In this New Year

May your heart know joy

May each day hold laughter

May doors open to great possibility

Wishing you abundant blessings in 2012!

Reflecting upon this past year, it has been a difficult year for me.

One might think that previous years, filled with illness, surgeries and uncertainties, would have posed more difficulties.

I am not sure that I could ever explain to others why this year has been more difficult.

It just was.

So, for those of you who continued to visit when posts were few,

thank you for the visits, comments and support.

I look forward to sharing more in this new year.

Happy New Year!

Have Iron, Will Travel

Last week, I received a package from a sewing friend.

Upon first glance, I thought it was a very cute tote.

Then, I realized it had a specific purpose.

It is an iron caddy!

You know all those times that you need to take an iron to a sewing class, stitching retreat or

guild workshop?

Your iron fits safely inside the padded tote, when buttoned.

As each side is unbuttoned,

it becomes your own portable ironing pad!

The inside features silver heat resistant fabric.

Pretty darn nifty!

She used the pattern found here, which can also be ordered in sizes to accommodate smaller craft and travel irons. 

If your sewing area and iron share space in multi-purpose rooms, it would also be a great place to keep your iron safely tucked away. 

I think my friend may have known the colors of my sewing room, as this one coordinates so well.  I may let my iron live in it, even when not traveling!

The sweet ladybug buttons hold a special meaning to our friendship.

Sewing friends and surprises are such a blessing!

Christmas Wishes

The past few weeks, blogs, Pinterest and FaceBook have been filled with images of the perfect Christmas. 

 Maybe those really do exist in some lives, but not necessarily in mine or those of many friends.

If there is an empty chair at your family dinner table this year, and you are missing someone special,

you have known the gift of love.

If the stockings and the tree are a little more bare than previous years,

you have known the gift of prosperity and security --

something many will never experience.

If you no longer hear the pitter patter of little feet

and grown children spend the holidays with in-laws and others,

you know the gift of sharing.

If you can see the twinkling lights, hear the glorious music, and smell the fresh pines,

you have the gift of life and health --

even if some days are easier than others.

If you believe that next year will be better and brighter,

you have the gifts of hope and faith.

Love, joy, peace, hope and faith

are the true gifts of the season.

I wish you these and so much more.

A very merry and blessed Christmas to all!

Blessings

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season,

may you also find a few still moments

to reflect upon the beauty and true meaning of Christmas.

Still, Still, Still

Still, still, still

Let all the earth be still

For Mary in her arms enfolding

Hope of all the world is holding

Still, still, still

Let all the earth be still.

Sing, sing, sing

Sweet angel voices sing

While Jesus lies in manger dreaming

Seraph choirs from heav'n are streaming

Sing, sing, sing

Sweet angel voices sing.

Light, light, light

Let all the earth be light

The holy star its news a-blazing

Sign of hope for nations raising

Light, light, light

Let all the earth be light.

Blessings - This Christmastide

I first heard this carol on a recording by the Lindenwood Christian Church Choir in Memphis, Tennessee.  It quickly became one of my favorites.

The words are so simple; the melody so sweet, the message so powerful.
I hope you enjoy this version by soprano, Jessye Norman.

This Christmas Tide
(Jessye's Carol)

Green and silver, red and gold
And a story born of old.

Truth and love and hope abide,
This Christmastide, this Christmastide.

Holly, ivy, mistletoe
And the gently falling snow.

Truth and love and hope abide,
This Christmastide, this Christmastide.

From a simple ox's stall
Came the greatest gift of all.

Truth and love and hope abide,
This Christmastide, this Christmastide.

Children sing of peace and joy
At the birth of one small boy.

Truth and love and hope abide,
This Christmastide, this Christmastide.

Let the bells ring loud and clear,
Ring out now for all to hear.

Truth and love and hope abide,
This Christmastide, this Christmastide.

Trumpets sound and voices raise
In an endless stream of praise.

Truth and love and hope abide,
This Christmastide, this Christmastide.

Green and silver, red and gold
And a story born of old.
~Words:  Jane McCulloch    /    Music:  Donald Fraser~