Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"Seeing isn't believing.  

Believing is seeing."

"Judy," an elf, from "The Santa Clause" movie. 

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Happiness is not always about getting 

what you want.

It's about loving what you have 

and being grateful for it.

Tip for a Tuesday....

source: Facebook post by Jonah's Ark Animal Rescue

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"The receiving in life to me is one of the greatest gifts that we give another person. And it's very hard. Because when you give, you're in much greater control. But when you receive something-you're vulnerable."

Fred Rogers ~ Life's Journey According to Mister Rogers

Wednesday's Wisdom....

"I'll choose growth over complacency, even when I know it will always cause growing pains, because I sincerely believe the things we hope to accomplish in this life don't materialize out of thin air. The life we desire is not magically spoken into being when we hit a certain age or status. It's earned in the steady resolve to stay the course-which today just might resemble learning something new."

"Harvard, Class of 2019" by Chip Gaines

Magnolia Journal

issue no. 13

Tip for a Tuesday....

This book is, quite simply, stunning.

I highly recommend this book for gift giving. 

And you must buy one for yourself as well.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

"From the revered British illustrator, a modern fable for all ages that explores life’s universal lessons, featuring 100 color and black-and-white drawings.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the mole.

“Kind,” said the boy.

Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book based on his famous quartet of characters. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse explores their unlikely friendship and the poignant, universal lessons they learn together.

A modern classic in the vein of The Tao of Pooh, The Alchemist, and The Giving Tree, this charmingly designed keepsake will be treasured for generations to come.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Tip for a Tuesday....

Ready, set, Bake!

Following my youngest daughter's example, I have been baking breads and freezing them for future use.

I've baked banana bread and lemon blueberry breads. After they cool, I slice them and place two pieces each in plastic bags. Using a straw, I draw out the excess air before sealing them. The slices defrost quickly and can also be warmed up in the microwave.

Nice to have a slice to grab when I crave a treat, rather than a whole loaf. Because, let's face it - if there is a whole loaf sitting on my counter, I'm going to feel obligated to eat the entire thing. I mean, I wouldn't want it to go stale or be wasted, would I?

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"I came across some words of your present Chairman, which sum up the role of women very well: 'Practical work gets done by women. They don’t waste time. If there’s a job to do, a project to organise, they get on with it.' This echoes something I said last year: “if you want someone to make a speech, ask a man; if you want to get something done, ask a woman'."

Margaret Thatcher
Prime Minister of United Kingdom 1979-1990
From: Speech given at the Guildhall Banqueting Suite in the City of London, 1990

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Tip for a Tuesday.....

Looking for some beautiful British made goods for gifts?

Then visit this site:

https://www.thebeeskneesbritishimports.com/

They are an absolute delight to order and receive goods from.

They recently emailed me to say they have just added pieces 

from Sophie Allport.

I first noticed her products in several British magazines I read but ordering directly from her site and the high cost of postage put me off. So when I received the email I immediately went to the site and placed an order. 

"SOPHIE ALLPORT IS A CELEBRATED BRITISH HOMEWARE BRAND FOUNDED IN 2007.

As a new British family favorite, Sophie’s country living and wildlife-themed products quickly gained a national following.

Inspired by her love of nature, Sophie creates and paints all of the company’s product designs from her Stamford countryside home. Sophie’s work is a celebration of British wildlife and country lifestyle - with both themes finding their way into homeware products across an affordable but elegant collection of goods. "

I placed the order on the 14th and the items arrived early on the 17th, beautifully and safely wrapped, with this lovely card inside:

The little jug is sweet and will be useful for pouring cream. 

The Christmas Crackers are always a must have 

on our Christmas dinner table and popped before we begin our meal. 

Take a moment and check out this site!!

A Monday Memory....

"First we were so young 

and then we were so busy 

and then one day we woke up to discover 
we were at an age we once thought of as old." 
Anna Quindlen 

Good lord! This is exactly what has happened to me!!

I keep saying to family and friends..."I was busy raising kids, and teaching, and then looking after my mother....."
and then one day I looked in the mirror 
and saw a white haired woman and thought, 

"What the h*l% happened?"
I recently had a wonderful visit with my college roommate. We've been friends now for 47 years. 
As I chatted with her and her two daughters, I made the observation that we are now "the parents" 
we used to complain about. 

But I'll take it. As the Englishman often reminds me, 
"Beats the alternative."

Friday Fotos....

Stunning sunsets this week. 

                                              Wishing all a safe and warm weekend!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

“I worry about ridiculous things, you know, how does a guy who drives a snowplough get to work in the morning... that can keep me awake for days.”

Billy Connolly

Sir William Connolly, CBE is a Scottish stand-up comedian, musician, presenter, actor and artist. 

Wednesday's Wisdom....

A former teacher colleague recently shared this on Facebook. 

I think it applies to all areas of life.

I think "advice" is best received when the giver uses the word "I" 

and speaks only from personal experience.  

So unless you've "Been there and done that" please just offer a hug instead of your words.

Tip for a Tuesday.....

Mrs. Meyer's

Want to bring the scents of the season into your home?

Then check out the Mrs. Meyer's website:

https://www.mrsmeyers.com/

I purchase seasonal scented dish detergents for myself and my daughters several times a year. Not only do these products smell wonderful, I find that my pots and pans "wash up a treat" as they say in Britain. 
Easy Peasy!

A Monday Memory....

God Bless Our Veterans

Eternally grateful for this young man's safe return,
my son-in-law, 

and for his service to our country.

Also, for my nephew's safe return 

and that of his fellow soldiers, many of whom my Third Grade students
and I sent cards and letters to during their tours in Iraq many years ago.
Thank you is not enough but is heartfelt.

Friday Fotos....

Happy Friday!

Wishing you warmth as we head into a chilly weekend!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Tip for a Tuesday....

"Take care of yourself over the holidays. It’s the best gift you can give yourself and everyone you love."  

 30 Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself Over the Holidays

Written by Courtney Carver

https://bemorewithless.com/take-care/

This is my favorite one:

23. say goodbye to guilt
The very first thing you have to do to say goodbye to guilt is determine if you are actually guilty. Usually guilt is not guilt at all, but instead it’s sadness that you couldn’t do more to help, disappointment that you didn’t achieve something you set out to do, or anger because you said “yes” to something that deserved a “no”. 

A Monday Memory....

Anyone else remember doing this?

Before cd's and cell phones and Alexa.

It was exhausting. 

But so rewarding.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"If we don't change, 

we don't grow.

If we don't grow, 

we aren't really living."

Gail Sheehy

Wednesday's Wisdom....

I found this post very helpful - a few simple suggestions to get back on track when you realize you've drifted and things just feel off.

The Simple Little Secret That Will Help You Live a Healthy Life

Written by Courtney Carver

Link: https://bemorewithless.com/

Tip for a Tuesday....

 "Be there or be square" as we used to say.

I believe there is no age limit when it comes to watching Charlie Brown and his friends.

Thursday's Thought for the Day...

"Things do not change; we change."
  Henry David Thoreau

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Bearing this in mind I have been consciously making decisions as I go through closets and drawers. If I will inevitably be getting rid of things sometime in the future, I might as well do it now and reap the benefit of less stuff and less stress. 

I'm also letting go of the thought, 

"But I might need this someday."

When I think about it, "someday" arrived years ago and, for example, I still didn't need my blanket from college. So off it has gone, hopefully to someone who will actually use it and not just keep moving it from closet to closet to closet...

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: Pinterest

Ummm, but do dark chocolate brownies count?

Asking for a friend.

Tip for a Tuesday....

Highly recommend!!

Saw it with daughter #1 last week.

Definitely worth going to the theatre to see it on the big screen.

And if you've never seen the series, it is still a stunning film with which to treat yourself.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

source: Pinterest

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: Pinterest

Tip for a Tuesday....

CNN wire:"JamesSouth turns 100 on Oct. 7, and his birthday wish is to receive 100 cards. It’s a wish those at his assisted living home are trying to make come true.

South grew up in northeast Texas in a large family of sharecroppers, his son, Jim South, told CNN. He joined the Army in 1940, and was deployed to Normandy seven days after D-Day. During his service, his girlfriend Sophie wrote him a letter every day.

“They were married for 55 years until she passed in 2001,” said Jim South, the couple’s only child.

Since retiring at the age of 65, South has stayed active by woodworking, growing his garden, playing golf, and attending church, his son said. It was only last year, at the age of 98, that he moved into Brookdale.

Jim South said he has a three-day celebration planned for his dad’s big birthday that includes playing golf, eating chicken fried steak and catfish at his favorite restaurants, and spending time with his family.

“My dad taught me that a hug is better than a handshake,” said Jim. “And that money wasn’t the goal in life — it was happiness.”

If you want to send a special message to South you can send cards to:"

James South

5800 North Park Drive

Watauga, TX 76148

I just put a card for him in the mail. Maybe you can too.

Friday Fotos....

It's been this kind of a week.

For all of our family.

Here's hoping next week is an improvement.

Wishing one and all a peaceful, stress free weekend.

We will NEVER forget......

Tip for a Tuesday....

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

By Heather Stillufsen, Rose Hill Designs on Facebook and Etsy

(found on Pinterest)

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Labor Day Sales? Back to School Sales?

Tempting, but ...

source: Pinterest

I've learned it's best to save the money for something I really want and truly need.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

T.I.M.E.

T - Things

I -  I

M - Must 

E -  Experience

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: Pinterest

Actually, I just tried doing this - focusing on what I would gain vs what I was giving up 

when it came to letting go of a car I've driven for 13 years. 

It worked!!

Seeing what I would gain helped me to let go of the memories and familiar comfort of my old car.

"When we change the way we look at things,

the things we look at change."

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters. 

Think about it!"

source: Power of Positivity via Facebook

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: Pinterest

Tip for a Tuesday....

"Stop 'shoulding' on yourself."

Dr. Jane Hathaway