Happiness

This past weekend, I started reading The Business of Happiness by Ted Leonsis.  I am only about half way through the book, but what an amazing, inspiring story.  I only knew the name Ted Leonsis as the owner of the sports teams, Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards - not that he was an Internet industry pioneer!  Ted's Life List has inspired me to revisit my own bucket list.       

Almost Feels Like Spring - Honoring my Brother's Memory

Yesterday, the temps made it to almost 40 degrees and there was sunshine.  It made me think, or hope, that Spring is really on its way.  This has been a sad and cold winter, so I am ready for warmth and light in my life.  The passing of a loved one makes me pause and reflect.  Of course, there is the sense of emptiness and loss and at times you aren't sure if you will make it through the process.  But you do, and you feel the sunshine on your face and you are grateful that they were a part of your life.  Dear brother, I will remember your dedication and loyalty to the family, but most of all, I will miss our conversations.     

White Christmas

I'll admit it, I have probably watched "White Christmas" more times than any other holiday show.  I love Bing Crosby. After last year's snow events in the DC area, I had pretty much lost my enjoyment of the white stuff.  It snowed maybe twice when I was growing up in Alabama.  Neither of those times were around the holidays.  If we wanted a White Christmas, we went to the beach.  Today the DC area was blanketed with a lovely, fluffy and light snow.  It is the snow of my imagination, a perfect holiday snow.  The kind that only needs a light shovel and a broom to remove. 

The Z dog of course, romped and bounded and played and danced.  There is nothing more beautiful than an Alaskan Malamute in his element, nose in the air, tailed curled high over his back and a smile on his face.  I have been in a reflective mood of late and it made me pause to think - there is magic in this snowfall.  How wonderful if it is someones first snow, how perfect if this is someones last snow.  My favorite time to walk in the snow is at night.  The stillness, the quite, the snow of my mind's eye-that perfect White Christmas.  Happy Holidays to all.

Cyber Sale

Need a gift for a loved one or maybe just a little something for yourself?  The wait is over, check out Kath’s Elegant Accessories Cyber Sale.  Don’t miss your opportunity to own unique handcrafted jewelry items from my studio.

Items in my studio currently listed at over $44.00 are eligible for a 40% discount off total order*.  This incredible Sale starts on Cyber Monday, November 29, 2010, and lasts until Monday, December 6, 2010. 

Use the coupon code CYBER WEEK at checkout.   

As an added bonus, all items in my studio have free shipping until Monday, December 20, 2010.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to get a fantastic deal!

*tax rate for Virginia residents is in effect. 

Holiday Travel

So, we are back from enjoying the Thanksgiving holidays with family.  We did a non-traditional approach this year - we pretty much celebrate throughout the week leading up to Thanksgiving Day.  That gave us time to visit with various family members and make it back home on Thanksgiving evening.  Maybe this will become our new Thanksgiving tradition (never had that overstuff feeling of a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner).  Oh, and FYI - McDonalds is the only fast food establishment open on Thanksgiving Day - now if they only served Turkey Sandwiches!  

The Secret Life of Leaves

Watching the Fall Leaves raining down this afternoon (and watching the Z dog sniff each and every one of them) made me stop and think.  What secrets do the leaves have to tell?  Are leaves like the fingerprints of trees?  Do they whisper secrets that only a Malamute can hear and decipher?  Do they tell him where they came from?  Which birds have been nesting in their boughs?  How many squirrels have raced up and down the tree branches and trunks?  Or are they just enticing him to play catch me if you can?  He has been fascinated by leaves his entire life.  He loves how the leaves swirl in the wind as he races to catch them.   Maybe, just maybe, they are there as reminders to take joy in each moment, for all too soon, the leaves will be gone for this season.    

Artisans of Virginia

TinaDeanDesigns posted an ArtFire blog including some of the local Virginia artisans.  Check out the great artisans that she is featuring.  The holiday season is upon us, only 54 days until Christmas.