There are so many things that compete for our attention – work, finances, chores – that inevitably we lose sight of all the precious moments and wondrous beauty that fill our lives on a daily basis.  So, as I snuggle in to dream about plum fairies, I recall with great joy some of my favorite winter blessings.

Photo: Corin@ 2008

The Beauty of Winter

• The glistening of icicles delicately dangling from the rooftops.
• The peaceful beauty of new-fallen snow.
• The view of little ones enveloped in cuddly, footed jammies.
• The crackling fire flickering its soft, brilliant light in the fireplace.
• The tracks left in the snow by wildlife reminding us that we share this special place and time with other creatures.

Photo: Tiffany Washko

The Joy of the Cold

• Watching the kids play… and play… and play… in the snow until we force them to come in to warm themselves with delicious hot cocoa and mini-marshmallows.
• The warmth of my favorite mug warming my hands while sipping steaming hot cocoa.
• Cuddling on the couch with my husband to watch a movie after our children are asleep.
• The crispness in the air and the crunch of snow under your feet as you traverse through a world where the ice and snow have changed the landscape and life seems new.
• Snuggling with the little ones while discovering new worlds and revisiting beloved ones through the pages of marvelous books.
• The warm kitchen with the scrumptious smell of brownies baking in the oven wafting through the house.

Photo:  Michael Wade

Self-Indulgences

• The excuse that it is simply too cold to go outside allowing me to pursue my indoor pleasures while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors through the windows sheltering me from the frigid temperatures outside.
• My familiar, old, flannel nightgown protecting me from the chill of the cold, dark night.
• Thick, soft, warm socks caressing my feet and keeping my tootsies toasty.
• Being curled up in a cozy cocoon of my favorite throw while reading a great book.

Some of these pleasures are available year-round while others are truly wintry treats.  Even when our funds are scant, our hearts can be overflowing with joy and love as we delight in the wonders and beauty of the season without spending any money.

What do you enjoy during the special time of winter?

This post is linked to Finer Things Friday and Frugal Fridays.

Have you ever wondered what your life might have been like “if”?

Ahh, there are so many “ifs” in life! I ponder about the “what ifs” from time-to-time.  Instead of pining over what could-have-been, I am now focusing on what is to come.  If we don’t take the time to determine what we want out of life and set goals to get there, we will never reach our desired destination.  How sad it would be to never reach our goals simply because we never took the time to set forth on the path which we needed to follow to get there!  So the next time I find myself wondering where I would be if I had made different decisions in the past, I am going try to refocus that energy into creating and following a plan for developing a better me.

“Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets.”

~Nido Qubein

Photo:  mydearDelilah

“Thanksgiving”

Thank You
for all my hands can hold-
apples red
and melons gold,
yellow corn
both ripe and sweet,
peas and beans
so good to eat!

Thank You
for all my eyes can see-
lovely sunlight,
field and tree,
white cloud-boats
in sea-deep sky,
soaring bird
and butterfly.

Thank You
for all my ears can hear-
birds’ song echoing
far and near,
songs of little
stream, big sea,
cricket, bullfrog,
duck and bee!

~Ivy O. Eastwick

Photo: Lyubov

This poem echoes the song of my heart.  As we approach Thanksgiving Day, society places more focus on the blessings that we each have received.  I enjoy this time of year as extra care is taken in the contemplation of the gifts that we have been given.

Although times have been hard for us (like many families) financially this year, I am grateful that looking forward our monetary worries are less burdensome.  This allows me to be more focused on what is truly important in my life – my family!

We have been blessed by some very awesome friends!  There isn’t a day that goes by that don’t thank God for the terrific people that He has brought into our lives.  We are able to share both tears and celebrations with them.  I hold them very dear in my heart.

My family is what I am most thankful for this year.  Our marriage has strengthen through our difficulties.  Our bond, when tested, has quivered but held-steadfast.  There are many times when marriage seems more of a detriment than the wonderful spiritual bond that it is meant to be.  But through the turmoil, strife and strain,  our love continues to deepen and our commitment to one another preserves.  Our two little boys are the light of my life! God blesses me daily with their beautiful smiles and giggles.  The four of us make up our cozy, little family.  Spending time together as a family is one of my favorite times!

There are so many things that I am thankful for this year!

What are you thankful for?

Photo: Yannell Rodriguez

This is a time in my life that I need to come back here and read.

I hope that your life is full of all of God’s blessings and joy!

Why is it that we care so much about what others think about us? Why is it that even if we don’t respect someone else that our feelings are still hurt when they don’t like us?  Why is it that we can’t focus only on those in our lives that like us for who we are instead of wasting our emotions and energy on people that don’t really matter?

Photo: Gay Mayer

I so want everyone to love me!

Heck, I would love it if most people even simply liked me.  Alas, that is not how the world works.

I have strong opinions and emotions that keep me from being able to simply blend in with those around me.  I don’t mean to be different or not completely accepting of people as I try my best to accept people for who they are.  The problem seems to be that I may be able to accept others for who they are but not agree with  or understand their choices.  And, as I, evidently,  wear my feelings on my sleeve no matter how hard I try not to (and I have been trying ALL my life!), people think that I don’t like them instead of it being the fact that I don’t understand or simply disagree with their choices or views on life.  If I simply don’t know the person yet, my insecurities seem to cause them to think negatively of me.

No matter what the reason for someone not liking me, it still hurts.  It doesn’t matter how old I get, inside I am that insecure teenager who longs to fit in and be liked. I wish that I could figure out how to make a better impression upon people so that they would take the time to get to know the real me!

As I strive to be more accepting and open to others, I hope that my imperfections don’t overshadow what I have to share in a friendship.  I thank God every day for the wonderful people that He has brought into my life who love me and accept me for who I am.  It is for those people that I strive to be an even better friend for they are some of the biggest blessings in my life!