Thursday, December 26, 2013

Good Tidings



I hope you all had a magical and lovely Christmas,
 filled with all good things life has to offer. 

Thank you for your Dear, Sweet Christmas Wishes. 

I cherish every one.


The day after Christmas is a time for reflection, 

A time to savor the memories while they are still fresh in our minds. 


We have celebrated the blessings of the season, 

as we make new memories with one another,

 and remember those we are separated from through time and space;
 but no less in attendance within our hearts. 


As I tidy up the morning after, I hear the love and laughter  
echoing through the house, loudly through the silence. 


With each dish I wash, little bits of conversations come to mind - 
A precious childhood story, a funny anecdote, or the catching up of everyday modern life. 


As I find little mementos of our family celebration, 
I can't help but feel a little bittersweet that it is all over.


It all goes by so fast, doesn't it? 


It was a whirlwind.
 It all swirled around me as I flitted from one task to another, doing what I do best, 
taking care of my family and enjoying each moment. 

(My Gingerbread House shelf is looking a bit bare today -
after sending them all off with loved ones! :)


And then it was over and I didn't get one photo. 

But that is perfectly fine, 

Because every precious moment was spent just enjoying each and every one. 

(Don't worry, the phone devices were flashing all day!
 For some truly cringe-worthy photography! :) 


And now, the day after, I am feeling a little melancholy. 

But there were small 'After Christmas' surprises to keep me going today. 

A sweet cactus bloom.....

Gorgeous sunshine on a still December day....


And the sweet, intoxicating scent of the paperwhites that just started blooming! 


Happy in their indoor garden, which makes me happy. 


After Christmas we take time to remember those who held us in their thoughts,
 through sweet tokens of kindness. 


Taking time to write and send a card, is a treasured thoughtfulness worthy of display. 



Each one a thoughtful reflection of its sender, 


And miniature works of art! 


I always keep my Christmas cards in little bundles according to year, 

and now I am so glad because they include cards from loved ones now gone. 


I know this is a time-honored tradition done by many other sentimental people before me,

and this vintage card survived as testament!  


Found in an assorted bag of paper ephemera at an antique shop, 

it is nearly 100 years old! 


With a sweet sentiment written all those long years ago. 


Can you believe postage was only 1 cent? 


Precious cards from family stand on my vanity to remind me of their love. 


Two gold earrings a sweet token of a very special love. 


So, as this year's Christmas is still lingering in our hearts, 


And daily life goes back to normal, 


I take the time to count my many blessings, 

and wish many, many blessings to you in return. 

xoxo

Not truth, but faith it is that keeps the world alive. 

- Edna St. Vincent Millay -


24 comments:

  1. Dearest Karen,
    Understandably that you feel a bit melancholic... It gets so awfully quiet after family leaves. That did always hit me hardest when my loved ones were gone. For days I still would grab the wrong number of cutlery or plates... still accustomed for setting the table for all of us.
    But what is import are the fond memories!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  2. Beautiful thoughts the day aftee Christmas. I did a bit of cleaning today...get some papers shredded makes space look so much better. An easy job while being home, sick so I couldn't be at work. Still have holly table cloth on table, remembering the special holiday of hours ago. Even tho there only 3 of us here, we had a good time. Love the ones you're with. Hugs!

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  3. Glad you had such a lovely holiday. Wishing you very Happy New Year!

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  5. A wonderful memory you have made with your loved ones. Happy New Year!

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  6. i have no doubt that your christmas was wonderful. :) just lovely.

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  7. A beautiful post, Karen! Love how you have displayed your cards. The old post card from St. Cloud, MN in 1915 is a treasure. I also love how you have your Christmas tree standing in that big bottle. You have some lovely memories to carry into the New Year.

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  8. It looks like you had a wonderful time with your loved ones. Great set of pictures!! :-)

    I wish you a great weekend! ;-)
    dzjiedzjee.blogspot.com

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  9. Hi Kare, it looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for stopping by & wishing me a happy birthday yesterday. Pit Bull was amazing last night and I had so much fun! Wishing you a Hapoy New Year! Julie

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  10. I love keeping all the holiday cards we receive too. And I love the leftovers the day after Christmas too. I am glad you had wonderful holiday!

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  11. A very sweet post - similar to one I am working on - the memories drifting in after a lovely family holiday. Your photos are wonderful - as always. l love the peace and calm of your setting. Happy New Year!

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  12. I also feel quite melancholic once the big day is over and start itching to take the decorations down. Your shots look so lovely and your home looks so peaceful. Thanks for your comments on my advent calendar, they were really sweet. Enjoy the rest of the holidays my lovely x

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  13. I know just what you mean about the memories of after-Christmas. It almost feels as if Christmas collapses time, doesn't it? So that the past and the present, and maybe even the future, are brought together through the love we all hold for each other.

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  14. It really does go by fast. Love seeing all of your cards.

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  15. Ah yes....it does all come and go way too fast. As I am trying to explain to my 3 year old why it isn't Christmas anymore. He has been crying and telling me that he wants it to come back. I too feel the blessings more strongly than I have ever felt them before. I love your beautiful cards and your indoor garden Karen! Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Full of new journeys and joys! Nicole xoxo

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  16. It really does go by so fast! Glad to hear you had a nice Christmas. I love all your cards and how you have them displayed. Have a great weekend!

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  17. What a beautiful, Karen! their cards. The old postcard of St. Cloud, MN in 1915 is a real treasure. You have some beautiful memories made ​​me remember my father's cards when I was nine. He wrote me, sweet memories stored in a box that you reminded me.
    I also feel sad this time of year, but soon comes delicious memories and everything returns to normal.
    I loved being part of your life this year and hope to be always present in your home. A happy new year and a great and strong and loving embrace. Sweet kisses!

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  18. We wish you a Merry Christmas
    We wish you a Merry Christmas
    We wish you a Merry Christmas
    And a Happy New Year…

    What lovely Christmas cards…

    Maria xxx

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  19. I feel sort of the same way after Christmas...I'm glad new years falls so soon as it is a new start. I have been down with a cold this week so I am feeling extra melancholy.

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  20. I'm so glad you had a wonderful Christmas. I had a bittersweet one, but do remember to count my blessings and to enjoy my loved ones. Happy New Year to you! xo

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  21. You sound so happy and grateful Karen! I am glad you and your family enjoyed Christmas so much! It is a beautiful time of the year.

    Wishing you and your loved ones all the best for a Happy, Healthy and Sparkling New Year! Thank you for your blog friendship.

    Love,

    Madelief x

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  22. I'm counting my blessings, too, Karen, as I welcome 2014 - and your beautiful blog and sweet sentiments are one of them. Happy, happy new year! <3

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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