"New"

 The first day of the new year brought a fresh snowfall.  It made the beginning of 2026 sparkle.

As the future months unfold I am in the process of creating lists and planning projects to pursue.

One is creating a Perpetual Nature Journal.  Lara Call Gastinger created this idea back in 2001 and has since written a book "A Perpetual Journal Practice".  You can find her on Instagram or check out her videos on Patreon.  It is just a way to document the changes from week to week that one might find in nature.  

Also diving into a couple of interesting books that are full of lovely botanical painting and drawing ideas and techniques.

Then there is an on going work to finish a 100 small paintings by the end of March.  Thus far have 58 completed.  This means my brushes need to get busy. :)!  After all we know how time flies and March will be here before we know it.

Most likely many of you are also making plans for the coming year...perhaps places you would like to go, picking up and finishing a few projects or learning a new hobby.   

Whatever it is - may it be the best year ever.

Happy New Year!

Debbie

"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"  Revelation 21: 5a (NIV)

Bringing Joy

 As this week unfolds I hope it is bringing joy to each of your hearts.  May the joy not only be for this season but for the coming New Year too!

Thank you sweet friends, for all your visits and wonderful posts.  One of the greatest gifts one can give is their time and you certainly give yours when you take time to stop and leave me a note.

See you next year!  

God Bless

Debbie

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Choosing Joy

I am choosing joy in spite of the arctic chill that came overnight.  

More snow is certainly beginning to make it "look a lot like Christmas".  Hard to believe it is now only 12 days away.  

If the weather doesn't set the mood for the holidays...the music certainly should.

"Joy to the World", "O Little Town of Bethlehem", Angels We Have Heard on High"...or "I am Dreaming of a White Christmas" are just a few favorites.

Have never figured out why some of these old songs are only played this time of the year.  They can bring such joy just hearing them and reminding us of what this special season represents.

 Speaking of choosing joy...I think these two are.  How about you?  Hope so.

Have a lovely joyful week.

Hugs

Debbie

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."  Psalm 95:1 (NIV)

 

Finding Joy

I am finding joy in this lovely first snowfall of December.  How appropriate that it arrived as we begin the Christmas season.

Winter may not be my favorite time of the year but there is a special beauty to be found.

The appearance of each branch coated in white lends itself to a magical fairy tale waiting to be read.

It reminds me of joyful times. Snowy days spent sled riding with my brother and making snow men.    As a child I never minded the cold.  It was a part of life and the charm of being young and alive.  

 

We knew when we grew tired and wet there was a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows waiting for us indoors.  Mom would often accompany this special beverage with a plate of fresh baked cookies.

Even though many moons have passed since those precious days of childhood...there is so much joy in remembering winter days of fun and laughter.  

How about each of you?  Are you finding joy in this season of the year?  I pray so!

Hugs!

Debbie

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."  Phil. 1:4 (NIV) 

Giving Thanks

This final week before Thanksgiving I am giving thanks for the beauty of God's creation.  The heavens certainly declare his glory.  Hoping everyone who is celebrating this beautiful holiday will have a blessed one.  For all, may November leave you with many wonderful memories.  See you in December.

God Bless You

Debbie

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ."  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Colors

 Gone are the brilliant colors of yellow, orange and red.  November has replaced them with shades of amber, russet and claret.  The foliage that remains is found on the sturdy oaks.  Their leaves hold tightly to the last vestige of autumn's sojourn.  They know how to finish this season well.

 This week I am continuing to share my gratitude list.

The mauve sky that beckons the dawn...

morning mist that shrouds the woods...

  

A view of my neighbors home from our hillside...

and always your sweet visits.  Perhaps you will share a few things you are grateful for this week.

Take care and God Bless!

Debbie

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."  Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

 

Practicing the Art

 Because Thanksgiving arrives this month in America, I am practicing the art of being thankful.  As always there are many blessings to count and it is nice to take time and focus on a few during November.  I know our friends and neighbors in Canada celebrate this holiday as well.  They just are a wee bit earlier...October.   To all my blogging buddies there - hope you had a lovely celebration.

So without further ado I will share some special gifts I found yesterday.

Sheets blowing in the autumn breeze...

Chrysanthemums still holding on...

Preparing next year's garden patch with the companionship of a sweet helper.

a favorite view from our driveway...

our special boy Gunnar - hard to believe we have had him for over a year.

Lastly a lovely moon.

Hope you enjoyed your visit.  I am always so thankful for each and everyone of you.

Have a lovely start to November.

Hugs

Debbie

"I thank my God every time I remember you."  Phil. 1:3 (NIV)