.001-07:00

Did you all have a lovely Easter? I do hope so! We rose early to attend the Sunrise service at our little chapel in the canyons and it was freezing cold outside! There we sat bundled in blankets watching the sun rise over the mountain tops. It was such a glorious morning.

Afterward we came back to our little cottage to finish housework before our guests arrived.

But with my garden beckoning me outdoors it was hard to stay in… alas, there was still so much to do.

Puppies romped in the yard searching for hidden Easter eggs.

The poppies opened their petals to enjoy the warmth of the Son.

The little one’s searched too.

All in all it was a very blessed day.

2010-04-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

He Is Risen!
Happy Resurrection Day!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20

2010-03-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

(I received this in an email today and thought it was well worth posting)

On May 8,2008, a 98 year-old lady named Irena Sendler died. During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist.
She had an 'ulterior motive'.
She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews (being German). Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids). She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants. She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

In MEMORIAM - 65 YEARS LATER

Birds of a Feather

2010-03-26T19:28:00.001-07:00

On my way to the garden early one morn, I caught a glimpse of pink from my back door.

I peered through the rose bush

to see what I could see…

then tiptoed to the pic-nic table,

as quiet as can be…

I hopped out in front of them to see if they would flee…

But the plastic pink flamingo’s just stood and stared at me.

Subtle signs of Spring

2010-03-16T18:00:00.001-07:00

Spring is beginning to show her lovely face around Brambleberry Cottage.

The evening air is filled with the sweet aroma from the blooming Honeysuckle.

Soon the fragrance of my wisteria will be dancing on the breeze.

All is well in m little world…

how about yours?

A Mid Winter’s Tea

2010-03-06T10:15:00.001-08:00

Hello! Do you remember me? I hope so!

I wanted to thank all of you for the lovely comments about how to finish off my little sparkly baskets for my tea give-away’s. Sadly, they never made it to the tea and are stacked on my dresser in the guest room. My table fell apart at the last minute so I decided to save them for another day. Who knows, maybe I’ll use one for a give-away on my blog…that would be fun.

I made the sweetest little center piece out of my green pedestal, a garden cloche, and a few rolls of ribbon. I liked it so much that I decided to keep it as a little display on my work table.

It was such a busy day that I forgot to take pictures after I had set my table so your only getting a wee glimpse of what it looked like.

Another sweet center piece from one of the tables we had. I’m always amazed at how creative we women can be, aren’t you?

Each one of my guests was given a sugar shaker along with half a dozen Lavender Shortbread cookies and the recipe so they could make their own. Have you ever tasted Lavender Shortbread? It’s really delicious and super easy to make.

Well I have a busy day ahead of me. I’ve been pulling weeds and planting seeds while the sun’s been shining, but the rain is on it’s way…I love the rain!

I hope you all have a beautiful day!

2010-02-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.

Mark 1:29-31

Your home is your most personal space. No other place could be more private. So it's interesting that Jesus didn't confine His ministry to public squares -- He came to peoples' homes.

Here in Mark 1:29, we see Him coming into Simon Peter's home, where Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a fever. The woman had probably never met Jesus, and maybe wasn't even aware that He could heal her. But Peter was. He and the disciples didn't hesitate to tell Jesus about her need, and Jesus acted swiftly. Tenderly taking her hand, He lifted her up, and "immediately" healed her (verse 31). Jesus touched her life that day, and she never even stepped outside the house. He had worked powerfully and quickly on her behalf, simply because Peter had asked Him to.

You know, we can sometimes forget the urgency of Jesus' love. Jesus didn't wait for people to come to Him -- He went to them. He visited sinners in their most personal spaces, far from the "spotlight" and safety of the public arena. He went not only where He was loved, but where He was needed. While He visited Peter's house, Peter presented a need, and Jesus responded "immediately." Even at this early point in the book of Mark, it is already the sixth time that word, "immediately," has been used. And I don't think it's an accident. Jesus acted immediately, with urgency, because He loved people.

We all have friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers who need the healing touch of Jesus Christ. Let me encourage you today to lift up the people around you to Jesus. Like Peter lifted the needs of his mother-in-law to Jesus, lift up your family and friends to Him, that He might heal them, and that they might encounter His love for them. Jesus answers prayer. He tells us in John 14:14, "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

Maybe today, though, you are like Peter's mother-in-law -- you are the one in need of healing, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. You may have known Jesus for years, or perhaps you've never known Him. Whatever the case, let me encourage you that you don't even have to leave your house -- He will come to you. Wherever you are, simply ask Him to touch your life, and He will respond immediately, according to His perfect will. He loves you more than you will ever understand, and is thrilled to hear your voice. He urgently wants to give you "a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11), because He loves you.

Jesus wants to touch your life, and the lives of those you love, this very moment. Not tomorrow, but today. Let us never forget or dismiss the urgency of Jesus' love!

Taken from the Daily Devotion of Mike MacIntosh
Horizon Christian Fellowship

Sweet treats for my Friends

2010-02-16T07:11:00.001-08:00

It’s almost tea time and I still have to finish the gifts for my guests.

I decided to make lavender shortbread this year and wrap them with pretty ribbon and a tag. The recipe calls for the shortbread to be rolled in course granulated sugar so as part of my gift I made these cute spice jars filled with sugar.

But I haven’t got a clue as to how to treat the tops and handles of the boxes that will hold all the goodies.

Any ideas?

2010-02-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

The days are becoming warmer here as the sun is moving higher on the horizon, and so I begin planning my spring garden. For inspiration I've been looking through countless images of garden follies. Follies were important features in gardens during the 18th century in Europe and were usually constructed in the fashion of Roman temples and Gothic ruins. They are still very popular today.
Hubby and I are planning to build an outdoor sleeping area, in the vineyard, for hot summer nights. What plans do you have for your garden?

(Images: wikipedia, Redwood and Stone U.K. designs)

Paper Roses

2010-01-30T09:21:00.001-08:00

Hello! How are you? I can hardly believe the month of January has come and gone… what about you?

I’ve been busy living life in the real world and enjoying a little extra time away from my work. It’s amazing how a job can consume so much of a persons time leaving little left for the funner things in life...like creating! Oh yes, I know, “funner” isn’t actually a real word, but I like to use it anyway.

There is one part of my job that I dearly love and that’s our annual Tea Party. This year it will be held at the end of February so my friend Nancy and I decided we better start early on our “Tea Treats”… before the month slipped away. We both decided to make cookies and package them up with pretty ribbons and bows…or paper roses.

This is what we came up with for Nancy’s guests. We started with a plain paper mache` box, then cut strips of pattern tissue 5” wide, folded it in half, and began to roll it into paper flowers. Tie it off with pretty ribbon, hot glue it to the lid, and “Viola,” you have yourself the cutest little cookie boxes ever!

I found this idea on Heather Bullard’s blog about a year ago and thought the idea was so sweet and perfect for a tea.

Oh, do you see the darling plate in the second picture? Nancy made them from tissue paper and glass plates…too cute, don’t you think? Me too!

Well, I’ll be spending my day working on my “Tea Treats” and when I’m done you’ll be the first to see what I came up with.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend…any fun plans?

2010-01-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Do not be anxious. My Spirit shall direct your steps. You need have no fear. There is never a place where you walk that I have not preceded you. There are many times when your faith waivers. Take no account of it. I am keeping you even when you do not feel strong. You must rely on My faithfulness~not on your feelings. Your strength will vary from day to day, but My power is always available to you as you yield to the Holy Spirit.

You are kept through the power of God through faith.
1 Peter 1:5

Taken from: One minute meditations
by: Frances J. Roberts

New Found Inspiration

2010-01-22T09:06:00.001-08:00

For years I’ve dreamt of remodeling my kitchen, in this little ol’ cottage of mine, and I’ve finally found my inspiration.

I had seen this article years ago in a magazine but lost track of it until hubby and I were at the book store yesterday.

So hubby and I have decided that this will be one of our projects for the year and I can’t wait to get started!

Pictures: Cottages and Bungalows Magazine

A Most Excellent Order!

2010-01-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever dreamed of being royalty and living in a grand manor house in the heart of the English country side? I know I have! And while I'll most likely never be able to live that dream, I can live it here as an "Honorary Noble of the Most Excellent Order of the Blog Empire." My lovely friend, The Duchess of Rose Tree Cottage, has bestowed this most excellent award on me and several other wonderful bloggers, and I am ever so honored to accept...Thank you, Duchess! You are such a Dear Noble Woman!!!

If you haven't been over to visit the Duchess please stop by her blog... she always serves tea at half past Four. Hurry along now and don't be late!

Time

2010-01-15T08:38:00.001-08:00

This week the sign said:

Time Heals all Wounds

Give Time Time!

Cupcake anyone?

2010-01-12T06:19:00.001-08:00

Last week hubby and I took the pups for a walk around Old Towne Orange and while there we discovered a new sweet shoppe that had opened. Alas, there was a sign in the window saying they were closed until the following morning. So I vowed to squeeze it into my schedule this past Saturday…which I did.

Doesn’t this look delicious… oh, sorry…it’s just a prop.

They have the cutest little Audrey Hepburn theme with Tiffany Blue walls, a collection of black and white photos of Audrey, marble top tables, and black bentwood cafe chairs.

Even the over-stuffed chairs were wearing little black dresses.

There was a nice variety of cupcakes including a Red Velvet cupcake and one called The King of Chocolate…

but this was the one I chose to sample. I was expecting the frosting to be vanilla, but when I bit into it I was pleasantly surprised to find a super thick rich creamy cream cheese with a band of Turbinado sugar. It tasted just like home made.

It was so delicious that I brought one home for hubby who loved it.

This was my first experience at a shoppe dedicated to nothing but the cupcake and I really enjoyed the ambiance as well as the sweets. The cupcakes sold for $3. a piece which I thought was a very reasonable price. Far less expensive then a pot of tea with a scone. So I’ve decided I’m going to make it one of my local hang outs. Hmm, I wonder if they have Wi-Fi.

Keeping Watch

2010-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

I have been missing from Bloglandia, but I believe I'm back. I hope I'm back.

There have been so many times during the past year that I've wanted to hit the delete button on this little ol` blog o mine, but then I'm reminded of the wonderful friends I've made and how each of you has touched my heart in such a special way. Some of you have even become the dearest of friends and I can't imagine my life without you.

2009 was a difficult year, spiritually speaking, and while I wasn't keeping watch over my heart I allowed bitterness to take up residence and plant her ugly roots... my heart became hard. I found myself having the same conversation every morning with the Lord on my way to work and by the time I pulled into the parking lot I was either in tears or very very angry. Bitterness is one of the ugliest companions a girl can have and as much as I tried to shake her and toss her aside, like the ugly weed she is, it seemed she dug her roots in deeper and deeper.

And so I learned to live with her, as uncomfortable as her presence was. And she continued to tear at my heart until I thought there would be nothing redeemable left. I was becoming my former self. The person that I was before I met the Lord. Sad...alone...destitute...on the brink of total despair.

And I decided that things in my life needed to change. Mainly my work schedule. So I asked hubby several times if I could cut back my hours and he didn't give me the answer I was looking for until I told him what the answer should be..."yes Dear, you can cut back." And so I have and like a thick morning fog that lies over the land, then dissipates in the warmth of the noon day sun, I feel as if the heaviness has been lifted from my heart. Bitterness has been ripped from my heart and I am free to pursue different desires...follow after other yearnings.

And with each mornings sunrise I'm reminded of a day, years ago, when I found myself wandering through the High Sierra's with tears streaming down my cheeks, all the while wondering where was God in the midst of my chaos. Several minutes later I was in the general store face to face with the kindliest looking old man wearing a plaid hunting jacket and cap. I was searching for something and could feel him staring at me from behind so I turned to see who was there. He smiled with the gentlest smile. "It's a beautiful day today, wouldn't you agree?" Not knowing what to do I replied with a simple "yes." At that moment I felt as if he had looked deep within my heart and seen the sadness there. He again smiled and softly whispered, "I ordered it especially for you!" I turned away not knowing what to say and when I looked back he was gone.
My heart began to soften that day and each morning that I rise I feel it softening still. I think twenty-ten is starting out to be a good year.

Bitter or Better...

2010-01-10T13:05:00.001-08:00

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:1

If God is calling you to do something for Him, expect to be tested. Temptation is a test of your true character. Literally, it is a proving of the heart -- a demonstration of your inner motives. It challenges your convictions and exposes your weaknesses. But it serves an important purpose.

Jesus, here in Matthew 4, is being led up into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. No doubt He was dreading such a trip -- He hadn't eaten in 40 days, the weather was likely hot, and the mountainous terrain would be rugged. But it wasn't the devil who led Him up into the wilderness, it was the Spirit of God.

Yes, the Holy Spirit led Jesus. Notice that word "led." The transliterated Greek word is "anago," which means "to lead up into a higher place." You see, the Holy Spirit was leading Jesus into a higher place. And today, it's so important for you to understand that a testing from God will lead you into a higher place. So often we think that when negative things happen, they bring us down. But God's plan is to take you to a higher place. He wants to broaden your perspective, to deepen your understanding. And when you overcome, you will see that the real purpose of the test was not merely for you to succeed in a challenge, but for the Holy Spirit to empower you like never before.

Maybe you are in the middle of temptations right now. Maybe you are experiencing challenging testings. Realize that God is leading you with a purpose. Life's trials and setbacks will make you either bitter or better. They will leave you empowered by God -- strengthened in spirit and grateful in heart -- or bitter and defeated. It all depends on whether you place your focus on yourself, or on the Lord. After all, the only difference between being bitter and better is the letter "I".

The above was taken from:"Today's Devotion by Mike MacIntosh"

My Thoughts:

Every morning I wake to find a new devotion in my email box from my very first pastor: Mike MacIntosh. I always look forward to reading his thoughts on the scripture he's chosen, for the day, and this mornings devotion especially hit home. "The only difference between being bitter and better is the letter "I"." How many times does that one word trip me up in my walk with the Lord? "But Lord, I deserve better...I shouldn't be treated this way"...and the I, I, I's go on and on. When we get our eye's off the Lord and onto our selves we become discontent, disgruntled, and dislikable. I have to confess that this is where my heart has been lately and I don't like it very much, so today I have decided that my eyes need to be refocused where they should have been to begin with!

A Bright New Year…

2010-01-06T17:06:00.001-08:00

I like to think that… with each new year we’re given a fresh clean canvas to begin anew…new dreams to dream...new ideas to discover...new inspiration yet to be revealed…and new paths to travel.

With each new year it’s good to glance back and see the road from wence we came… the victories we’ve shared as well as the struggles we’ve endured and yet overcame.

With each new year it’s good to remember when our hearts sang with joy for the beauty around us…if only for a moment.

With each new year it’s good to reflect and remember Who has blessed us beyond measure or anything we could ever imagine.

With each new year it’s good to have friends like you to dream with… to share with…and be inspired by.

Thank you for sharing this last year with me and I look forward to our time spent together in this new year.

Much love to all of you!

When you Walk...

2010-01-02T09:35:00.001-08:00

2010-01-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

Along the Road

2009-12-31T09:20:00.001-08:00

Good morning and Happy New Years Eve! I hope you all had the most lovely Christmas ever and are looking forward to a bright New Year. Who knows what the future will bring…hopefully only good things.

We spent Christmas in the lovely town of Yuma Arizona (I’m grimacing here) and attended a new age Christmas eve service where my father was singing. He has the most beautiful baritone voice I’ve ever heard and sang a few of my favorite Christmas Carlos like, “Do you hear what I hear.” The message was very strange and not once was Jesus’ name mentioned…He Is after all the reason for the Christmas season ;-).

On our way home we stopped at one of my favorite little plots of land in the universe, Summer’s Past Farms. It’s located off of Hwy 8 outside of a small town called Alpine. It’s such a peaceful place where I always leave feeling refreshed and full of new ideas for my own little plot of land.

In the center of the garden was a new faerie covered in leopard spots and dancing atop a collection of mushrooms… so sweet!

This little stone bunny was guarding his cabbage patch hoping noone would steal any of his crops. Hubby thought this was the cutest thing he’d seen and decided we needed a patch of our own…we’ll see.

We headed home after a short visit and back to our daily lives, but we had a wonderful time. Now we are looking forward to what happens next, what the future holds, what we’ll find around the next corner. And whatever it may be I know that we’ll face it with the Lord at our side and before us.

I hope you all have a great New Years and be safe!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

The inhabitants of Brambleberry Cottage
will be out of town for a few days so if I don't peak my head in to say hello, please know that you're all in my thoughts and prayers. And as we gather with friends and family I hope we remember the true meaning of Christmas...

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:9-14

The birth of our Messiah
Wishing all my sweet friends
a VeRy MeRRy CHRISTmas!!

Death by Chocolate!

2009-12-21T21:17:00.001-08:00

A couple of days ago was my birthday so I made my all time favorite birthday cake and thought I would share it with you all. It’s super rich, creamy, and very heavy so a small slice is all you need. This recipe serves 18-20, but I made a smaller version that will serve 10 very happy people.

8 oz fine quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

2/3 cup water

1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs, separated

2/3 cup, sour cream

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

pinch of cream of tartar

chocolate curls

raspberries and confectioners’ sugar to decorate (optional)

1 lb. fine quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup brandy or rum

3/4 cup seedless raspberry preserve

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 Tbls. brandy

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 10 in. springform pan and line base with waxed paper. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, heat chocolate, butter, and water until melted. Stirring frequently. Remove from heat, beat in sugar and vanilla and cool.

In a bowl, beat yokes lightly, then beat into cooled chocolate mixture; gently fold in sour cream. Into a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda, then fold into chocolate mixture. In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form; fold in chocolate mixture.

Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until cake begins to shrink away from side of pan. Remove to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes (cake may shrink in center, this is normal) Run a sharp knife around the edge of pan, then unclip pan and carefully remove side. Invert cake onto wire rack, remove bottom of pan and cool completely. Wash and dry pan.

Prepare filling in a saucepan over medium heat, heat chocolate, butter, and 4 Tbls. brandy until melted, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside to cool and thicken.

Cut cake crosswise into three even layers. Heat the raspberry preserve and remaining brandy until melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Spread a thin layer over each of the cake layers and allow to set.

When the filling is spreadable, place the bottom cake layer back in the pan. Spread with half the filling, top with the second layer of cake, then spread with the remaining filling and top with the top cake layer, preserve side down. Gently press layers together,

cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Carefully run a sharp knife around edge of cake to loosen, then unclip and remove side of pan. Set cake on wire rack over a cookie sheet to catch any drips. In a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a boil. Remove from heat and add chocolate all at once, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the brandy and strain into a bowl. Allow to stand for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Beginning from the center of the bowl and working out towards the edge, whisk the glaze until smooth and shiny. Pour over the cake using a metal spatula to help smooth top and sides; allow glaze to set.

Slide cake onto serving plate and decorate with chocolate curls and raspberries. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Do not refrigerate or it will become dull. (Oh, I always refrigerate mine).

My chocolate curls weren’t exactly cooperating so they turned out more like ribbons, but they still tasted delicious! And just in case you make this deadly cake I’d love to know what you thought.

ENJOY!

2009-12-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

You struggle, My child, when you could as easily rest in My arms. You concern yourself with the actions of others and neglect the important things: to abide in Me. He who abides in me has no need to be anxious. When you are moving out of My divine will, you have unrest. Abiding brings confiding. For to know Me is to trust Me, and trust brings peace.

Taken from: on the Highroad of Surrender by: Frances J. Roberts

Friday…

2009-12-18T10:49:00.001-08:00

It’s another fun filled Friday here at my cottage and I’ve got a million errands to run and yet here I sit…

at my computer in my jammies and slippers…or maybe it’s my pirate costume. I can’t tell. Anywho, I haven’t started my Christmas shopping which means I’m right on schedule and I have a birthday cake to bake this afternoon for my birthday tomorrow. I’m making my favorite…DEATH BY CHOCOLATE…it’s made with 2 lbs. of bittersweet chocolate, but I’ll be making the smaller version with only 1 lb. There are 3 layers of cake and 2 layers of chocolate ganache with raspberry…yum!!!

But first I’m going out to do a little antiques shopping. I saw a gorgeous cake plate at one of my favorite stores last week, so I thought I’d make the trip back this morning and see if it’s still there.

I’ll be sure to post my cake tomorrow and maybe the recipe…it is delicious!!! Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful Friday. Oh, my pictures are from a store in Orange called Country Roads…it’s one of my favorites!

2009-12-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

Images courtesy: movies.yahoo.com The Everett Collection

Emily Blunt is staring in a new movie called "The Young Victoria" which is opening this Friday... in limited engagement, and I'm hoping it will be playing at a theater near me.
Have you heard about it and are you planning to see it?
If so, I'd love to know what you thought.

Here's a little info on her life from Wikipedia:

Victoria ( 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837, and the first Empress of India of the British Raj from 1 May 1876, until her death. Her reign as the Queen lasted 63 years and 7 months, longer than that of any other British monarch before or since, and her reign is the longest of any female monarch in history. The time of her reign is known as the Victorian era, a period of industrial, political, scientific and military progress within the United Kingdom.

All is toasty & warm

2009-12-14T19:41:00.001-08:00

We had our first rain of the season on Saturday and it was so peaceful staying in doors curled up on the couch in front of a blazing fire.

It’s not often we get to enjoy a fire in this little cottage of ours because of the old shake roof that’s very brittle and dry. Several years back an entire neighborhood with shake roofs went up in flames and they’ve been outlawed since.

During the winter months I like to add deeper colors to my decor….red velvets and chocolate browns mixed with white lace. It somehow adds to the winteriness of the season.

Hubby’s having a Christmas party at work so I made one of my famous Chocolate cheese cakes…only it flopped! I’ve never had a cheese cake do this to me! Never! Growing up I wanted to become one of Mrs. Claus’s elfs so I could work in the bakery at the North Pole and I’m thinking this would never do on a resume..."cheesecake mutilator." Could you imagine?

The clouds have blown away the rain and our skies are clear again. How's the veiw from where you are?

The Candy Cane

2009-12-13T12:52:00.001-08:00

If you'd like to read the poem about the
Candy Cane please click on the image.

2009-12-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Make my life Your temple
L-rd at this season start
To pull down every idol I have raised up in my heart

On this Chanukah
On this Feast of Dedication
I dedicate myself to You

Take my defiled altar
Come and cleanse and come repair
So every time I falter I can run to meet you there

On this Chanukah
On this Feast of Dedication
I dedicate myself to You

And with every candle on the menorah
That illuminates the night
Comes a prayer You’d kindle
In me Y’shua
A desire for Your fire, for Your light

Make of my mortal body
A house worthy of Your name
Rid me of what’s ungodly and every hidden thing of shame

On this Chanukah
On this Feast of Dedication
I dedicate myself to You

Take my supply of oil
Not enough to burn long I fear
But, oh how I pray I may one day say “A great miracle happened here!”

On this Chanukah
On this Feast of Dedication
I dedicate myself to You

Chanukah
Music and Lyrics by Marty Goetz
©1997 Singin’ in the Reign Music/ASCAP

Special Delivery

2009-12-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

I received a huge package in the mail a few days ago from my dear friend Pat at Mille Fiori Favoriti. I won her Christmas give-away and was so tickled since this was Pat's first give-away and she was my first bloggy friend. Come to think of it, she was my first bloggy friend that I met in the real world. We spent a lovely day in San Diego together about a year ago.
So, back to my give-away...I opened up my box to find another box beautifully wrapped for Christmas as well as a lovely card, Gingerbread Spice Tea, and some delicious smelling pottpouri.

And here's the beautiful Lenox Christmas Tea Pot that I won. Isn't it gorgeous? And it's perfect for the Holidays!
Dearest Pat, it is beautiful and will always remind me of the sweet lady that has become a friend. I will cherish it always...thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Love, Cori

It’s a Fanciful Day in the Neighborhood...

2009-12-10T19:59:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, today is our Beloved Fanciful friend, Vanessa’s Birthday, and we are here to celebrate and honor you, delightful lady, with our thoughts and words.

My story begins with those silly little striped socks and pointy shoes that kept popping up all over Bloglandia…that was little over a year ago. Every time I’d click on a blog there they were bouncing up and down…Boing! Boing! Boing! Beckoning me to follow them. One day curiosity whispered in my ear, “follow the striped socks through the secret keyhole.” So I did and found myself in the middle of the most enchanted world filled with elfin creatures, polka-dot mushrooms, and the most magical Gypsy Garden. It was like falling into a dream that you never wanted to wake from.

Beloved Fanciful One, you have been such a source of inspiration in my life as well as many others. Living in my ever practical world I had forgotten how to dream or that I loved to dream and that it’s OK to dream. You reminded me to be creative and be silly and love the small things in life. Tumbling into your delightful realm was like finding a long lost childhood friend who I had been missing for years. You my friend are such a delightful part of my life and I thank you ever so much for being my friend. And I wish you the bestest, bestest birthday ever.

HAPPY 34th Vanessa!!

I love you!!!

Oh! And please! please! forgive me for stealing your image without permission ;O! It was Darling Deb’s idea…tee hee!!!

Sweet Sugar Plums

2009-12-08T07:26:00.001-08:00

I'm still trying to get my Christmas decorating done, but don't seem to be making much progress. How is yours going?

Yesterday was a day filled with blessed rain. I love the rain! One of the things that I love the most is that in our little hamlet of Alasleim there are many strawberry fields and when it rains the air is filled with their sweet aroma. It's such an amazing thing to open your door in the wee hours of the morning and feel like your swimming in the scent of strawberries. So wonderful!

I mentioned a few posts back that I went out looking for decorating inspiration and came home with so many lovely visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. Does anyone know what a sugar plum really is?

I haven’t got the foggiest!

Any how, while out looking the other day for inspiration, I saw so many lovely Christmas vignettes that were done with everyday antiques… plates…silver spoons… and linens. So I thought it would be fun to use some of mine to decorate with this year.

I have these old rosy bud vases that were given to me when my grandfather passed away many years ago and decided to fill them with those darling lollipops. I wedged them in with some old crocheted doilies I had lying around. Sometimes I'm amazed at all the treasure troves I have tucked into every nook and cranny of this little dwelling. Too many really!

I found these cloches at Big Lots years ago and paid $3.95 per cloche…I bought 4 and two of them are very tall. They’re very bubbly looking which gives them a blurry texture.

It doesn't matter what holiday it is around here...you will always find bunnies. I use this little guy for everything.

Brambleberry Cottage has the darkest little entry I’ve ever seen so I thought it would be fun to bring the light pinks and greens from the kitchen here too. This is one of my favorite pieces of furniture. I know you can only see the top and part of the back, so I'm sure you have no idea what it is. So I'll tell you ;-). It's a lovely wash stand from the Edwardian Era placed in the ugly little entry. I'm hoping to get this area of my cottage redone right after new years so I'll probably show it to you then. It has lovely delicate carving on the front and half columns on each corner (the wash stand, not the entry). It is a beauty.

Well, it's getting late and I'm still not feeling my best so I'm going to prepare my coffee for tomorrow, allow the livestock to roam the grassy area for a few minutes, then get ready for bed. I hope you all have a wonderful peaceful evening!!

Warmth

2009-12-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

This is where I've been the past several days.
Curled up beneath the warmth of a beloved blanket
that a dear friend made for me.

It's softness and warmth provided a certain comfort to keep the chill away.

As I lay there wrapped in it's warmth on a cold chilly day
I was reminded of another Friend
who is always just a stones toss away.
No matter how dark my Gethsemane may be
He is just up the path
making intersession for me.

Inspiration

2009-12-04T10:33:00.001-08:00

I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve explored the local antiques stores, but with Christmas just around the corner I thought It would be fun to go looking for some Christmas inspiration...antique style. My first stop is always Country Roads Antiques in the city of Orange where so many of the vendors have created the dreamiest spaces. I love the way this old table cloth has been draped across the faux window.

I loved this little corner that was decorated with a small tree and vintage fotos hanging from sweet pink ribbons as ornaments. I tried to take a picture for you, but the tree was against a huge picture window with the sun light streaming through...all I could get was a huge white blur.

I met up with this lovely lady and she reminded me of Vanessa’s Miss Hall-Borchert. As I gazed upon her standing there alone I thought to myself, “she and Miss Hall-B. would be the best of friends. No one should be left alone and friendless as this one was...especially during the Holidays.

I don’t know why, but I loved this little vignette behind the chicken wire…oops! I think these days it’s commonly called, “poultry confinement material.” What a strange world we live in, do you agree? Yes, I thought you would!

I found these rose covered plates that I’ve been searching for forever and a day, but decided to pass them up until hubby called. It seems I’ve been making a lot of “unauthorized purchases” of late. Of course he would never so no to anything I wanted to buy, although there was that time in Petaluma when I fell in love with an ebonized Victorian piano stool inlaid with mother of pearl and he said “absolutely not!” I dearly love to tease him about that one ;-).

I was planning to make gingerbread cookies today and finish my Christmas decorating. I’m so far behind. But, I’ve been trying to ignore a head cold for the past week that has finally gotten the better of me. So who knows…

I may just sit here curled up on the couch all day sipping spiced cider and looking through my old Victoria magazines for old inspirations made new.

I hope you all have a lovely Friday where ever you are.

Just saying Hello!

2009-12-03T07:11:00.001-08:00

I’m just popping in for a minute to say hello! My little corner of the world has been very busy lately especially at work, but let’s not talk about that ;-).

I’ve been sending as much time at The Happiest Place on earth just soaking in the Christmas season. Everything is covered in garland and lights and looks ever so magical.

This Sunday evening one of my cousins and I will be attending Disney’s Candle Light Processional. Have you heard of it?

It’s one of those hidden gems that Disney puts on once a year with local choirs and bands plus there’s a reading of the birth of Jesus straight out of Luke chapter 2…word for word! Amazing don’t you think? This year the scripture reading will be done by Jon Voight…I just love that man.

Any way, like I said, I was only popping in for a minute and now my minute is up and I’ve got to run. I hope you all have a great Thursday!!! Ooh! Christmas cookies are on my list of to-do’s this weekend too! Are you baking any and what kind?

Honestly!

2009-11-30T21:13:00.001-08:00

Before all the craziness of the Holidays began my beloved Rooty toot Rhonda Roo gave me so many awards that I had to put them all in a nice little wicker basket. Oops…please forgive me Darling Deb as you gave me the same awards just as I sent Milo off to Roo’s Treehouse and in my mournful state from losing my weence yellow bug boy I forgot to post. So you could say I have two baskets full ;-).

Along with these lovely and ever beloved awards from two of my fave bloggy buddies I have to post 10 honest things about me. Beloved Roo is looking for dirt, uhm, I mean interesting facts, or just facts…hee hee! So here we go:

1. This probably isn't the best thing to start with, but I suffer from road rage ;-O! OH Yes indeed! If you saw me on the road you'd think I was jockeying for position on the race track. While driving, my motto is: "Why be third when you can be second or better yet, "why be second when you can be first." I like to be the first one out of the gate and if you happen to be in front of me, beware because I'll squeeze out from behind, zoom past, and cut in front (of course I always wait till I'm a safe distance from your front bumper.

Zoom zoom!!!!!

2. I can spend days and days doing housework. Weird, I know, but to me an uncluttered cottage is an uncluttered mind.
3. I have a dyslexic tongue which has caused me many embarrassing moments in life. Oh, and the brain is dyslexic too...I see things backwards and inside out or upside down when they're really right side up or facing forward.
4. I've taken a mechanical drafting course in college which is where I discovered I was dyslexic. Have you ever tried drawing a three-dimensional gear on the computer from the back side forward? It doesn't work... trust me, I know! OK, enough with the dyslexia.
5. I have a whole collection of lovely Brighton Handbags, but I carry everything in one of these. It’s a funny little bag I bought in Prescott last summer and just love it too pieces. Mu husband says that’s where I live…La-la Land…Pink Cottage on the left or is it the right?

6. I suffer from SAD (seasonal affectiveness disorder). Oh yes, there is such a thing as SAD and living in an old cottage like mine makes me that much “sadder.” This little dwelling has no overhead lighting, only ambient fixtures placed about the perimeter of the rooms. Each winter hubby and I go through the same routine… I go from room to room turning on every single light and he follows turning every one off. The light or lack of light makes me sad…isn’t that sad?

7. The furniture in my living room has been in the exact same place for the past 10 years. I do change the accessories from time to time, but not too often ;-).

8. You know those converter boxes that everyone had to get for their old TV’s? We hooked ours up and haven’t watched TV since. It’s hiding behind the bird screen in the living room as well as everything that wouldn’t fit in my newly reworked craft room. The screen has become my “New Black Hole.”

9. I’ve been wearing the same pair of flip-flops for the past three years, or is it four? I figure if the children of Israel wandered for forty years in the same pair of sandals I’d try and see how long mine would last…doing good so far ;-/.

10. I always plan our vacations around B&B’s that I want to stay in. They’re always Victorian and preferably decorated with antiques. It’s always so much fun to sit and sip coffee with perfect strangers.

Ok, I tried to make my 10 things short so ya’ll wouldn’t become bored to tears. Did it work? I hope so! Oh, if you read this post all the way to the very end please accept my basket of awards for yourself. If you do let me know so I can find out 10 honest things about you.

xoxo Cori

Dreamy little Lollipops

2009-11-23T20:36:00.001-08:00

Hello and how are you all doing? It’s been crazy busy here at Brambleberry Cottage what with Thanksgiving just a few days away and family coming to stay from out of town. I still haven’t done all my grocery shopping or cottage cleaning, but I did start my Christmas decorating.

I found these darling little sugary confections at Target and bought every one of them. Then I went to the Target across from work and bought more, although they only had four…but I still need more ;-).

I decided that since my family was going to be here for Thanksgiving I’d decorate for Christmas. Does that make sense to you? Funny, it does to me too!

And since my Kitchen is pink and green I thought I’d do a pink, green, and silver theme and I’m really loving the way it’s turning out. Hubby refers to it as my ongoing, ever changing, science project.

On Saturday my friend Janet and I set up a Tea Table at our local museum for the “Josephine and Jane Austin Tea” that was held there. Of the two of us Janet is definitely the more organized and always wants to know the “how’s and why’s of what we do.” Me? I just want to have fun!

And as you can see we did just that!!

The Gingerbread cookies look delicious don’t they? Janet and I were often amused whenever anyone would ask if they could take one to eat, and just in case you can’t tell, they’re plastic tree ornaments…

however, there were the most delicious Napoleon desserts provided by a catering company called Champagne. Such gooey sweetness that both of us ate two.

After our tea adventure we headed back to our homes and I spent the rest of the evening with Hubby and my darling little pups.

Well, I'm thinking that I probably won't be around for the next few days... more likely not until after Thanksgiving... so I thought I'd wish you all a lovely Thanksgiving filled with lots of love, laughter, and THANKFULNESS!!!