Hey everyone and Happy New Year! I hope 2023 is off to a great start for you all!
As you know, I love art therapy! And recently I did a pencil sketch of my mom’s and her twin sister’s baby photo. Couldn’t resist, they were such adorable little angels!! I also did it for my mom because sadly at the end of April (2022), my aunt passed away. My mother lost her twin sister who was fighting COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
So… here’s the sketch, and I wanted to share with everyone. Yep, I’m a proud daughter and niece! ❤️
“Should auld (old) acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld (old) acquaintance be forgot, and auld (old) lang syne?” Ahhh…. the long familiar song associated with this time of year.
Auld Lang Syne: “For (the sake of) old times.”
‘Tis the end of another year, my friends. 2022 is coming to a close as 2023 approaches. Did you all have a wonderful Christmas? I sure did. I was extremely grateful to spend a relaxing holiday at home with my family. We carried on the annual Christmas Eve tradition of driving around looking at the local Christmas decorations. Then, once we arrived home we watched the classic film, A Christmas Story starring Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, along with Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon who played his parents and Ian Petrella who played his pesky little brother, Randy. My family and I have seen the movie countless times, but every time we watch it, it still cracks us up.
And then on Christmas day, we stayed home opening our gifts as we sat by the fireplace. It was definitely a wonderful time!
Tomorrow is the first day of the new year and I’m certainly ready for it. Are you? I’m really looking forward to this next year! What does 2023 have in store for you? I’d love to hear about it! What are some of your holiday traditions and what exciting plans have you got for the upcoming year?
As we celebrate this festive holiday season, always be safe and enjoy. Life is for remembering, not regretting!
I’ve recently been told about a very beautiful old tale and so now I’m sharing it with you. It’s a simple, yet sweet story that is full of inspiration. Hope you enjoy it just as much as I do!
“A poor but hardworking widow once lived in a small hut with her children. One summer day, a pine cone fell on the earthen floor of the hut and took root. The widow’s children cared for the tree, excited at the prospect of having a Christmas tree by winter. The tree grew, but when Christmas Eve arrived, they could not afford to decorate it. The children sadly went to bed and fell asleep. Early the next morning, they woke up and saw the tree covered with cobwebs. When they opened the windows, the first rays of sunlight touched the webs and turned them into gold and silver. The widow and her children were overjoyed. From then on, they never lived in poverty again.” ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_the_Christmas_Spider
“TheLegend of the Christmas Spideris an EasternEuropeanfolktalewhich explains the origin oftinselonChristmas trees. It is most prevalent inUkraine, where smallornamentsin the shape of aspiderare traditionally a part of the Christmas tree decorations.” ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_the_Christmas_Spider
Wishing you all a very blessed holiday season!! From my home to yours…… Happy Holidays!!!
~ Love & Light, Sheila 💖
“The Legend of the Christmas Spider” ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_the_Christmas_Spider
This little guy was hanging out on our decorative garden flag. So beautiful!!
“If Lizard is your Animal Totem, it reveals your inner world, and your stamina. It guides, and protects you, but at the same time it reminds you the importance of going with the flow of life. Lizard Totem is the symbol of a fluid mindset, that adapts fast in every situation, and makes the best of it.” ~ https://animaltotem.com/lizard-totem/#:~:text=If%20Lizard%20is%20your%20Animal,makes%20the%20best%20of%20it.
Last night totally sucked. Actually, yesterday morning, too, but throughout the night things got much worse. I barely got any sleep. No matter how I laid in bed, my body fought with me. From my left hip all the way down to my toes, the pain and tingling sensation wouldn’t stop. And if I laid on my right side, then my right hip started throbbing. My neck was also against me. The pins and needles numbing pain was relentless… it was shooting up into my head and down to my shoulders…. Then to both my hands… And let’s not forget about my lower back that throbbed with its own aching pain. When I say that I hurt from head to toe, I literally mean that!
With all that going on, I did what I could mentally to hold back the panic attack that was trying to happen. Sometimes the pain gets so bad that I can’t fight the anxiety. It sucks!
It’s barely 8 a. m. and I’ve already had four pieces of chocolate… some homemade Christmas candy… But hey, it’s healthy right?! I mean, after all, it does have mixed raisins, cranberries and dried cherries with peanuts in it. Lol… At least I’m telling myself that it’s healthy candy. Yeah, I’m a stress eater…. Goes well with the second pot of coffee I’ve already made.
The reason why I’m writing all this isn’t to get sympathy points, but to hopefully raise more awareness of chronic pains and diseases.
A few months ago I was diagnosed with even more debilitating conditions that make my prior ones even more of a living hell. (Degenerative Disc Disease in both my neck and lower back, foraminal stenosis in my neck and lower spine, cervical stenosis in my neck, straightening of the cervical lordosis in my neck…. on top of what I was already diagnosed with…. bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, anxiety, insomnia and fibromyalgia.) So yeah, daily life is a challenge. The mobility issues, constant pain, stiffness, mental state…. the list goes on… Sometimes to crack a smile literally takes all my strength.
I know a lot of you out there live with chronic pains and diseases as well, and my heart goes out to you all. Stay strong and remember, life is what we make it…. One day at a time!
A BIG THANK YOU to each and every single one of you for always being so amazing! Much love and light to you!
“Be strong, but not rude. Be kind, but not weak. Be bold, but don’t bully. Be humble, but not shy. Be confident, but not arrogant.” ~ Attitude to Inspiration ❤️
Good morning, everyone! It’s a beautiful, chilly day here on the Gulf Coast. I have my hot coffee at hand as I write you this article, ready to start the day!
Today is Friday, November 11th. A very important day for us here in the United States. It’s Veterans Day!
“A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” ~ https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
I have a lot of family members that have served in the military, and are still serving…. Including all branches. The military is extremely dear to me, gets me choked up with pride. I love them all!!
Also, with it being November 11th…. Which is Angel Number 11/11…. To me, it holds a great deal of significance as well.
*While other numbers also have special meanings, 1111 — in particular — is considered an “angel number” that has been connected to good events, “such as, people being saved from some life-threatening occurrences or circumstances,” says Vincent Genna, spiritual teacher, psychic therapist and host of weekly radio show, Stop Stopping Yourself!” ~ https://www.womansday.com/life/a39779218/1111-meaning-numerology/
“1111 is a very high vibration number that communicates confirmation, especially as it pertains to spiritual discovery and journeying,” says Lady Tracey Bond, innovator, co-creator of the DoubleOHHSevenEffect and spiritual author.
What does it mean to see 1111?
When you see 1111 — a time, on a piece of paper, on a license plate, a phone number, on a sign, etc. — angels are trying to tell you something. It’s time to connect with your intuition. Whether your life is about to change for the better or it’s signaling you to take action for a positive outcome, have faith. A good transformation is near.” ~ https://www.womansday.com/life/a39779218/1111-meaning-numerology/
So, it’s 11/11…. About our Angels and our courageous Veterans. Who in my heart, our Veterans are our Angels!
Thank you so much to all the Veterans who served our country! Your bravery and commitment speak volumes and there aren’t enough wonderful words to express the ongoing appreciation, respect and love that we have for you! ❤️
Resources for this article are: https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp & https://www.womansday.com/life/a39779218/1111-meaning-numerology/
“Should you ever find yourself victim of other people’s bitterness, jealousy, lies and insecurities, don’t let it bother you. Remember… things could be worse, you could be them.” ~ Attitude to Inspiration
Hi everyone! Hope you are all well. It has been a wonderful day so far. Transplanted this little beauty from a group of wild ferns that were growing outside our house.
Also, clipped pine straw from the yard to make mulch.
Doing things like this really make me feel more connected with Mother Nature. ❤️
The Earth is full of so many bountiful gifts!
Stay motivated and stay blessed! You all are amazing!!
SHEILA RENEE PARKER