The Joy of Simplicity

Posted December 10, 2015 by Barbara Techel

I wanted to share with you today my mini nativity. I just adore it and thought it might make you smile, too. It was given to me by my friend, Diane, many years ago.

It sits on my altar in my writing cottage. In the early morning, before the sun rises, I love sitting in my cottage for a few moments with the lights turned off. I enjoy just having a candle burning as a way of invoking the Christmas spirit this time of year.

Also, being in the quiet before the world begins to stir is such a delicious treat.

It’s the small, but simple things that I find so much joy in.

It was fun coming across this quote also that I felt is so fitting…

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away.
~Eva Logue

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A Favorite Christmas Tradition in Pictures

Posted December 9, 2015 by Barbara Techel

Every year I look so forward to sleeping over at my Sistah V’s (a.k.a. Victoria) condo.

In many ways it’s like stepping back in time. Many of her holiday decorations are from her grandparents and parents, and items she has saved from when she was a little girl.

I’ve always fondly said it’s like going to grandma’s because that is what it reminds me of….and it fills my soul in such a heartwarming, touching way that lovingly lingers with me until we do it again the next year. My time with Sistah V always fills me with Christmas spirit!

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Inspirational, Creative Hits – I love When They Happen!

Posted December 9, 2015 by Barbara Techel

Monday night I had my annual sleepover holiday tradition staying at my best friend, Victoria’s (a.k.a. Sistah V) quaint, cozy condo. I’ll share more photos of her home in an upcoming post.

Being with my Sistah V never fails to inspire me (a.k.a. Sistah B).

I used to have eight big Rubbermaid containers of Christmas decorations and over the years have whittled it down to two. But even with that, I tired of putting up decorations two weekends ago.

But it was as if a bee was in my bonnet as I drove home yesterday afternoon. I had a swirl of inspiration flying around in my mind and couldn’t wait to get home and finish decorating.

The first place I started? Kylie’s kennel, which is across from the bed where Gidget often lays when we are in the kitchen.

I was pretty tickled with myself coming up with this idea of decorating her kennel door with the many stuffed dog ornaments I’ve received over the years.

We never have to close the door to Kylie’s kennel as she loves to be in it — rather like her own little apartment! So how fitting, I thought, that she have her own special decorations. And Miss Gidget, being her neighbor across the street, can enjoy them too.

Inspirational, creative hits — oh, how they fill me up with joy!

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