...oh Christmas Tree?

Did you know that the tradition of setting up a Christmas Tree began in 16th Century Germany? An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. I was a mere tot in the 16th Century and remember wanting to place a Barbie Doll atop it. Says books now, doesn't it! I actually use blue and silver ornaments on my tree along with black and red so I mix pretty much every cultures celebratory colors onto it. But no Barbies. If you are going to do a live tree this year, get one that you can plant. Dig a hole now and in the Spring you can give it back to nature, not into a wood chipper.

"It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go."
Jim Rohn

...giving thanks

How am I thankful?

Let me count the ways.

Having all my senses,

to know of rainy days.

Hot running water,

to greet me every morn,

Food at the table,

clothes not ripped or torn.

Friends all around me,

wish I had more time,

to spend with each one of them,

make sure they know they're prime.

4 legged housemates who smile thru thick and thin,

A job that is challenging no matter lose or win.

A home, a safe haven,

a soul to feel the light.

A heart, strong and sensitive,

but wise in knowing right.

On this day of thanks, I wish for everyone,

this list of what I'm thankful for.

Throw vodka in for fun.

On this day in 1984 36 top musicians gathered in a Notting Hill studio and recorded Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas" in order to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.
"Re-examine all that you have been told... dismiss that which insults your soul."
Walt Whitman

...operation Christmas Child

KK said it best. Of course, I haven't bought shoes in a while but a shoe sized box was more than acceptable. I will provide the link. Give. It feels good. Walk a mile in their shoes. Peace, love and abundance for everyone. On this day in 1993 in Liverpool, 11-year-olds Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were convicted of the murder of 2-year-old James Bulger. Pray for everyone and bless the beasts and children. Say Hi to SKK high ( I hope) in the red mountains and MELB in Ireland, providing direction and guidance.

"Life is something to do when you can't get to sleep."
Fran Lebowitz

...I will survive

On this day in 1859 Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species". That started peoples minds a spinnin'! Survival of the fittest has stood the test of time but it doesn't explain everything. I rescue animals, perhaps not the fittest at their time of rescue...but just look at them now! They certainly are surviving. Well, except for the ones who died this year, but that's a whole 'nother story. I guess what I'm saying is, keep fit, survive but keep reaching out to those who aren't as fit. Only the strong survive? Only the strong help others to thrive. Just ask "Black Pug Needlepoint Stocking."
"Common sense is instinct, and enough of it is genius."
Josh Billings

...isn't it ironic?

In 1912 the Titanic was touted as "100% unsinkable", and yet the ship sank on its maiden voyage.

It was ironic that the fire station burned down.

The classic lollipop called 'Sugar Daddy" is created to be sucked.

Jesus was a carpenter and he was nailed to a wooden cross.

"I can't go to church because I have a theology test to study for."

"A Nebraska teenager - dressed as a mobile breathalysing unit for a Halloween party - was pulled over on his way home and arrested for drink-driving."

I went to the store to buy a trash can. They put it in a paper bag.
I went home, took the trash can out of a paper bag, crumpled it up and threw it in my new trash can.

Isn't it ironic?

On this day in 1954 The Humane Society of the United States was founded.

Peace.
Love.
Abundance.

"Welsh Corgi Needlepoint Stocking" shown today.
"I wish people could acheive what they think would bring them happiness in order for them to realize that thats not really what happiness is."
Alanis Morisette

...art for Heaven's sake

Starry, starry night everyone! On this day in 1998 Vincent van Gogh's Portrait of the Artist Without Beard sold at auction for $71.5 million. Most of his self portraits showed the artists head from the left. We all know what he did to his right ear. A wonderful, game playing customer phoned yesterday trying to be sneaky and clever. I had both ears tho' and cut through the games. The customer used some pretty mean names, but not to worry. I have heard them all before. And let me tell you, one would have to be very flexible to do what he suggested I do! Have a great day, see the beauty in everything, even the jerks. "Starry, Starry Tree Skirt" shown.

"Conscience is a man's compass." Vincent Van Gogh

...kiss and tell

How's you aim? If it is better than you realize, use it wisely. Sometimes, when things are rushed, we don't sugarcoat words the way that the receiver of those words may need. But other times, a Bulls Eye is just what the Doctor ordered. On this day in 1307 William Tell shot an apple off his son's head. That evening they had applesauce with dinner. I found a replacement for EW's carpeting installation and am thankful for that. This evening I will re-install the arch shade for NO just in time for the sun to return to Chester County. (The following morning folks, we don't usually have sun at night). Have a good time today, eat an apple and don't shoot anyone. With your mouth, a gun or any other kind of weapon. "Holly Berry Needlepoint Rug" shown today. Were you expecting an apple?

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

...call me dick

Have you seen them? The Holiday decorations are popping up everywhere, and the music has only just begun. I love it. I am still holding back from putting up my tree...but it's only a matter of days until I do. KD and CD are waiting for Tuna to let them know that she is still here and very much ok.Not so much RMN who, on this day in 1973, and the beginning of the Watergate scandal told 400 Associated Press managing editors "I am not a crook". Ok then. Also on this day, but in 1991 the first TV condom ad aired (FOX- TV). Back to the Holidays, or should I say forward! Have fun today, work hard, keep your nose clean and try not to be a dick. Shown today is "Candy Cane Hook Rug".

"A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits."
Richard M. Nixon

...get your kicks

Paving the way on this day in 1926, U.S. Route 66 was established. It ran from Chicago to Los Angeles and McDonlalds had a stop every ten miles. It was the first major highway in U.S. history, so no Garmins were needed at that point. This highway helped migrants who wanted to travel west and also gave more business to shops and restaurants along the way. I can remember riding my bicycle on the newly paved macadam, still warm and remember what a liberating feeling it was. Taupe and beige are still popular colors Interior design-wise but festive colors are popping up all over the place to break up the monotony. Keep paving away everyone. There is a lot to do and see until our next time around. "Route 66" hook pillow shown today, of course. Click on the highlight to get your kicks, er, pillow.

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."
Thomas Jefferson

...the Sawyers I presume?

Time for another adventure? The answer is a resounding yes. AA and UD are moving today from a home that they have inhabited for many years. They have spent weeks boxing, planning, swaying with breezes and the day is finally here. I foresee many great adventures even though they may not be able to see in that manner just yet. Grab the abundance of the Universe and run! On this day in 1871 Henry Morton Stanley located missing explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone in Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika, allegedly greeting him with the words, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?". What we don't know is Dr. Livingstone's reply. I was there, alongside Joan Rivers and can categorically report that his response was "Leave me the f*ck alone! Do you actually think that I travelled literally thousands of miles to get away from you s*&%$ b@$#&r*s just to be located again?" Try your best to stay on the right path but don't be surprised if it takes you away from your well thought out plans. Beauty, contentment and wealth in all definitions await you. "Wish" pillows shown today.
"It is the quality rather than the quantity that matters." Lucius Annaeus Seneca

...like a rolling stone

A rolling stone gathers no moss. But what about momentum? What's wrong with staying in one place if you are satisfied? I understand the principle, but for Heaven's Sake, stay if you want to stay don't stay there if you are dissatisfied. You can get satisfaction. On this day in 1967 the first issue of Rolling Stone Magazine was published. Shown is the cover from July 4th, 1975. Carpenters were trying to kill their antiseptic image at this stage, while their image played part in killing Karen. Isn't that ironic? Do your best today, roll like a stone down a mountain to succeed. If you run into far too many pieces of crap along the way, maybe its time to choose a different path.

"It's all right letting yourself go, as long as you can get yourself back."
Mick Jagger

...living space

Mankind seems to be competitive by nature.There is also a survival instinct inherent in us. I have been noticing over the past couple of years how many people seem to need to shine...sometimes at the expense of others. Are we still in the 'me' generation, no matter our age? The Golden Rule is a simple one in theory, but applying it to every day life is apparently more challenging. Yes, it's a crowded world and we all want our piece of the pie, but please put away the knives, unless you are cutting a piece of your slice of the pie to share with another. make room or share your space. On this day in 1937 Adolf Hitler held a secret meeting and stated his plans for acquiring "living space" for the German people.If you don't know what he meant by 'living space' and is plans to achieve it, Google it some day.
"There's no night without stars."
Andre Norton

...attitude

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes."
~ Chuck Swindoll

On this day in 1429 Joan of Arc liberated Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier.

On this day in 1825 The Erie Canal was completed with Governor DeWitt Clinton performing the Wedding of The Waters ceremony in New York Harbour.

On this day in 1921 The Sturmabteilung or SA was formed by Adolf Hitler

On this day in 1924 Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming was elected the first female governor in the United States.

On this day in 1955, after being totally destroyed in World War II, the rebuilt Vienna State Opera reopened with a performance of Beethoven's Fidelio.

On this day in 2008 Barack Obama became the first African-American to be elected President of the United States.

On this day in 2008 Proposition 8 passes in California, representing the first ever elimination of an existing right to marry for LGBT couples.

...dancing

..and all that they wanted to do was dance off a little stress. But on this day in
1974 78 people died when the Time Go-Go Club in Seoul, South Korea burned down. Six of the victims jumped to their deaths from the seventh floor after a club official barred the doors after the fire started. Still, don't let "what if" keep you from dancing the night away. It burns calories, gets those endorphins pumping and relieves all kinds of stress. Just ask the animals in this pictured hook rug! It is available on my website for immediate delivery. You don't have to go to Paris to dance tho'!

"Dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire."
George Bernard Shaw