Thursday, November 22, 2018

Gratitude!



Gratitude ~ the quality of being thankful; 
the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Welcome Friends!
~ Thanksgiving Wishes From Our Home to Yours ~

I pulled this post out of the archives, edited it to update it since it was first published five years ago. Regardless, the message rings true at any moment in time, and is sincerely felt by yours truly.

As is tradition, we host a Thanksgiving meal 
here in our home with friends who join us to celebrate.

Plans for this year's Thanksgiving meal kept changing.
Utlimately we decided not to cook, but rather have it catered.  There will only be five of us, but a traditional meal it will be.

The weather in recent weeks has given me
cause to be grateful for a perfect Autumn with 
sunny skies and crisp cool days.

Just enough chill in the air to cozy
up by a fire with hot tea
in the late afternoon.

~ Autumn ~
A time to savor and appreciate the 
rich spectrum of seasonal colors    .   .   .

To relish morning walks along a creekside 
as water flows from recent rains   .   .   .

To bask in the beauty of Mother Nature's
change in the seasons   .   .   .

To huddle in the warmth of a favorite sweater
and snuggle up with out sweet Sadie girl   .   .   .

To reflect on the gratitude one feels for   
the many blessings of our lives.

For our blessings  
are plentiful!

We've abundant  
food on our table   .   .   .
A warm home to
shelter us day and night   .   .   .

And beauty can be found
all around us.

I'm especially grateful for the good health and love
of my wonderful family and friends,
and for each of you who visit and comment here at
Hyacinths for the Soul.

It has been five years since my final
good-byes to several women close to my heart.

At times sadness still rushes over me, but even with death, we can
choose to be grateful. I choose to cherish each special memory,
to honor these amazing women and feel grateful for the beautiful
 life each led, the incredible legacy each left behind, and
especially so for the love and friendship we shared.


"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it 
is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
                                              William Arthur Ward
Research shows it is helpful and important to make 
an ongoing list of the things for which one is grateful.
On this Day of Thanksgiving, I thank you 
for allowing me to share a grateful heart.


"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."
                                                              Native American Saying

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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Hocus Pocus ~ It's Halloween


Hello, my little lovelies. 
 Glad you've stopped by for a visit.
We have a recent dinner party to share.

The dinner was for a group of girlfriends 
who have been getting together for over 30 years.

Each place was set with a stack of fall favorites.
~ Courtly Check, by MacKenzie-Childs ~ 
~ Wexford Orange Plaid, by 222 Fifth ~ 
~ Country Estate Autumnal Traditions, by Juliska ~

Plaid napkins in the colors of autumn 
were purchased at World Market twenty years ago.
The unusual napkin rings were found on my fall trip to France?
Each of these are sterling antique baby teething rings.
All but one was purchased from a variety of venders
at the Chatou Antique Market just outside of Paris.



This is the one that prompted my new collection.
You all know I have an affection for bees and bee related items.
Can you see that this is a bee hive with bees buzzing about?

I knew I had my own baby teething rattle tucked away at home.
All I would need to do was polish it, and I'd have two to use
as napkin rings, one for "my chef" and one for me.
You can see my 1940s' version, on the left, 
has a flat ring with a belt motif clasp. 
The French pieces, date from late 1800s, 
are more ornate, and often have clasps that 
attach directly to an ivory or bone tubular ring.
Once I began to notice more at various dealer's booths, 
my new obsession / collection was spawned!
Small and easy to pack, they were a perfect souvenir to bring home.
What do you think?  Would you use these as napkin rings?
Did you have one of these when you were a baby?

By the time everyone arrived the table was 
filled with party favors for each to take home.

 The mug filled with old fashioned candies like those from
our youthful Halloween days was a favorite.

An appetizer of trout spread served on sweet potato crackers
and lively conversation was enjoyed in the sunroom before dinner.

 Dinner was individual crustless chicken quiche
served with a side salad and roasted tomatoes.

 ~ Dessert was a visit to the buffet ~
Courtly Check, vintage style paper maché 
Halloween containers, and lots of sweets.

~ Skelton Gingerbread Men with Ice Cream ~

~ Halloween Candy Treats ~

~ Chocolates from Paris ~

It was indeed a sweet evening 
spent with treasured friends.

Wishing each of you a Happy Halloween
filled with all your favorite treats. 

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Saturday, October 27, 2018

Celebrating the Black Cat ~ National Black Cat Day



~ National Black Cat Day ~
October 27th

Welcome Friends!


Black Cat, Black Cat
Author Unknown

Black cat, Black cat
Looking for a witch.
All around the
Night is dark as pitch.
You can see because
Your eyes are green.
Black cat, Black cat
This is Halloween!

Black cats and witches seem to go together at Halloween, and we've a few who have taken up residence here at HFTS.

Little Miss can usually be found 
in the the pumpkin patch.

While Cyrus gleefully bounces about in 
Miss Sadie's basket. No brooms for this pair.

Many of these guys like to lounge around on 
the bare branches of this spooky tree.

A Halloween Tale
Nancy Russell

Black cat prowling, stalking slow
Its shadow appeared in the pumpkin's glow.
Arched and stretching its silhouette,
It gave a yowl I can't forget.
On Halloween night, frightened as could be,
That sight and sound sent chills through me.
I still remember and it makes me smile,
What happened next put me in denial.
For there on the porch, as cute as could be
Was the neighbor's kitten for all to see.

We have costumed kiddies
and rolly polly kitties.
Black Cats on wheels and Black Cats that sing.

There is the Witch Cat found among the 
pages of this old English tale and . . .

This precious little Black Cat creeps through the pages 
of this charming little Cuddle and Read story about 
Halloween Night. 
 If you have little ones at home 
I highly recommend this precious story.

Dapper Sam likes to mingle 
among the pumpkin people.

Bella, Birdie, and Boo 
can be seen popping up in the nearest pumpkin patch.

Along with their friends, 
Muffin and Cupcake.

Miss Sophie will be 
practicing her latest circus act.

Rosie is our scardy cat!

We are Over the Moon about our Black Cats.


Oh, my! It looks as if Cleo and her black cat 
are having a spot of afternoon tea to celebrate 
National Black Cat Day.


Cleo likes to sip a cup of her special witches brew 
tea in the late afternoons before her nightly activities. 
 All you need is one glance at Cleo to see that she is a sweet, friendly witch. She came to live on the premises over 20 years ago. Cleo is known for her good deeds.


Mr. Barnaby, Cleo's "Cat Friday" is quite the gentleman, 
always attired in his silk vest and best bow tie. 
 He is ever present by Cleo's side to 
help her with her every need.

All the black cats in the neighborhood usually 
 like to "hang" about in the trees in envy of this pair.


A fresh steaming pot of 
witches brew tea is Cleo's favorite.


Mr. Barnbaby 
serves it up with style.


Cleo enjoys a bit of handwork during the "off season" 
and has spread today's tea table with one of her hand appliqued linens. 
 This one depicts the haunted house that sits on the hill across the creek. 
 Too spooky for Cleo and Barnaby though!

Care to join this delight pair?

Looks like Witchy Wanda and 
her green eyed cat are still hanging about. 
 They must be so envious!


Yes, you can see it in his eyes 
that he is "green with envy"!


Is that a scowl 
on his face?


Cleo and Mr. Barnaby don't seem to be a bit 
bothered though as they relax and enjoy the witches' 
brew tea among the flutter of falling leaves.


I wonder what good deeds 
they have planned for tonight?

Gazette94: Le Chat Et Les Corbeaux   The Cat and the Raven
Perhaps a little stitching before the nights end.
It is a full moon!

Wishing everyone a 
Happy National Black Cat Day!


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