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.