Adieu, doux ami

I am not a big dessert eater.

I love a piece of cake, or pie like the next person,

but I don't keep it around the house.

I don't eat dessert on a daily basis.

But this Christmas my St. Louis kids

 gave me a little box of chocolates.

They're not big candy eaters either,

 but were just celebrating the joy of giving goodies.

Who would know what lurked inside

this plain brown box.

4 chocolate truffles,

(with sea salt)

that were as delicious as anything I'd ever tasted.

I have a lot of willpower in some things.

Candy is one of them.

Once I opened this little jewel I made the decision

that I couldn't overdo it.

Two bites a day.

That's all.

Willpower.

But now they are gone,

And like a friend who has moved.

I miss them.

Good thing there isn't one of these close by.

What kind of candy is YOUR favorite?

And do you indulge,

or ration it?

Goodbye, "sweet" friend.

Debra

Silver Sunday on the Dresser

A stack of little silver boxes...

on an antique vanity mirror...

A sterling silver pocket mirror as a wedding gift...

And an old mercury glass perfume atomizer...

These are all evidence of my love of silver.

I'm joining Beth today at Gypsy Fish

for her wonderful Silver Sunday Party.

Have a shiny weekend!

Debra

Honey, I'm cold...

I just read Cindy's latest post at the Yapping Cat, and then with me having a cat on me every time I sit down here at the computer, I thought I'd share this with you. Anne at Fiona and Twig sent me to this website as we are both cat lovers and have fur-kids that must have been separated at birth.

It's been pretty cold around here and this is the result.

Click here to laugh your socks off,

but only if you are an animal lover!

And no, that's NOT me!

calling all kitties...

Debra

Enjoying the moment...

That's what I'm doing today...

enjoying the moment.

God has been speaking to me alot about patience.

About living each day to the fullest.

That no longer means seeing how much

I can cram into 24 hours.

So today I'm savoring "winter".

When I was younger I was always in a hurry.

A hurry to "be done" with whatever I was going through.

Just wait till the kids get older.

Just wait till I get a bigger house.

Just wait till we can afford this or that.

Just wait till I have the time.

I love the change of seasons,

but I don't want to forget which one I'm in.

Spring will be here before we know it.

Then summer, and we will all be

sweating and fussing about the heat!

So today I'm enjoying "winter".

And being home, and sitting here

with a large gray cat

asleep in my lap.

Listening to the birds outside my window,

and watching her ears twitch

every now and again as her little

brain recognizes a familiar sound.

(I'm still enjoying my "New Year's tree".)

Different seasons reflect different moods,

and times in our life.

Don't miss out on what is right in front of you

because you may be in search of what's next.

Enjoy the moment.

Today I found this wonderful German die-cut calendar,

while I was searching for Valentines.

I had to stop and share this with all of you.

Have a wonderful winter day!

love,

Debra

Friends just warm the heart!

This is what all us chicks up north look like!

(image Coldwater Creek)

I knew when I started blogging that it would be fun and rewarding, but I really didn't realize how so many new connections would be made and friendships formed. How God just "hooks you up" with some of the most wonderful, thoughtful people. Since I've started the Bible Study blog, new and deep friendships have been made and some from the beginning have taken on a new dimension.

Brenda from Lady Bug Dreams is one such sweet friend.

Look at this little cutie,

 who was the first thing I saw when I looked inside!

Flavored hot cocoa mixes, yummy!

And such beautiful packaging and card!

Some people just have a "gift" for giving. Because they listen. They listen to you and know instinctively how to bless you. So many of you have blessed me in that way. Not just by a "tangible" gift , but by giving from your heart.

Brenda knew my love for white churches.

 Even yesterday's post showed a beautiful example.

She happened upon this one and thought of me.

And Oh, I just love it. It is in wonderful condition,

still being in it's original box

with the little illuminating bulb!

My other churches have been packed away,

but this one will stay out in my studio

to remind me of sweet and precious friends.

stay warm you all!

love,

 Debra

For every thing there is a season

I buy my calendars for the New Year, usually in the fall. I love picking them out, and then waiting for the day I take the old one down and put up the new one. I have said before how much I love the change of seasons. They give me something new to look forward to. I love them all. To me they have not only physical beauty in their differences, but also it is a time mentally and spiritually to think of "change".

Spring is about new life and revival

Summer is about enjoying the growth

Fall is for bringing in the harvest

Winter is for quiet, rest and contemplation

This is my calendar in the kitchen by Marjolein Bastin. I so enjoy her endearing artwork of animals and nature. Each month I look forward to see what she has painted from her own home in The Netherlands.

As I put it up recently I paid special attention

 to the quote for January.

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."

William Blake 

It reminded me of the verses from Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up. 
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak. 
A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.

God provides the seasons. Each one is new and different. I need to learn and be mindful that each season is there for a purpose, a time to learn and grow, to experience life and His Presence. I want to be fully in the moment whatever He sends my way. To embrace the days He has for me.

I used to "grade" myself on productivity. Did I get accomplished what I needed to for the day? Did I waste my time? Lately I have had a shift in thinking. Live the day for what it is... meet it fully and learn from it.

To live my life for what it is, each and every day.

These pictures of the snow were taken

Sunday afternoon out my windows...

I love to feed the birds and squirrels, and an occasional possum, rabbit, and raccoon. Look at the tracks. There are all varieties.

These two evergreen trees in the back yard of our neighbor's are home to dozens of varieties of birds. Seeing them active on a day like this is wonderful.

This is a view out my front door. I have mentioned that we live right on the edge of the city and across the street is a wildlife and nature area with a large lake. The preserve is several miles wide and probably over one mile deep. Deer are protected and flourish there. They visit frequently to dine on my hydrangeas.

So this is what we saw Friday as we sat in the kitchen. Looking out the front door here also, I used my zoom lens to get a better picture of our little friends.

At one point we counted nine deer at one time.

So, I'm enjoying the Season. Winter can be a lonely and depressing time for some, but not for me. I always look forward to those days inside. For me it is a time to "regroup", to contemplate life, and to be thankful.

Enjoy whatever "season" you are in.

Blessings,

Debra

Daily Bread

Looks good doesn't it? A loaf of hot,

 delicious, nutritious bread.

There's a little change coming in my Bible Study Blog.

A day in the life...

(see on my side bar)

For the New Year I have made a commitment to post every day on the Bible Study. It probably won't be as lengthy as it has been, but I know God will have something "fresh" for us each day.

Hope you come by for a visit everyday.

Grab your coffee or tea and start the day

with me in God's Word.

If you haven't joined as a follower, I'd love for you to. I think by doing so it will be easier to keep up with each new post. Just think of it as God having a

"Give-away"!

Starts Monday!

love,

Debra