Happy New Year!

 My sister gave me this happy little ornamental pepper for Christmas.  It got a bit of a chill on the way home so the leaves are not very happy, but I'm hoping with some TLC that it will perk up.  The fruit aren't hot and they are edible , but the crazy fireworks display is the main feature. Possibly it is the Medusa variety.

 Tradition has it that we make New Year's resolutions.  Usually dreary ideas like: I will give up chocolate, I will do 500 curl-ups a day, I will vacuum religiously every day, I will only eat kale and carrots.  Bah Humbug, I say. 

This year I am going to write more, even if no one wants to read it.  I am going to start an online
store, even if no one wants to buy anything. I am going to plant unusual flowers that may not bloom, and tasty heirloom tomatoes that may not have a long enough summer to mature.  I am going to dig holes with our new little backhoe just for the fun of it. I am going to hug my friends and family, and enjoy their wonderful personalities.  I am going to relish all my blessings and let the light in.
I hope you all have a wonderful New Year full of new adventures, loving relationships, and joy in the wonders of nature all around us.

Advent 4

A couple of ornaments from a train set I made a few years ago.  I like working with felt and sewing on the details.  The sequins give it a sparkle that's appreciated at this dark time of year.  We are having more stormy weather.  A few hours west of here has had significant ice, but we have been spared that so far - just snow and ice pellets.  However, we may get the freezing rain later today.
A good opportunity to do some more Christmas cookie baking.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King."

Charles Wesley, 1739

I hope you get a chance to watch "A Charlie Brown's Christmas" this year.  It's a must see at our house.

Frost

 We've had some pretty cold days (-25C) lately so we got a bit of frost on a couple of windows.

I always like the frost patterns.

Snowy Night

Shovel at the ready.
 Every evening, I go out to give my horse his last feed and water of the day.  At this time of year, it is, of course, dark.  It is so beautiful with the fresh snow, and the moonlight giving enough light that I don't even need a flashlight. 

 The porch light was making the fluffy snow on the railing sparkle .

 

 

 The moon will be full tomorrow.  Even with cloud cover, it was giving lots of light last night.  The falling snow shows up as streaks in the photo.

The trees are just enchanting.

Advent 3

We got more snow overnight, about 8", and we'll probably get a couple more inches today.
I guess we're in for a snowy winter.  The grandkids will be happy when they come down at
Christmas: wild sled rides with the uncles, perhaps a snow fort , hot chocolate with their special aunt.
Snow + kids= fun

O Little Town of Bethlehem

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in.

Phillips Brooks 1868

Art Show

Art Show in Morin Heights

Check out www.fancy.oldmediafestival.org for info. on an interesting art show
taking place in Morin Heights from De.13 -24 (except Mondays). Artists from Quebec and New York City-paintings, sculpture, prints, dresses.  Also goodies for sale.
A great excuse to take a drive in the beautiful snowy mountains.

Doll's Dress

I wanted to get our little granddaughter a doll for Christmas.  I was able to get a soft-bodied doll from
Mary Maxim and a pattern for a dress.  I like the expression on the doll's face, and she is nice and cuddly with her knitted dress and cloth body.

Fluffy Snow

 This morning we got a couple of inches of nice fluffy snow. 

  A blobby snow sculpture.

 A mouse might like to crawl under the snow-covered leaves and stay cozy.

 The flakes are quite spiky and transparent.

Cascading snowfall.

 A fashionable hat.

Cold elephant skin.

Advent 2

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer,
Our spirits by thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!

Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee,
O Israel!

Latin hymn c. 13th century

Advent

First Sunday of Advent

I know the first verse of lots of Christmas carols, but I'm pretty shaky on further verses.  This year,
I am going to pay more attention to verses 2 and beyond.

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Verse 2

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heav'nly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wings:
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

Edmund Sears, 1849

Another thought on Advent:  it is the beginning of Advent-ure.
Definition of adventure:  a bold and difficult undertaking involving unknown risks and danger.
                                         (Gage Canadian Dictionary)
A pretty good definition of the Christian life.  Good thing, we're not alone :)