tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66434213714274269902024-02-19T05:56:51.884-05:00In The Sunny SpotKaty Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-57387889242559381742017-09-16T13:14:00.000-04:002018-07-30T13:29:23.648-04:00Tiny Wild Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These are wild strawberries that bloom everywhere in June through the start of July - in the meadow out back - in my gardens - they're wild weeds!</blockquote>
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Life
in our home is so seriously not perfect! It's a bit battered and worn
and frayed around the edges and, yet... still beautiful and sweetly fruitful! Just like these strawberries, in fact. And that I'm sharing these in September simply proves my point. <br />
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Just keeping it real! ;)</blockquote>
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xo </div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-68260180256088853222017-03-12T13:43:00.001-04:002017-07-26T14:40:45.362-04:00Dear March!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Dear March — Come in —<br />
How glad I am —<br />
I hoped for you before —<br />
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Put down your Hat —<br />
You must have walked —<br />
How out of Breath you are —<br />
Dear March, Come right up the stairs with me —<br />
I have so much to tell —<br />
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I got your Letter, and the Birds —<br />
The Maples never knew that you were coming — till I called<br />
I declare — how Red their Faces grew —<br />
But March, forgive me — and<br />
All those Hills you left for me to Hue —<br />
There was no Purple suitable —<br />
You took it all with you —<br />
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Who knocks? That April.<br />
Lock the Door —<br />
I will not be pursued —<br />
He stayed away a Year to call<br />
When I am occupied —<br />
But trifles look so trivial<br />
As soon as you have come<br />
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That Blame is just as dear as Praise<br />
And Praise as mere as Blame —</span> </div>
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~ Emily Dickinson</div>
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(I always mean to stop and think about what that last bit means but, on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Perhaps another day - heigh ho. ;) )</div>
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I love March winds!! How about you? </div>
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Anyway! It wasn't but two days after my last post where I said that I was settled in for the long haul of winter that spring came. It came and settled in! The snow melted - the rivers were rushing - the sun was so warm, we barely needed sweaters - for two weeks it gently stayed with us and, then.... oh, hahahahaaa! Funny, Winter! Very funny! Just as I was thinking, "if spring wants to come a month and a half early, who am I to quibble?" Winter came back with a vengeance!! But I see mother nature's secret - there was a flock of robins on my lawn when I got home from church today...</div>
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-89309040234469758852017-02-16T12:58:00.000-05:002017-02-16T14:41:51.143-05:00Two thirds Midwinter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You know how we sing about being "in the bleak <b><i>mid</i></b>winter" at Christmas but winter has only just begun? Indeed, here in Vermont, it's oftentimes that the snow doesn't really begin to fall and stick in earnest until the end of December. It depends but, generally, for us, middle of February is the middle of snow season - the true Midwinter.</div>
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I heard, once, that Midwinter is around the time of the winter solstice because, in the ancient Celtic calendar, winter began on November first unlike our modern calendar when that is 'Midautumn'. </div>
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Anyhoo! We've had snow for most of December, this year, and winter is growing long. I, however, choose to not long for what I cannot have but to keep my heart in a place of gratitude for where I am, today! i.e. it's still winter and will be for some time; so, don't even talk to me about spring!!! (Though, I may buy tulips at the grocery store - it's part of the gratitude, you see. ;))</div>
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Winter is still so very beautiful! It's still wonderfully cozy and warm inside! Winter, to me, is a long meditation - an antidote to the busyness of the rest of the year - and I wouldn't want to rush it! </div>
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xo </div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-77859911258922897162016-11-05T12:45:00.000-04:002016-11-05T16:41:10.683-04:00Thars uh frost on the pumpkin doughnuts, tonigh'!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Thars frost on the pumpkin, tonight!"</div>
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...said no true native Vermonter - EVER!</div>
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It's a phrase that only 'out of staters' (a.k.a. 'Flatlanders') would use. (That would be my side of the family, we're talking about - every year - repeated several times - each...)</div>
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There <i><b>is</b></i> a Vermont accent, though, but before I go on, you first need to understand that to be considered a 'true' Vermonter, one's family line needs to go back, at least, three generations. For example, the king gave my husband's family their land; so, he's pretty safely considered a true Vermonter.</div>
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~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ </div>
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One time, Tom was taking me for a ride on a back road up into the hills of our little town. Our passage was considered a class four road; so, you can understand that we were really 'off roading' or 'four wheeling' on a wide path that was wending it's way through the hilly, woodsy landscape. The lane would jiggity-jog over and through the ruts and along the edge of rocky ravines and the reward was to be a beautiful waterfall hidden away for those few who knew about it.<br />
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We weren't three minutes off the highway, when we encountered a cow in the lane. Tom (having spent many summer's living in a cabin on the family farm) knew what to do. He climbed out of the truck and went out to chase the cow back through the gap in the fence that surrounded a tiny pasture scooped out of the trees and brush. It stays cold in the shady pockets of the hills that don't see much sun and there was a little farmhouse - smoke curling from the chimney - and an old timey farmer came out the front door to see what the ruckus was about. Well, they took care of the cow and, then, Tom and he proceeded to have a conversation that I couldn't understand at all - not one word! I recognized the accent and was surprised to hear how 'Canadian' the vowels sounded. I knew they were speaking English - but I had no translation for what the farmer said and could only catch bits of what my husband spoke.</div>
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I realized the treasure I was witnessing. An old farmer - Vermonter - lost in a hidden pocket of history.</div>
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Quite honestly, it was a very 'Brigadoon' experience!!</div>
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Well, they chatted on.... a while... a long, looooooong while.... </div>
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(If you're from here, you understand and you're chuckling, too.)</div>
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That was twenty years ago and that unique population is disappearing fast - if it hasn't dispersed, already, into thin air - like the wisp of smoke that was curling from the old farmer's chimney...</div>
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sigh. Ache! Anyhoo! </div>
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I've been working on a gluten free recipe for pumpkin pie doughnuts. I thought that these were an epic fail but, then, the next morning, discovered that they simply needed to sit over night. Light and fluffy and moist - these are a little bit of golden amber heaven!!</div>
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Happy International Doughnut Day!!</div>
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(I know... right?)</div>
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These take time but if you'd like the recipe, I'd be happy to share! Just let me know...<br />
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(Alright, I've had a request... I'll be back later to type it all up... =) )<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Heavy frost in our 'backyard'....</span></div>
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A little autumn, Appalachian music...<br />
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-70857421332245503242016-09-19T11:19:00.001-04:002016-11-08T08:31:12.496-05:00I don't know...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's just sort of a day like this and I wanted to reach out and share it...</div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-44970597996701920532016-09-05T19:14:00.000-04:002016-09-05T20:59:32.109-04:00Berry Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a wonderful summer - despite all of the renovations, but, alas, it ended. There must be lots of heart broken songs about this phenomenon - the end of summer blues - but I can't think of a one. The only thing that I am so glad to see the back of is the heat and humidity that came to stay through August! Fare the well! And don't come back! The very, very nicest thing about having cooler temperatures is that I can cook again!! The stone fruit and the berries have been beautifully delicious - perfectly ripe - all summer! </div>
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So, heigh ho! The boys are back to school again, tomorrow, after the long weekend and, Lliam, who graduated last year from high school has his first day of classes tomorrow at our local community college. We're kind of lucky to have him home for one more year before he goes off to wherever. (Art school is the plan!) Whether they're home or off at school, this time of year is so homey. We haven't gone into winter hibernation, yet. There seems to be just a little bit of mellow, outside festivity left in us and it's so nice to come back in to something sweet and sticky to eat! This cake was really tasty and had the most wonderful texture!! One could really sink their teeth into it - especially, after a night in the fridge - the flavors just settled in together. Really lovely!! It's a kind of lemony pound cake that is... gluten free! =) You can find the recipe <a href="http://www.cannellevanille.com/seasons/summer/blueberry-yogurt-cake-days-berry-picking/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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In the meantime, I've been considering going up to the power lines in the back 20 acres to see if there are any berries up there but.... there's been a bear in the neighborhood.... of course, I wouldn't see him. That would be just too coincidental but... there's a bear in the neighborhood.... hmmm! Maybe Tom will take me! :)<br />
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One last thing! On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, I will be guest hosting on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bellagracemagazine/" target="_blank">Bella Grace Magazine's instagram</a> page. If you could come by and say 'hi', that would be soooo encouraging!!! I'm slightly nervous/mostly in a creative hum. </div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-32935228978992735392016-08-20T22:11:00.002-04:002016-09-05T18:36:00.209-04:00Fresh Eggs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! I'm still here! I'm still around!<br />
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After several years of craziness and tough 'life', this year has been spent LIVING!<br />
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Our family has been doing beautifully well.</div>
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I've been cleaning house - both literally in this big old farmhouse and figuratively on the inside in my heart and mind. It's been a beautiful thing! It's been taking a lot of courage! There have been lots of ups and lots of failing and falling down. It has meant, though, that I've been living right on the edge of my energy reserves and, by the time I usually get to the computer, I'm "a bear of very little brain." (~Winnie the Pooh.) Not very conducive to blogging, alas, but I have been active on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katy_noelle/" target="_blank">instagram</a> where the thoughts come in shorter sound bites. ;)</div>
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One of the happy projects that I've been working on, this year, is cleaning out the last frontiers of messes and boxes from our move. (Yes, the one that happened eight years ago.) There was this one catchall room that I've been avoiding. Every time there's a project or a holiday, things would get stuffed in there until there was this impenetrable wall of boxes and mess. Well, we've been working on it since March and, yesterday, we finished cleaning it all the way out!!! We'll start patching nail holes and painting next week and here comes the breathless news.... it's going to be a photography studio for me!!! What a lucky girly I am!!!!</div>
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In other news, David has taken over the entire egg business which used to be shared between all three boys. He's been up in his room doing all sorts of calculations and has been excited to see that, since he took over four days ago, egg production has gone up to two dozen a day!! </div>
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It called for a photo op on these gorgeous old wood floors in my new 'studio'!! You can just see the old square nails, there. Now, the dilemma.... I had planned to paint the floors... and we do have more wood floors in other parts of the house like this... but these are just so gorgeous.... how can I even think of covering them up? Then, again, it's always been a dream to have those Swedish style, grey painted floors....</div>
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xo </div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-1616931967230270292016-07-04T12:54:00.000-04:002016-07-04T16:37:50.679-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i>"Give me your tired, your poor,</i></div>
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<i>Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, </i></div>
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<i>The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.</i></div>
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<i>Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:</i></div>
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<i>I lift my lamp beside the golden door."</i></div>
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~Emma Lazarus </div>
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A week and a half ago, I went to New York City with my mom, dad, sister and two of my guys (a.k.a. sons - Toby and David.) It was a short but very sweet and fun visit and for the first time - <i><b>finally</b></i> - I had a chance to see this beautiful lady with my own eyes. We took a clipper ship sail at sunset and that's how I got these pics but, actually, we took the subway down to Battery Park, got off the station, rounded the coast guard building and a fresh ocean breeze blew in my face and I saw her and...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I was moved to tears!!</i></span> </div>
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Happy Independence Day!!</div>
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xo</div>
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-19595348253202745562016-03-15T10:47:00.000-04:002016-03-15T15:43:03.426-04:00Aspet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had lived here, in Vermont, for almost 20 years and had often seen the sign for the turnoff to St. Gaudens National Historic Site. However, most often, I was on my way to take one of my epic, bi-monthly, grocery shopping trips and had no time for exploring or lollygagging around. Besides, though I LOVE living in Vermont - in the country - many, many museums and house tours aren't really to my taste. I think that I have more of a European aesthetic and the heavy, small time, country Victorian vibe just doesn't thrill me.</div>
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Eventually, however, two summers ago - in late August - I realized that, because of biopsies and operations, I hadn't been out of the house (except to go to the hospital or store) but once in seven months. In pure desperation and with a serious case of wanderlust, I went for a long explore and wound up, finally, at the home of Augustus St. Gaudens. The road was charming, the winding, small drive through the pine forest up to the house was secretive, the parking lot...? Well, I've seen larger vegetable gardens! I got out of my car and was presented with a very tall hedge and the glimpse of a house just beyond. </div>
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As I followed the path around the walkway and went through the hedge, I was not prepared for what I found. Something small but mighty! <br />
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As it turns out, if you have ever been to New York City, you know who Augustus St. Gaudens is. On the lower, East corner of The Park is a tremendous and <a href="http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/william-tecumseh-sherman.html" target="_blank">glorious statue</a> (now, newly regilded and shining gold) of a man - an officer - mounted on a noble steed - upright - being led by a glorious angel - a woman with hand outstretched - named 'Peace'. That is the work of this gifted sculptor of no little fame, influence and standing. One does not often find such an artist of international renown in the rural hills of Vermont/New Hampshire but, St. Gaudens loved his summer home - making it his permanent residence towards the end of his life. Born in Dublin, raised in NYC, studied in Paris and Rome - his home - especially, his gardens - have a resounding European sensibility. What's more, the soul of this man who was so encouraging and inspiring to other artists, still seems to reside here. Being the smallest National Park, it doesn't feel like it belongs to the state hardly at all. I don't quite know how to explain it but.... it feels 'real'. Like the voices of the artist and his family, friends and community are still echoing here. <br />
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What's more, it appears that this is the best kept secret ever! You will see that there are no people in my pictures. That's because, more often than not, when I go at the end of the day, I AM the only one there. Actually, I bought a season pass that allows me to stay on the grounds from dawn till dusk and, as any last wandering stragglers leave, the garden is mine! All mine!! My own secret place!!!<br />
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This place is a maze of hedge rooms and small gardens - patios and porches - courtyards - a beech allée - and a tremendous sweeping meadow carved out from the woods with glorious views - all wrapped in silence - all curving and winding and opening out into each other. </div>
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I've come to explore many times and am always discovering some other nook or corner. This time, I brought my oldest and youngest son with me. They brought their sketch books. We took a hike down to the watering hole where St. Gaudens and his workers would go on hot summer afternoons. The most astounding discovery, this time, however, was in a hedge, fronted with a row of fruit trees whose change I had often admired in the different seasons. After staring and appreciating so many times, how had I missed the archway leading to the cutting garden? It must be a secret garden - only opening up to those who wait for it long enough!</div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-42117948192532423312016-01-19T21:34:00.001-05:002016-03-15T14:05:48.430-04:00Smitten<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to confess to a great overwhelm as I've contemplated approaching this post. I have over a thousand pictures.... that's why I've put it off for so long but, finally, the story must be told!</div>
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It was last February.... One evening, when Lliam went out to the barn to feed the chickens, he found a surprise. In a box that we had made insulated and warm for the stray cats....</div>
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As it turned out, gray mama kitty did not appreciate us handling her kittens and, the next morning, when we came out, we discovered that she had moved them.</div>
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Then, one month later, the day before I was due to have another operation (silly, dang things, those operations!), Tom saw mama gray kitty moving her babies into the milk house. Tom opened the door and there they were. He scooped them up and brought them in and, instead of cooking dinners ahead and preparing for the next couple of days recuperating, I stared at and tried to tame wild, ferocious kittens.</div>
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<i>Hisss!</i> </div>
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<i>Hisss!!</i></div>
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<i>Hi...s....</i></div>
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<i>Zzzzzzzz....</i> </div>
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(it's hard work being fierce and ferocious, apparently!) </div>
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We very soon convinced them to bottle feed and to try a little bit of canned food...</div>
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(poor little hungry dears!)</div>
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...and, slowly, they learned to trust us.</div>
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Still, it was exhausting work, being cute...</div>
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and, finally, they began to call me 'Mommy'!</div>
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To be continued....<br />
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-36775977422026599022015-12-31T21:01:00.000-05:002015-12-31T21:49:32.884-05:00Each day is brand new...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."</div>
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Such a truly strange year. There is no way to relay to you where I've been or how it's been going with me. But, one thing I do know, hard as it was - scary, even, as it was sometimes - I am so very thankful for this past year - the good - the hard - the growth!!!</div>
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I have to confess, though, to be relieved to turn around after Christmas and to see, for the first time in ages and ages, <i><b>a blank page</b></i>! Oh, my goodness! I can do anything I want!! (Famous last words - I know! ;) ) So, though I don't usually hold with making resolutions, I do feel the need to come up with a direction. Haven't quite, yet, though.</div>
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and, so, there isn't any wisdom or any formed thoughts from this girly, tonight!<br />
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Just hope!! Expectancy!!</div>
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and, I thought I'd share a word that I found on Pinterest a while back...</div>
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Sophrosyne <i>n.</i> A healthy state of mind, characterized by self-control, moderation, and a deep awareness of one's true self, and resulting in true happiness.</blockquote>
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I'm laughing. Sounds like the ultimate resolution to me! :)<br />
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Wishing you all the best of New Years!!<br />
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:)<i></i></div>
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xo </div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-25645755463608537442015-12-25T01:35:00.002-05:002015-12-25T01:54:33.220-05:00Mild He Lays His Glory By!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:<br />
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Who, being in very nature God, Did not consider equality with God something to be grasped</div>
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but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness,</div>
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and, being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross."</div>
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Philippians 2:6-8 ~ the Bible </div>
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The mind boggles!<br />
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In a world where power seems to be money, opportunities, connections and military might, God had another plan....</div>
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to come to be with us, to walk with us, to relate with us, to save us...</div>
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and He came in the most ridiculously opposite way that any human would ever dream up...</div>
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in extreme frailty and vulnerability ...</div>
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because humbleness, love and truth are what God values... are what God is...<br />
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"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." ~ I Corinthians 1:5 <br />
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...and, in a funny little coincidence, that's how God asks us to come to Him...</div>
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Just plain and simple and real - in truth - no posturing...</div>
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He doesn't want us to come to Him when we're perfect and feel strong or extra good, but He wants us to come like children... on the most genuine and real level - with love and need!</div>
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I can do that!! Poor as I am, I can do that!!</div>
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<i><br /></i>
<i>In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,</i><br />
<i>Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;</i><br />
<i>Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,</i><br />
<i>In the bleak midwinter, long ago.</i><br />
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<i>Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;</i><br />
<i>Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.</i><br />
<i>In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed</i><br />
<i>The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.</i><br />
<i> </i></div>
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<i>Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,</i><br />
<i>a breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;</i><br />
<i>Enough for Him, whom angels fall down before,</i><br />
<i>The ox and ass and camel which adore.</i><br />
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<i>Angels and archangels may have gathered there,</i><br />
<i>Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;</i><br />
<i>But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,</i><br />
<i>Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.</i><br />
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<i>What can I give Him, poor as I am?</i><br />
<i>If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;</i><br />
<i>If I were a wise man, I would do my part;</i><br />
<i>Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.</i><br />
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Wishing you the happiest of Christmas celebrations!!!<br />
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xo<br />
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-39545930126310852932015-12-23T21:52:00.000-05:002015-12-23T22:19:52.588-05:00Twas the night before the night before Christmas....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Goodness! Here we are already! On the eve of Christmas Eve!<br />
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I'm so happy!! It's here for the shortest blip in time but precious and magic!<br />
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But I'm still keeping it all in perspective. This year's Christmas has been a sea change for me!<br />
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I have, indeed, been absent for two days of my advent challenge. This is because we had a <i>very</i> small and mellow gathering to celebrate my parents' 50th anniversary which was on the eighteenth.<br />
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So! I suppose we could say that the word for today is definitely <i><b>Love!</b></i><br />
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Could anything be more appropriate at this time of year? ;)<br />
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My parents took us out to Burdick's restaurant which was sparkling and festive. Then, the Christmas Vespers service at our church was this past Sunday evening and it was beautiful!! and, then, we had the tiny party for my parents on Tuesday. I'm so glad that I tuned my piano!! we sang carols and it was so uplifting and warm! and, then, <i>this</i> evening, we hosted the boy scout's Christmas party. (My husband is the troop leader.) My goodness! The belly laughter emanating from the other room, tonight.... :)<br />
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So, this evening, I'm opening up our 'family album' and showing you some pictures from Burdick's (I'm not very talented with my phone camera - sorry!) and from the party, yesterday evening. The rest of the pictures were from this beautifully foggy morning!!! (This foggy morning was the calm after the storm - both literally and figuratively, though, now the rain is pattering soothingly away outside, again!)<br />
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And, you may notice... one reason that I might possibly love Christmas so much is because my dad is Santa, himself! ;)<br />
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-74127771843088850372015-12-20T22:10:00.001-05:002015-12-21T07:07:37.917-05:00Tiny Tim!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the first year that the boys haven't done an advent calendar in the evening with me. (They're just too old, I guess.) We used to read from a darling <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Advent-Storybook-Antonie-Schneider/dp/0735819637/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450664653&sr=8-2&keywords=advent+book" target="_blank">book</a> (translated from the German) about a little bear on a journey to follow a bright star he's seen. On the way, he meets all sorts of characters ~ he meets a blind man, a giant, a man in red, a thief, a lamb.... all finding their way, one way or another, to where the star is leading them which is, of course, the manger on Christmas Eve. Then, we would open a door in an advent calendar <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/90283167505740912/" target="_blank">(This one</a> was my favorite and we would use it almost every year.) Each door would open and we would find something very, very simple - a candy cane, a little musical instrument, a Christmas Tree, an angel - and each tiny illustration would be so exquisite and magical!! Just magical! And, here, I couldn't tell you why it was so absolutely enthralling to open those little doors but, I do know that part of the charm was with how miniature each item was.</div>
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I get that same magical feeling from my mom's miniature doll house, from snow globes and from the drawings around an illustration by Tasha Tudor. Somehow, how tiny they are holds a certain magic and amazement for me!</div>
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I was talking with a friend at church, this morning, and she's been thinking the same thing that I have... "how has it come to this?" We've been thinking about Dicken's <i><b>Christmas Carol</b></i> and considering how different and contained the holiday seems to have been then as opposed to now! Well, it's easy to look back on 'olden days' and think it was all simple and innocent but if we think that about Dicken's London, then, we weren't paying attention at all. But, I think that you can get what I'm driving at about a simpler, more contained Christmas</div>
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And this is the point where I wonder if anyone's visiting this blog and, if they are, are they even reading along. ;) I wonder if I sound like I'm a special basket case to be talking about 'surviving Christmas' so much? I spoke about Santa, yesterday, and the big piece of the whole experience that I left out was 'taming Santa'. It was a challenge to keep Santa in his place and the meaning of the true reason we celebrate Christmas as the main focus. In short, I had to shrink Santa! :D</div>
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(And, no! This is not the part where I talk about a special shrink gun that my husband invented.)</div>
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So, yes! The point is, I am taking out a whip and taming this Christmas thing in the one place that I can control it - my heart and my mind! I'm turning Christmas into miniature! and if you need it, I have, indeed, invented a shrink gun which I am now going to demonstrate for you!</div>
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Behold, out of proportion expectations and emotions running high over who knows what little petty issue.</div>
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Now! I turn on the shrink ray and let it warm up and, then.......</div>
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ZAP!!!!</div>
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Of all the painful things happening in the world (and I've erased my list - it's too heartbreaking and you know it well!), arguing over the petty things is a crime!! But I don't want to belittle YOU or your struggles - they're real!! This is why we need help and comfort and that is why we so desperately need to celebrate...</div>
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the light that came - has come - is here in the world!</div>
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The rest is tiny in comparison, eh?</div>
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Am I getting preachy? I don't know! I'm
so tired at the moment and have had a weekend that I didn't expect -
with its highs and lows!</div>
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I'm
going to bed and, perhaps, finally, tomorrow I'll get around to writing
something light and easy about figgy pudding. (which I've never had. Is
it good?)</div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-37635385622789241292015-12-20T01:01:00.000-05:002015-12-20T08:06:14.422-05:00Better watch out!<div style="text-align: center;">
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My mom tells the story of my Nana when she was little. They lived in a large gingerbread house (i.e. Victorian - not to eat! ;)) in New York, at the beginning of the last century. They had servants and, on Christmas Eve, the maid would go up into the attic and roll walnuts across the floor. Then, there would be a to-do and they would hurry my Nana to bed because they could hear Santa's reindeer up on the rooftop and Santa, you know, won't leave presents until little girls and boys are asleep in their beds!</div>
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I
do tread with care, at this point! Over the years, I've had so many
discussions with other moms about whether they 'do' Santa or not. It
started with my first wee babbie and continues to this day. I guess
parents are passionate about it because, talking with them often feels an awful lot like
those golden days of yore when we discussed with fervor whether to use
cloth or disposable diapers and, even more desperately importantly - to
bottle or breastfeed our babies. Such heated discussions - goodness!
Both sides of the issues were so sure that the others would lead to no
good and, yet, here we all are! ;) Dare I say it? I think what really
mattered was that we were parents who cared so much and raised our
children with conviction, thought and care. </div>
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This
mom felt passionate that Santa was the biggest and bestest pretend
EVUH! and, thus, we waited with great anticipation in our home!! Such
good times! Whenever my boys asked if he was real, I would tell them,
"there is no Santa but, once upon a time, there was a beautiful man - a
bishop in the days of Rome - and he was a badass Ninja Christian good
guy named Nicholas...." Then, I would say, "Santa isn't real but you can
believe if you want to." Their faces would cloud over for a moment,
then, clear up and off they would go on their merry way - believing!
Then, when that sad day finally came and they heard what I said and they
saw it as an adult, I would say to them, "now, you're in on the secret!
Now, it is your turn to help me with the pretend. It is a sacred duty!"
And they would throw themselves into it with gusto.</div>
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Garsh! I miss having little guys!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pL-uzPXpsZQsuVS6fIPvEAq-cU4nBrPoUcE_wzXYh1-z1-rJOjzVi05mLgkXtRtRQFS_NBJVsGPtyHFr9MWVTZJ-ItZux9n5J7OTtQjuq5ZwN7_6rlz7fFmqW0XdOf-6vY8PQLgEXxcC/s1600/Katy+Noelle+Photography-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pL-uzPXpsZQsuVS6fIPvEAq-cU4nBrPoUcE_wzXYh1-z1-rJOjzVi05mLgkXtRtRQFS_NBJVsGPtyHFr9MWVTZJ-ItZux9n5J7OTtQjuq5ZwN7_6rlz7fFmqW0XdOf-6vY8PQLgEXxcC/s1600/Katy+Noelle+Photography-5.jpg" /></a> <br />
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I don't know if I have any grand thoughts about all of this. I just think about children and the wonder and amazement they feel. I can be such a grouch - so worried - so 'laden with adult cares' but I need a part of me - like, most of me - to stay trusting, innocent, unjaded - believing!<br />
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I feel a Christmas resolution coming on. ;)<br />
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I resolve to be more <i><b>Childlike</b></i>, this Christmas!<br />
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(I think that the reborn Ebenezer Scrooge would approve! :)<br />
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It draws near! There's nothing like the anticipation of the days leading up to Christmas!!<br />
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<3 <br />
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xo<br />
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-91879009126881250512015-12-18T23:52:00.003-05:002015-12-19T00:09:50.518-05:00Make a Wish!<div style="text-align: center;">
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There's this great Irish Christmas song (i.e. modern folk) and the lyrics go something like:</div>
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If you need your silence, if you need to pray,</div>
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thinking of others that you [mumble ;)] today...</div>
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There's rain on the window, there's beer on the shelf, </div>
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<i><b>We wish you the Christmas that you wish yourself!</b></i></div>
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<i><b>(</b></i>I think it's a Pub song! ;))</div>
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(...and I may have made a few of those lyrics up - I can never quite catch it all. ;))</div>
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<i>ANY</i>way....<br />
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I tuned my piano, this week. I finished tonight and just spent an hour playing. It's been a year since it's been even close to being playable. Tom and I were both moved - it feels like the house is coming alive again or something. Point being, we hadn't realized how much we missed it!<br />
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A week ago, when I said to a friend, "I'm never going to make it!" (To Christmas... ) They said, "what's most important to you?" Then, they made me, actually, verbally prioritize and talk it out. I had to let something go to the bottom of the pile and that was both hard <i>and</i> a relief. But, more than that, it was an epiphany to realize what kind of Christmas I <i>really</i> wish myself.</div>
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What I want for Christmas, this year, is to Pray! Love my family! Be creative! Wash the windows! (little by little... ;) ) and I really wished (though I didn't think it would happen) that I could tune my piano! This is what's important to me, this year.</div>
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To 'make my priorities' sounds so simple but, this wasn't just making the list of what I'm<i><b> 'supposed'</b></i> to do - it was listening to my heart and letting go of expectations! I've never quite made priorities like that before.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thing is, it HAS made what I'm doing clearer and much more <i><b>simple!</b></i></span><br />
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So, even though I'm decorating and cleaning and working hard (but with a will!), everything seems much simpler.<i><b> </b></i></div>
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Could this be? Can one decorate and enjoy Christmas and, yet, still keep it simple?<br />
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I'll keep you posted! ;)<br />
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But, I do wonder... what do <i>you</i> need this Christmas? To sleep and rest? To save some money? To spend quality family time? To go to a concert? A new camera or lens? (Wait, no! That's not the kind of need I'm talking about! ;))<br />
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Well, my dear friends, I don't really need to know but I truly <i><b>do</b></i> wish you the Christmas that you wish yourself!!! <3<br />
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In the meantime, we're enjoying...<br />
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<i>Kitty's First Christmas...</i></div>
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Both Puff and Smoke Got VERY excited when I came in to finish decorating the family room tree. It was so funny! They were like my three boys on a Christmas induced, sugar enhanced, hyper-excited fever pitch... times THREE! They raced around, went in and out of the boxes and checked out every single thing I did. They, especially, liked the part where they helped me<i><b> un</b></i>decorate the tree. :P<br />
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Apparently, our kitties love Christmas as much as the rest of us do!<br />
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They even helped us open and read our Christmas cards! Talk about getting into the spirit of things...<br />
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-79770875582659130882015-12-17T20:58:00.000-05:002015-12-18T08:25:42.262-05:00Ding Dong Merrily On High!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's so warm, this year! So warm that it doesn't feel like a Vermont December - it feels just like Christmas in California, where I grew up! It's been raining, today, too, and it's funny how little things like that can spur memories and old, old feelings that we may have not thought or felt in a very long time. I was listening to a favorite CD (celtic harp) and stringing white lights on my ridiculously fat Christmas tree and felt like I was back in high school - and very cheery and light, at that! </div>
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It made me think of so many things.... especially times spent during the holidays with my mom and my sister (and Betty! :) ) It took me right back to special and very magical traditions and adventures that we would have every year.</div>
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The memory that came most strongly to me, though, was the night that our family drove home in the rain from the Christmas Eve candlelit service at our church. That year, at midnight, our local public radio station was broadcasting <i>live</i> the church bells pealing in Europe where it was Christmas morning. We just don't have bells like that, here, in the States. I had never ever heard anything so thrilling and joyous and heart burstingly happy. It was quite magic!!!! I had never realized before but knew, then, why there are so many carols that mention them!!</div>
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There's just something about the sound of bells - gargantuan ones or small sleigh bells - that makes a heart glad!</div>
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So! My word for the day is<span style="font-size: large;"> <i><b>JOY!</b></i></span> </div>
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Well! The big, lone church bell that I have access to is down in town and too much bother to get to; so, instead, I took pictures of a church with a bell tower and you can imagine the rest! ;)</div>
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One other thing! In high school, I was in a hand bell choir at my church! An amazing experience!</div>
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Do you know the Raleigh Ringers? If you're taking a break or have time or just want a little Christmas beauty, here's a Christmas concert of theirs. My favorite song is at 4:36ish. Oh! DO listen!!! Even if it's just to the beginning of 4:36ish - get a bit of ringing bells into your heart! :)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jAZNemlsFGg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jAZNemlsFGg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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(45:15 is the other one of my absolute favorites!!! ;))</div>
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xo </div>
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P.S. If you've never heard church bells pealing before, here's a funny little video of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q47IvPps2ZA" target="_blank">Bells Of Dublin</a> that has good sound and gives the general idea. ;)</div>
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-74541811906744736352015-12-16T22:10:00.000-05:002015-12-17T13:46:55.348-05:00Mary!<div style="text-align: center;">
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"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."<br />
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And Mary said:</div>
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"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,</div>
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for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.</div>
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From now on all generations will call me blessed,</div>
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for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name,</div>
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His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.</div>
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He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;</div>
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he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.</div>
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He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.</div>
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He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.</div>
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He has helped his servant Israel,</div>
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remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever even as he said to our fathers."</div>
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I'm out there on a limb with my heart, today...<br />
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The Christmas Story is a story full of weakness, of complications and, quite a bit, of absolutely frightening situations. Mary and Joseph faced it with a lot of 'can do', 'make do' coping - all while knowing that they had the very Son of God - in a very tender and helpless state - in their care.<br />
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No pressure!<br />
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Not worrying about Joseph, at the moment, but thinking about Mary...<br />
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I think it is so easy, when looking at those beautiful Renaissance Madonnas and hearing about how 'Mary meekly bowed her head' and acquiesced, to receive the message that Mary was really in a perfectly peaceful, 'float through it all', 'it's no hardship at all to do good' state. I mean, whether we really think that or not - the idea is out there.<br />
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I just know that, for me, there's this little bit of fluff in the back of my mind that has been told that she was one of those 'have it all together', perfect girls. I could almost believe (from those paintings) that she was perfectly pretty and always spoke exactly the right thing in a 'saintly' voice. Not that I really think this or that it's ever led me to resent her in any way.... of course not! It's just... who is like that in reality? I know that I will never ever be that good or perfect. That's just a fairytale!</div>
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But I've been thinking recently, "Mary was real!" (I mean, I <i>knew</i> that already! ;) ) ...but, lately, I've been thinking about it in a fresh way.<br />
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Was she the most lady-like woman ever? I mean, did she drink her tea with her pinky up? She was a peasant!! And almost a child, herself! We see her so often depicted in royal, satin robes with the prettiest and most serene face ever and I think that is an accurate depiction of her spiritual situation and her inner heart. However, what if her face was plain? What if she had a funny, odd - even loud - laugh?<br />
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One thing I know for sure - her life was NOT perfectly easy!<br />
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And, whatever her personality type - whatever Mary was like on the outside, what we know for sure is that her quietness was a state of HEART. Her <i>spirit</i> was quiet because she was humble - yielded. She was chilled out because she loved God and completely trusted <b>Him</b>! </div>
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and...</div>
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I have been SO tongue-tied trying to get to the heart of what I really want to say here but, in a nutshell, it's this:<br />
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<span class="_5yl5">Quietness is a state of letting God be God and letting us be us trusting in God. It's not about us being all strong and perfect. It's about GOD being all strong and perfect.</span></h2>
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So! <br />
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Perspective and trust in God - that's where Mary's quiet 'okay, God!" came from. But it doesn't mean it was all easy.<br />
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Then, this dear heart burst into adoration and love for her God. She said "My soul, my very heart, my deepest depths - magnify and praise you to the skies! I adore you with all my heart - my Lord, Father, God, Savior! and my face beams with happiness - my heart bursts with utter joy - my spirit rejoices in you, my God, whose works and ways are like no one else because you <u>are</u> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>GOD</b></span>, my Savior!</div>
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I was thinking that my word for the day was 'humble' but, really, I think that it is <i><b>weakness</b></i>! Because it's when we're blown apart and trusting God with the 1% of strength we have left in us that we are the most humble, the strongest and the most tenderly beautiful. <b><i>Weakness</i></b> is beautiful!</div>
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Just look at this precious Christmas story! It's in every line!<br />
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xo<br />
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-4415575992741843142015-12-15T20:29:00.001-05:002015-12-17T07:46:10.971-05:00Pine Pitch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So! Perhaps you will remember that <a href="http://inthesunnyspot1.blogspot.com/2015/12/provision.html" target="_blank">day number two</a>'s word was <i><b>provision</b></i>! And, then, after I had decided on the word, I found out that we were in some very serious need of. Well, a major provision DID come through (THANK GOODNESS!!) and, this afternoon, I needed to take an unplanned trip up to Rutland town with Tom to sign papers and pick it up. ;) So, I've already written another post for today but got back too late to take pictures and, anyway, I need to move on and get something else done with the family and for my home today.</div>
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So!</div>
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This evening, we are decorating our trees and I think that the perfect word for today is: <i><b>PINE PITCH</b></i>! Don't ask me why in the world <i>that</i> came to mind! :P ;)</div>
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Till tomorrow! :)</div>
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xo</div>
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Falalalalaaaaa lalalaLA! :)</div>
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-66241534586320335382015-12-14T22:53:00.001-05:002015-12-17T07:42:52.889-05:00Three French Hens!<div style="text-align: center;">
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This little advent project was conceived as just an easy, soul feeding escapade. A little joy, for me, at Christmas time and, then, who knows? Perhaps someone would read it and it would make them smile or encourage them or something. It was all going well until yesterday. Yesterday, I had an idea that set off fireworks in my creative spirit. Suddenly, I was making grand and complicated plans for a photo shoot, etc. Actually, I guess, this project has primed the pump and I have all sorts of lovely ideas flowing. Feeling overwhelmed, I punted with a 'simple' idea that I had when I first started, to photograph those pretty and festive doors. Then, today came and I had a good ol' think.<br />
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Thing is, I'm not going to make it.<br />
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I mean, I'm not going to get everything done that I want to do before Christmas. I never do. I've been trying to keep things simple but, I realized, today, there's that piece of perfectionism in me that is so sneaky and can so easily take over my heart and mind.<br />
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So, it is determined! Instead of giving sway to decisions that wipe me out and take over my life, I am going to live <i><b>Practically</b></i> and by <i><b>Priorities</b></i>! Isn't this something that we're always supposed to be doing? But isn't it so easy to get turned around at this time of year? Well, it's hard to explain but I've let go of something inside of me that shouldn't have been there and am just going to live! Nothing is the end of the world - <i>really! </i></div>
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Anyhoo! This gave me the freedom to punt, once again, with an idea that's kept coming to me. A simple idea! Photograph the hens that are constantly pecking around in my garden right outside my window! They can be 'three French hens'!! Trouble is! Are any of them French?<br />
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So I went outside and asked,<br />
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"Pardonez! Excusez moi! Il y a une poule parmi vous qui parle francais?"<br />
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I'm not quite sure what they said but...<br />
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they sounded a lot like what I imagine French hens would sound like. Just not sure about the accent....<br />
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In any case....<br />
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...look at those fluffy petticoats!! They must be french!<br />
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P.S. For those of you 'in the know'... yes! Those are green eggs! ;)</div>
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-20652700541016060982015-12-13T22:47:00.000-05:002015-12-17T07:43:23.921-05:00Windows all aglow....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know that the reason that the pineapple is a symbol for <i><b>hospitality</b></i> is because, in Colonial Days, when a ship's captain would return from exotic climes, there would be a pineapple placed on his fence post and that would mean that, within the week, there would be a grand party to welcome him home? </div>
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What a magical time Christmas is! I mean - truly! The lights - the decorations - the way our homes are warmer and more welcoming than any other time of the year. The festive wreaths on every door, the glimpses of twinkling lights, the candles in the windows.... they speak of such a generosity of spirit - of such hospitality inside! Honestly! They make me want to say, "God bless us - each and every one of us!" ;)</div>
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Well. They do...!!</div>
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It's just the most wonderful time of the year!! =)</div>
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The pictures are from around my little New England town...</div>
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-91034658430830353862015-12-12T20:20:00.000-05:002015-12-17T07:44:05.091-05:00Hark! the Herald Angels Sing!<div style="text-align: center;">
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For the past few years, I've felt a mounting concern that I've just heard and sung Christmas Carols far too many times to take them in any more. I can remember when, back in my teens, I memorized all the verses of all of the carols. It wasn't hard. I grew up in a church that had an amazingly rich and beautiful music program and singing in, at <i>least</i>, 3-4 choir concerts in December was quite normal for me. We sang those carols a lot!<br />
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But, it wasn't just memorizing the carols that meant so much to me, they really, truly are my favorite hymns. The words get to the very heart of what life is all about for <i>me</i> - "Emmanuel" or...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">..."God with us!"</span></div>
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Anyway! That's how this whole holiday got started!! (Just ask St. Nick! He'll tell you!!)</div>
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The Carols contain the most astounding and deep phrases and, today, the old familiar Carol that caught my heart afresh was,<i> Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! </i>The phrase that made me go get the carol to read it was<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Risen with <b>healing</b> in His wings!" </i></span></div>
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Just to have someone in my life who sees and knows the depths of me - including the not so stellar moments and all of the yuck - and to have them wipe it away and be nonplussed by it - giving me an eternal fresh start! Someone who always expects and knows the best of me - just to have that One who absolutely delights in me - believes in me - thinks that I am of inestimable worth... how could a person not be healed and whole in such a safe and loved place?!</div>
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So, my word for the day is <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>healing!</b></i></span><i><b> </b></i><br />
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I feel it!<i><b></b></i><br />
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But my picture is of an angel. ;) The angel is from the Coalport Nativity set that my mom so thoughtfully got us when Tom and I were first married. And, yes! She's missing her thumbs. It was a 'too much candy cane, sugar-high, ball wielding' child's accident from years ago! I've got them safe somewhere so that, someday, I can have them reattached and my angel, too, will be.... ;)<br />
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-64814375113075102062015-12-11T12:59:00.002-05:002015-12-17T07:45:03.083-05:00Nur Ar Det Jul Igen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Somehow, it just doesn't feel like Christmas-time, yet, this year. I'm not sure if it's because I missed Halloween and it's made everything feel 'off' and unreal since then or, perhaps, it's the unusually warm weather we're having. I just know that I've been given a second chance in life and am washing windows like a fiend but... I don't have any Christmas decorations up, yet. </div>
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I think one of the problems is that, this year, we skipped a<i><b> tradition</b></i> that we started about 15 years ago. Back in those days, Grandma lived in Massachusetts (about two hours away) and, by the time the Thanksgiving feast was over, we would bundle our young, overtired boys into the car and set off in the dark for the long drive home. We would put on Garrison Keillor's Christmas CD, <i>Now It Is Christmas Again, </i>and look at the beautiful Christmas lights. Now, Grandma lives next door; so - no drive!</div>
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I've been waiting for a moment when the whole family is hanging out to put it on but that just isn't happening; so, I put it on for myself, today, and the first strains began and....</div>
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....<i>I cried!</i></div>
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(and, here, I'm wanting to share it so that you can hear the first bit but, sometimes there's an ad - sometimes, not - but it's only 5 seconds if you do get it! On the other hand... the commercial they've got going, this evening is ummmm... er.... sigh. ;) )</div>
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So, the word for today is <i><b>tradition</b></i>.</div>
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We wouldn't know where we are or what time it is without them!</div>
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Anyway, what a funny coincidence! Those few lines, translated, are 'Now it is Yuletide again!'</div>
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Finally!!</div>
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If you have time, I would so love to hear any of your traditions that you enjoy at this time of year!!</div>
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xo<br />
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*The song is a Danish Christmas Carol. The picture is of my great grandparents in Denmark with some of my Grandpa's younger siblings. (In all, there were 22 of them! ;) ) I've noticed, the song gets my dad all choked up and teary eyed, too! ;)</div>
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-54261670976857296992015-12-10T19:18:00.002-05:002015-12-17T07:45:30.949-05:00Provision!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know that old adage that one should never speak about money, politics or religion (at the dinner table, anyway) but, oh, how many wonderful stories get lost because of it. Well, really, I'm talking about the money part. You see, so many of us who live in Vermont live here for the lifestyle and not the stellar economy. I know what it's like to have plenty and to be in want (to borrow a phrase ;) ) but, really, even when I'm white knuckling it through the grocery store, I.am.SO blessed!!!! We are so rich!!<br />
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And, so it is that, today, as I was thinking about what word and what picture to share, the word <b><i>provision</i></b> came so strongly to me over and over and OVER again. Therefore, I am going to share a picture that is similar to yesterday's but, this time, I'll focus on our Christmas tree.</div>
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The story goes like this:<br />
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A friend of ours called to say that they had bought a Christmas tree for their daughter but she said she would prefer a smaller tree, this year. They thought of us and would we like to have this Christmas tree as a gift? We wonder every single year how we are going to afford our <b>two</b> trees and we have so many amazing and precious stories about how they come to us! ;) (and, before you suggest it - NO! We can't just have one. ;) ) </div>
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Well, Tom went to get the tree and the truth came out. This tree had been by the side of the road for two days. On the third, it was decided that it was fair game - none of the other neighbors wanted it and, so, it was claimed and offered to us. It's beautiful! It's perfect! It's our roadkill Christmas Tree! :)</div>
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The truly amazing thing is, I would rather have shared something, today, that was different from yesterday's pictures but the word 'PROVISION' really just kept coming so strongly to mind. Then, we got some, er, challenging news.....<br />
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God is so kind and compassionate! He's got it covered and He'll provide! He made sure I knew it before!! I just can't even begin to explain the peace and gratitude...</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The wood the boys stacked, yesterday...</span></i><br />
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<br />Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6643421371427426990.post-10046325945390066472015-12-09T19:07:00.002-05:002015-12-17T07:45:59.232-05:00Advent!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been such a fast and furious three years and, quite suddenly, I find myself with time. I've taken extra expectations off of myself for Christmas, this year. It's just time to nurture myself and my family - to pray and make home! I'm so happy and relieved, I could cry!<br />
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I've been thinking... I'd like to take pictures for me - just me! My heart needs it and, the simple pleasures that I see around me are so beautiful, that I thought that perhaps I could start a little two week thankfulness Blogging Advent project. We'll see if I can stay the course. ;)</div>
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Today, what I've seen is wood! We've got the big stacks of wood all squirreled away in the big shed but we're still working on stacking wood for the family room stove. Therefore, I think a good word for the day is 'warmth' and that is just perfect considering that my heart is humming, these days, with a desire to make my home warm - not just temperature wise but... it seems that it's me - mom - who makes Christmas special and I have a heart to serve and bless my family!<br />
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Wishing you and yours much warmth in this holiday time, too! :)</div>
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Katy Noellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08972227249393814417noreply@blogger.com3