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 

This Lamp is a Love Story

'“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.”

― Anne Lamott

It sits in the window
catching a ray of light
glistening through its crystal cuts

It glows at night
watching and waiting
always illuminating
until you return safely

It is a long story- aren't they all!
Its travel began in Ireland in the town of Waterford
purchased by my very Irish Mother In Law and brought
to California to shine brightly in their stately home for many years.

Gifted to me after her passing- I cherished its history.
The stories it coud tell
The only place for it was in a corner window,
watching over our family as we grew, lived and changed

The Light was always on -
In good times it shone bright
In sad times, it was a beacon to bring love back through the door
The hope never dimming

Until
It was broken
Shattered and not to be lit again...
Both
The lamp that guided me and - and my heart.


But I wouldn't let my heart go dark- There was always a
glimmer of hope and love was going to win.

Fast forward to Christmas 2014 -
Dinner with the love of my life.
Love had healed wounds and returned.
Our hearts filled with  joy and contentment.

We sat in our favorite quiet cozy table with the snow falling softly.
Candles flickering and reflecting off our wine glasses.
Brian leaned over and  handed me a card and as I read it - I cried
Not out of sadness but pure joy
His love illuminated my heart - His gift illuminated my hope.

The gift:
He had found the exact lamp in Ireland 
The lamp would  once again be in the corner window -
Beaconing and lighting the way for our love to shine.
For future Kelly's to always be guided home to family

Oh The Stories this lamp will tell-
Now back where it belongs

My heart is full
Hope will always shine through when you believe in it enough

Always find your way home  We did..

Happy Valentines Day 

Catch Up and Cultivate

January has come and gone and it has been a nice time to reflect and catch up with
my thoughts after the holidays and more importantly just enjoy the memories that
we made with family over Christmas in the stunning Canadian Rockies.

Thoughts go to why and how often I blog:
I began blogging to have a creative outlet and to  journal for my family and friends.
One of the things I love about blogging is the freedom to blog when I feel I have something to say or something has moved me to share with you. It is a personal decision to be myself and be true to what I love and what I am moved by.
It has been a joy that I have allowed to evolve naturally and therefore haven't blogged as often as some but when I do it feels organic and straight from the heart.

With a new outlook and fresh energy to make this year special and to broaden my
own world- I have recommitted to do more of what I love "BLOG"

So what better way than to begin anew with just
Catching Up with each other-  Me First

January brought snow, cold and spending time indoors,
so what is better than a book and a cup of tea curled up on the couch.
Currently I am --- READING:  The Humans- a sad,silly but soulful charming book about humans by Matt Haig,
and drinking a warm cuppa  Kusmi Prince Vladimir Tea . This tea is amazing.

What are you reading? 
Let me know- maybe a booksclub to come?

WATCHING - Of course Downton Abby - Love Love It and if I am being honest- 
I watch the Bachelor- Yes I said it outloud !

LISTENING: to the new Decemberists Album  (Click to Listen)
with a lot of candles lit for quiet meditation

LOVING: My blanket scarf- my favorite addition to my winter wardrobe- It is a must
               

Goals- Many years ago I gave up New Years Resolutions and instead I choose one Word
that I can use to enlighten and improve my own life
This Year
CULTIVATE

Looking forward to: Spending more time here with you.

Cultivating a warm place to come and sit for a while
with friends- New and Old
Even if the blog only touches a few people,
I look forward to sharing 2015 with you.
Stay Warm and Stay Tuned

Kim