Lovely

 In spite of the weather there are certain elements that make this season lovely.  Two days ago we experienced hoarfrost.  It is a special phenomenon that occurs from time to time when ice forms crystals from a foggy atmosphere.

Each branch had a coating of crystalline beauty. 

It only lasts a few hours and by mid morning it is gone.   I have written before about this rare occurrence.

It is a favorite sight of mine.

Speaking of  a favorite sight...our visitor the Rufous-sided Towhee has decided to stop by and visit.  He appears to be alone (I only ever see one - never two at a time).  His markings make him stand out among the crowd.

To make the dark evenings go more quickly...working another jig-saw puzzle...this one is by the artist Terry Redlin...a Christmas present from my brother and sister.  They know what I enjoy doing.

Also been spending a bit of time in the kitchen baking up a few goodies.  There is something special about a warm peanut butter cookie with a cup of coffee to chase away winter's chill.

 Well friends I am wishing all of you a lovely coming week.  Next Saturday is Valentine's Day...hope everyone has a blessed one.

Hugs

Debbie

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  Phil. 4:8 (NIV) 

 

Winter Storm

So many this past week experienced the winter storm, Fern.   She arrived here around 3:am Sunday morning and kept us busy shoveling snow.  We received over a foot of the white stuff.  Unfortunately for others they had ice which put thousands out of electricity.  With freezing temperatures and no heat  this storm was extremely dangerous.   Praying power is being restored and things are getting better for all those folks in the south.

Here at Harmony Hills snuggling in after working outdoors clearing the driveway and sidewalk...made us so grateful for a warm home and a hot cup of coffee.

These two put themselves on patrol...

 

that is squirrel patrol.   

The visitation of our winter guests  was quite entertaining and made the day more fun with their cute antics.  

  

Also was happy to see they left enough sustenance for our bird friends to enjoy.

Winter storms can be harsh but they help remind me of so many blessings that often go unnoticed.

May everyone be safe.

God Bless!

Debbie  

"Without warning a furious storm came...the disciples went and woke him (Jesus, who was sleeping), saying, "Lord, save us!"...He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"  The he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."   Matt:8:24-26 (NIV) 

Word

 I know many of you select a particular word to focus on each year.  My word for 2026 is Trust.

In 2025 I chose Joy.  For some reason I missed sharing it with you last January.  For sure it was embedded in the pockets of ordinary days.  The smiles and hugs of loved ones...notes from friends...the first sounds of spring...glorious sunsets...autumn colors...crisp cool mornings...and the list goes on.  The longer I live the more I become convinced that what we seek we find.   

To me joy is so much more than happiness...it is richer and not based on our circumstances.  It goes deeper and sits like a peaceful dove in our spirit.  We have countless opportunities to choose it and then pass it on to others.  

So as January begins...I am seeking to trust.   How about each of you?  Do you have a special word for the year.  Hope you will share.

Have a Blessed Week

Debbie

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14 (NIV)

Quiet

January is my month to settle into quiet.   The simple pleasure of lighting a candle...

sipping a warm cup of tea...

passing a winter afternoon reading about others who create...

working a jig saw puzzle...

painting flowers all help me to find the quiet my soul needs.

How about you?  Is there quiet moments you are enjoying?  Hope so!

Hugs

Debbie 

"He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (NIV)

 

"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)