Saturday, December 15, 2012

A Time of Reflection

Good morning....do you have lots of fun things to do this weekend?  As we are winding down to the last full week before Christmas I hope you are taking time to rejoice and be glad for all of your blessings.  I know I have to stop and remind myself of this when I get too busy, too distracted, too caught up in the busyness of the holidays.  This is Advent season for Christians, a time of reflection and a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. I know I get a little carried away with all the decorations  and my "pretty things" during this time of the year....but I do pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  And each morning before I even get out of bed, I think of 3 things I am grateful for each day.  This was an "assignment" we were given a couple of weeks ago at Bible Study, and if we did this every day, by Christmas we would have over 50 things to be grateful for during this holiday season.  (and no repeats allowed)




Out with my girlfriends for a really nice lunch at Neiman Marcus yesterday.  We wanted to go into the city for a day, but we were not able to make lunch arrangements. One of the ladies has a fairly bad back and walking becomes quite painful after awhile.  So lunch at Neiman's was probably much better for her than walking the streets of Chicago.  Lunch was so good, I just had to take a picture of my salad before I dug in...they called their salads "composed" salads and I can see why.  It was as tasty as it was beautiful.  For dessert I had a vanilla ice cream ball rolled in nuts with hot fudge sauce, and fresh whipped cream on top....and no, I did not take a picture of it, I just ate it.


While at Trader Joe's on Wednesday, I purchased a floral bouquet, along with some wonderful winter berries...put them all together in the blue mason jar...I think they look rather festive.


And Thursday morning I had a wonderful surprise.  I did not know that this beautiful iris was part of the bouquet.  It was still tight in it's bud when I purchased the flowers, but after a day sitting in warm water in my warm kitchen, it burst into bloom by Thursday morning.


When I arrived home yesterday after the lovely afternoon spent with my girlfriends, I was horrified to hear of the shootings in Connecticut, 28 people, 20 children's lives taken so suddenly....I cannot even imagine the horror of it all.   My prayers for all affected by this tragedy, words cannot express the sadness I am feeling.

"When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel."  ~  Unknown

Until next time....


9 comments:

  1. wow, i love the bouquet ... so lovely. the iris was a extra special treat. love the teacups & teapot. so lovely. those colors are so festive. i love your collection. that salad sure does look yummy good. ( :

    very sad time for our country. ) :

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good morning Deanna. Lovely idea about the 3 things u are thankful for. Your home is so festive looking.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful!!!! With all the things happening- it's so important for us all to take moments to be thankful for what we have

    ReplyDelete
  4. The tea pot and cups are so pretty. I love the idea of being thankful for 3 things each day and what a great quote!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds and looks like a delightful lunch - the salad looks great and the dessert - perfect! Gorgeous cup shot and flower arrangement.

    I too am at a loss over yet another horrific event resulting from a person crying out for help, but in all the wrong ways. I am reminded to include in my blessings those so basic and yet so vital - my children, husband, family, friends, and good neighbors.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Even on the saddest of days, your pictures still give me smiles. Take good care.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Deanna,

    I am so glad that you have the opportunity to spend some quality time with your friends. We all need a little girl time to keep us sane.

    Your Santa has character and I like your blue Mason Jar decor. What a great surprise to have a blooming iris in December!

    I agree with you when thinking about yesterday's tragedy. Very fitting quote today.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your Santa is adorable, and what a surprise to have a blooming iris in December! Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your Santa has me smiling.. I just love your photos.

    Hugs~

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for leaving a comment, I read and cherish them all. I will do my best to return the favor.