Half Way There

I just couldn't wait to show you! I am halfway to my cleaning goal for this weekend. Yesterday, with Adeline's wonderful help, I cleaned and organized my craft closet. I forgot to take a "before" picture--which is probably for the best ... I really don't like to show my clutter.

So, I removed EVERYTHING from the closet and proceeded to weed out the garbage. The kitchen table, the island and the floor were filled with the contents of the closet. Unbelievable.

Can you believe all this garbage came from one closet?

Both Adeline and I were ruthless-- Adeline sorted through dried up paint and pens and tossed broken pencils and crayons....I cleaned, threw away "old unused stuff", organized, labeled and placed.

Taa Daa.....this is what the craft closet looks like now....

It feels SO good... I like to open the door and gaze.

I want to go create now. ... but first I must clean the pantry.

I am Thinking.....

I am....

...thinking about how wonderful it was to have family over during the Christmas holiday;

...wearing one of the bargains I found at the day after Christmas sale. (Banana Republic had a super sale--30% off the already on sale items, found several tops, and also found some fantastic bargains at Anthropologie);

...thankful for a warm home, food in the refrigerator and family to love;

...creating a place to set out my new Babylock serger machine (never owned one before, look forward to learning how to use this magnificant machine and can't wait to get those sewing juices flowing);

...going to plant all remaining bulbs --this week;

...cleaning out my pantry and craft closets by Saturday (you know it is time when things spill out when you open the door or there is so much on the floor, you can't even get to the back shelves);

...hoping it rains a lot in January..and Febrary...and March...and April ---LET IT POUR!;

...hearing pitter pat on the roof --WONDERFUL;

...exercising more to get rid of the "extra" girth; and

....planning a family ski weekend for next month.

What are you thinking/doing?

Birthday Greets to Mrs. Shoe

HAPPY 27TH TO MY SOPHIA

WHO IS NOW A MRS. SHOE.........

TO A LITTLE GIRL

WHO IS NO MORE.

Chocolate

Did you know that the cocoa bean.....

.....comes from the cacao tree and was originally discovered and cultivated in Mexico, Central and South America over three thousand years ago?

.....was used by the Mayans to prepared their favorite, frothy, bitter, spicy drink and they flavored it with vanilla, similar to the way we prepare it today?

.....was also used to fight fatigue, as a currency and to treat diarrhea?

....was introduced to Europe in the 1600's and that the Industrial Revolution made it possible for worldwide distribution?

....had so many functions?

I love chocolate. Good chocolate.

I don't drink coffee so my hot drink of choice is hot chocolate/cocoa.

I am talking about REAL hot chocolate/cocoa such as Valrona, Guittard or Shaffen Berger. Hershey Syrup, Nesquick, or the prepackaged powdered stuff with tons of sugar(and the like) NEVER pass my lips -- ever.

I admit it, I am a snob when it comes to my hot chocolate. I only drink hot chocolate made from pure unadulterated cocoa powder.

On a cold winter night, there is nothing more comforting and soothing than sipping a wonderful cup of hot cocoa by a blazing fire-- or having a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter morning before devouring a bowl of steel cut oats.

Did you know, there is a difference between "hot chocolate" and "hot cocoa"?

Hot "chocolate" is prepared one way.....

......by gently heating milk with a handfull of chocolate chips or chunks, stirring constantly until the chocolate is incorporated and melted.

"Hot cocoa" is prepared this way:

....by gently heating together a cup milk and 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder.

Once the mixture is adequately heated and dissolved, add a couple of tablespoons of Torani syrup, whip the mixture together to produce a nice frothy foam....
....... pour the hot cocoa /chocolate into a nice porcelain mug (no styrofoam, plastic etc...bad for the environment...leaves a bad taste).

A sample of my favorite mugs for hot cocoa/chocolate which are stored together in a special cupboard along with my "chocolate supplies".

...and if you are really feeling wicked, spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top ......and on occasion.. a handful of marshmellows.


..MAKING FOR THE MOST "DEE-LISH" AND DECADENT CUP OF HOT COCOA/CHOCOLATE YOU'VE EVER TASTED.

Remember the Real Reason

There is nothing like having your family over to spur you into getting the decorations up for Christmas. I have collected SO MANY decorations that I must now rotate my decor --mainly because I don't have enough surfaces to display everything. We are talking about both horizontal and vertical surfaces. I bring all the boxes down from the attic and then I decide which decorations I want to use for the current season . Sometimes I feel sorry for those decorations that haven't been out for years. Maybe it is time to let them live somewhere else.

I'd like to take you on a little tour.

In my family room I have my favorite Santa sitting in an evergreen forest.....




...and a collection of nutcrackers stoically standing in the foliage above the TV:

In my living and dining room I have angels heralding on the piano and buffet....

......and white glistening balls and lights floating atop the mantel.

I have vintage Santas, cups, trees, figurines, and candles in one of our bathrooms:

In the kitchen, there are little white houses ....

..... a very large "tree" with fruit ornaments...

bromeliads and paperwhites blooming in the window...

....and angels winging above a metal stocking cradling a cool plant.

Now, I love all of the above--the Santas, the greenery, the lights and the glitter. It helps to create a wonderful mood for the season. But we must not forget the real reason we are celebrating at this time of year----the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Two ways that help me keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas are...

....... listening to inspiring music. Songs such as "Oh Holy Night", "Silent Night", "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", and "The First Noel" just to name a few-- Ever since the day after Thanksgiving I have tuned to two radio stations that play Christmas music exclusively-KOIT (95.6) and KDFC(102.1)

......and gazing at my small collection of creche, a few I'd like to share with you.....

Adeline bought this creche for me when she lived in Spain for four months:

This creche was a gift from Sophie several Christmases ago:

This very old creche was purchased at an antique store a while back. Each figurine is marked on the bottom with "Western Germany" so you know this creche from the pre-Berlin wall era. I purchased the handmade stable at a different time and place. Perhaps an old gentleman constructed it for his wife, who had a collection of creche figures.

and a plaque from Italy purchased at Gumps in San Francisco:

....I am hoping each of us can remember the true meaning of Christmas....the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Through His example, He showed us how to conduct our lives, how to be kind and loving to each other, how to help those in need, and how to care for our earth. If we do our best, follow His example, we can return to live with Him again.

Remember the real reason.

My Family Christmas Gathering

My family came to my house tonight for our Annual Family Christmas Party. I love having my family over.

We traditionally celebrate our gathering on the Sunday afternoon before Christmas. I am lucky that all of my sisters (except for one) and my brother live close by --within an hour's drive. We missed having our sister who lives outside of Fresno with us this year. Maybe next year we can all be together.

Here is a picture of four of my sisters, my brother and my parents. My aunt Marcine in Utah sent us all a wonderful handmade gift.

You can't have a party without food... and we love to eat. The tablecloth is one used by DZ's mother (Ilse). She would always have DZ's extended family over on Christmas Day for dinner and this tablecloth was always used. Not only do I like vintage things, but it is my way of keeping her tradition alive.

My dad and I ready to dig in:

This year we had a cookie exchange. Everyone brought their favorite cookie or treat to share. For dessert, we had ice cream (peppermint and vanilla) and cookies. At the end of the evening, each family took home a plate full of yummy treats to enjoy.

My dad trying to decide which treat to pick first. Doesn't he look pretty good for 84? I believe his youthful countenance is a result of a healthy lifestyle.

Sophie and David enjoying their first Christmas together being married. Just to think a year ago they were shopping for rings (and did not let me in on it!) Don't they look so very happy?

I have a wonderful family. We enjoy being together. There is always laughter, reminiscing, and tons of fun.

I must admit that I am always a bit sad when I see the taillights of their cars drive away.

I guess I must just start planning the next get together.

PLEASE NOTE: Credit for the above photos belongs to my sister Gwen--I took one picture the whole night--I am so glad others had their cameras clicking!

Sneak a Peek Week 5: Garden Gates

We moved into our house over 23 years ago and this gate was attached to our back porch.

Four years later, we removed the gate when we remodeled. And it has been sitting there by the side of the house all these years. I like how it is rusty and weathered. A couple of weeks ago, it was used in the creche exhibit... including the rust, the spider webs and the dirt. I like the curves, the patina--I really like this gate. I want to place it in my yard. I just can't decide where .

One vision is to place it in the front and have an entry way like this:

But that might be a bit too fancy for my house.

I have always had a dream of creating a secret garden and I would use the gate as an entrance to that hidden garden. One of my favorite books is "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett--It would be so neat to have a "walled garden" covered with vines and foilage! I envision having a garden within in my garden. My very own place to nurture and care for my special plants-- hidden from all the craziness of the world. My garden could emit its healing powers just like in the book and ---oh, it sounds like I am describing is my very own backyard! I just need some more space....well, I guess that is not going to happen.

Another idea would be to place the gate across the brick walkway along the utility side of the house. I've always wanted a divider between the place where we put the garbage cans and toter, and the "formal" garden.

What do you think? Where should I place this gate? I do want to keep the rust, the spider webs and the dirt.

I know something to add to my Christmas "list"--someone to hang my gate (Peter?...).