Whimsical Wednesday ~ A.S.A.P.

Do you know what day it is? Of course you do, and if you are also counting down to the big day ...December 25th and making up To Do Lists, getting your gift shopping done and planning a family dinner or at least a get-together, you will surely know what I am talking about when I say things need to be done ASAP.

We hurry through our day, trying to fit in always more than we ever can. We feel as if we are running out of time. Everything seems so important and we label everything as 'Priority'.

I'm sure most of us have received requests labelled ASAP. And yet how do we deal with all this rush? Do we really know how to choose what is important, what is priority and what do we do to slow down so that we know what we are doing...and why is it that it is always up to us to do things, and to do them ASAP?

I found this image while browsing through my files and thought what a great tag to add to my Whimsical Wednesdays especially at this hurried time of year.


So even before you get all flustered and tired, stop awhile and A.S.A.P.

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Kindness and Courage Tag

This is a tag I made quite a while ago for a friend who had requested it.
I think the words of Adam Lindsay Gordon are so true to what we go through
sometimes in our daily lives.
I hope this quote tag will uplift your spirit and make you smile.

May God bless your kindness and give you the courage you need.

Whimsical Wednesday ~Light a Candle~

Light a candle in the day,
Though wordless it has lots to say,
Burn a candle in the night
Let it shine out strong and bright.
Watch a candle flicker and dance...
Uplifting your spirit, your mood enhance.
Doreen Scerri © 2011

According to Wikipedia, A candle is a solid block or cylinder of wax with an embedded wick which is lit to provide light, and sometimes heat.
I think it is much more than that!

We burn candles for many reasons, for light, for ambiance,
for remembrance, for therapy, and as a symbol of peace
and eternity and during many celebrations and festivities.
A Candle burning on a window sill is also a sign of solidarity.
The mere action of lighting a candle gives us a feeling of calm.
The history of candles goes back a long way, way back to
the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) when the Chinese made them
from whale fat. Candle making however was developed
independently in many countries throughout history.

Although it is also often written that the first candles were
developed by the Ancient Egyptians who used rushlights, or
torches, made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in molten
tallow, the rushlights had no wick like a candle. The Romans
are credited with developing the wick candle, using it to aid
travellers at dark, and lighting homes and places of worship
at night.

At one time candles were also used for time keeping. They
were instrumental in indicating predetermined periods of time.
King Alfred the Great (c. 849 - 899) used graduated candles
also known as candle-clocks to divide up his day into equal
periods of study and prayer, royal duties, and rest. These
candle clocks had lines around the side to show the passing
of each hour. Later, 24-hour candles were invented based on
the same concept. During the Sung Dynasty in China (960–1279)
calibrated candles and sticks of incense measured time.
Calibrated candles were first used in England for time keeping
in 870.

Today, most candles are made from paraffin. Candles can also
be made from beeswax, soy, other plant waxes, and tallow
(a by-product of beef-fat rendering).

Now that you know a little more about candles,
relax from your daily grind and light a candle.
Enjoy its delicate motion and soft light.
You can also light a cyber candle by clicking on
the Light a Candle icon above.

Ideas for gifts: Candles, candle holders, candlesticks, candle sets,
incense sets, or an ornamental candle snuffer which will make
a unique gift for the impeccable hostess.





























Pictures are from shared folders

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Cozy Corner

Here I am back to Whimsical Wednesdays after taking a break of a few weeks right after starting this series...firstly after my dear father-in-law passed away and then when my sister Sue was here on holiday!



Thinking back on when I started this series, I spoke about the change of season and how fall has taken over. Since then we have had a couple of storms and the temperatures have gone down considerably although we are still feeling quite hot whenever it's a sunny day.

Picture from Wanna in El Paso

At this time of year I just love to switch on lampshades! Don't you just enjoy the warm glow of the soft light emitting from under the shade? I have my favourite chair where I can sit and read or meditate or curl up in a soft blanket and just relax and dream.

Image from Cozy Little Quilts

We all need 'our' own space and I'm sure you all have that special little nook or corner where you feel you can unwind with a good book after a day's work. If not, try and find a cozy place in your home where you can curl up and relax. It will be your very own special sanctuary, that special comfortable place you can retire to and let yourself go deep into your book or just sit and meditate next to a warm lamplight. And don't forget to keep that soft blanket close by to cuddle in when temperatures drop. You can also light a scented candle to add ambiance as well as to provide an added comforting touch. Place a basket close by where you can keep your books, magazines, extra candles, candlesticks and other favourite things. I'm sure you will find it very theraputic and relaxing.

Image from Drop Dead Cute

And if you have children or grandchildren you can encourage your little ones to have that 'special place of their own'.
You'll be as thrilled as they are!

***

In Memory of my dear Father-in-Law, Saviour

My dear FIL passed away suddenly this week to eternal life at the venerable age of 90.

I'd like to dedicate a saying in his memory which I think fits him beautifully:


When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) U.S. poet.

The beautiful memories he left behind will surely light our paths and that of many who were fortunate enough to have met him.
May he rest in peace.

Dear Dad you live on in our memory and hearts.






I am very sorry I was not here yesterday to add my Wednesday post.
Please let's make it a date for next week, God willing.

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Summer closes its doors ~

As summer closes its doors, I open mine to welcome fall. Although in Malta the change is either sudden or subtle, nevertheless I have been longing for cooler days, when the crisp air fills me with that little bit of extra energy that I lacked throughout the hot season. I guess I still feel that back-to-school excitement when I used to long for the feel and smell
of new textbooks, meeting my friends and settling into the everyday routine of a somewhat quieter season. In Malta I miss the magical colours of fall that are such a wonderful part of the Canadian scene I cherished but I still try to bring the autumn colours indoors in a fun and warm way which will provide a feast for the eyes and warmth to our spirit.

Start celebrating fall right now with these heart-warming ideas for decorating your home...
















The picture above is from shared files


Decorate with Fruit and nuts (especially red and yellow apples, bananas and
bright yellow oranges). Place a bowl of fruit on a table, in the hallway, in fact
anywhere where you think they will add colour. Let them be a reminder of
how important fruit is to our diet and within easy reach, you can enjoy them
more often. Add some nuts among the fruit or add another bowl with different
nuts and a nutcracker for a more stylish and functional display.


Add Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds Place these randomly in a basket
or container for a splash of orange and brown autumn colours. Replace when
you use some of these in your cooking to keep your arrangement looking fresh.



Wreaths What better way to greet your guests (and yourself when you return
home) than with a seasonal wreath, it does not have to be anything elaborate.
You can use anything from fresh grapevine leaves to dried flowers to twine
around a basic wreath or make your own with potpourri (see link below).
You could also make one using artificial flowers, twigs and colourful autumn ribbons.


Check here for this lovely wreath idea on my sister Sue's Blog.


Click here for more ideas...

















I hope you enjoyed my very first Whimsical Wednesday,
I will share some more ideas and thoughts next week.

Take care.

L**k out for Whimsical Wednesday (starting tomorrow)

I find that I am not posting as much as I'd intended when I first started this blog. Sooo I am going to start something new here and hope to continue as long as I can with this project.
Some of you probably have heard of Wordless Wednesday in which the post is usually a picture with only a few or no words at all, letting the picture say it all. Now for me that is a little impossible, you see I love words and once I start there's no stopping me. I have chosen Wednesday to be the day in which I will post regularly with whatever whim takes my fancy...it could be a recipe, a quote, a discussion, a poem, an idea shared... AND I am calling it Whimsical Wednesday, so I hope you'll check in every Wednesday to take a l**k : )

Shells of the Sea

Shells of the sea
All unique, one of a kind,
Shells from an ocean
I've always loved to find,
Shells in wet sand,
Shells on the shore,
One shell on my palm
Makes me long for more...
The Master's masterpiece:
Golden treasures from the sea,
Each one so beautiful,
A Jewel to me!
Doreen Scerri © 2011

I wrote the above poem after looking at my sister Sue's Weekend Shadows pictures on her blog
which inspired me and brought back memories of my
childhood days looking for seashells together by the seashore. Thanks sis!

Staples and Rubber Bands and ...

Have you ever had one of your shoes give up on you when you are walking far from home? One of my summer slip ons did just that this morning as I was walking towards home after finishing some errands! One of the front straps came loose and that is not funny...well at that moment it wasn't! My mind went to top gear and, as I looked around me, realised I was in front of a tool shop, I wished it was a shoe repair store but beggars can't be choosers. So hopping on one foot, I entered this store to the amusement of the shop assistant. I was glad there were no other customers at that moment. As I explained my predicament in a few words, I asked if he could use a stapler to staple the strap back in place. Sooner than I have been writing this, he put in a couple of staples and I was back on the road walking very slowly and carefully as the shoe did not feel quite right : (

I managed to walk quite a few metres, even crossed the road safely...at the pace I was walking everyone must have thought I had hurt my foot... AND soon, yes you've guessed it, the strap came loose again and I plodded on as I knew I was close to a stationer. I had already figured out that if it had to come to this, an rubber band would do the trick better. As I explained my situation to the owner behind the counter, he handed me a few rubber bands and I put all three around my slip on to secure it in place. Thanking my second rescurer of the day, I left the store knowing I was closer to home and that the bands would work better than the staples had. Unfortunately I did not take the staples out and although they stuck in place they did feel uncomfortable.

I met my daughter further up the road and we went into a department store where a few days before I had seen a nice pair of shoes which I decided not to buy at that moment...BUT now was a different story AND they were still on sale AND yes you've guessed again...

Isn't it amazing how an unfortunate turn of events can help you make a decision that will make your day : ))

The Storm

I know we're in spring and getting closer to summer but I love to think of rainy days when the warmer weather sets in, it kind of gives me a lift to think the hot weather won't last forever! You can tell I prefer winter : )

I wrote this poem after the last rainfall a few weeks ago...

The Storm

Thunder's growling
In the skies above,
Lightning joins in
Like a hand in glove,
A spectacle to look at,
What a display...
Rain has now
Come out to play!
What is first a pitter patter
Is soon a downpour,
When I look at the heavens
I'm sure there'll be more...
One great sheet of sky
Flashes with lightning;
I hear crashing thunder,
It's all quite so frightening!
Yet as I watch and marvel
At such a wondrous sight
From this side of the door
I enjoyed the storm tonight!
Doreen Scerri © 2011

St.Joseph Poem/Prayer Bookmark

Here is the poem/prayer on a bookmark as my sister suggested.
I hope some of you can use it.

Click here to copy

St. Joseph's Feast and International Workers' Day

Dear St. Joseph,

As you taught Jesus,
the tricks of your trade
and showed Him all
the lovely things you made,
As you taught Him
your know-how in using His tools
and carefully led Him
to obey safety rules,
You must have been so creative
teaching Him all you knew
as from a Babe
into a man he grew.
We now humbly ask your protection
as all of us you guide,
that following your example
we, as workers worldwide,
Offer our daily work
as you did through your life
in faith and with vision
and especially in strife.
May all our efforts
one day reap a reward
for Work becomes worship
When done for the Lord.
Doreen Scerri © 2011

I wrote the above poem after being inspired by today's feast which incidentally is also the Feast of our Parish church since we honour St.Joseph as our Patron Saint.
I would also like to thank my sister Sue for sharing the quote For work becomes worship
When done for the Lord which is by an Unknown Author whom I thank as it also fit beautifully as a closure to my poem.

For the above picture I give credit to this page which is about St.Joseph the Worker

A Valentine Rose ~

A Valentine Rose reminds me of my dear Mother

who was always a blessing to us and who showed us so much love.

Here's a poem in her memory

5-5-1928 ~ 12-1-2011

A single rose,
A special rose,
Unique, unlike any other,
A token of love,
Of blessings from above,
~ Rose ~

the name of my precious Mother.

Doreen © 2011

Thanks Mum for always being there for us,

thanks for the memories you and Dad gave us,

memories we shall always cherish...