It's beginning to feel a bit more like Christmas here. My good blogging friend Kate told me to do a little decorating, and listen to some Christmas music, and I would begin to feel better. And I do.
My husband brought me four armloads of red and white tulips, and some Godiva chocolates. Oh, how I love this man! Just seeing them as I walk through the room makes me feel better.
My children came home for the weekend, and we started on our Christmas decorations. The old and well-loved traditions help to bring a sense of peace, especially in this year that has, at times, seemed like one sadness after another. And while the sadness is still there, the quiet joy of the season is there, too.
Another blogging friend, Georgianna, told me that quiet reflection is as valuable as festive celebration. So that's where I am at the moment -- doing a little decorating, listening to a few Christmas songs, eating a little chocolate, and reflecting on how fortunate I am to have such wonderful and caring family and friends. Including you, my dear blogging friends. Thank you for listening, thank you for caring, thank you for your comments, encouragement and prayers for someone you have never even met.
Wishing you much love and laughter as you prepare for this Christmas season. xoxo
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Oh my!!! What beautiful tulips!!! Wishing you a grand day!! Cathy
ReplyDeleteOh the joy of a simple, yet special gesture, bringing you lovely posies and chocolates, how very precious.
ReplyDeleteYes, that and the Christmas music, having family and friends around you.
The days here have not been so sweet either, and so one must take the gifts of life given and take time to be thankful for the memories past, present and yet to be made.
Very lovely post~
Wonderful photos and a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend,
Markus
Gorgeous post. Beautiful tulips! Stop and smell the ... season!!!! :D :D
ReplyDeleteI was just reading at The Inspired Room and Melissa had an article about "Choosing Joy." It's certainly not always easy, but it sounds as if that's just what you are doing and it's wonderful. That husband of yours is a dear heart. He knows your heart so well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos to convey a beautiful sentiment. And how sweet of your husband to buy you flowers and chocolate!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Great post, Mary. We all get caught up in the hype of the holidays, but sometimes the sadness creeps in and we can't shake it off.
ReplyDeleteMy way is to put the Christmas music on and start baking some old fashioned traditions - shortbread, mincemeat tarts and thumbprint cookies always getting those holiday feelings going.
Enjoy the time with your family.
Lovely post. Your flowers are fabulous, what a thoughtful and lovely gift. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletebeautifull...love the photos, love the words....
ReplyDeleteThe tulips add such light and color to your room - they just seem to glow.
ReplyDeleteSometimes joy is quiet and reflective, an inner sense that, in time, all will be well.
Wishing you more quiet joys.
I've not been able to hear the music on your blog for awhile (in Canada) but the current selection of "O Holy Night" is just beautiful. Thank you.
What a wonderful post, Mary. I've been thinking the same thing today and enjoying some quiet moments at home. Your reflection photos and the tulips---wonderful! Amazing to have them at this time of year!
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Mary! I do love the colorful tulips! Looks as though you are getting ready for the season! Love the Christmas music! Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I don't usually like music on blogs -- I find it distracting. But this music is the exception. It goes so well with the theme of your blog. The pictures are exquisite -- and I love cellos!
ReplyDeleteI agree that quiet reflection is just as fitting. Lovely music on your blog today. Merry Christmas and best wishes Mary.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're feeling better, Mary.
ReplyDeleteYour tulips are fabulous; it's one of favourite spring things. It's a treat to see some in December.
HI Mary, I'm glad to read you are feeling a little better. This season is tough on everyone, and it's even more important to have special people in your life. That helps a lot, because it's the good connections they make living special!
ReplyDeleteSo Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!!
SMiles, Anke :)
PS: Taking photos is a cheer up for me sometimes, just being behind the lense and making out of something ordinary with a 'shot' something special.
Oh, you beautiful woman! What wonderful thoughts! to go with even more gracious images!
ReplyDeleteLove to you and your family (quite sincerely, you know)!
xxxooo
Now that's the way a Husband should be. I love tulips, they have a way of turning and twisting.
ReplyDeleteThey take on a new form everyday. Glad you have your Christmas decorations up, it's fun with
family. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
yvonne
drop over sometime.
Merry Christmas, Mary! I love, love, love your still-life photos. I love how you mix flowers, and books and decorations with your home. I think you should shoot for a magazine.
ReplyDelete(hugs)
Wendy
Mary - you have a loving family and their efforts to cheer you up are evident. How wonderful to have "the children" hope to help with your decorations! All the best to you and your family this Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOnce again - i've typed quickly - I meant home - not hope - sorry!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful, beautiful pictures! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteTake care and I wish you a Merry Christmas. Take a big sniff of those lovely tulips and have a chocolate. We are all here for you. Hugs, Kit
ReplyDeleteyour home is just so beautiful - warm and inviting. you can tell a caring family lives there. love at Christmas to you.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see you have found some peace and beauty in the season...As I look at these gorgeous photos I have a great big white pitcher full of red and white tulips on my kitchen counter too! Now I have to go and try to get a decent photo of them! You are always an inspiration Mary...through your photos and also on your reflections on life.
ReplyDeleteHave a peaceful, cheerful holiday season!
xoxo
Dear Mary, the house really sparkles, love crystal.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and family a wonderful Holiday.
yvonne
Mary, I understand about sadness and going forward. Each year as I hang the "year" ornaments, or polish them, I try to remember the significant memory of that year. Some are very sad, some ebullient. It's that thread that makes up the tapestry and makes the fabric strong. Just dwell on the fact that you are giving your children irreplaceable memories in your warm, charming home. I see your home on Houzz, Pinterest and many other venues, and I always smile knowingly and think....I know that little cottage. Happy New Year, Mary! I love that song playing, You Raise Me Up.
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