Let there be Peace on Earth

Christmas, beautiful Christmas is upon us alas. No sooner does it leave us then it comes around again. I just love this Christmasy time of year. It always seems that folks are kinder and more forgiving than the rest of the year. This holiday is so special because of the many things it represents to us all. To some of us, its the holy day of our Lord's birth. To others, its special because of traditions we hold dear to our hearts. The warmth of family, getting together with friends and maybe the satisfaction of giving to others in need, warms the soul. Wouldn't it be nice if everyday was like Christmas and we all celebrated the life the Lord gave us and Peace reigned on Earth.Well, however you celebrate, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and may God fill your New Year with Peace.

Accents of Autumn



Autumn Splendor

My favorite season, Autumn, has finally arrived. There is a slight chill in the air, and a big orange punkin sits on my porch. I can't believe its been a year since we opened this shop location. The Lord has blessed our little shop in such a manner that we are still here. So much has happened in the past 3 years, good and bad, but I believe He has big plans for us and He helps us to overcome and heal. I have not been able to post on the blog because our computer kind of died and the dr. bill was too much to handle at one time. Well now that the computer issue is resolved, I am back to posting on our blog. There is so much to write about this time of year. I feel so inspired to create. We have been working on renovating our shop and dressing it up a bit for our one year Anniversary/Fall Open House, Saturday, October 1, 10 - 4.  We hope to see all our friends both old and  new. Lots of Treats, but no Tricks. So come out for a visit and enjoy the day.                                                                                   ~God Bless You All.

Summertime, Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime....

Wow. It's hot out there. What happened to Spring? I guess it went North for the season and left good ol' Summertime in it's place. If it weren't for the heat, I would probably love Summer. I remember how excited I was when the last day of school finally came around. Summer really is a special time. My brothers and I would ride our bikes all day, explore the woods around us, go fishing and catch lightening bugs. We had so much fun. One of our favorite pastimes was to go down to the drugstore and spend our allowance on baseball cards, comics and candy. I really liked putting a pack of peanuts in my pepsi or coke. Boy, that was so good. I still like doing those same fun things and we still get together and talk baseball and comics. Maybe we are all still kids at heart and maybe thats the secret of feeling young. So get out there and make the best of Summer and if you are lucky enough to have children make sure you spend quality time together.

Lost Art

Do you remember a time when folks would write letters to each other? The anticipation of the mailman making the rounds and then leaving you a letter would really make your day. It felt like Christmas Day and you had a special present under the tree. I enjoy taking time to write a few lines to my family or friends in a pretty little card or on some special stationary. We can do so much so quickly with today's technology that we forget the importance of simplicity. Taking the time to actually create something or do something that involves your time can mean so much more than doing it the easy way. So, how about taking the time to buy a card and write a note telling someone like your Mom or Grandma that you love them and you were thinking of them today. You will probably bring a smile to their face.

The Birds, the Bees, the Flowers and the Trees

Spring's beauty is so uplifting and spellbinding that it makes my heart sing with  joy and happiness. Nature really is an inspiration in my life. God really knew what he was doing when he created our changing of the seasons.  Every living thing is somehow connected to another living thing and somethimes we don't even realize until it affects us in a direct way. One example, April's showers do indeed bring all the May flowers.The colors of the trees and flowers are really so brilliant, you can't help but notice them. Rain naturally replenishes the minerals in the soil and feeds the flowers in a natural way that city water just can't beat. You might say it's God's secret formula.  The lovely birds that grace my yard are so entertaining to watch, especially the Mockingbird when he is challenged by another who wants to take over his territory. The "dance" as I call it, is really humorous and enlightening. Back and forth, round and round, neither bird wants to give up its ground. Finally one of them gives in and flys off to fight another day. Birds play an important part in nature as well. They eat all the bugs that eat our gardens, fill our trees with song and lift our spirits to a higher place of tranquility.  Another important part of nature's circle is the wonderful bee. Their job is so important that we simply could not live without them. Because they pollinate all the flowers and veggies we rely on, the fate of the world is on their little shoulders. I could go on and on about all the various parts of Nature and our wonderful world but there is not enough time in the day. You can be sure of one thing that will always remain constant, we are all connected.Remove one creature or living thing out of the circle and we will all suffer the consequences. Remember, we are all part of the "Circle of Life".

Appreciate Those Rainy Days

Everyone loves a beautiful sunny day. Not to mention the clear, bright blue Carolina sky that we enjoy so much in these parts. But throw some rain into the forecast and everyone gets depressed and upset. Well lets think about it a minute. If it weren't for the rain our ecosystem would totally be non-existent. Our environment would just dry up. Our wells would run dry and our drinking water would run out. Not to mention what it would do to our newly planted vegetable gardens, fruits and how it would impact the animals and our way of life as we like to indulge ourselves. We have experienced droughts here in our area and it was not fun. So remember when the good Lord blesses us with some rain, consider it one of his many gifts like the sunshine and just enjoy your day!

Spring Cleaning

The beautiful weather we are having lately makes me want to rearrange my livingroom and dust all the trappings of home. Every Spring I raise the windows turn on my music and get busy. I roll up the carpets and take them outside and let them sun awhile. Then, I move my rocking chairs and slide my couch into a new position near the fireplace. I guess there are only so many ways to move everything around. The new placement of the couch satisfies my husband, so I guess thats a good thing. By the end of the day, when all the dust settles and all the furniture has found a new place, we sit down to enjoy the evening. Women of yesteryear did their housework on a daily basis. I bet they didn't need a whole day to rearrange their parlors or sitting rooms. Each day was tasked out for a certain chore. I wonder what my great, great grandma would have done on a day like today?

New Month - New Friendships

The last few days of February are dwindling down now to almost nothing and somehow I feel the month just started. What happened to February? I guess with all the nice weather we had this month, it just kind of got up and walked out the door. Ron and I have been really busy at the shop creating, decorating and having a great time talking with our customers. We really enjoy each and every conversation we have with you folks. and want you to feel like our shop is your home away from home, a place of inspiration, friendship and where you feel warmth and happiness. Thank you for your continued friendships and patronage.
We Love Y'all.
~Tammy & Ron

Have You Caught It Yet?

Well, its too late for me now. I have it. What is it that I have? Why Spring Fever of course. The warm weather is beginning to show itself, teasing us gardeners. Those perfect 70 degree days coupled with loads of sunshine, make you want to curl up outside on the porch and soak up the sun, like a cat. Have you noticed the days are getting longer too! The perfect combination. Warmth plus more daylight in the afternoons equals one big garden or the beginning of yardwork. I just love this time of the year. I look forward to seeing what will bloom first, my daffodils or forsythia. Nature is so wonderful and exciting. After all the snow and cold we have had this year, I think I am now ready and looking forward to Spring. How about you? Have you planned out your garden or yard projects?  ~Tammy 

The Simple Life

Simple. According  to  dictionary.com, the definition is plain, not elaborate or unpretentious. Sincere and free of deceit as well as humble and unconditional. When you take this adjective and apply it to everyday life, we seem to lose it in our ultra modern culture and style of living  today. What will become of us if we forget the 'simple" way of living? Let's all slow down and enjoy today. The Lord never promised us tommorrow.