A Late New Year's Greeting

Everyone had all kinds of nice 2012 reflection posts as the year whisked away...

....not I, said the hen.

They were inspiring to read, but I couldn't bring myself to pen a post.

Just enjoying the time off.

Now, I go back to work tomorrow, and reality has finally started to sink in.

And now I sit down to write.

And now my photos won't upload with my USB...I need a new cord.
Had to put the card into the drive.
Then, my photos won't upload through Internet Explorer.
Had to disable cookies.
Then, after Dan downloads Google Chrome, my freshly edited pics are gone.

Hour and a half later, don't know that I'm so inspired to write now.

I'd throw in the towel altogether,
(but I do enjoy writing once in awhile, you know.)

Sigh.

I do love this shot.
It's from our church's garden.

Spring is just around the corner, my true favorite time of the year.

 I must say I'm anxious for March.

 I need to learn to enjoy January.

Health and wealth to everyone!



Fourth Sunday of Advent and Nuts

I confess, I love nuts.

 

I haven't always loved nuts, but during the last few years, my affinity for nuts has grown.

 

I think the cashews with sea salt are my favorite!

 

Many people lay out spiced nuts on the Christmas table with the cookies and sweets.

 

 

 

St. Anthony used the three parts of the nut to assist people in understanding repentance.

 

 



 

 

Number 1, the skin is bitter, as is our sin. 

 

This skin splits when the nut is still on the tree, and, the nut falls to the earth.

 

It causes us to seek out forgiveness so we can be 'released.'

 

Number 2, the hard shell is a symbol of perseverance.

 

Penance can be a tough act.  You have to stick to it. 

 

In other words, you really have to work hard at getting to the sweet nut inside the shell.

 

 

 

 

Let's get to the heart of the matter, now.

 

Number three, the nut meat.

 

We are so estactic when we finally crack the nut to get to the good part!

 

This is comparable to rejoicing in our salvation and forgiveness.

 

 



I find in blogland, many people confuse St Anthony images with St Joseph.

 

St Anthony always hold baby Jesus (but sometimes so does Joseph).

 

St Anthony always carries a lily for purity (and, is dressed like a monk).

 

He holds baby Jesus because he offers our prayer requests to the little baby

 

and it is said the baby is very agreeable and has a hard time telling St. Anthony 'no.'

 

(He was also seen carrying the Infant in a garden, and together they were laughing and playing).

 

You can also ask St Anthony to help you find lost articles or assist you with financial trouble.

 

 

Sharing this week with:

 

Sharing with:

 

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

 

Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday

 

Common Ground's Vintage Inspiration Friday



Third Sunday of Advent and Meaning of Candy Canes

The candy cane is an iconic Christmas symbol,

 

synonomous with holiday cheer and sweets.

 

 

You can probably find a box of peppermint canes

for just a dollar at your local market.
 

It's also a sweet reminder of Jesus as our Good Shepherd:

 

 

 

 

it's very shape reminiscent of a shepherd's hook;

 

the red stripe, His sacrifice:

 

 





 

 

"But  he was pierced for our offenses,

 

crushed for our sins,

 

Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole,

 

and by his stripes we were healed."

 

Isaiah 53:5

Whatever grief and sorrow you may carry, remember He came to heal.

He came to us on Christmas to heal.

 

Sharing with

 

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

 

Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday

Composite Sketch?

When we put "the guys" into Betty this Christmas season,

 

it really got me thinking how the village is just a reflection of our lives...

 

 

 

 

Get my a$$ to work even if I have a bum leg or other ailment,

 

 

 

 

(or more nicely put, take care of your pet donkey).

 

 

 

 

Remember when you show disdain for the pig

 

(look at her face),

 

 

 

 

that you still enjoy bacon.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes the kids don't know if they're coming or going either,

 

 

 

 

  so give them a break, too.

 

(Love this bossy Gretchen the milkmaid, here).

 

 

 

 

Yes, I AM starting to show my age,

 

and I'm working on dealing with it.

 

 

 

 

Avoid animals with red eyes at all costs.

 

 

 

 

Be prepared to deal with the folk who are always gonna ask questions.

 

 

 

 

And lastly, when seen curbside picking,

 

hold your head high and CARRY ON, GIRL!!

 

 

 

 

Sharing my lovely antique German composite (sawdust and glue) crew with:

 

 

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL at FUNKY JUNK INTERIORS