Longings

Remember when you were happy and carefree all the time? When you had no idea what "looking good" really meant? When choosing an outfit was easy no matter your weight or shape?

Do you remember how when you were a child you lived in a world you fully and totally trusted, a world where there was no room for failures or mistakes? Remember when a painful scratch was made better by a hug and a kiss? Remember how easy it was to switch from tears to laughter?


Oh, how I long for that lost world...

"Little Bee", a novel by Chris Cleave.

I suppose we all have our own personal ways to chose the books we read. Older books call me, not necessarily "classics" but just older, off the beaten path.  This preference of mine could make me feel quite lonely in the sense that no one I know has heard about any of the writers I mention.

I am constantly prowling flea markets, garage sales, and charity shops in search of something that catches my eye. I first look at the cover (yes, I know, one should never judge a book by it's cover, but who really listens to good advise?) then open the first page and read the first few words. I'd know right there and then whether or not I'll take it home with me.  It's almost like love at first sight, a connection, a chemistry. 

In my searches I also find that in addition to the cover and the first few words, the size of the book plays a role. I absolutely love small books that are easy to carry and rest on my chest and "still my heart."  

A couple of days ago I visited our local library and just as I was passing the "newer book section" I spotted "Little Bee." The bright yellow cover caught my eye and so did the very first words.

This story is totally different from my usual preference because when I read I want to escape. I don't want to be reminded of reality, per say and yet, this writer managed to turn harsh, mundane daily living issues into sheer poetry. I finished the book last night and there were tears in my eyes. The feelings of sadness and joy have lingered all day long...

It seems almost appropriate that chance made me pick this book at precisely this time of the year when we are getting ready to sit at the table with loved ones and give thanks for all we have, and try and forget all that we don't have.  I hope to hold on to the message I found in "Little Bee" not only on Thanksgiving Day, but everyday.

It was 30 years ago today...

It's our wedding anniversary. No elaborate plans have been made. We are not big on birthdays or holidays in general, however, I can say that after 30 years of marriage I still leave and find silly romantic notes on the kitchen counter, just because. I still get flowers for no reason at all. We still enjoy to spend our evenings together watching a movie, just the two of us.  These habits are perplexing to our son who swears we are "weird" LOL.

We may be weird but we are happy. It's been quite a journey, full of  many obstacles and triumphs.  My only wish is that God keeps us together and allows us to continue down the road for many more years. Tonight we'll raise our glasses and say: "Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be."


Note- Photo from Weheartit.com

Tiny treasures

My daughter is a "list maker" kind of girl. Unlike her mother, she actually follows the lists she makes, while I, well, I forget to read them, never mind follow them :) Anyway, she wanted to start her holiday shopping early so we went to our most favorite store: Anthropology. Visiting that place is entering a magical, incredible world. I actually feel overwhelmed by all there is to see. So, there we were, trying to stay focused when I spotted the most incredible salt & pepper shakers tucked away in a corner inside a beautiful cabinet! Regardles the fact that I do not need another set, once they were in my hand, I HAD to get them!

Then, to make my day even more special, I discovered what I believe is, a condiment set!

 I was mesmerized by the spoon.

Having breakfast this morning made me feel like I was Alice in Wonderland. How fun it was to spread marmalade on the muffin as my dear husband smiled shaking his head!

I seem to be drawn to tiny treasures and they abound throughout my home.  Inside cabinets...

On the side server...

Hanging from lamps...

On chairs...

Atop a candle...

This coming season has a certain "pull" that makes people want to go above and beyond, to be extravagant and "large." It's an effort that makes us tired and stressed. An effort that does not allow us to truly enjoy and capture what it all really means. I say, I'm keeping my holidays simple. I will give gifts with meaning instead of a pricey tag, I will not be pulled into this insane competition. Hopefully, the tiny treasures I'll give to those I hold dear will bring them the same joy they bring me.

May you  always find beauty in small things...