Stepping Back In Time

One of my favorite eras was the 1800's, and for some reason it's one that I can really relate to and feel close to.  Those pioneer women amaze me, how they traveled all over the frontier looking for a better life.  They became independent at an early age, often marrying very young.  They had to bear children under harsh conditions, where doctors and medicine were hard to find.  I am reminiscing and thinking about delivering my own three children naturally and without medication.  They had the most important job of the frontier, finding food for their family, taking care of their children, and even farming.  Never complaining, and always doing what was best for their family, they were some of the strongest women in history.  I appreciate them very much.

Remember Caroline Ingalls

with her little ones?

 

I love the way they used to cook their

meals over an open fire.
 

 

 

Yes, there's just something about this era

that stirs me.
 

 

Now, Jess and Nel's favorite era is the Roaring 20's.  They love everything about it - the styles and fashion, the jazz age, the accessories, the writings from that period.  It was an artistic, creative, and classy time.  Do you know that Nel and Jess learned the Charleston?

 

Even little Francesca is joining in

on the fun.

 

 

So, do you have an era that speaks to you,

that you can relate to, that you feel you could have lived back in that time?  I'd really like to hear.
 

~Sheri

January, Brrrrr

We have been having some foggy days and some rain.  I always love a foggy day - some people think they are gloomy, but I find them beautiful.  It's like looking out in the distance and not knowing what's beyond.  The only scary thing is driving in it.  And as always, after a good rain, the clouds look amazing to me.  I've been baking brownies and warm treats on these cold January days.  The turkeys roam our neighborhoods.  They are like friends to us.   Never harm or make a fuss, and we enjoy their company.  I bought a large pizza to ring in the new year, and it's the best pizza in town, kind of expensive though.  When I pick up my pizza, I love to see all the art murals in the downtown area.  The one good thing about the January brrrrr is that the cousins got to enjoy some time in the snow.  Nel is actually not too far from the snow line in So Cal, and they spent one day at the ocean, and one day playing in the snow.  I like to treat myself in the new year with a special gift, and found a pretty pink heart at the country store while taking a long drive.   Since we are entering 2020, Nel and Jess had a little 20's party and even dressed up.  I hope the new year is being kind to you.   Have I told you lately that you mean a lot to me?

~Sheri



Two Frogs In A Cream Bowl

A poem for you in the new year.

 

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl,

One was an optimistic soul,

But the other took a gloomy view,

"I shall drown," he said "and so will you."

So with a last despairing cry,

He closed his eyes and said "Good-bye."

But the other frog with a merry grin,

Said "I can't get out, but I won't give in.

I'll swim around til my strength is spent.

For bravely trying, I'll die content."

So on he swam until it would seem,

His struggles began to churn the cream.

On top of the butter at last he stopped,

And out of the bowl he happily hopped.

What's the message here.  It's easily found.

If you can't get out - keep swimming around.

 

On my father's desk at the place he worked, there was a green glass frog.  When I would visit him, I would see the frog and appreciate it every time.  There was just something about it.  When he passed away, I kept that frog that was on his desk for so many years.
 

 

Years later, I found a baby glass frog that looked just like the frog that belonged to my dad.

 

 

I still have both of those frogs, and am reminded that if things ever get tough in life, am I going to be like the frog who lost hope or the other little fellow who always had hope and kept swimming around til he got out of that deep cream bowl.  I want to be like him.  ; )   

 

 

 

~Sheri

The Old And The New

Some birds came to see me recently,
and the yellow and red ones are my favorite.

 

I have to show you the wine bottle that Jess got me.  It has a rose label on the front, and the glass bottom is in the shape of a rose, it's so cool.  We always have a cheese ball with crackers every year around the holidays.

 

These flowers were on Jess' bedside when she came in to visit.  They are from a bush outside my front yard.  Do you know the name of them?  (camellias maybe?)

 

The trees are all bare now, and it's getting so cold.

 

The birds are making their nests, finding shelter from the cold.  And what better place to make their home than the drive through at Starbuck's?

 

Do you remember the vintage Radio Flyer red wagons?
  I think they came out in the 1930's.

 

Well, look who got a Radio Flyer red wagon!

It was a gift from her other grandma.  And the wheels are huge, so they can take long walks on the beach.

 

Somebody's kissing under the mistletoe.

 

2020, the start of a new decade.  Is this going to be a good year?  I've had many difficult times throughout this year, but Jess knows that I believe through all those hard times, that blessings still come my way every day.  This may be my favorite present of all.

 

The train passing by with its whistle blowing tells me
"all is right with the world."

Oh, what is it?.....what is it about the rose?  Even a wilted dry old rose is pretty to me.  It reminds me that even old things are beautiful - old houses, old clothes, old furniture, and especially old people.  We tend to focus on the new, and we have to keep up with the newness of everything.  I am wishing you so much goodness in the new year, and I hope you get some new things, and maybe mix them with the old.

And remember,
a good cup of coffee makes everything better
even on a crappy day.  ; )

~Sheri