Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Monday, December 29, 2025

December 29, 2025



Listening to an audio book on mindfulness.
Just squeezed my lemon into it's container,
instead of my mug. I need it.
I had 4 solid priorities today.
Learned a few more moves with my Tai Chi buddies.
Wowed by  
my mama. OMG!
I am so stinking proud of her right now.
I better copy my recipe, so I have it for next year.


Our Christmas French toast
1 loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread
8 eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs. vanilla extract

Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup cold salted butter cut into pieces

Serve with:
warm syrup 
1 cup blueberries for serving
(note: also used bananas, raspberries and strawberries and whipped cream)

Grease 13 x 9 baking dish
Cut French bread into slices and place in dish.
(or cube. I did both)

Whisk in a big bowl:
eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla
pour over bread
cover tightly and refrigerate over night,
or  bake right away.
( I overnighted it)

For topping:
in a small bowl, stir with fork...
flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.
Add butter. Mix until crumbly. (pebbles)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Sprinkle topping over the top
Bake 50 min.

Note: you can use 1/2 and 1/2, or unsalted butter...
however, the heavy cream and salted butter are
the tweaks I mad this year...and nope. I won't go back.

Scrumptious.
Yummy leftover too.

be well...
xoxo
💝

'Life is full of distractions-
some positive, some menacing.
Prioritizing your you life keeps you track.
Determine your priorities then write them down.
Writing is a powerful tool, because you can go
back and see if you're still on the right course.'

"This is your daily reminder:
Do not absorb other people's 
whack ass energy."

"May the tears you cried in 2025
water the seeds you plant in 2026."

Saturday, December 27, 2025

December 27, 2025


It was like celebrating Christmas in June.
AMAZING!

Christmas eve: twinkle lights and candles sparkling,
 windows and doors wide open to a nice evening breeze.
 Brandon, Molly, and I gathered around the 
table to finish our traditional Christmas puzzle.
When Gary came home he joined us and we
   played 5 Crowns & scoffed down freshly baked Swedish spritz cookies.
Yes...I scoffed.
Fritzy relished in his freedom to be indoors or out
as he wished, butt wagging, cuddling, and savoring a cookie or two
in between naps and travels.


Christmas morning:  Talked to my Dad.
Brandon learned to make coffee in the French press.
We ate our (now) traditional French toast bake at the table
served with fresh fruit on Grandma A's china set,
and opened the doors wide to invite the beautiful
Christmas morning to join us.

 I received some of the sweetest most thoughtful gifts this 
Christmas...
however,... the moments we shared?
 Perfect.
This Christmas was by far one of my favorites!
I sure do love my people.

notes over the holiday...

24th
I love early. 
I am out on the porch. Yay! I love this!
Mindful of the blessings.

"Let your hearts be warmed by the traditions, the garland,
the candle-lighting service.
But be shocked-be in awe of the baby in the manger."

25th
...too much sugar. Feel bleh...but fun.
Gorgeous weather. Peaceful morning.
Chickens laughing next door...
Thank you Father...so cute.
Happy Birthday Jesus.

26th
Surprise! Ate more sugar.
Cookies calmed me. Blood sugar is good.
I have a wonderful life.

"Choose to see the light in everything."

"It's OK if there are days when I feel a little out of frame."

What I focus on grows.

27th

Upstairs early sitting near an open window and Polly
purring on my lap.
Enough indulgence. Back to eating healthy today.

"Remember all the things that love is:
patient, kind, not envious or boastful or proud.
It honors people, isn't self-seeking, nor easily angered,
and it doesn't keep track of people's mess-ups."
(1Corinth.13: 4-5)

"No one leads people to Jesus;
He leads people to Himself.
All the pressure is off.
Just go love everybody."

Focus on ways you'd like to grow.
Begin doing the work required.

Each day is a new opportunity to live your dream
Tenaciously pursue what you want.

"You are asking God for more in your life, 
but you have to learn how to handle what you have."

'The moment you surrender is not when life is over.
It's when it begins.'

be well...
xoxo
💝

"How ironic.
You spend your whole life resisting the notion that there's
someone out there smarter than you are,
and then all of a sudden you're so relieved to know it's true.
All of a sudden, your not too proud to ask for help.
That's what it means to surrender to God."
~A Return to Love ~










Sunday, December 14, 2025

December 14, 2025

It's the way my cat tries to beat me from room to room.
The perfect quote when I need it.
The gratitude of going through the "difficult times".
A small gesture at the right time.


Pause. Take a breath, and notice everything
that is happening .
Appreciate what is, and allow
what is going to happen to enter
naturally.

Journal notes...

Life is messy, unexpected, and complicated,
and filled with magic, and overwhelming beauty.

Be firmly grounded in truth.

'When we live in our head, we miss the importance
 of of what is happening right now.'

Surrender. Let go. Find your new beginnings,
a new way of seeing. 
A grace filled way of life.

be well...
xoxo
💝

"The thing about magic, 
is you don't wait for it...
it waits for you."
~Jake~

'Amidst all the pressure to keep going & to keep going,
may you also take time to learn the art of being;
being Loved, 
being Held, 
being Seen,
being in the Presence of the one who calls you to rest.
Even in the pause you are still where you need to be.'




 

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Peace

Today...I see life with a renewed appreciation.
Availability, connection, time together, love...
and family traditions are the real gifts.

A pic from back home. (thank you)
From a loved one back home. (thank you!)

"When you are seeking answers, spending time in silence
can often be more powerful than any amount of questioning.
searching, or researching.
Soften and let go of the need to constantly move.
Go for a walk alone to feel fresh air on your face.
Sit quietly with a warm drink in hand.
Allow your mind the time it needs to clear.
There is a space within the silence.
When you give your heart the room it needs to speak,
it will."

be well...
xoxo
💖

"It is easy to get wrapped up in Holiday
expectations.
Remember that love is on everyone's
wish list."



 

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Bake Me Happy


 Historical downtown at night.
Christmas lights reflecting in windows and on rain-slicked sidewalks.
Drops falling as I stroll under a nature-print umbrella.
A gift from my kiddo. 
 Ducking into the warmly lit eatery for a baking class.
Sipping spiced chai as we wait to begin.

my first loaf of sourdough💞

A girlfriend walks in.
A surprise for us both.
A few women and an older man.
Uniting around a sizeable butcher block table,
mingling in black, flour-dusted aprons and super-sticky hands.
Story telling, laughter, and learning.

Stretching, folding and proofing our dough.
A freshly baked loaf and rolls to go.
I've been wanting to make my own sourdough.
Half to keep and half to give away.
I am making another loaf today.

be well...
xoxo
💖

" Fikabröd 
are the freshly baked goods
that accompany coffee."

"Who needs therapy
 when you've got floury hands and a warm loaf? "

"Behind every great sourdough
is a messy kitchen and a happy baker."

"What begins as flour and water
becomes nourishment through love and time."




 



 

Saturday, December 28, 2024

December 28, 2024

We are heading out on a mini road trip to
celebrate Christmas with hubby's side of the family today.

I have been struggling with some things,
and the thing is, 
is that I know better....and I can't help it.
But I know I can help it.
So it's something I'm aware of...
and pushing through.
This picture pretty much sums it up nicely.

Firefighters vs. Police hockey game

As I stood at the counter waiting for my coffee to brew this morning,
I saw the picture of Donatello (Ninja turtle),
(my great nephew drew for me last Summer)
hanging on the fridge.
It connected me to my family many miles away...all over...gone.
 It fueled me with their strength, endurance, perseverance and love.
It reminded me of who I am.
Where I came from, and what fuels me.
It lifted my head & perked me up before the coffee ever hit
my mouth.



Some journal nuggets for today...

You don't need to be afraid of anything.

As you grow closer to God, He opens your eyes
to see more of Him.

He wants you to go to Him. Always.

The more you focus on your unworthiness the more you struggle
& distance yourself from God.
His loving arms await you.

Take heart. He has absolute authority over 
everything in creation.

He will protect you and provide whatever you need.

Never doubt Him because of your lack of understanding
about your circumstances.

He is good and fully worthy of your devotion and trust.

Nothing can touch you except what He allows.
He has His purposes & in His perfect way & timing,
will bring blessings from everything you face if
you'll continue to trust Him.

Nothing that touches your life is a mistake.

Live and let live.

Remember who you are.

Keep it simple.

Don't second guess yourself.

Remain true to yourself.

Unity starts with yourself.
Get things together inside you own head.

God will show you the path of life.

Accept what is. Simply bear witness without wanting to change it.

Handle all things in love.
Love others.
Love yourself through every experience.
Walk with God and watch for miracles.

Stand tall as you journey through your life.

" You yourself, as much as anyone in the
Universe, deserve your own love & affection."
~Buddha~

and my favorite quote of the day....

"There is a basket of fresh bread on your head,
yet you go door to door asking for crusts."
~Rumi~

be well...
xoxo
💝







 

Thursday, December 26, 2024

December 26, 2024



I feel invigorated this morning, and although there
was an incident that triggered me to head for
the rabbit hole (on Christmas eve) and go on down....
I didn't.
I'm not going to pretend it didn't hurt.
It did.
I am learning.
About me. About them.
Funny how one little thing can steal your joy if you let it.
Honestly, I'd rather focus on the things in my life that deserve more attention.
So I switched my focus to that.
It also required a few deep breaths, and a prayer or five...
however the night ended up going even better than I expected.


With that said,
our Christmas was very sweet.
Every. Single. Moment.
💖

 The new "possible" tradition left it's mark.
I put together a little Nativity tray, and
surprisingly it exceeded my expectations.
I'll share more about that in a future post.

Today I want to share this :

"When you realize that joy is
less fireworks more firefly
less orchestra more birdsong
she will come back more often
for joy will not fight
with the fast pace of life
she is not in the shiny and new
She breathes in the basic
shimmers in the simple
and dances to and fro
joy has been beckoning you
for many a year my friend
you were just too busy doing to see
the vey next time joy wraps
her quiet warmth around you
as the garden embraces your weary body
in it's wildness
tip her a nod
you cannot force her to stay
but if you are a gracious host
joy comes back."

~Donna Ashworth~

As for my journal today...
I filled a whole journal since Nov. 16.
(normally I can squeeze in 2 or 3 months)
I have had a LOT to write.
Thankfully hubby got me one for Xmas.
The quote on the front says'
"Happiness Blooms from within."
It's double the size of my last one.
It's perfect.

Some ending journal notes:

When you are dissatisfied with your behavior
you tend to feel unworthy of God's love.
You punish yourself, and attempt to earn His approval
by trying harder.

One of the greatest blessings in life is godly friends.

Don't remain isolated. Reach out to others.

God will do what's best for you,
even in the most difficult trials.

'God loves you so much that He will not allow you
to stay as you are.
He wants to transform you into your best self
and help you mature in faith.
He knows what good will come from the challenges 
you face.
Your difficulties are evidence God is working on you,
and that the best is yet to come.
Trust Him and don't lose heart.'

Plenty of unacceptable behavior is directed at you.
You are not helpless.
You have choices.
Rather than blame, look to your own involvement.
That is where you can make changes.
Accept the challenge.
Work at becoming your best self,
rather than spend your precious life
wishing someone else would change.

When the road gets difficult,
the key is to right your course as best you can.

It's OK to struggle trying to make things fit,
trying to figure out if indeed it no longer fits, and why.

It's OK to outgrow, and to let go of things
that don't work anymore.
(attitudes, habits, beliefs, possessions, relationships....)

be well...
xoxo
💝




I decided to share my Amazon links on the blog.
Little things that I try. Like. Favorites. 



 

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

December 24, 2024


This morning, I am super-excited that my kiddo, and his person
are coming to spend the day.
They'll leave this evening to celebrate with
his Dad's family out of town, but then return later to tuck in here for the night.
 Christmas eve is always special to me, knowing that I'll wake up to my kiddo
& my granddog being here...
and this year Molly too?
Santa sure delivers.
Spending Christmas morning together has always been our little family tradition.
Next year it could all change, so I'm gonna savor every little moment.


I'm pre-prepping for our church outing this evening. 
I listened to this song in advance, to see if the weepiness 
just happens when we sing during candlelight service at church,
or always.
It's always.
I forgot to bring tissues last year.
This year I'll bring a roll of paper towels,
and hope I don't start a fire.

I have a new tradition I want to start tonight.
I got the idea from an old book.
Last year I hoped my Grandma's lasagna would be
the new Christmas tradition.
But...
Hubby's not a big fan of lasagna
so.....

Here are a few little notes from my journal this morning.

Clear out the clutter and open your heart to the wonders
of Christ's birth.

Gaze at the Glory of His birth, and respond
with childlike wonder.

You will feel exhausted & overwhelmed when you believe
everything depends on you.
God can calm your soul.
He takes full responsibility for your needs, as you obey Him.

You'll find peace when you trust Him.
So when you are overwhelmed, stop and spend time with Him.
He's got everything under control.

You'll only see what you're looking for.

Show love to others.

Much more than presents & parties,
what people need from you is to know you care 
for them.

Show up for yourself even when others don't.

"Trust yourself enough to know you are exactly where you should be
(even if where you are ain't pretty in this moment.)"

Be willing to be wrong & listen to the opinion of others.

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Brace yourself for the beauty that is right in front of you.

be well...
xoxo
🎄


Monday, December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024


There's a lot in life I have to pull it all together for,
and our friendship isn't one of them.


'Gather your tribe and let them know how important they are to you.
Spending time with our tribe fosters connection and understanding.
Life is designed to be shared, and when we identify the people
who make our lives better just by being in it, we foster a
sense of belonging.
Choose those who uplift, inspire, and interact with a spirit of love.'

Had a bunch to do today and a case of the emotions.
It happens a lot lately.
Tis the season.
I miss my family.

Just a couple journal notes from today...

Today, if only your would hear His voice.

You can't expect to receive the things you say you want if you
are not physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually present
to receive them.

Allow things to happen as they wish to happen.

There are no bad decisions, it's what you do with 
the decisions you make.

Just sit there. Don't do a thing. Just rest.

be well...
xoxo
💕



 

Friday, December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

I have pushed the hermit mode button.
A gift I gladly give and receive for myself on this day.
I was worn down yesterday.
(update...Mom is still caring for her dog.)
As I was brewing my first cup of coffee this morning,
a story of KC Chiefs Isaiah Pacheco was airing on the Today show.
(I am becoming a die hard fan, despite my lack of football knowledge, or love of sports.)
The message was inspiring.
I shared the link below.
I tried to share the video...
but my technology skills showed 
their true colors on that one.
So I went with plan B.
 Tried the link. 
It worked. 
It reminds me of what's right with the world, and how
much better life can be when we choose to have the right mindset.


https://www.today.com/video/teen-diagnosed-with-rare-cancer-meets-chiefs-star-isiah-pacheco-227577413512 


My journal notes seemed to pair well with the theme of the day....
here are a few of my favorite picks.

"Sometimes saying 'No' at the right time just makes more 
and more space for the pleasure of saying 'yes'."

In the end, what really matters is the right state of mind.

"She finally knew that her outer security came from her
alignment with God, from a receptive, abundant state of mind."
~Outrageous Openness~

"Let yourself be what you think you need,
one way or the other it will come."

'If you dwell in fear, doubt and constriction, 
that you will undoubtedly attract.'

You must learn to love yourself before you can
truly love others.

Tend to your own spiritual needs.

"The best sermon is a good example."

We can all be more loving.

"Don't be so preoccupied perfecting the cracks in you 
that you fail to realize the light that comes through the cracks."

"Not everything that appears to be broken needs to be fixed.
In fact, some of us are strong at the broken places."
~Earnest Hemmingway~

"Your perceived imperfections are the source of your beauty.
Love yourself exactly as you are, and so, too, will others."

"The law of electricity must be obeyed before it becomes man's serrvant.
When handled ignorantly, it becomes man's deadly foe.
So with the laws of mind."

"Let go, and take your mental hands off,
put it in God's Hands."

Learn to stand still.

Do you trust God more than you do yourself?
Our choices show whether we do or not.
We either say "yes" to Him,
or rebel, choosing our own wisdom over His.
It is a choice.
It ultimately reveals what we truly believe about Him.

"Happiness depends on ourselves."
~Aristotle~

And then this Quote seemed fitting as well.

"Choose to have an awesome day. Let your mind dwell
on possibility instead of negativity.
By choosing to find possibility, 
you will infuse your day with hope.
This optimistic approach will make you feel lighter.
Challenges are unavoidable,
yet our outlook is the only thing we have
control over in such times.
As you rise, spread brightness on what is dark."
~Sunrise Gratitude~

be well...
xoxo
💝






Friday, December 13, 2024

Santa


I unearth this photo every Christmas hidden amongst the decorations.
I sure loved that sweet boy.
The goat, not Santa.
Well, I love Santa too.

Oliver with Santa 2018


Today, may we all... take a deep breath, slow down, 
 believe in miracles,
awaken to a sense of wonder and awe,
and trust that love makes it possible to believe in all things.

Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage, sit down & enjoy for a moment.


"Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus"
by Francis Pharcellus Church 
Published in The New York Sun
1897

"Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist,
and you know that they abound and give to your life it's highest
beauty and joy.
Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!
It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.
There would be no childlike faith then,
no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.
We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight.
The eternal light with which childhood fills the world
would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus!
You might as well not believe in fairies!
...The most real things in the world are those that neither
children nor {grown-ups} can see.
Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn?
Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there.
You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside,
but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the
strongest {grown-up}...
that ever lived, could tear apart.
Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance,
can push aside that curtain and view...
the beauty and glory beyond.
Is it all real?
Ah, Virginia,
in all this world there is nothing else so real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever.
A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand
years from now,
he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."

I believe...
xoxo
💝



Thursday, December 12, 2024

Little Drummer Boy


Gifts are great when they come from the heart.
I think we all get a little too stressed out & try
too hard to make everything perfect,
and we let the meaning of Christmas
slip right through our grasp.
In trying to keep my nervous system in a happy place,
this year I decided to slow down.
 I have really enjoyed, and been more appreciative of the little gifts tucked into each day...
all with a greater sense of awe.🎄


Gifts of:

Peaceful surroundings
Wonder
Communication
Undivided Attention
Creativity
Enthusiasm
Simple seasonal pleasures
Tenderness
Beauty
Good cheer
Joy
Love
💝

My journal shares today:

God can do anything-there is absolutely
nothing impossible for Him.

Submit to Him without yielding to feelings of doubt or fear-
especially when it comes to moving forward on important decisions
 or facing serious challenges.

Be confident that God will fulfill every promise.
Trust Him. 
Do not falter in unbelief as time passes.

"Little faith says, 'God can.'
Great faith says, 'God will.'
But perfect faith says, 'God has done it.'"

"God only gives us three answers,
'Yes'
'Not yet'
or
'No, I love you too much.'"

Be well!
xoxo
💖







Wednesday, December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024


Life has seemed more fragile lately.
We came upon an accident Sunday night while we 
were returning home from Christmas shopping.
A woman lost her life.
It has left a lingering sadness within me.
My kiddo has been in the area for work.
He came over one afternoon and we baked
our traditional Swedish spritz cookies together.
Yesterday we met for a nice chat and lunch before he left.
During lunch, I was nudged to do something kind for a stranger.
I listened to the fear that would rather I question my heart.
Fear and doubt.
But I ended up following my heart, (after I shared my feelings with Brandon ).
No big deal really, but also a very big deal to me.
I'm learning to listen to that quiet inner voice...my intuition. 
It absolutely turned my whole day into a series of synchronous occurrences.
I even ran into a long lost friend that I have been trying to connect to,
as I came out of the Walmart bathroom...and she was on her way in.
(ending up at Walmart also being an occurrence...for both of us.)
It's been years.
We couldn't quit hugging.
And if that wasn't a big enough takeaway for the day....
finding a parking spot right next to the door is worth noting.


Life still feels fragile.
We hear of another loss almost daily.
Friends and family are going through rough times.
Constant shifts and several changes in our own world.
But even among the craziness of life,
my life is pretty damn sweet.
So I'll savor these moments,
the ebbs and the flows.
Afterall...it's all we have.

Some quotes from my Journal today...

Hurry is not God's nature

Take a break from trying to figure everything out.

"In a sane culture children would learn to follow their 
inner guidance from the beginning.
Nothing to fear & everything to gain."

"The city cannot be built on the swampy ground of skepticism."
~ Albert Schweitzer~

"Move but don't move the way fear makes you move."

"God doesn't always call on us to win.
Sometimes He just calls us to try."

xoxo
💝














 

Friday, December 6, 2024

December 6, 2024


Sometimes I just need something simple & delightful
to get my energy up, and boost my joy,
and to make the day a little more magical.



I dried oranges for the first time,
finished removing old(70's), loose wall paper border from our bathroom,
finished my shopping, and have a roast in for dinner.
My friend Ang is coming for an overnight stay.
 We'll catch up, and celebrate
the 60th anniversary of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
and small wins for this week.
And, as an added bonus, Frosty afterwards!
Bring on the popcorn, and all things twinkly, cozy & magical.

xoxo
💖

Hygge:
(hoo-ga)

n. A simple, comfortable time with those that you love.
An atmosphere of warmth, coziness, and being in the moment.
The act of slowing down and taking your time.
Is  not weather- or seasonal-dependent.




 

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Christmas Afterglow

Christmas was hands down, one of the best!
Brandon drove in around 11:30 p.m. that eve.
We sat at the table and had a nice chat,
and decided to turn in about an hour later.


Christmas day was incredibly simple and meaningful.
*peaceful*
The lasagna turned out great, however it may not make
our traditional Christmas meal, as I found out afterwards,
hubby is not a big fan of lasagna.
It will however be something Brandon and I will make together.
Chances are,...(as cheffy as my kiddo is...)
there will be a modified version of it in the future...
however Grams recipe will always be the firm foundation.

Speaking of foundations...
I believe this year some cracks have been repaired,
clearing done, and healing has taken place in my
(spiritual/soul) foundation.

I am as ready as I will ever be to dive deeper into my coaching course.
 and the discoveries I make along the way.
I will follow my heart and surrender my expectations,
as I stay open to where this leads me. 
There is so much to learn on this path to health and wholeness.

I pray that my journey into the New Year as well as yours,
is one filled with health, happiness and wellness.
May we set our own pace, and savor the steps along the way,
remembering that every step matters.
May our days be filled with the joyful simplicities 
waiting to found in the small moments.
May we trust that love will not fail us,
 believe in ourselves, and believe in the One that 
believes in us. 

xoxo
💖

"You are never alone.  Divine love sustains you, surrounds you,
enfolds you, protects you. 
Go in peace."





And then...

... it happens. "One day you wake up and you're in this place. A place where everything feels right. Your heart is calm. Your soul ...