So Plaid I am Back

Many think that Spring is the season for rebirth - starting over - beginning anew.
But for me, it is Fall that aspires me to refresh, renew and remmeber what I love about many things, including blogging again.

It brings memories of football games and hot apple cider. It evokes feelings of gathering together to prepare for what is next to come. Be it winter or life.

So as the leaves swirl about, my spirit begins to flutter in the wind .
Time again to share and inspire. Time to blog again.

Fall brings change in the color of the leaves and change within myself.
Change for many of us is something that we don't always welcome but for some reason
the flutter of the leaves in the wind and the brisk air is welcomed by all.

Fall, with is bounty of colors, red, orange, sienna and gold covers us like a warm blanket, providing warmth and comfort from the judgement of others or from the world in which we sometimes do not understand.  It brings a cuddle when we are alone or a apple to share a laugh with a friend.

It is the season of traditions, touchdowns and togetherness.
It is what I strive to be to others : warm, inviting, caring and gracious.

 Fall is upon us - I welcome it like a warm sweater. I cherish the cool days to write
 and share life as it changes. There are books to be read, fires to be light and stories to tell.
Like the fabrics of the season, plaid, flannel and cashmere - I too hope to bring warmth to your days with my new focus on sharing my blog once again.

So Plaid I am Back!!

Turning the Page on March- Books I have Read

March is nearing the end and I can't believe how much I got accomplished.
It was a month of trials and tribulations but in these times I was able to
draw a sense of comfort in some amazing books.

At the end of each day after caregiving for an ill family member, I looked forward
to a hot shower and a warm lit room to be taken away by mystery, history and places yet to be discovered.

I am often asked what I am reading and I miss my favorite book club, so I thought
I would share and see what you might have on your nightstand.

It began with the

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins- If you like to get swept away in a mire of love, regret, violence and many twists in a tale, this has it all tied up in a physchological thriller. I have to admit it gets more and more intense and you want to stay with it all the way to the end.

Moved to something a little lighter but so enjoyable. I always love when Debbie Macomber comes out with a new book- It means spring is right around the corner and there is always a factor of her books that ring true. Is it forgiveness, sisterhood or second chances that determines who will be
Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

I know I can't believe I had all this time but that is what you do when the house is quiet and
there is little TV.  I traveled on a journey to Vienna and entered the life of Sisi and Franz Josef.

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki.  A strong women character who's tumultuous love story as “Sisi” the Austro-Hungarian Empress and young and charismatic wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. It takes place in 1853 when the Habsburgs were powerful rulers.

And to end in a very riviting and intense book portraying a young French blind women and a German boy that become confidants and friends during occupied France in WW11. I didn't want the book to end. It was visually stunning and around each page like the corners in occupied France you discover courage and sorrow and strengh. I loved this book.
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

So what is on your night stand?

It is so true that books can take you to places you may never venture.

Let me know what you are reading?

Hands of Time. Ageless Perfection

Wait. When did that happen!!

Today as I sit in a serene setting in Northern California waiting for a Pedicure, I do what most of us do. I try the product and then stepped  outside to wait and drink my coffee.

Looking down at the hand that holds that cup. It happened

Wait when did that happen?My once youthful hands show signs of age, wear and tear. I begin to feel a bit sad and wonder where did they go. When did that happen. 

And then I thought. What a life they have had. 

These digits, as the youth of today call them,have had an adventurous life right along side me. 

They have held 4 beautiful babies,guided them on to their own path some 33 years later. The hands of little grand babies curled around my fingers filled with trust and love.They have worked on careers with me each and every day. They didn't disappoint when I needed them to cook or clean.They have wiped dirty faces and many tears. A lot of those my own.  

But most of all they held the hand of the man I love and married. Twice   

Same wonderful hands entwined twice.

So I guess that is when it happened.

Through much history,much love and laughter they have earned their age spots and thinning wrinkles.

So as I make my way to my Spa treatment, I stop, take another pump of the glittering bronzer and treat my hands to a little sparkle. 

They deserve it.  

And So it Happened