HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Hope you and your family have a wonderful 2012!!
Blessings,
Sandy
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Merry Christmas!
I adore vintage postcards and wanted to share a couple of my favorite holiday ones with you!
It's hard to believe this year is almost over. It's been a busy, amazing, sometimes painful, but all together GREAT year!
I'm blessed with a wonderful husband and three fabulous sons, family and many friends all over the world! I don't count any of this lightly but with a humble and greatful heart and am truly thankful for everything I have!I hope you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Sandy
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wasn't sure if I had shared this or not! Too good not to share!
The Wooden Bowl
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and
failing sight made eating difficult ~ peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor and
when he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.
'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. '
The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,
neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
a rainy day,
the elderly,
lost luggage,
and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Sandy
The Wooden Bowl
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and
failing sight made eating difficult ~ peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor and
when he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.
'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. '
The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,
neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
a rainy day,
the elderly,
lost luggage,
and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Sandy
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Byron's "Big Peach" Holiday Event
Had a fabulous time today up at the Byron Welcome Center/Art Gallery ~ lots of fun things going on! Breakfast with Santa, petting zoo & car show in the parking lot, Authors at the gallery signing their books, Barb & Sue face painting, artist Allan Carey painting at the gallery, Artist and TV Personality Mark Ballard showed us how to make a Festive Holiday Wreath and the Holiday Mart was rocking with lots of shoppers! Events going on til 7p.m. so there is still time to get out and do some shopping!
Barb
Sue
Allan
Regina & Mark
Michael Rady ~ signing his book ~ it's available at the Welcome Center/Gallery ~ if you still want a copy of his book.
Some more action outside! Mary & Shirley painting ornaments and snowmen!
Mark showing us how to take a plain evergreen wreath from drab to FAB!
He has a Facebook page as well under Mark Ballard ~ "LIKE" it today!
Mark & Frances ~ Frances ended up purchasing the wreath ~ to go on her RED door for the holidays! She organized the entire event and is such an amazing lady and asset to the city of Byron!!
Now to back up a bit ~ had a wonderful time with my mom & dad here and then my younger sister and her kiddos rolled into town. Was awesome to give my sister some clothes that I no longer wore and even more awesome how great she looked in them! Never would have thought I'd be giving my sister a size 10 pair of pants!! She is still working out and looking great after losing over 150 lbs. all through diet and exercise.
Ready to curl up on the couch with my hubby and watch a movie!
Have a great day!
Sandy
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Painting Amaryllis
We painted amaryllis in class on Friday and I just love the way they turned out. My hubby has wanted me to paint this flower for years and I finally got around to wanting to paint it myself. We did this on a repurposed sign that was sanded and painted over with Plaids Folk Art Enamel paint. Then we painted our design using wOils ~ which are amazing water soluable paints.
Ann
Sandi
Ann
This was Ann's first class with us and she did a beautiful job - think she really surprised herself and I look forward to having her back in class in the New Year!
Sherry
Roz
Pat
Kim
Glo
I only have one class this month as it's such a busy busy time of year and I really wanted to enjoy the holidays and my family and not feel so rushed.
I am doing some pre-planning for my classes and certification dates though for the New Year and will hopefully get all of that on my website soon!
New Year! That just sounds crazy doesn't it - 2011 FLEW BY!
It's been a good year - busy but also fun!!
Have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Blessings,
Sandy
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