Morning Sunrise (Repost from February 2010)

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Doxology

I woke up this morning to a dreary, rainy day. I really love rain most of the time, however, cold, winter rains can sometimes be depressing. Days like this are perfect for counting my blessings. Without the rains of February, there would be no flowers of spring. I am thankful that God has given me so many blessings in life; my family (I love my family), my friends, and simple pleasures to enjoy.

One of the simple pleasures I enjoy on most days is my Morning Sunrise. I'm quite sure this name has been used before, it probably is not original. A couple of years ago I purchased myself an inexpensive juicer from Walmart, and since then I have been making my own mixed juices every morning. This one is my favorites: I juice one orange, one grapefruit, and add a splash of pomegranate juice. I then strain the pulp simply because I am not fond of it. Yummy! It is like drinking the morning sunrise, hence the name. This can add sunshine to any day.

I think everyone needs to find pleasure in the simple joys of life. On dreary, rainy, winter days those joys can brighten any heart.

Winter Pick-Me-Ups

Nothing beats the winter blues as much as flowers. Have you ever noticed how a simple vase of flowers can brighten any room? I am so thankful that there are blooms that emerge in late winter to remind us that spring is coming.

The winter daphne not only looks beautiful this time of year...its scent is heavenly. My husband described it perfectly the other day. He said that it smelled like Fruit Loops. I have to agree. The sweet scent of this shrub does remind me of the many bowls of Fruit Loops that I ate as a child. I get to enjoy this scent everytime I walk into my front yard. It is planted right beside the front porch steps for visitors to enjoy as they pass by. I also cut some of these and bring them in for their beauty and lovely scent.


My hellebores are beautiful outside against the dull winter landscape, as well as, grouped together in a vase to brighten any room in the house.


Their blooms will not last quite as long as some cut flowers, but for several days one can enjoy their beauty.



I am so thankful for these little winter pick-me-ups. What are some of the pick-me-ups that you enjoy during the winter months?

Warm Winter

On the news last night I heard the weatherman say that this was the warmest January in over seventy years. I believe it! Around here it looks like spring has sprung. Although I am perfectly content with the warmer winter, I sure hope that my plants will not suffer from the early blooming. These blooms do not usually show up until March.


hellebores


Yum, I smell Fruit Loops!


Nope, Chord, it's a winter daphne!


Daffodils already?


Blooms on my star magnolia???


Unfortunately, the pretty pink blooms are turning brown after a couple of days. :(

Well, it looks like winter has been cancelled in North Carolina this year. How is winter treating you in your neck of the woods?

Kristina at Art Abundant

Do you know someone that can brighten your day just by being in their presence? Someone who is joyful and encouraging every time that you see them? I think we all can think of someone who fits this description. When asked these questions, one of the first people who comes to my mind is my friend, Kristina. She attends church with us and teaches Carson (and me) art once a week.


She has the most positive personality of anyone that I know. Just spending time with her can make our day brighter. Her love and enthusiasm for art and life is contagious. Recently, I found out that she is a fellow blogger so I thought that I would introduce her to all of my blogging friends. I love the spiritual insight that she brings into her blog through everyday experiences. She is a wife, a mother of two young children, an art teacher, an artist, and a friend. Each of these areas are reflected in her blog Art Abundant. Please stop by and visit her. I am sure that you will be blessed by her presence in your life just as much as we are.

I only hope that I bring as much joy to others as Kristina brings to me and Carson.

Introducing Chord!

Just in case some of you have been wondering where I have been for the last couple of weeks...

Our lives have been consumed by a sweet little fellow.



Let me be the first to introduce you to the newest member of our family...Chord!



Isn't he a darling? He was Carson's Christmas present. I had forgotten what it is like to have a baby in the house. But this little sweetie is worth every minute of our time! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and your new year is blessed!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

However, as we all know, looks can be deceiving.


The halls may be decked...


And the reindeer may be ready to fly...


The holly and mistletoe may abound in every nook and cranny...


Christmas pillows may adorn every bed, chair, and sofa...


The kitchen window...


The fireplace mantle...


And the stockings may be ready...


The courtyard wreath may be hanging...

And it may look a lot like Christmas here in my neck of the woods...but with the temperature near 70 and the daffodils starting to emerge...it sure doesn't feel like it! Oh well...Merry Christmas to you all anyway!:) May God richly bless you and your families in the coming year!

Carson's One Year Anniversary

This weekend was an anniversary of sorts for Carson. Our local volunteer fire department has an annual BBQ and Homecoming Event the first weekend every November. This community gathering is complete with vendors, games, food, live entertainment and a parade. Last year Carson was invited to perform her first show ever. You can read my post about that here. She played a thirty minute set in 38 degree weather. What a way to start out!

This past weekend she was invited to perform again. This time she sang for an hour in weather that was a little better. Although it was a bit windy, the temperature was in the mid fifties..much better than last year. The group after her cancelled due to the wind so she was asked to sing again after a short break. She is such a trouper.

I am amazed to look back and see how much she has accomplished with her music in a year's time. She has written quite a few original songs...had two produced and sold on itunes...and performed numerous shows. It makes me tired just thinking about it all. Oh, to have the energy of a thirteen year old again! Anyway, in honor of her first music anniversary I thought I would post a link to her youtube channel for those of you who have asked about what she has been doing lately. (Does that make me a proud mama?) I hope you enjoy!