Isn't It The Truth?

I was over at a wonderful site I've joined, The Braves Girls Club (click on the button below to be linked there). It is a fabulous site, filled with inspiration, creativity, encouragement and very friendly and talented people! A while back, I'd signed up to receive what they call their "Daily Truths". This is an email that arrives daily that really comes from the heart of the writer. The emails are words of wisdom, encouragement, hope, friendship; so many things all rolled into one. I always enjoy reading them and have actually printed off several for my "board of motivation".

Anyway, I just read today’s Daily Truth and it is, well, so true! It pondered the notion of what would happen if an artist never shared their work? This applies to so many people who share of themselves - artists, writers, song writers, actors, too many to list. They all create something that can make one single moment so much more special, yet what if they hid their work for fear of rejection? I was thinking of this recently; how if everybody who was ever told ”no, you can’t do that” or ”no, that won’t work” or just plain didn’t have the confidence in themselves to try just gave up, think of all the wonderful, useful things in this world we wouldn’t have? Think of all the fantastic people we may never have met? I am done with the Negative Nellies! I know I can do it! I know I was meant to do it! I know I will do it! Instead of being my own worst critic, I am becoming my own best cheerleader! Shake those pom- poms! Believe in yourself! Do what you were meant to do! Wow! That felt great! xoxo~Leena~

Simple Joys For Simple People

Wow! January, huh? I'm looking at the calendar and it says January. Are you sure we already had Christmas? Are you positive summer ended so many months ago? I often think I've fallen into a time warp because this rapid passing of days, weeks, months, dare I even say years, doesn't seem possible. 

I started out December as I always do; with the wearing of the holiday earrings and socks! What? You haven't heard of this tradition? Well hop on board, sister, because it's really fun! Out of all the things I collect, I think I enjoy my holiday accessories the most and I am a freak over earrings at any time of year! Like I said, starting December 1st, I get out the special box marked "Holiday Jewelry" and once again, get all giddy and excited. Contained in that box are over 25 pairs of holiday-themed earrings; everything from sweet little snow angels to Santas tangled in tree lights!


My Earrings (I like the teeny tiny red sock near the bottom. Like Who socks)



Christmas Pins



There are also around 15 pins of the same nature. Some belonged to my mom and my aunt, so they are very special and take turns riding on my coats and sweaters.  My sock collection is housed in a basket in my bedside table drawer. I only have maybe 10 pairs or so of socks, so I have to make sure and keep up with the laundry!

     

Socks, socks, warm. toasty socks!

So simply, each day, I pick out a pair of earrings and a pair of socks and a pin and while wearing them, I have super powers! I can out-smile the crankiest of holiday shoppers! Well, maybe not, but I am in a much better mood when I am wearing my little festive friends! Over the years, my husband has even gotten involved.  No, he's not wearing the jewelry and socks, at least, I don't have any evidence that he is, but he does buy me the prettiest earrings and pins and the cutest socks most years to add to my addiction, er, collection. See?



Silver tree with PINK BLING! Love them!



Silver glitter snowflakes - sparkly!



 I'm sure it isn't too late to start your own collection and tradition and prepare for next year. Many of the stores are still selling Christmas and holiday themed goods at great discounts. If not, then keep an eye out for these little gems in the fall. They'll be out plenty early enough for you to start your private festival come December. Just one of the simple little things I love to do during such a joyous season!





Cookies! Cookies! COOKIES!!!

Here's a great link for cookie recipes - just about ANY and EVERY recipe you could possibly be searching for is on this site. You click on the name and the recipe magically appears Well, it IS the most magical time of year, isn't it? This is great for when you want to find an old cherished recipe or discover new ones to impress the cookie exchangers. Happy Baking!! GOT MILK?

http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.asp