





Have you had a difficult time getting in the “holiday” mood? I know I have. It seems as if I put up some decorations, picked up a few gifts, and mailed out cards to help others but, at times it seems as if I cam just going through the motions. I have received cards and that has brightened my season. I have received a poinsettia and every time I see it, it gives me a bit of Christmas nostalgia. Yet, something seems to be missing.
I know this has been a rough year and MANY of our loved ones are no longer here due to COVID. Some are feeling the loss of jobs, status, socializations, etc. and the culmination of only God knows what. I don’t have much to offer us except prayers and one wish that you will count your blessings.
Counting your blessings or naming the things in which you are grateful for can always bring GRATITUDE. I may not have much joy or cheer but, I do have gratitude. I do have hope for better and more normal tomorrows ahead.
~Nikki
I was a week behind putting up my Christmas decorations. I had a few more vending gigs this year than I did last year. My daughter is home from college and she put the tree up and helped me to clean up the incredible collision of crocheted items, fall decor and the pulling out and sorting of Christmas decor. It was a huge mess that was driving me up the wall! I do not like clutter or the feeling it brings! Nevertheless, in between crocheted orders and life I decorated the tree and my home. One smart thing I did last year was organize my ornaments and decoration according to what I wanted to do the following year. I knew I wanted red, white, silver, and black. I did change the black to turquoise, but I found that color easily because it was with the “carnival” tree decorations.
I know…the most being done, but I love to decorate for the holidays and according to the seasons.
Did you decorate for the holidays IF you celebrate the holidays?
~Nikki
Don’t try to keep up with the Jones’. They are probably in debt trying to keep up with the Wilson’s.
Don’t try to buy everyone a gift and don’t expect a gift from everyone. ~Nikki
“Father, protect us as we travel to and fro on this day. Protect my family as they travel back and forth on this Thanksgiving. Protect friends and all who are on the roads. Cover us with the blood of Jesus.” That was my prayer as we got on the expressway Thanksgiving Day. When I arrived at my parents house, I dropped off the lasagna and green beans and then I got back in the car to pick up sodas from the nearest store. My daughter came out and got in the car with me.
On our way back to my parents house, a red mustang came over a hill as we were starting to cross the light which turned green for us. He was so coming so fast I slammed on my breaks and he turned which he turned as we were crossing and it was not until then he hit his breaks. Smoke was coming from his tires and it seem as if an invisible force was keeping his sports car from tailspinning. He came literally within inches of hitting my car on the passenger side where my teenage daughter was. A car was behind us as well and hit his breaks.
It seemed as everything was happening so fast and at the same time in slowmotion. When I came to a stop, my right hand had my daughter’s jacket in it as I must have been pulling her close to me and the other hand on the wheel. I had broken nails on my hand. It was nothing short of a miracle, God’s invisible hand and the assistance of angels.
We all slowly started to move and all I could do was thank God and yes, I had some “colorful words” as I ranted about the driver. I told my daughter as we were driving earlier, holidays are wonderful but, there is always some tragedy looming with some families or some innocent person as people drive in a rush, drunk, distracted, and on drugs.
We are blessed to be here. And so are the others almost involved. My daughter and my family is my world. God is the center.
~Nikki
I think it’s safe to to say I like the Holidays. Every year I come up with some theme and this year it was “Country Glamour.” It’s a mixture of country living (think barns, lumberjack, farm, deers, owls, etc) meets bling, pearls, sparkle, and diamonds.Basically, the governor’s daughter marries a cowboy! Barn fires and hoedowns for everyone! Spike the apple cider someone.
~Nikki