The Leader of the Band

This post is dedicated to my brother Michael and Daddy.

There was a great song in the 70's or 80's (aren't those years a blur to most of us?)

The song is called "The Leader of the Band". Google it, listen deeply and try to imagine yourself in a time and space where you needed to realize the love and strength of one who has gone before you.

And so for you Mike and Daddy:

"I thank you for your kindness and the times when you got tough.

And Papa, I don't think I said "I Love You" near enough.

Happy Birthday Michael :-)

Twas the Night Before Christmas

How many of you remember the weeks leading up to Christmas when you were younger? I mean "really remember"? The smell of the Christmas tree, the huge multi-colored bulbs, the scent of fake snow on the windows. How about the gigantic coloring books with images of Santa and his elves, beautiful dot to dot creations that brought the North Pole and Rudolf to life?

I distinctly remember one special year when I received a paper doll book of the Nutcracker. It had a fold out scene that once the dolls and their costumes were punched out I could "play Nutcracker".

Please share your memories with us, right down to the orange and nuts in the toe of your stocking. Can't wait to hear from you!

Welcome December

Welcome December! I've missed you. I've missed the soft twinkly lights on our tree and stairway.
I've missed the smell of pine and cinnamon and the excuse to add touches of red throughout the house.



The puzzle table is set up to encourage family to gather in the living room and enjoy the crackling fire and the soft lights from the tree and scented candles. Yes, welcome December, I've missed you.

Silva Thanksgiving

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To Foam or Not to Foam

We have one of those run of the mill Proctor Silex coffee makers which has seen better days. Our coffee is hot if we don't add any milk or creamer but it is still "iffy" depending on the day. All that said, I'm in the market for a good coffee maker. Now, don't get me wrong, I love foam with the rest of you but mostly I like my coffee hot. We will be having quite a group for Christmas this year so I would also like to make a substantial amount of coffee without being chained to the coffee maker all day. Any suggestions? Maybe a good coffee maker with an assortment of flavorings and toppings? How about going the church fellowship hall route and buying one of those ugly stainless coffee urns and go all out and buy "special" foam coffee cups? You must understand my dilemma at this point.

HELP!!

I Will Shave My Head...

Meet my sweet friend.

Watch her video and hopefully catch her vision. Not everyone can shave their head and look beautiful but Regina can because she shines from within.

http://www.iwillshavemyhead.com/

Thank you for enlarging your heart to pray for our dear sisters who endure so much. You may or may not agree with any or all of this post but please pray for the dear ones who have already decided on their path.

Bless you on your path.

Passage of Time

There are many events that mark the passage of time. For me, it isn't Fall unless I visit the local Pumpkin Patch. (see previous post)

Or how about planting mums, lighting the first fire of the season and of course the best of all

The Sisters' Fall Show!

I had the best time today shopping at this show. Everything (that was left by the time I arrived) was so beautiful and made with love and care. I left with many treasures and a resolve to get there earlier next time! These girls are not only talented but exemplify the true meaning of gracious hospitality. Mark your calendars for the next show. I'll be there. In fact...I may be the one in the sleeping bag on the welcome mat because I missed out on many treasures :-(