only a few~

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach.
One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few. "
--Anne Morrow Lindbergh

i have been simplifying. and for once, i am actually following through.

i have so many things that tug at my heart, and have special memories attached to them.

and i have many beautiful things that are just that....beautiful things.

the things, i have gone through and been able to eliminate a fair amount for garage sales, etc.

the very special things that tug at my heart because of memories,

those are harder...but they have been lovingly gone through also~

some have been recycled to daughters to enjoy~

some have been repurposed~

and some have been lovingly packed away

waiting for another day

when i can look at them again

and see how they strike my fancy at that time~

"and they are more beautiful if they are few"

i was feeling burdened by all that i've collected over the years (the things...not the heart tugging memories), so i'm lightening the load and letting some things go.

and it is feeling good

thankful

"Peace..... is seeing a sunset,
and knowing who to thank."
Author~ unknown

necessary

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary

so that the necessary may speak

~Hans Hofmann

tomorrow's promise: a new beginning

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

hope you have a New Year full of living with zest!!!

xoxoxo

it's almost here!

all our sweet grandkids (except little kodiak who was fast asleep in his mama's sling)

photo taken in flagstaff, az ...day after riding the Polar Express!

What is Christmas?
it is a tenderness for the past
courage for the present
hope for the future.
it is a fervent wish
that every cup may overflow
with blessings rich and eternal
and that every path
may lead to peace.
~agnes m. pharo

have a very merry and warm, wonderful Christmas!

little angel

our little angel
has been topping our Christmas tree since around 1975.
each year after the ornaments have been hung,
one of the girls
has had the privilege
of placing this little angel
at the tip top
to be the guardian
of our tree.

four years ago
we started having grandbabies share in the tradition,
and little asher, being the oldest
set her lovingly in her place.....


followed next by brody

and then miss journey


and this year......it was wyatt's turn!


it always makes it a bit more fun and exciting
to be on papa's shoulders
while papa in on a ladder!

so there she is again,
lovingly placed
and residing
over
our
family
celebrations....
and oh what celebrations there will be!

joy & wonder

it is beginning to look a bit like Christmas

around here.....

a little trip to prescott

reminded us of the amazing wonder of this season.

hoping the season is bringing joy and wonder your way too!