Lenox Jewels Nativity Set

 

I started collecting this nativity set about 10 years ago.  I had always wanted a nativity set of my own.  We had a beautiful one growing up. It was a ceramic set that Grandmother painted.  Bill has that set now.  Even though I would have loved to have it, I thought it only fair that if he wanted it, he should have it.  I have so many beautiful ceramic pieces that Grandmother painted specifically for me that I could let go of that.  Still, it is a beautiful set and holds many precious memories.  Still, I wanted one of my own.  I remembered seeing these pieces in gift shops and always thought they were wonderful.

I set out to build up my own set.  I did not want to buy an entire set at once because that would have been thousands of dollars.  There are so many pieces to this set.  So, I started small and am building my way to a complete set.  I started with the essentials:  Jesus, Mary & Joseph.  Oddly, while these are the most important pieces in the story of the nativity, they are also the cheapest to buy and easiest to find.  By the first Christmas I was displaying the nativity, I had acquired them along with the three kings.  It was small but simple.

Over the years, I have added a piece or two each year.  Sometimes I would get a piece for a Christmas or birthday present.  Thank you, Michael, for the camel! I cherish this set and enjoy finding pieces each year to add to it.  I have not gotten one yet this year but it's still early.  Like I said, there are so many pieces out there.  Many of the pieces are on the expensive side, so I have to find good sales, mostly on Ebay.  I don't mind if they are in their original box or not.  While I would prefer that, it is not necessary because it bumps the price up!!  But there are pieces like the camel master, the perfume seller and the woman with urn that are on my bucket list but like I said, they are on the higher end of the price range.

Woman with Urn - Not in my collection...yet!

Anyway, I love putting this on display.  You will see pictures here over the years of the different places I have put the set out.  And I love the tradition of having this set and adding to it piece by piece.  I'm making my own Christmas memories!

That Holiday Feeling! - Steve & Eydie

 I love this Christmas song and have it on several albums.  It is the title track from Steve & Eydie's 1964 album of holiday songs.  Both Steve & Eydie have amazing voices, and I highly recommend this album.  This song appears on several albums that I have, mostly compilation albums put out by companies, but it is always a fun, jolly song!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 I always start my Christmas blogs with this beautiful song.  It is definitely in my top five Christmas songs, both sacred and secular. The first time I remember hearing this was on an episode of Fame.  Debbie Allen was seated at a piano and played and sang the song.  I just loved it.  And then, of course, when I finally saw Meet Me in St. Louis, I was blown away by Judy Garland's performance of it.  That entire scene is amazing and if you have never seen the movie, I highly recommend it.  This is one of those songs that means more and more the older I get.  Let us all take its message to heart and carry it into this holiday season because we could all use a merry little Christmas now.  

The silver cake stand

 

I love pieces on stands, so naturally I love a nice cake stand.  I remember this one always sitting in one of the cabinets on display.  It is a silver plate and was received as a wedding present for my parents in 1968.  I don't ever remember Mom using it, but I know she did.  Somewhere there are pictures from my 1st or 2nd birthday, and the cake is sitting on this stand.  I remember because apparently, I wanted to try to eat my plate rather than my piece of cake LOL Anyway, when we divided up the household, this came to me.  And I cherish it.  I have used it multiple times over the years. I have used it both as a cake stand and as part of a centerpiece for my dining room table.  It just looks so pretty when it is shined up.  Being silver plate, it does require cleaning every now and then.  And honestly, the decorative work around the rim can be a pain to polish, but I love it too much not to do it.  This is one of those pieces that always makes me feel connected to Mom.  Even though I don't remember her using it, I know she did and when I use it it just makes me feel close to her.  Hopefully one day one of my nieces will want their grandmother's cake stand and they will use it just as we both have.  That is all. 

Decorating the Tree

 

Christmas 2020

You know, I really never expected to be at this stage of my life and to be decorating my Christmas tree by myself.  Decorating the tree was always a family tradition. Now that is not to say that all of the family got to decorate the tree.  Growing up, Dad and Bill put on the lights, then Mom, Grandmother and I decorated the tree.  Eventually it turned into Mom and I decorating the tree and Grandmother telling us where to put the ornaments LOL  And once Heidi came along, she got invited to decorate the tree as well.  Dad and Bill were still relegated to lights duty.  Often the decorating of the tree would take place around my birthday. We did not do it the weekend after Thanksgiving because we usually had company with us.  And Thanksgiving was sacred to Mom so no decorations went up during that holiday weekend. 

Christmas 2021

When I have been in relationships, I always decorated the tree with my partner.  I don't know if it meant as much to them as it did to me because I just love to decorate for the holidays, but I appreciated the assistance. Memories were created.  Good memories and that is what is important.  And now, here I am, by myself and decorating the tree on my own.  And to be honest, I'm having a wonderful time.  I've got my records playing and I am reliving so many memories when I pull the ornaments out of their boxes.  It makes me smile.  It makes my heart smile.  And it is important to me that I can still enjoy this on my own.  I am enveloped in love and in the spirits of those gone before me and those still here while I hang each ornament on its branch.  It is no less special than it was 30 years ago.  Different, yes, but still no less special.

Christmas Toy Tree 2023

I will admit, though, that I have gotten frustrated when putting the tree together.  Several sections of the lights are not working, and I cannot figure out how to fix it.  So, there are some dark sections of the tree.  Oh well. This is still a great precursor to December for me.  I still have to finish up the tree tonight and then start decorating the house.  My goal is to have it done before my birthday next Friday.   I often make jokes on social media about my spinster status, but I actually wear that title with pride these days.  I have learned that being lone does not equate being lonely. Decorating my tree tonight only reiterates that philosophy.  Now, time to get back to it!  Hopefully I can finish up tonight!

Bea and the Tree 2024

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

Slow down and notice the things that make you smile. 

 

Time for some Christmas shopping

 One of my favorite things to do in life is give gifts.  I have always enjoyed it.  The thrill of the hunt for the perfect gift gets my adrenaline pumping.  And more often than not, it will be a gift that the receiver never expects.  I pay attention when people say things and I file them away.  The result is often something unique and memorable.  At least it is for me.  So now that we are going into the Christmas season, I am really in my element.  I've been shopping for a few months now, picking up things here and there. I will often be out somewhere and see something that reminds me of someone, and I have to go ahead and snag it. I do, though, get a person what they ask for if they tell me specifically what it is they want.  That was usually the case when my nieces were younger.  But these days, I rely more on my creativity.  

Today is Black Friday and I have yet to buy anything.  Oops.  Luckily, the websites where I shop online have their Black Friday sales extended for a few days.  Tomorrow, I hope to participate in small shop Saturday.  While I have things to do around the house, like get the tree up and decorate, I will try my best to get out and do some local shopping.  I think it is very important to support local businesses and artisans and Christmas is a great time to do that.  I love Christmas shopping, so I am ready to really get into the thick of it.  And it is never about getting something in return.  That does not matter really to me.  I just enjoy the love that goes into each gift.  That is what is important. 

5 Things I am Thankful For

1. My BFA Class

When I went to college for the first time in 1993, I did not know it at the time, but I was to make some lifelong friends. I met everyone in my BFA class that first year but did not get to really know many of them until our first year in the acting program, 1994.  These people are so dear to my heart and have such a big place in my heart. We lost one of our members several years ago but know that she's still with us, looking out for us. Now that we are mostly all over the age of 50, we try to get together as often as we can in different combinations.  And each time, it's as if time has stopped.  Our connection is deep and true, and I am extremely thankful for that. BTW, Margaret on the right of the picture was a theatre ed major but she was still one of us!

2. Trips to Disney World

I have had the pleasure of going to Disney World 4 times.  I am truly hoping that my last trip in 2015 was not my last trip, but time will tell.  I am thankful that I got to go each time. It is a magical place that brings joy and happiness to so many people, including myself. I credit Disney with giving me more time with Mom.  When we went in the summer of 1990, that is when she had her gallbladder attack.  Because of that, the doctors discovered the tumor on her liver - metastasized breast cancer.  If she had not had the gallbladder attack, by the time the tumor would have been discovered on its own would have been too late.  Thanks to that trip to Disney, I got 6 more years with her, and I am extremely thankful for that. 

3. The Dawn

Each morning, I get up before the sun rises. There is something so special to me about seeing the first light of day.  It means that another opportunity awaits. It means that I have been given another day to make a difference. It means a fresh start each day.  I am thankful to see each new morning. 

4. My Family

I won't go into too much detail here.  Just know that I am eternally grateful for the family that I was born into.  I could not have asked God for anything better. 

5. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Without it, my life would be incomplete.  That is all. 

Better mental health lately

 

I can definitely tell that my mental health is maintaining a good place.  That is a good thing for me, obviously.  My bouts with depression occur much less than they used to.  And when they do happen, they do not last nearly as long as they used to.  In fact, I cannot even remember the last time I was truly depressed.  Yes, I have been sad, and I have had moments of melancholy, but not real depression like I used to get. If you have never experienced depression, just know that it takes over your whole body and it is very draining.  I am thankful not to have dealt with that in a long time.  

Even now, when I do have those moments of sadness, I am able to refocus that energy in a more positive light.  Doing my daily devotions and having my moments of mindfulness help a lot with that.  But I have also learned to be grateful for what I have and that feeling enables me to redirect into a positive life atmosphere.  There are times when I get so frustrated because I cannot go do things that my friends do because of my budget, but I have learned to be thankful that at least I have a budget.  Not everyone does.  I know that this makes me sound very Pollyanna, but I do not mind that label.  Finding the good in situations has done wonders for my psyche. 

It's good to be in a good headspace, especially going into the holidays.  Normally the holiday season is what draws me out of my slumps but now I am beginning my holidays at a better level of mental health.  I like how that feels and can't wait to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I have worked hard to get here and will continue to focus my energies for more improvement going forward.  That is all. 

We Are the World

 We Are the World was released in the spring on 1985 and became an overnight sensation.  This is one of those songs that whenever it comes on I will just stop and listen.  It has a powerful message, and it still rings true today.  I think it is a very appropriate song for this week of Thanksgiving. 

It Is Well With My Soul

 This is one of my favorite hymns.  Trying to find a version to post here was not as easy as I thought.  But I came across this one and really enjoyed it.  I have not heard this gentleman sing before, but he does all 4 parts of the harmony and creates a beautiful sound.  Hope you enjoy!

Daily Challenge for November

 

Now that November is almost over, I suppose it is time to talk about my daily challenge. This month's challenge has been all about self-care.  That was also my challenge for October, but I decided to continue it into this month. And I will do it each month going forward with more specific challenges added to the canon. 

I have been taking time each day to do something just for me.  Sometimes it's listening to music, sometimes it's going thrifting, sometimes it's reading.  It is simply the act of taking the time each day just for me.  It's not always as easy as it sounds, but I need those few moments to regroup and rejuvenate.  It does the soul good.  

Part of this self-care has been combining my previous challenges into my normal day to day routine.  Doing my morning devotions has been good for me.  This series of devotions is directed at care givers and that is right up my alley. I often joke about shopping in my garage, but I love going through the boxes I find.  The items I uncover bring back such wonderful memories of people and places.  While I do not wish to live in the past, it is always nice to visit and reminisce. Taking care of myself is so important because it affects how my day goes, how my interactions with people go, how my mental health goes.  So many good things result from self-care that I am quite enjoying this practice.

Glass Fruit

 I don't know why, all of a sudden, I became enamored with glass fruit.  It just sort of happened one day while I was out thrift shopping.  I was at Reconsidered Goods, a local thrift store, and I saw a glass pear.  I thought it was very cute.  It was bright yellow. Very appealing and only $1.  And I left it there.   It stayed with me, though, and I kept thinking about it.  I decided that I would get it the next time I went if it was still there. When I came back several weeks later, it was still there.  Into my basket it went.  As I walked around the store, I came across several other pieces of glass fruit.  So, I picked them up as well.  Later that day, I was at another antiques store and found a grouping of fruit, all different pieces from what I'd already gotten, and they were on sale.  It was $10 for 4 more pieces so I got those as well.

One of the reasons that I love this fruit is because it shows how my tastes in antiques and collectibles is evolving.  When I first began collecting, decades ago, everything I loved was either Victorian or early 1900s.  No real exceptions in that.  Now, the older I get, I am more open to different styles, and I will get something for myself because I like it, no matter its age.  Glass fruit was a really popular decor item in the 1960s and 1970s.  We never had it in our house, so I have no sentimental attachment to it.  I just liked it and so I bought it.  Normally, I have a rule that if I buy something I need to be able to use it.  These pieces were made purely for decoration.  You can't eat them LOL  So, I'm using them for their designed purpose. No guilt there at all!  I don't know if I'll buy any more pieces, but you never know.  In the meantime, I enjoy seeing them throughout the house.

One Drawer at a Time - Utensils

 

If you've read the past few posts on this topic, you can tell that I am still in the kitchen.  Oh boy LOL Might as well be because that is really where I spend the majority of my free time these days and having it organized is so rewarding for me.  Today, it is time for me to go through my utensil drawers.  Now, that is big fun!  I have 4 drawers full of kitchen gadgets and utensils along with a countertop container full that I need to address as well.

What I am looking to do this time is to find items that I have multiples of and see if I really need those multiples.  I can tell you off the top of my head that I have at least 3 soup ladles.  I'm not sure why I do, but I do.  And I can tell you that the chances of me having 3 different pots of soup going at one time is pretty slim.  So, I am going to have to make a choice here.  Keep 2, get rid of one probably.  We shall see.  I also know that I have 2 ground beef separators.  Those will both be kept simply because if one is dirty and I need one, I'll have a spare.

Another thing that I'm going to have to decide on is the electric knife.  It was Grandmother's but I have never used it.  She only used it once or twice a year whenever she cooked a turkey breast.  I'm not even sure if it still works so I have to plug it in and find out.  As sentimental as I am about some things, I have to be practical about others.  Like, in that same drawer, I have Grandmother's handheld mixer.  It is older than I am, but I use it all the time and it works like a charm. Ah, gotta love utensils that were made to last! So, I'll keep you updated on the knife because I know you'll be holding your breath until I make a decision.

As mundane as this sounds, it is what I do in my spare time, and I actually enjoy it.  My goal is for one day not to have to do it because everything will have a home in my house.  And while drawers and cabinets may be stuffed to the gills, it will be somewhat organized! Wish me luck!

5 Things I am Thankful For

1. Squirt

We had Squirt for about 12 years, so he was probably around 14 when he crossed the rainbow bridge.  I'm so thankful that I had all of that time with him. He was my baby and while I hope that other dogs come into my life down the road, no one will ever take his place.  He's my heart. 

2. Theatre

I am so thankful that theatre has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Grandmother would take us to see the children's productions put on by the local theatre.  I remember seeing Cinderella and Tom Sawyer.  The Music Man was the first musical I ever saw on stage.  Fred Simpson, who went to our church, played the lead.  I was in Drama Club in high school and then majored in theatre in college (the first time around). And one of the reasons I am so thankful for theatre being a part of my life is that so many dear friends I have made along the way have been possible because of theatre.  While I do not actively participate on stage at the moment, I am still enjoying going to see shows and supporting the arts.  For that, I am thankful. 

3. Christmas Music

I've been a Christmas music junkie for as long as I remember.  Growing up, we didn't dare listen to it until after Thanksgiving.  Of course, that was back in the days when Christmas was not even publicly thought about until the day after Thanksgiving.  But once we could, those records played nonstop in our house. Every year, Mom and I would go to Hallmark and get their annual Christmas album on cassette. Now, as an adult, it is my happy music.  I listen to it all year round though I do not force anyone else to listen to it (but I'm always happy for someone to join me!). I have amassed a nice collection of Christmas vinyl - over 250.  I am thankful for this music because it reminds me of such happy times and makes me feel good about life. 

4. Running water

This one's pretty much a given.  When I think of people who don't have running water, I simply cannot imagine what that hardship must be like and I am so thankful that I do have it.  Of all utilities, this one would probably be the most difficult to live without!

5. Being Old Fashioned

I am thankful that I am old fashioned.  As nice as computers and other technologies are, I prefer the simpler way to do things.  I cannot help it, it's just part of my soul.  I'm an old soul and proud of it.  And people appreciate that, even those who are not old fashioned themselves. There is something to be said for keeping traditions alive and well and being an old-fashioned person gives me the opportunity to do that.  

50 at 50 - wrapping it up for the year

 

Well, the year of my 50th birthday is coming to a close in several weeks.  What a year it has been.  In many ways, my life has changed a great deal for the better and so I hope to continue in that direction.  As you know, I made a "50 at 50" list last year shortly after my birthday.  50 things that I wanted to do this year.  I did not get my list completed.  Not even close.  But I am not disappointed in myself because of that.  I will keep the list available to me when I'm looking for something to do and the means to do it. I got 10 out of 50 things done on my list, so I will gladly accept that.  Completed or not, it was nice to dream.  It is still nice to dream and hope and want and grow and move forward.  That is going to keep me going into my 51st birthday!

Since You Stayed Here - Liz Callaway

 I just felt like a good ballad this morning.  Liz Callaway is a Broadway veteran having starred in the original productions of Baby and Miss Saigon.  She has an amazing voice and off sings with her sister Ann Hampton Callaway.  This song is from a show called Brownstone. I do not know much about this show at all, but this is a beautiful song that I have enjoyed for many years.  I hope you do too. 

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

 With Thanksgiving being next Thursday, I felt a nice simple prayer of thanksgiving is in order today. 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

When shopping for food, give some thought to the people involved in growing, packaging and transporting it.  Every decision we make reverberates throughout the world, so bring awareness to the interconnections that flow through our food sources and the planet.  Be a caring consumer. 

One Drawer at a Time - Debating myself

 

When you're cleaning out stuff and organizing, it is inevitable that you will come across something that you have to debate yourself on.  Should I keep it? Will I use it?  Or is it just taking up space?  Now, I'm not talking about the sentimental things in my life but "practical" things that I have used maybe once.  That happened to me yesterday while I was organizing some cabinets in the kitchen.  

One of my cabinets holds my eating and drinking dishes.  Actually, several cabinets in my kitchen have dishes in them....big surprise, but this is the cabinet that I use every day.  I keep Mom's everyday china in there along with the glasses I drink from all of the time. Also, my coffee mugs are there. And then there are the various drinking tumblers I have received over the years.  One of them is, I think, called a wine tumbler.  I got it as a gift at a reception I went to a few months back.  It's nice but I look at it and think if I will use it.  I have plenty of wine glasses that I drink from at home, and I don't plan on taking wine out in public with me, so why am I letting this take up space?  Well, into the Goodwill box it went!

Another item that I debated about was a handheld chopper.  This was in another cabinet that I went through and organized on Saturday.  I cannot remember where I got this, but I have only used it a handful of times.  And every time I use it, I have the same experience.  Basically, it is not worth the effort. I think it is going to be convenient, and it never seems to be. It is just easier to get out a cutting board and a knife and chop away to my heart's content.  I know there are people who love these and good for them.  If any Goodwill shoppers are interested, it'll be there soon!

The older I get, the easier it is to let these things go.  I like that.  Now I have room for more stuff LOL  I'm trying not to do that, but you know how I am!

Mom's Tower of London mug

 

I love using this coffee mug.  I recently unearthed it during one of my many shopping trips out to my garage LOL I have several of Mom's coffee mugs, but this one is special.  Well, they're all special to me but this one was really special to her. During Christmas break of 1984, she went to London with her best friend Janet and a group of people from Wingate University.  It was either 84 or 85 but I'm going to stick with 84 LOL Anyway, this was the trip of her lifetime.  She had such a wonderful time on that trip.  This was one of the souvenirs that she brought home from the trip.  She brought many things for all of us.  I got a music box from Herod's which I still have.  But this mug was a little something she got for herself at the Tower of London.  I personally love the gift shops that are attached to tourist attractions.  It's always fun to get a little reminder of the experience.  The items are often kitschy but always bring a smile to my face.  And that is what this mug does when I use it for my morning coffee.  I think of Mom and the wonderful time she had.  It makes me smile. 😊 

Splitting my inventory into categories

 I first got interested in doing household inventory when my Aunt Sara's estate was being divided up.  She had written out inventories of both her belongings and the pieces that were part of the Bivens estate.  She lived in the family home, so it was really a combination of two households. Mom was the executor of the estate, so she had these inventories in her possession.  I just became fascinated with them and loved that Aunt Sara had noted the history of some of the pieces.  Over the next few years, I inventoried Grandmother's house, our house and Aunt Billie's house.  When Aunt Billie passed, the inventory did come in handy for my Uncle Bill, who was her executor, so I did find some practical good in what I was doing.  It wasn't all about the history.

Now that I am doing my own household inventory, I am doing it differently from those. Those inventories were done room by room.  That made the most sense because very little of these interiors changed over time. My house is different in that I am always changing things up, especially my collectibles.  I love moving things around and trying them out in new places.  So, when I'm doing my own inventory, I am using categories instead of room headings.  It's easier that way.  And it makes it easier for me to update the inventory.  My categories are furniture, silver, china, crystal/glass, household goods/collectibles, records, CDs, books, Christmas records, and Christmas decorations.  That pretty much covers my whole house.  If I think of a new category that would be beneficial to add, then I will add it such as electronics or jewelry.  For the time being, this works. And, more importantly, I enjoy it.  It's the little things, you know? 

Crab and Artichoke Dip

 When the FBC of Monroe celebrated its 150th anniversary, one the things they did to celebrate was put out a cookbook.  There are lots of recipes of current and former members in there.  Several of Mom's and Grandmother's recipes made it in as well.  The recipe for this dip was contributed by my friend Debby McBride.  I made it several months ago and loved it.  I have always loved imitation crab meat and so this was a great idea for me.  Don't get me wrong, I love real crab meat as well LOL  I plan on making this again soon.  I hope you try it and enjoy it!

Crab and Artichoke Dip

1 package imitation crab meat, coarsely chopped

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1 13.75oz can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped

3 oz parmesan cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 375.  Blend cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.  Stir in crab meat, onions, artichokes and cheese. Place mixture in a glass pie plate.  Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 18 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned.  Serve with crackers or French bread.  Makes 4-5 generous servings. 

The round silver tray

 

I have a lot of silver plate in my collection.  Mom had many pieces and so did Grandmother and I ended up with many of those pieces and I love them.  They take a lot of upkeep because silver plate requires lots of polishing, but I do not mind. This round silver serving tray is among the piece that I got from Mom and Dad.  When I was young, all of their silver was kept in a pine cabinet in our living room.  This large tray sat upright against the back of the cabinet, so it was always easy to see.  When I bought my first antique, the green checkered tea set that I have talked about here, Mom took this tray out and we used it to put that tea set on and it worked perfectly.  This tray was a wedding present to Mom and Dad from the senior class at Bethel High School.  This is where they both worked.  They met there and the rest is history.  It is not a perfect piece, but the fact that their students put their money together to buy this for them says a lot to me about their impact as teachers.  Every time I look at this tray, that is what I see. I see two young people beginning their careers and beginning their lives together.  This tray has seen many things over the years and I treasure it. 

Hebrews 10:24

 

I start my day with a devotion.  June gave me a subscription to a series of daily devotions called "Strength and Grace".  These devotions are specifically aimed at people who are caregivers.  Caregivers of all kinds, professionals, friends, family members.  I get a lot out of each morning's devotion.  They all start with a Bible verse and then the message.  This was a verse used in one of the recent devotions and it has just stuck with me.  No matter what you do or do not believe in, this message rings true for all of us. 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

Open up moments of calm throughout your day.  This could be a few seconds spent in quiet stillness while the kettle boils, while your computer is switching on, or before leaving the house. 

One Drawer at a Time

 

One of the things I want to achieve with this process is a better organization system in my house.  I am still working in the kitchen and probably will be for the foreseeable future as it is where I spend the majority of my time.  I was going through the cabinet the other day where I keep my plates and glasses and coffee mugs, etc. I was able to get the shelves more streamlined, which is good.  But I realized that I need to put more like items together.  While there are glasses in this cabinet, there are also glasses over there in that cabinet or on that shelf.  I have my beverages such as coffee, tea, and lemonade spread throughout the kitchen.  Why not get them all together.  Or at least get as many of them together as possible.  So that is what I did with this first set of cabinets.  I got as many of my glasses as possible into this cabinet without over stuffing it. And then I got my beverages more together in a different cabinet across the kitchen.  

Whether or not things will stay like this, for the time being I am liking how the kitchen is shaping up.  And that is what matters in this process.  That is all. 

5 Things I am Thankful For

1. Playing the Piano

I am so thankful that I know how to play the piano.  Even though I have not played in years, I still love that I have this skill.  I'm thankful Mom started me on piano lessons when I was in kindergarten.  I took lessons until I left for college.  One of the (many) ways that I am like my Mom is that if we were having a bad day, we could sit down at the piano and play and immediately life was better. I have loved being able to accompany people when they sing or playing in recitals or in church. Such good memories to go along with playing the piano. I need to find a piano to play soon. 

2. The DeMarts

The DeMart family has been a part of my life for over 4 decades.  Darcy is really the first real friend I ever had. I knew kids in preschool and from our neighborhood, but Darcy was a true friend...and still is.  We met on the playground at Walter Bickett when we were in kindergarten but I did not get to know her really until we were in Mrs. Richmond's first grade class together.  And we have been friends ever since.  Herb taught me in Sunday School.  He was also our deacon when Mom's cancer came back.  I was in high school at the time and we could not have asked for a better person to support us spiritually through that time. Cam and I rang handbells together.  We were beside each other in the choir, down in the bass bells section.  We had so much fun together that she quickly went from being Darcy's mom to being Bob's friend, a relationship that I cherish to this day.

3. Paying Bills On Time

I am thankful that I have a job that I can pay my bills with.  I learned, the hard way, that paying bills on time is key to financial health.  And I have grown up a lot in the past three years being on my own.  And I am thankful that I have the ability and the resources to get my bills paid before they are due.  It's the little things.

4. Laughing

There is almost nothing better than laughing.  I am so thankful for those times that I laugh long and hard.  It is good for the body and good for the soul.  

5. Coffee

I am not sure what I would do if I did not have my coffee first thing in the morning.  Not only do I like the taste and the warmth of it, but it's also just a nice way to start my day.  I enjoy the ritual of getting my coffee ready each morning.