Friday, December 23, 2011

Safely Tucked Away



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in my earliest memory of 

Christmas

Christmas 1965 Los Angeles

the story of the season

in relationship 

to my life 

source unknown


had not yet begun to 

flower 

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UNTIL

my child 

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of

Christmas Past

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and the woman of

CHRISTMAS TODAY

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met to reconcile

in the light.

via

That particular year 

my mother

Los Angeles 1965
 
had nothing to give her only 

daughter

but one thing:


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a pencil.

And as I looked out my window
I had noticed that even 
the other poor kids 
had
new bikes 
new clothes 
new toys.
 
But it wasn't until the years

whittled away the commonality 

of what I took for granted

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and exposed the possibilities


via
 
that I

finally saw

the core



via

of my mother's gift.

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LOVE

is priceless


and from what seems


impossible

spills over in abundance

from within.

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FOREVER.

It's the 

Perfect Gift.

via

Please visit my husband Ruben 


here


to read his holiday poetry. 


Wishing all of 

YOU
  
my TREaSUreD friends

Merry/Happy Christmas



Happy Hannukah


Joyeux Noël


Feliz Navidad


Vrolijk Kerstfeest

 Fröhliche Weihnachten

 Buone Feste Natalizie

Nadolig Llawen

Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom

Feliz Natal  

Gledelig Jul

Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!  

Nollaig Shona Dhuit


Header Photo Credits:

from left to right top:


Second and third images no source

Bird's nest via Midwest Living



120 comments:

Unknown said...

...a gift of the magi...

how wonderful
and how fortunate would we be,
to have been given a precious gift such as this...

priceless indeed!

merriest christmas to you enchanted one!!
thank you for a year ~ FULL ~ of isnpiration :)
xo, Rosemary

Rattus Scribus said...

Dearest wife,
There are many things made big that are highly overrated and rather unimportant, like a riot over a sports team that lost a game, or even won a game -- an effect wholly unwarranted by its cause, fading away as one of history's stupid moments.

But selfless love is not one of these. I for one am glad that with no resources your mother found something to give you which, while simple and of little material value of itself, continues to flower in your artistic and literary expression.

Love
Ruben

trump said...

Anita when i saw your comment on my blog about you coming out with a fresh post i had to jump in my fictitious Amish buggy and head right over to your wonderful blog. And i love it when a blogger shares a little from their past with its readers like in this post, and i thank you again for your blog visits to my own. You have a way with words that i only wished that i had so sometimes its the way its delivered which you do so beautifully, and you help make some words sound much better than they otherwise would. Now I'm sounding a little like you maybe,lol so maybe your high standards are rubbing off on me. Again Anita merry Christmas to you and your family and i look forward to see what you have in store for the new year. Your pal from Amish country. Richard

C'est moi Claudette said...

A simple pencil and a little blue box from Tiffany. Now I could live with those two things. I would write sweet notes to all my blogging friends around the world, and wear my Tiffany jewelry around the house for Randy. Is that being selfish?
My mom gave me a lunch box one Xmas. Not sure why. We didn't have a cafeteria at school. We walked home every day for lunch, but she got me a lunch box. She wasn't very creative, I'm sorry to say. Now, I wish I would have asked her why a lunch box? I guess I'll never know.
Your mom knew what she was giving you Anita. She knew. How grateful we are because of a little pencil.
Merry Christmas to you and Ruben.
I love you
xoxoxoxoxo

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Anita,
Your Mother gave you something that year that one day you would use to spread light and love to us all. Something as ordinary as a pencil or pen can bring such joy to so many people. I absolutely LOVED the picture of you and your mom. It is a picture to be framed. Old pictures are treasures. I bet when you look back now, you can see how special your mother's gift truly was. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, dear Anita. And I hope all the love that you give us every day comes back to you on Christmas Day.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Anita.. your mother seen the gift you possessed and wanted to make sure your you let it flourish. Mothers just know these things. Merry Christmas my friend!~Hugs, Patti

Stephanie said...

how lovely! Wishing that you continue to enjoy the gift of creativity you share with us! Merry Christmas my dear!

Candylei said...

Love your husbands post! Love all if the beautiful images you find and share. Wishing you the happiest of holidays ever this year!!!
Joyeus Noel

Wendi @ Classic Chic Home said...

Anita,
A solitary pencil has evolved into a precious symbol of love, growing in its power and understanding as the year pass by. It is from this simple gift that great talent has grown. Thank you for sharing your MANY GIFTS with us!
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas and a magical New Year!
~ Wendi ~ xo

Deborah said...

Who would have ever guessed that the precious gift your Momma gave you from her heart would have blossomed and multiplied into such beauty!
Anita..you have been given such a gift..and it flows from you, as it was meant to.
Love that you shared from your life, your heart, and gave to us my dear friend xoxo
Christmas Love to you sweetheart!!

All my love,
Deborah xoxoxoxooxoxox

BirgitW. said...

Oh... ma chère Anita... c`est un post très VRAI!!
C´est toujours l `amour, quelle garde pour nous...Sans cette " Emotion " notre vie n`existe pas...Tu as Raison... Oui!!!

Je ne sais pas les mots correcte, mais je comprend bien tes mots et tes photos... et pour Noel, je te souhaite et aussi pour ta famille - les temps merveilleuse et tranquilles - avec des gros Bises de l`Allemagne à L `Amerique

Joyeux Noel pour toi... Amitiés ta Birgit( allemande )

French Girl in Seattle said...

Chere Anita-- Un message sans accent car je n'ai pas le bon clavier dans la cuisine, pardonne-moi. J'ai ete tres touchee par ton billet. Ta maman n'avait peut-etre pas d'argent, mais elle etait sage, et observatrice. Elle te connaissait bien: Elle avait compris que tu avais du talent, et quel talent! Merci pour cette belle histoire de Noel qui rechauffe le coeur. Joyeux Noel, mon amie. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

A Magical Whimsy said...

Your dear sweet mother~ This post brought tears to my eyes. A mother's love is truly forever.
What a precious photo you posted of your mother and yourself...it speaks a thousand words. Well, even when we weren't so well off, my parents were still able to buy me a bicycle for Christmas. (They had probably put it on lay away in order to afford it). It was turquoise and I remember my fourth grade boyfriend and I riding around on it, I sat behind him on the seat and we giggled our heads off. What treasured memories.
Those were the simple days...
May your Holiday be merry and bright!
love and hugs
Teresa

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

Oh, my...
How is it possible you continue to create such emotion in these incredible works of art you produce weekly??
This was beautiful, Anita.
Simply beautiful....
I went to see Ruben as well. WOW. I LOVE his quotes.
He has another follower. :) :)
Merry Christmas, my wonderful friend.
I can't wait to talk to you!!!
Much love and HUGE hugs~
Lisa xoxoxo

mati said...

quelle belle histoire !
merci

millefeuilles said...

Anita, I am almost in tears. Yours is the last blog I will be visiting before we set off tomorrow.

I am so, so grateful to have 'met' you, beautiful soul.

Dear Anita and Ruben I wish you a magical Christmas full of simple joys and treasures.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How wondrous! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family! God bless you. ♥♥♥

Unknown said...

buongiorno Pumpkin Lovely story to keep close to you and remember your mummy
the simple things in life are alayas the most effective
enjoy your Christmas eve with Ruben sweetpie
Fay xxx

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

How beautiful Anita, and how you remember that gift ...your Mother knew about your gift of writing and your talent with words! It's Christmas Eve now...1 more sleep...Merry Christmas Dearest...Dzintra xo

Blessed Serendipity said...

Dear Anita,
I love your beautiful posts and this one had so much meaning for me.

A gift can be ANYTHING if it is given with LOVE.

Merry Christmas and thank you so very much for the beauty you share on your blog. It is such a treat.

xo,
Danielle

It's me said...

Thanks for your friendship !! what a beautiful post...love you...xxx..



Bedankt lieverd voor je gezelligheid steun en liefde van het afgelopen jaar......liefs van mij.....xxx...Ria


Thanks my darling for your fun loving and support over the past year....love from me.....xxx...Ria

x
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Fijne Kerstdagen,
Merry Christmas,
Glaedelig Jul,
Merry Christmas,
Joyeux Noel,
God Jul,

Dawne Boynton Polis said...

What a perfect song to play in the background of this beautiful post...the simplest gift, when given in love is as precious as Gold, Frankincense or Myrrh. Your mother gave the gift of her heart, and that pencil eventually became the tool of your drawing, which indeed led you to your beautiful art form today!
May your Noêl be très joyeux!!!!!! [ I know i put the wrong accent over the e. HOW do I do that little "umlaut"?
Off to read Rubens poetry!
Bisous

Beach House Living said...

One of the most touching posts I've read...Be happy, healthy and blessed with love this holiday season.

YONKS said...

Nadolig Llawen Anita! What a clever girl you are to find the Welsh. You are an absolute TREASURE Anita. I am so glad to have found you this year. You have brought me riches in your wisdom and words and I am all the better for it dear friend.
I hope you and Ruben have a most wonderful holiday season, filled with love and laughter. You deserve it.
BLESS YOU BOTH.
Di
x

Woolytales Miniatures said...

This is SO YOU Nita!!!And may I say.... beautiful!
Nita, nothing is wasted and you are this incredible artist because of your past.Love you.

Come to my blog as my heart was beating in a special paste and I could think was (((you))) .
Merry Christmas darlin'!!!(((smiles)))

Anonymous said...

That was very moving! Thank you so much for sharing. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!

desde my ventana said...

Beautiful Anita!!
I wish you a very happy Christmas time with your family

Big and specially warm hugs to you

Cecilia

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Oh my dear friend, I am tearing up as I write this. Your mother was a special woman that is obvious. She gave you what she could and then she gave you more, unconditional love. From that one pencil a fertile young mind blossomed into the beautiful, artistic woman and thoughtful, moving writer that you are. This post solidifies that the most treasured gifts are from the heart and that the monetary value means nothing.

I wish you and Ruben and your little pup a very Merry Christmas and many blessings for a fabulous new year. Wonderful things are going to happen for you!

Take care my friend, xo Elizabeth

erin's art and gardens said...

so beautiful, dear sweet anita.
merry, merry, merry christmas to you and yours.
erin
xxoo

A Magical Whimsy said...

Lovely, dearest Anita
I hope your cousin shared the red bike with you sometimes.
There were times we only had corn bread and beans for dinner and oatmeal for breakfast. And we didn't complain...it was just part of life. There were no food stamps, or welfare checks back in the 1960's either. I guess we can be thankful today for those who really do need food stamps and welfare checks with the economy the way it is.
Do have a very joyful weekend!
with fond memories of our childhood(s)~
Teresa

The enchanted home said...

Anita..this might be my favorite post yet. The gift your mother gave you truly is pricesless, the gift of love in its purest form, and the gift of believing in her daughter to find and follow her God given talents and the belief that with a single sharpened pencil she could realize her dreams and allow those dreams to be her vehicle to carry her to the next step and just look at the gift she has created in return to all of us who have gotten to know you! I can think of no better way to exemplify a gift that keeps on giving as the one your mother gave you....truly beautiful. YOU are a treasured gift to all of us, and to think it all started with a single sharpened pencil and an abundance of love.............so touching.
Thank you Anita for the gift of your words, orchestrated so brilliantly with glorious images and for the gift of your uncondtional friendship. Wishing you and your family the merriest Christmas possible and all the best in the coming new year. Heres to a magical and beautiful 2012!!!!!!

highheeledlife said...

What a wonderful tribute to memories of a priceless gift, that only a Mother's love could give. She knew that all you needed was a pencil and from that a whole world would open up! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas , with much love, xo HHL

karen - Simply Inspired said...

love... and inspiration... the perfect gifts... there is nothing more we truly need. please write on dear one... write on and share your inspiration far and wide...i so enjoy feeling the warmth of your signature light.
christmas blessings and love to you.
-xok.

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

I got a tear in my eyes. A twinkle in my heart and an understanding of the depth of your message.

Just beautiful in every way as always.

HUGS!
Lorraine

Diana Brito said...

Your post made me cry...thank you.
Diana from San Francisco

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

My dear sweet friend.. I can feel the love here.. What a beautiful post, and the photo of you and your mom is priceless! The way the light shines on your beautiful faces... You were never poor, rich with love my friend, and your mom taught you well.. Thank you for being my friend...
Merry Christmas Anita!!
Looking forward to another wonderful year with you right by my side...
Your gift will be treasured always!
Bless you
Love,
Penny

jerilanders said...

Anita, I am so grateful that your mother gave you that pencil.
Just look at where that pencil has taken you, it is miraculous that such wonder can come from such a simple item,isn't it?
My mother once gave me a super large box of crayola crayons for Christmas... I am also grateful for that.
We critters send our Christmas love to you and Ruben!

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Beautiful post..... Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!!
hugs~~~ Daphne

Stacey said...

A heartwarming tribute to your mother who was obviously a very wise lady. Really beautiful post my lovely Anita. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Lots of love. XX

DolceDreams said...

Anita....
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...
such a treasure...
and always a pleasure to read your wise words!
i wish you a splendid Christmas!
Nathalie

Seawashed said...

Wow...how beautiful. Your gift of a pencil was truly a gift beyond knowing at the time. Look what you have done with that pencil in your life. I love love love this memory...it could be a movie dearest. love you. merry christmas.

vicki archer said...

Happy Christmas Anita... Thank you for your beautiful posts... your inspired image choices... The way you compose everything is magical... Enjoy this weekend and see you in the New Year... xv
PS You are 'my daily click today'... just love these...

Simplement ... said...

Je te souhaite un merveilleux Noël dans la joie et la paix ***
Je penserai à toi ce soir mon amie en regardant les étoiles ***
Que Dieu te garde ***
Je t'embrasse tendrement.
Marie-Ange

elena nuez said...

I wish you and yours a lovely holiday seasons as well.
wishing you joy, health, love each and every day.

warmly,
Elena

Unknown said...

My dear Anita Its probably Christmas day by the time this arrives Thankyou for your friendship in my first yaer of blogging all the fun and sharing and enjoy the time with Ruben Love fay xxx

Apple Blossom Barn said...

Anita
you really speak the truth, I felt I was beside you as a little girl looking out that window, childhood memories seem to get stronger at this time of year and yours is of a Mothers love, I wish you and Ruben a wonderful Christmas,

All my love

Denise

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Such a beautiful, inspiring post to read this Christmas Eve morning Anita...and always so enchanting...
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas,
Susan x

Simplement ... said...

Cette photo renferme tout l'amour du monde ***
Le vrai Noël est celui du coeur ***
Je t'embrasse
Marie-Ange

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

How precious, Anita! How it mirrors the gift of God, Jesus, sent from His heart of love for us... the greatest gift we can ever receive.

Your mother's heart reflected her love and her knowledge of her daughter so perfectly. Beautiful.

Merry Christmas to you & Ruben!

xo

Vær våken said...

Dear Anita, what a touching story! I wish you a merry Christmas and hope it is filled with many special moments!!! Thanks for being my blog friend :)

Christmas hug from Kristin♥♥♥

francis said...

Being busy with all kinds of ridiculous things I wrote on my blog .... my Iphone gave up .
And there I was ..... where the hell was I .... What was I doing ?
You know Anita with all the things happening in E.'s life and so also happening in my life I was very busy loosing myself I guess .
And than also Christmas coming up ...... Christmas ? Can life really go on as if nothing happened ? My...... and the children are coming and expect .... Christmas with their mother and I have no idea at all.
Have not done one shopping and the stores close within 5 hours ...
And I also must buy 3 birthday presents . One for Elisabeth , one for Vanessa also having her birthday on Christmasday and one for Kathleen the girlfriend of my youngest Thomas ...also having her birthday on THE SAME DAY ....What did I do to have three girls in my family having birthday ON THE EXACT SAME DAY ?
Not only my phone has to reset
I also must reset myself.
I am overwhelmed these days by the most heartwarming surprises in the mail.
A year ago I could not even have imagened all of this .... the blogging friendship all over the world . Meaning the USA and CANADA !
Letters , cards , presents all for me ...... Am I dreaming ?
I did not want to buy a christmas tree this year .... what's the point I thought ...
But hey ...Elisabeth and her big brother Valentijn bought me the cutest very small tree with an avocet ( looked this up in the dictionary ......) so I can put her (the tree ) in the garden after christmas ..... and she can grow as Eva ....each year taller ...
So I have to be back to smaller .... KEEP IT SMALL is what life is trying to tell me .
And than .... because of my IPhone falling out ....I looked up my laptop...... and updated my blog and read your comment and visited your blog and
I
saw
you
as a little girl
with your wonderful mother
and I read what you wrote and
there I was
crying ...... Oh you dearest .
You gave me the ultimate christmas feeling and also myself back.
Who I want to be , how I want to be .
But so often not am ....because of all the things happening around me .
I will be calm from this moment
and I will be SO thinking of you .
Lots of LOVE

Kerri said...

Your post is beautiful as always! I love this song. Its not about material things, its about his presence in our lives and honoring our Lord's birth.

Have a safe Christmas Eve, be careful all the crazy drivers last minute shopping!

xoxo
Kerri

Kerri said...

Your post is beautiful as always! I love this song. Its not about material things, its about his presence in our lives and honoring our Lord's birth.

Have a safe Christmas Eve, be careful all the crazy drivers last minute shopping!

xoxo
Kerri

Kerri said...

I just read your post on my blog. Now this is me sending you special hugs!!

xoxo
Kerri

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

Anita, I just stopped by for a Christmas vision and you have given me a beautiful one.

Have a lovely Christmas dear friend and GODJUL too.

Sue

Nico said...

Beautiful!

"Create Beauty" said...

This is so touching!!!! Isn't it amazing what can be accompished, what joy can come from a simple pencil?!?!?!?

I don't think my children or grandchildren would be too thrilled with the gift of one pencil either.... I wonder what they will remember about our Christmases. I am glad they will not have some of the memories that I have of a childhood clouded by alcoholism and the uncertainty it brought to the holidays...

Your words and images are so powerful, and speak volumes my dear friend!!!!

Love you.
Merry Christmas,
~ Violet

Pierelantijntjes said...

I'm touched by this post dear Anita. Love is the greatest gift of all! And nobody can take that away!
Wish you a merry christmas!

Prettige kerstdagen en een gelukkig nieuwjaar!
XXX Ester

Kirsten Steen said...

Merry Christmas, Anita!! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Kirsten

Sacha said...

Joyeux Noël ma chère Anita !
Beaucoup de bonheur pour ces fêtes pour toi ainsi que pour tous ceux qui te sont chers
Je t'embrasse très fort !
_____☆**☆
__________☆ * ☆* ☆
_________ ☆♥ *☆*♥☆
________☆*♥ (☆) ♥ * ☆
_______☆*♥ *(*☆*)*♥* ☆
______☆*♥☆*(** ☆**)♥*☆
___________▓▓▓_______
_____**JOYEUX NOËL **
∗* ☆ * ☆ ∗ * ☆ * ☆ ∗* ☆ *∗*
A++Sacha

Palomasea said...

Sweet tears flowing here, my darling, soulful, beautiful friend.
"And the greatest of these is LOVE"..
That photograph of you and your mother is so very
precious..triggered the tears for me. And that is your lovely father with the tree?
You walk in beauty, dear friend, in grace, in pure love.
The love of your momma and daddy lives and breathes right here. You were indeed, given the greatest gifts...
BLESSINGS MY SWEETEST TREASURED SOEUR!
LOVE YOU!!!
- Irina :)

Dawne Boynton Polis said...

Back to say how I loved your story of the "HUGE boule"! I always go up there for lunch, and for the fantastic view!! And I forgot to say how I loved the photo of you and your mom. What a treasure to own!
XOXO

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I'm late! Mon ordinateur ne marchait plus et j'ai raté plein de belles photos sur ton blog!
Les dernières sont magnifiques aussi!
J'adore ton univers!
Ton escalier sous ta bannière est vraiment superbe avec toutes ces lumières!
Passe de bonnes fêtes de Noël Anita!
XOXO

Anne said...

Dear Anita, I wish you and Ruben a beautiful, peaceful, and joyous Christmas and new year to come! Sharing your thoughts and images has been a delight this year and I'm so happy to have "met" you! Love, Anne

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Merry Christmas my dear friend! Thank you for coming to visit this morning. I am so glad that you liked the cocoa, I thought you might.

The other gifts reminded me of you! I am glad that you liked them. Have a very merry holiday and enjoy your sweet Ruben and your pup.

Happy day, xoxo elizabeth

Sem Nome said...

Feliz Natal, querida Anita!!!!
Merry X-mas dear Anita!!!
Blowing some hugs and kisses to YOU!!!
Bela

hi-d said...

Dear Anita,

I remembered that you probably did your usual Friday post last night around 1:30 am after I was up wth Maximus, so I had to come by for a visit on my cell phone after he went back to bed. I am now rocking the little guy in my chair as I type this and he has fallen asleep for a little nap. :)

What a sweet, heart felt post. I am so glad your Mom gave you the tools for you to discover some of your amazing talents. Little did she know that you would touch so many lives. (Well, she HAD to know. You are SO special)! That photo of the two of you is PRICELESS!

Wishing you and Ruben the most blessed Christmas! Love to you! Heidi

Susan said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mom and her gift of love. You are a special person, my friend. May your Christmas bring you joy and delight as you reminisce and make new memories as well!
Blessings!
Joyeux Noel!

Mapi said...

Good evening dearest Anita.
Have a wonderful Christmas, you and your husband and all the ones who are dear to you !

May the light and love rule the world .....

Mapi

Marie Söderberg said...

how wondeful to read this, your poem text are just amazing to read, I love them all, you are so talanted, ..
wish you a joyfull christmas /marie

Deana Sidney said...

Have a great Christmas, Lovely Anita and your Ruben... you are so right... the best gifts are from the heart not the wallet. Good to keep that in mind.

RDA Pony Tales said...

My dearest Anita, it is well past the midnight hour here, and after a very busy day I am on my to bed, BUT, I wanted to wish you a very Happy Christmas day!
Your post has moved me more than you can know. And the picture of you with your Mother brought tears to my eyes.
I feel blessed to have your friendship, you really are the sweetest soul.
I wish you and Ruben a wonderful Christmas.
Sending much love and hugs,
Abby and Santa Spotty xx

Bonnie said...

Dear Anita, thank you for sharing a memorable and heartfelt Christmas with us. Merry Christmas to you and Ruben!

Lots of love to my very dear friends, Bonnie

The enchanted home said...

My dear friend Anita...I cannot sign off tonight without wishing you a joyous Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!
You are someone who is amazingly talented, kind and generous...and I am truly honored to consider you a friend!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Burlap Luxe said...

Tear, tearing up in tears.
I know without a doubt that some how God directed her to gift you such a tool (Pencil) that would create words and art of beauty!

A most wise and beautiful gift.

Joyeux Noel

xoxo
~Dore

Maria said...

Merry Christmas dear ♥
Rejoice! Rejoice!
always,

Maria

ps. Your husband's blog is wonderful.
I love his latest poem and I really enjoyed reading his sidebar writings.
God bless you two and may you have a joyous day!

Anonymous said...

awh...that twas...sweetly spoken...dear anita...very sweetly spoken...blessings of love to you...today and always...Eden

maria l. said...

Preciosas fotografías
Un gusto exquisito.
Con ambas cosas es imposible no acertar y tu trabajo las tiene .
Felicitaciones
Felíz Navidad
Happy new year for you.
I wish you 366 happy days.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

What can I say? Thanks for sharing this post...The photos are lovely and the poem is very touching. Merry Christmas Linda

Schwanennest said...

Merry Christmas from Munich, Germany ! Thank you for a year full of beauty ! Your blog is a miracle ! Just wonderful !
Frohe Weihnachten, Jessica

Unknown said...

Happy Christmas sweetpie thankyou for your viit Ive had an enjoyable day I went out for lunch and came back to watch the Queens speech I had a walk in the gardens and the sun was quite strong
so my dear enjoy your day too
and see you soon Fay xxx

Schwanennest said...

Dear Anita, thank you for all your lovely words ! I am very glad that you like my home - it´s a great honor to me ! Thank you for sharing your wonderful fotos and thoughts with us - they are a gift from heaven !
I am very glad to have met you !
I wish you a peaceful Christmas!
See you next year....:-)
Love, Jessica

Schwanennest said...

Yes ! Jade is my very beloved, best friend :-) !
Good night, dear !
See you in 2012 !

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Nita, I DID missed the picture of you and momma, i must had run the mouse down somehow... how lovely to see... what a memory for you!!*grin*

Nita, go to my blogs, when you have a chance.... no hurry... make sure you go to my familydoll one too . I did place a picture on the woolytales but at the family doll blog you can see much more also the white horse is done. i posted on my mini blog.

Merry Christmas !!!

Nita.. did you ge my email? i sent to the new email addesss... let me know if you didn't... it is about.... Paris,, hint hint,,grin.

Rosie said...

Oh what a G I F T. Such LOVE your mother presented to you....memories, tender and true...You have such an ability to put your pencil to paper and illustrate both with word and sketch your most inner thoughts.
My family is about to sit and share a bit of turkey and fixin's so will send a Christmas hug and Wish you the MERRIEST OF CHRISTMAS' DEAR, DEAR FRIEND...XOXO...love Rosie

Antiques And Teacups said...

Hi Anita! So nice to meet you as well as Ruben. I was so blessed at the boldness of Her Majesty's speech. What a brick! My family calls he "Our Liz" and I expect we'll be chatting in heaven. Merry Christmas!
Ruth

Anonymous said...

gosh...i feel ever so blessed...to have you in my life too...sweet Christmas wishes dear friend...

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

And to think that little pencil started you on your creative artwork.
Loved seeing the sweet photographs of you and your Mother at Christmastime, so beautiful.
Warmest wishes to you dear friend for a Christmas you'll always treasure for the joy it brings and the memories it leaves.
Happy holidays and wishing you a year ahead filled with happy days.
Thanks for all you share and your friendship over the past year.

Sending love & hugs
Carolyn

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Merry Christmas beautiful Anita!!!!
This post is so precious!!! I love the photo of the gold ornaments all down the grand staircase, blue box, & art pencils!!! I watched two different versions of "Little Women" on Turner Classic Movies. We always put TBS' 24 hours of "A Christmas Story" on one of our TV's all day on Christmas... it has become one of our traditions. :-)
It looks like there's a possibility we could get snow on Tuesday!!! How was your Christmas?
Merry Christmas dear friend!!!!
Love & Hugs,
Shannon :-)

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Sweet Anita.... Just in the nick of time here to pop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas.....I couldn't let it pass without good wishes for you....

LOVE this post......so true, isn't it? You really touch the deepest parts of me with your words......my Mum passed away three years ago tomorrow......it's such a sad day for me.

xoxoxoxoxo

Spence

Christmas-etc... said...

Hope your Christmas time is full of love and laughter and many many blessings! And lots of sparkle!!
Love,
Ann

YONKS said...

Morning darling girl! I hope you and Ruben had a wonderful restful day. Lots to share, love, warmth and of course gifts. Enjoy the rest of the week and the coming of a new year, always exciting!
Much love to you both.
Di
X

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

You are a kindred spirit! I have always said, if stranded on an island and I had my bodily needs taken care of, food, light, shelter, water, etc. that all I would wish for (if that was possible) was endless paper at my disposal and pencils with perfect tips. This was touching, thanks! Blessings, friend.

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Thank you so much for your lovely comment!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Your post is beautiful!!

Marsha

Unknown said...

Your words spoke louder than the pictures to me.
Love you Anita!

Martina said...

Hi sweet friend, thank you so much for stopping by! Christmas greetings for you and Ruben. Your post here is so sweet Anita! There is a whole story in it, a christmas story of love and discoveries and wisdom. Our christmas has been lovely so far, the 24th it was just us and my one sons girlfriend, and yesterday, we were invited at my aunts, who is a wonderful cook. Today i tool a long walk with my hubby, to make room for more dinner. How are you overthere and how was your celebration? I feel better but still need a lot of rest. Much love, xox

fashion-meets-art said...

my friend anita, thanks so much for your sweet words. thanks, i hope my trip will be fine, but i think so. trips with family and friend are always funny :)
i'm so happy about, that your husband and you bought short trousers like mine- i really appreciate it. thanks so much dear!
kisses and a nice week,
maren anita <3



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koralee said...

Sweet sweet blessings to you dear one...I have missed you too. Just spending time with my family and enjoying a little peace. I hope to get back at it very very soon...my parents leave soon.
I hope your Christmas was filled with sweet joy. The holidays are moving along and I am not ready to move with them. I am enjoying family days..with yummy holiday meals and long walks and fun board games...sigh...these are the days I have been waiting for.
So glad you got your little gift..it was not much but just something I saw and thought of you right away.
Hugs for a wonderful week ahead...enjoy every moment. xoxoxoxo love to you.

hi-d said...

Hello my friend,

How was your Christmas? I hope you and Ruben had a wonderful time. So, do you get this entire week off? I hope you don't have to go back to school until NEXT YEAR!

Have a relaxing evening!

Much love,
Heidi

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita, I am happy the little lights sparkled for you and your hubby!

I adore them and I am able to wrap them around a theatre beautifully adding just the right glow needed. I am sure they will end up on a theatre of yours reminding you of stage lights that lit a stage by candle light :)

I am looking forward to a new year with all you inspire and a friendship that will continue.
xoxo
Dore

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita, You always have beautiful headers and I never change mine enough, so I did a little flip on my layout and added a bit more pale to my header...You inspire beauty girl friend :)
xoxo
Dore

roseroomnz.com said...

beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Such a gorgeous post, Anita! I hope that your Christmas was absolutely lovely!! xo

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita we had a wonderful celebration as I trust you have had!!! We ate lots...ham...prosciutto...potatoes...vegetables...salad...pchristmas pudding and custard...started Christmas Eve with potato roesti...butterflied leg of lamb on the barbeque...JoJo sooo excited...she continues to amaze us with her perception...she loves to celebrate all occasions...she just seems to know when they are...everything washed down with wine...and yesterday pink champagne at brunch!!! How about you, what did you eat? Enjoy your preparation for New Year...and a big cheers to you...love Dzintra xo

Privet and Holly said...

I'm sure it was
difficult at the
time to see your
friends with their
larger gifts, but
in the end, yours
outlasted every.
single.one. Your
mother had the
foresight to know
that; how beautiful.
I just adore the picture
of the two of you
in 1965!!! I hope
that you have that
framed, somewhere
in your home. Love
and hugs to you,
dear friend.

xx Suzanne

Decor de Provence said...

Once again a magical moment for me - thanks to you! People like you lift and inspire, that's what gifts are truly for! So thanks to your amazing Mother we are able to enjoy something extra special. I can't wait for another wonderful year exploring your beautifully inspiring blog! Many wonderful wishes to you and your beautiful family!

lol,
Desiree

Anonymous said...

Your soul shines light on all who come your way. What a beautiful tale, a lesson, a gift. Happy holidays. Mina

Ivy Clad said...

Anita, how beautiful and priceless. This post has made me recall a number of very special memories that I rarely relate to anyone, but are very dear to me nonetheless, in a very bittersweet way. I can feel your emotion through the words and pictures in this post. Very beautifully done!

Keri

Karena said...

Dearest Anita thank you so much for your friendship and encouragement!!

As I rehab from a second surgery in 2 months!!

Wishing you and yours all the best in 2012

Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Christel said...

Oh Anita, I am SO glad I looked further back at posts I might have missed during these past several days. I absolutely LOVE this post, and how you have shown your heart. Your Mother probably grieved over a fruitless Christmas for her beautiful daughter, but is surely smiling now, as she knows the pencil brought forth your imagination, your words, your inner light..your "you" Such a wonderful, poignant post. The photo of you in your mothers lap is beautiful. XOXOX Christel

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

I love those carved pencil tips...and one can never go wrong with getting/giving a little blue box :)
Hope your Holiday was merry!

georgia ~ gi gi said...

Aw, what a truly divine Christmas!
I love the pic of you and your mother!
Thank you for sharing this story and you with us! I feel so blessed getting to know you!
Lots of love
gi gi

Unknown said...

Wanted to write a little something here Anita. Such a gorgeous post, You are so creative. Such a lovely story.

Karen

Maria said...

JOY and Peace to you all through the new year and always dear Anita,
Have a sweet weekend and enjoy each and every moment of these last hours of 2011 and may 2012 bring even more JOYS than ever!
~Maria

Mapi said...

Wishing you dearest Anita and all your loved ones a Wonderful Happy and Bright New Year !
Much love
Mapi

YONKS said...

Happy New Year Anita. You have made this year both significant and memorable!
Thinking of you at midnight!
Di
x

morikomidori said...

missing you my dear sweet magical friend and your lovely Ruben a blissful 2012

much love and hugs xxx

sumea

Unknown said...

Anita, I can relate completely to your Christmas memory. Yet, that gift was priceless ... how blessed a treasure forever.

Happy New Year, sweet friend ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

The BUTT'RY and BOOK'RY said...

GREETINGS DEAREST DEAREST Anita!
I am at the Library using a computer because mine is no more!!
I miss visiting you!
I hope you had a Joyous BLESSED Christmas!! and Happy New Year!!
XXXX OOOO , Linnie

Sylvia said...

Dearest Anita ,
sorry for being late visiting you ...
You create magic ! You have a special talent of making people believe that miracles happen every day.Everything you do here in theblog-land brings to light your gentle , child-like , filled with dreams and hope soul. You deserve the best ! I love this enchanting aqua velvet fairy slipper.Thinking of you ...and dreaming with you !