Wednesday, December 18, 2013

As The Story Goes

via
 
they were among the first

to 

be there.


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And as the others made

their journey

toward the designated place 



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via


via


via


people  from

all corners of the earth

came in procession


via

via

via

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 but they grew afraid

as the darkness above them

and

within them

 burst into a constellation

of 

glittered energy.







Then a child

said 

Do not be afraid.


via



and





you could pull back 

the night

like a curtain


 
anita rivera

you would see that


anita rivera




anita rivera









to the people

from 

all the corners of the earth.
















108 comments:

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Merry Christmas dear friend! Wishing you all the joy, peace and happiness this day brings. So grateful for you in my life.
xx

Lady of the Woods said...

how never ending enchanting.....!!
Anita....you are soooo inspirational.....and that could be the highest compliment to anyone.

Susan said...

What a wonderful Christmas message! Thank you for sharing this~

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

I just love you Anita! Have I already said that before? :) This is precious my sweet friend, what a light you are!

Merry Christmas and hugs to you and Ruben.

prince snow farm said...

The entire piece speaks volumes….however your sweet illustration is my true dream. Love. Your words fill my heart.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This is a masterpiece! I cried (in a good way) because it is so lovely and so true.

Love to you and a Merry Christmas! With the angels, I sing, "Alleluia!"

xoxoxox

Sheila

deb famularo said...

You are truly AMAZING! I love this. I love your beautiful artwork. Your message is so profound, and you put it out there in a way that only you could!!!! Talk about chills.... you bring out the light inside each of us my friend! I love you and cherish having you in my life. I wish you the most wonderful Christmas with your loved ones! Be Merry and Be Blessed as you bless all of us. Much love Always. xo

Simply LKJ said...

Anita, you have such a talent for putting music, beautiful words, and photographs together. This piece is no exception. So inspirational.
Merry Christmas and may you be blessed in the coming New Year.

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Anita,
Beautiful inspiration from a beautiful woman. This post has left me with tears. For you see, my son came to me as glittering energy throughout our house to allow me to accept and to know he was at peace. Loved your sweet illustrations and the message with captivating photography emotionally stirs the soul.
Merry Christmas with love,
Vera

Jacqueline said...

You always lift my spirit! I love that song! I just watched a Christmas movie where they were trashing it and instantly I didn't like the movie that much! Truly, the love of Christ fills the earth during this Christmas time and we all share in it. May we bask in it all year long. Have a glorious Christmas! I am sure every minute of it is magical at your house!

Bonnie said...

Anita, I have been humming "Little Drummer Boy" for days. I fell in love with it so many years ago; it continues to be a favorite. Will you be out of school soon? Tomorrow is my last day until after the New Year. I am hoping to finish my shopping Friday. Sending you hugs and good wishes for the Merriest Christmas. Thank you for sharing your talent with we the people of the world. Hugs! Bonnie

erin's art and gardens said...

loverly.
erin
xoxo

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

Dearest Anita...this is the loveliest Christmas message I have ever seen! Thank you for sharing your amazing talents with all of us! Have a blessed Christmas! xoxo

Divine Theatre said...

Without the Dark the Light would not shine so brightly.
We are all on our Journey to see Him. The Light and the Darkness bring us closer to each other so that we may travel together.

Merry Christmas, Anita!

xo

Andie

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

Simply a most creative and BEAUTY FILLED post. Thank you Always xo

Art and Sand said...

I had to google synonyms for beautiful because beautiful does not do justice to this lovely post . . .

charming . . . exquisite . . . pleasing . . . marvelous . . . and the list of adjectives goes on.

Red Rose Alley said...

Anita,
Just when I think you can't create a more beautiful post than the ones before, I see this! I LOVE ALL THE ANIMALS. This is such a special song to go with your words and pictures today. They came from all corners of the world to see baby Jesus, and can you imagine being there at that time and celebrating his birth? I can't tell you how this post made my heart sing. You are a gifted person, Anita, filling our hearts with joy, peace, and love every time we come and visit you. This is so beautiful, and I must come back and see it several times before Christmas.

Love you, dear Anita.

~Sheri

ps the last three drawings that you made are simply wonderful.

Ann said...

So beautiful...
Oh this post made me so dreamy
and brought me back to my childhood
where Christmas morning is everything I ever want
and longs for it the whole year round..


Advance Merry Christmas.

Unknown said...

Beautiful and filled with hope. Thanks, Anita.

Mary Timmers

jerilanders said...

God Bless and Keep you Anita, for posting, with a most incredible array of amazing photos and poetry, the true love and meaning of Christmas.

Createology said...

On this very busy and most trying of days I am blessed to read your beautiful posts. I have missed several and having now read them I feel so much calmer and better. Thank you for sharing such sweet bliss. Merry Christmas Peace and Joy Anita Dear...

"Create Beauty" said...

Indeed you have pulled back the night like a curtain.
LOVED YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS and words.

All nature waits in anticipation for the return of the One who came ~

born in a manger, as the animals gently beheld his glory.

oh the MIRACLE of Christmas!!!

JOY TO THE WORLD!
~ Violet

Jade said...

That´s so heavenly, my dearest friend! I wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a joyful NEW YEAR!!! And I thank you so much for bringing all those love, beauty and light to us!!! THANK YOU, my dearest Anita!!!

Hugs and love and have a wonderful Christmas time, Jade

nélinha said...

Il est bien en ces périodes de fêtes de penser à toutes les personnes de la terre entière riches, pauvres le monde est ainsi fait....Mais apprenons plus à ouvrir nos cœurs...La Nature nous donne de jolis exemples de solidarité, de générosité et de simplicité....Je te souhaite ma chère Anita un doux et agréable Noël en compagnie des êtres qui te sont chers....GROS GROS Bisous
Nélinha

It's me said...

............................Merry Christmas !!!.......love from me...my friend ....xxx !!

The Dutchess said...

And to you my dear Sister,,and to you xoxo

Barbara said...

Dear Anita, Your blog posts are always inspiring, beautiful and filled with smiles. Knowing you has enriched my life so much, thank you. I hope your Christmas is everything you want it to be. Happy Christmas and love, Barbara.

Simplement ... said...

Paix et bonheur à tous les êtres vivants sur cette terre ...
Je t'embrasse tendrement
Marie-Ange

Simplement ... said...

Paix et joie sur Terre à tous les êtres vivants ...
Bisous du coeur
Marie-Ange

Unknown said...

Lovely images today. We wish you and all your family a lovely holiday. Merry Christmas and we hope you have a happy New Year.
Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly

leon 10 said...

lovely christmas post have a very lovely and cosy christmas with your familly and friends and dear ones a lovely time
leon10

Anonymous said...

ANita, Thank you for the song and beautiful imagery; I will come back to this post when I want to feel the reason for this holiday. You always nail it, and I thank you for sharing your poetry with us! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

...we are loved.

Merry Christmas to you and Ruben, and all your loved ones.
xoxo

Willow said...

Merry Christmas to you sweet Anita .
Merry Christmas to you and yours and may it be as bright and magical
as the light you share with us all here .
Thank you for all your beautiful, soulful posts throughout the year .
Peace and Joy to you my friend .
Happy Holidays,
Willow

Leslie said...

ANITA this is perfect and I will share it with my Mom this morning (she is visiting for the holidays:) That first picture is precious. Merry Christmas and wishing you a happy and healthy New Year ahead. xxooleslie

Unknown said...

And a very merry christmas to you dear Anita...enchantingly beautiful. xx

therelishedroost said...

Okay that should be a short film- One that I would expect to see on PBS , I absolutely love this.. will share willingly!!!

Little Miss Titch said...

Merry Christmas Auntie Anita,May all your dreams come true for Christmas,My amazingly beautiful funny Auntie,xx Speedy

BRASWELL said...

Anita, how you know that was one of my favorite christmas songs? Love the curtain being pulled back + Merry Christmas dear. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

YONKS said...

Very well said Anita! I, as always, love your take on life.
Speak soon dear one.
Love
Di
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Anita, this is beautiful! Love your simple take on a wonderful event to celebrate!

Marie Angelique

Roberta said...

Anita, as usual you have created a beautiful tribute to the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and Thank You for this!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good evening Roberta! Thank you for visiting! I am not sure which blog you are currently using, so I am replying here. Merry Christmas! Anita

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Dear Anita, thank you so much for visiting and leaving your very sweet comment., My husband loved what you wrote.Your Christmas post is truly lovely with special meanings. Love the stars and the curtain. Beautiful pictures with soothing music....xoxo Linda

Red Rose Alley said...

I'm back again to see this special post and listen to the peaceful music.

Love,
~Sheri

koralee said...

Oh my sweet friend...this is a very special post! I am so thankful for YOU. Your light shines brightly on us all! Thank you so much for being YOU. So much to be thankful for and so much HOPE to be had.
Let the Christmas JOY begin. My parents will be up over the holidays and we have snow in the forecast for tonight! They have even been talking about a snow day tomorrow {our last day of school} We will see. xoxoxo

Elaine said...

What a lovely post. Such special photos of the animals and the stars. And your drawings I assume? They are fabulous.
Your creativity is limitless. I devour each and every one of your posts. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Fashion-isha said...

Hi Anita! I've missed you. This post was a slice of heaven. Happy holidays to you!
xo
Sharon

Bilancia Designs said...

Merry Christmas, Anita! Hoping 2014 is a very special year for you and Ruben. xoxo

Personally selected products said...

My dear friend ANITA! It's a beautiful way to wish Happy Holidays. I wish you a Merry Christmas full of joys. Many KISSES.
Luisa

koralee said...

Sweet Anita! Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog this morning. Just had to come by and wish you a blessed last day of school before holidays....it is a SNOW DAY here today!!!! NO SCHOOL and our last day too before the holidays begin. So we were gifted today...though it is always a fun day the last day before Christmas. Hugs to you from Snowy BC!

Unknown said...

Dear Anita, I rejoice along with you in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is King and Lord of All! Love the music!

Marie said...

AMEN!

Karena said...

One of my favorite Christmas songs, Anita!
The images are lovely beyond!
Wishing you a joy filled holiday season.
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Woodside Park said...

Dear Anita,
Thank you for this mostspecial post! Sending you warm greetings for a joyful holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
Cheers,
Loi

renae said...

Oh my! Anita, you are going to California? NIce and warm California! Hope your holidays are happy and bright! So nice to see you post again. This post if full of those that are traveling near or far. How appropriate. Take care my dear one and please travel safely!!!

Leslie said...

Hi Anita! Just popping in to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year ahead. xxooleslie

My Notting Hill said...

Beautiful post. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Michele

Cobalt Violet said...

Oh my word! Just got chills and goosebumps! Great post Anita!!!!
Merry Christmas to you!
Buon Natale!!!! :)

Unknown said...

Anita dear-Your illustrations just pull at my heartstrings~so sweet. You are such a talent-the words, the images, the art....I feel as though I've had a magical journey every time I visit.
Merry, Merry to you and yours girlfriend,
xx-Heather

Suz said...

Oh my goodness this is gorgeous and beautiful and the music is perfect! You done it again and given me chills.
Merry Christmas, Anita, to you and your family.

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Thank you SO much for sharing the beautiful photos and the magic of a real CHRISTmas spirit . Peace, Love and Friendship.
Wishing You and Yours, A Blessed Christmas Just a wonderful post. Sharing it with family on Christmas day.

Rattus Scribus said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rattus Scribus said...

This is a positively uplifting piece to the sight and sound and mind and heart.
Love it. Merry Christmas everyone.

Stacey said...

This is so heartwarming and reminds us of what Christmas is all about! I love your art pieces at the end; beautiful! Merry, merry Christmas my darling friend! xx

vicki archer said...

Merry, merry Christmas Anita... I wish you so much joy and happiness in the coming year... xv

C a i t l i n said...

this is a beautiful post. i'm so glad to have discovered you. -caitlin

Pamela said...

Merry Christmas Dear Anita,
Such beautiful choreography you do with your music and images and words. . .it is a dance of breathtaking wonder.
The goose footprints look like butterflies, all the animals are so precious. I feel myself softening and easing into a gentle rhythm with them as we journey with you. It truly is a sacred season. May its beauty and goodness fill you and shower you with blessings*~*~*~*~*~*~* And of course, stardust*~*~*~*~*

renae said...

Yes, dear Anita! I do believe I have settled upon an ideal banner design. I am enthralled with it. Do I dare admit that? lol I hope your flight was safe and pleasant. Enjoy the California weather! Today the weather was so cold but the sky was blue and every single tree still had mountains of snow on them. It was a winter paradise that my eyes were taking memorable photos as I was out and about in the car. Trying to get last minute things for my love and yes for baby Z! He wore my 'birthday' gift to him today finally. I'll email the photo to just you. Have a wonderful holiday and Christmas contemplating Christ's gift to all of us. Love to you! ♥

hi-d said...

Yes!!! The true meaning of Christmas! What an exciting time of year. I just love it and teaching M about the birth of Jesus. What a beautiful post Anita! I hope you are on Christmas break and get some time to rest and kick back! Although, you'll be busy I'm sure with all of your other activities. Enjoy my friend!

Merry Christmas!!!!
Love,
Heidi

Lynne said...

My dearest Anita!
Love, love, love that precious child!
Merry Christmas, to you, Ruben and all of your loves!!!!!
~Lynne
withLove!


Deana Sidney said...

Merry Christmas, lovely Anita. I love the animals walking on their paths to the light. Here's hoping we all care for one another a little more in 2014. We are all in this together.

Denise said...

May Our Lord bless You and Your family this Christmas Dearest Anita.I just have to tell You how much I love Your little girl pulling and peeking behind heavens curtain.I'm assuming it was digital, done just for this one post.If somehow it could be a drawing or somehow available to sale,oh how You could make hundreds of people happy........they and ME would by it. <3

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Merry Christmas, Anita. Simply lovely. And many blessings always to you and your family.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Merry Christmas dear friend! Talk about being late...
What a beautiful Christmas message, and you know how I love your artwork! My blessings to you and Ruben..
Love and blessings,
Penny

Palomasea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Palomasea said...

Right after sweet Penny!
Anita, dearest, this magical journey of a post brought tears to my eyes.....this has been a favorite song since childhood, and these animals! I want to hug them all!
But most of all, I want to hug YOU. :)
Your illustration is the PERFECT icing on this magnificent message of light and hope....
May you and Ruben be surrounded by boundless love and grace this Christmas...I know it will be so special.
Sending you my love, dear sister...
Merry Christmas!!
Love you!

Down by the sea said...

Dear Anita a beautiful message. Wishing you and Ruben a very Merry Christmas.
Sarah x

Pallavi said...

Merry Christmas dear Anita! May this festive season be filled with love and happiness :)

Unknown said...

Dear Anita, thank you for this lush and lovely Christmas post! Wishing you the merriest of Christmases and hoping that you are staying warm and cozy this last weekend before.
xo Mary Jo

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

And from a very hot corner of this Magnificent Earth I send you all Good Wishes for a very Happy Chriristma Dearest Anita and a wonderful 2014.....Sending Love and Hugs to you, Dzintra xo

Anonymous said...

Happy...Happy...Christmas Wishes!
Enjoy all its beauty my far away friend!

A Magical Whimsy said...

Angels we have heard on high...Glorious!
And it was a glorious night when Christ the Savior was born.
The Light that shined in the darkness for all mankind.
Thank God!
Have a blessed and wonderful Holiday Season and New Years!
love and hugs,
Teresa
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

"Create Beauty" said...

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas week oh lovely one!!!!

Thank you for all the beauty you share from your heart and hand.
~ Violet

Seawashed said...

Anita your illustrations are so delightful. They express more than all the other images. Joteux Noel my dear friend. I am guessing your toes may be in the California sand by now. We are having the most beautiful weather this week in Northern CA. Enjoy xxo

Seawashed said...

Oops Joyeux

Madelief said...

Dearest Anita,

At last I found some time to pop over and see your beautiful and inspiring post, which put a smile to my face as well! Thank you for your sweet words and friendship the past year. I am happy to have you as my blog friend!!

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy and Sparkling New Year! Have fun!

Much love,

Madelief xox

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Merry Christmas beautiful Anita!!!!
You are so amazingly talented!!!!
Your posts are so uplifting and magical!!!!! I look forward to reading them every week.....
Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve? My parents will be visiting right after Christmas.
Do you have any plans?
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and sending you love & hugs!!!!!!
Merry Christmas my dear, dear friend,
Shannon

Sarah said...

Anita, stopping by to wish you and Ruben a beautiful Christmas. Your post is full of delights as usual. A visit to Castles Crowns and Cottages always leaves me feeling peaceful and appreciative. Thank you! So honored to count you as a friend. Merry, Merry!
~ Sarah

Anonymous said...

This is so lovely, I like the way you use images in the story to make it visual!

http://pastellens.blogspot.co.uk/

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

DEAR FRIENDS - I thank you all for coming to visit me; I have no internet access (except this moment at a corner coffee shop!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Angela said...

Dear, Anita, merry christmas!!!!! I Love December and this pictures are very beautiful, I love all!!

Kisses!!!!!!!

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family dear Anita!...I have loved my visits to you in 2013 and look forward to reading your inspiring posts throughout next year!
See you in 2014,
Susan x

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest Anita,
Thank you my sweet friend, for a year of joy, laughter, beauty I always find here, but most of all your friendship.
Merry Christmas! Safe travels,
love and blessings,
Penny

Mr Paul said...

Absolutely beautiful, just like you Anita. I know your home will be a magical place this Christmas. Have a lovely evening and here's to a gorgeous New year!
Paul xoxo

Draffin Bears said...


Dear Anita,

Sorry I am little late - but just wanted to stop by to wish you a Merry Christmas and a bright, healthy and happy New Year.
Thank you for your friendship and all that you have shared with us all - look forward to more inspiration next year.
love and hugs
Carolyn

Ivy Clad said...

No matter how many times it's told, it's still the best story ever told! I hope your Christmas has been wonderful, Anita. Merry Christmas to you & Ruben.

I'm sorry I'm just now leaving you a message. I was having trouble with the comment form before.

Best of everything in the New Year!

Keri

renae said...

Thank you Anita! Yes, Baby Z is doing really well, from what I can tell. My daughter is exhausted a bunch of the time tho. She is a great Mommy. I have to admire her and her generosity to others when she actually needs sleep. I got to stay over night at her home this year and it was super fun to be there for Christmas morning. You are probably back home at this writing. I am glad you had a wonderful Christmas in warm California. wow.

koralee said...

Just popping in to see if you are back from your Holiday visit and how your Christmas went! I hope it was blessed in sooooo many ways! I have my family visiting me so it has been busy but just wanted to come by and let you know I am thinking of you! Hugs and blessings. xoxoxo

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Thank you for visiting my little corner of the world... Your sweet words touch my heart.. I am so happy your Christmas was such a joyful one!!
Bisous!!!!

renae said...

Oh Anita, nice to see you on my post again today. I miss you when you miss me...? ...lol. Thanks for all the snaps and praise. Your taste in things is great and when you compliment me, I feel so honored. Yippppee (and then I go off saying 'yippppeee', lol) That new watch is going to be in many a new post from now on, that's for sure. Have a tremendous yet relaxing day with the remainder of the time you have off for the holidays!

Kelly said...

Hopeful your Holiday trip was a JOYFUL one, Dearest Anita!!! Thank you for stopping by when you returned. I wanted to wish you my friend, the Merriest! Also, to say I look forward to the New Year with ALL your passionate words and beautiful postings, which for me, feels like an added gift for the season.<3 Ya!!!

Vintage Home said...

A Tribute to our King!
Your images and story telling always a delight!

Unknown said...

precioso, un abrazo el robin

Das Hohe Haus said...

Thank you for your wonderful story telling and great pictures. It was such a pleasure to read through your recent posts.
Have a Happy New Year!
Stefanie

Fashion-isha said...

Really beautiful! I love your posts. Have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Sharon

Donna Allen said...

This is my first time reading your blog--via pinterest. I love this post and the way you shared the greatest story ever! I hope you continue to share your gift with us. God Bless, Donna

francis said...

Anita ....I see above a new follower ....visiting you for the first time .
I know how sad it makes you when followers disappear .......
I have often wondered why for there are so so many of us .....overhere .....
You are so special to be able to do all of this .
To make wonderful POSTS over and over again and
ALSO leave long personal comments because you follow us too !
You manage a lot .
and you have a very important job with all your students .
Anita so often I visualise sitting at your kitchentable
Having coffee and chat chat chat ......
You are amazing and I send you a big hug .