West Webster Firefighters ......

Sheila's mantel

Today was the first or two funerals for the fallen firefighters from the Christmas Eve tragedy in Webster, NY. It's a day to say that our world is a better place as a result of them being here.

Thoughtfulness ..for West Webster Firefighters.

Have you followed the tragic story of the 2 West Webster fire fighters who were killed when responding to a house fire Christmas Eve day? And, that two other fire fighters are hospitalized, fighting to overcome their serious gun shot wounds. The Webster community is saddened; as it seems are the many people who have learned of this tragedy. Seven houses burned to the ground, lives lost, a community shaken and people wondering ..... why. 

 Very early Christmas Day I was shoveling my driveway and looked up at the sky .... while thinking about the impact to us who live in Webster; as well as, areas far and wide. Just a mere 3 miles away from where I was standing, is the plot of land  where people will visit and stand in silence ... wondering  .... why.

I thought about the sadness blanketing my community. I prayed that the light of the dawning sun would bring comfort .... or, something.

Behind me, over the area where this unbelievable event took place was black ... dark ....heavy.  I couldn't bring my finger to push the button to take the picture.

But, the sun continued to rise and the glow spread over me and to the west.

 I kept watching, and clicking ... and hoping.

 Please ..... just something to let the light of Christmas change things.

Hope, prayer, thoughts ........

There aren't answers.  Discoveries are made. Time passes. And, as that time passes, I become even more grateful to all the first responders everywhere. I have to find the positive ..... and maybe it's the awakening of awareness for what these individuals do for all of us. Although these are simple words ..... thank you ....

 Perhaps that is the  ... why.

Leftovers!

I love when I have time to just .... be creative!  The day began at the grocery store - nothing creative about that! But ....... putting the food away made me think about my dinner table for Christmas.  Hummm .... what to do about that situation?

Next thought ...... guess it's time to wander my yard.

So began the creative juices!  Into the house came the driftwood log from Lake Ontario (tucked away in the garage for just such a moment),  branches I trimmed off my pine trees, candles and candle holders from a little opened drawer .... and then a little bit of glorious sunshine!!!!

I'm ready!  After collecting all the "leftovers",  I'm ready for my family and friends!  I'm guessing that once those candles are dancing, it will become magical.  For, that is what a part of Christmas is about!

Helllooooooo!

What an incredible display of beauty, determination, creativity, and the desire to "wow" every car that drives by.  And, believe me, there are lots of cars driving by!

In the words of my granddaughter last night, "Nana, that's a helloooooo!".

A simple little box withstands the test of time.

This little box first entered my life sometime in the early 70s. I knew when it was first placed in my hand that it would always hold a special spirit ... a special warmth ... a special love .... to me.

                                                         Mom made this for me.

Even when Mom was alive, there was never a Christmas when this little box just snatched a part of my breath away as I readied it to be front and center on my tree.

And now, as she still glances down on me, that little box has even more meaning, her handwriting makes my eyes brim and the saying brings me a warmth that comes from deep within. What a wonderful gift she gave me!  I can see your smile and hear your laughter Mom!! What a great lady!

                   Oh yes, Happy Birthday from this week!!!

A little piece of Sarnac Lake on my tree!

 

Even love the words ......

 

.... a pine cone within the glass bulb.

And, one of my most favorite ornaments from my Mom and Dad.

I love that "she" hangs on my tree .... love and miss you both.

A simple picture .....

                                                                         .... says it all.

Such sadness .....

I never would have guessed when I took this picture that I would post it to honor the 20 small children who lost their lives today in Newtown, Connecticut.   There simply are no words.

Things gone by and things to come!

The ornamental grasses bid farewell with a puff and scattering of seeds.





And the now bare branches of the tree, share a glimpse of the buds just waiting for the longer days of spring and the warmth that falls on our shoulders with the dawning of the spring season.

It's all so amazing!

White Christmas or not ...

Webster, New York

If it would only snow!!  Come on Mother Nature, make this Christmas like it was 2 years ago.

I'm wishing .. and praying ..... for a white Christmas! So far, I'm being ignored! :(

A little bit of everything ....

Sometimes a vision jumps out at me. My fingers fumbled in my pocket, I searched for my iPhone, Buddy  sniffed every blade of grass he could find ...... and the vision remained. Is it lace? Is it the outline of veins in an organ? Or, is it the simplecomplexity of yet another example of the awesome work of nature? I just keep staring at it. So .... lovely.

Miniture trains and their quaint little towns ..

Display at the Garden Factory, Rochester,  NY

                                            .. are such a welcome addition to the holiday spirit!                 

The detail is amazing. And, each time I have the opportunity to experience a "set up", I start experiencing that little child's mind .... what is it that goes on in those buildings and on those trains.

I want to go on those trains.  I want to talk to the people. I want to walk down those streets. Perhaps it's a smattering of "fairy dust" or a little "Alice in Wonderland" .... but you have to admit, it's intriguing!

A little whimsical spirit ....

                                                   .... to  make you smile!

Rompin' Around the living room ...

........ it's a happy time of year!



Time to share some Christmas decorations.

Baby, it's cold out there!