Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Red and White: New Year's thoughts


"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" Isaiah 1:18 

May the New Year be a new beginning

And may our hearts be renewed too.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS, FROM THE HOUSE IN THE ROSES

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Reminiscent

While I'm out walking through the frozen December rose garden, deep in snow, I can't help but think of those lucky gardeners in warmer climates (south Texas, southern California, Florida, and parts of the Southwest), possibly with their roses still in bloom...

We're expecting more snow for tonight, old snow turned ice crackles under my feet, deep silence has descended upon the garden, not a sound, not a flower in bloom... yet, there is magic in the air... the garden is filled with perfume from forgotten roses.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Welcome to “Show Off Your Cottage Monday”, a blog party I host at the beginning of each week to celebrate the things we love about our homes and how we live.


Today, I'm celebrating the return of light...

It's 5:26pm as I write this... and is still light outside. Goodbye to short days and long nights! We're spinning back towards the light.

My steps are lighter these days, because I see the change taking place in Nature... I see a future filled with hope and flowers! May the light brings hope for all humankind... In the mean time, light yourself a candle bright and dance within that gentle light. What are you celebrating today?
Now it’s your turn to tell us what you’re celebrating. If you have something to share with us on your blog, then add your link below. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address. 2. Link back to the house in the roses from your post so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is celebrating today! 3. Copy and paste our little logo on your blog so your readers can also join our celebration. 4. And enjoy your home!

Of birds and another blessing

The sun decided to come out again this morning, and as soon as his glorious golden face came into sight, I was transported to this magical blissful world where my dreams usually become reality. Unicorns, dragons, sprites, rabbits and birds came out of their holes and nooks and into this enchanted world of mine…. as through the pages of an ancient book. 

My mind soars, and as the morning sun warms the earth, I feel my spirit being lifted up... What is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that I should follow it to its bounds and know the paths to its house? 

Only a real human being can set things right by giving the birds names: “Abutilon”, with feathers like those of maple trees, and that other tiny Western Tanager, "Serissa”, which remains me of spring, and flowers that resemble dangling miniature hibiscus….

They all came to my window... to enchant me, to give me stories that never end. Their story began again and again and again as Abutilon with feathers like those of maple trees, and Serissa with a song like dangling miniature hibiscus, kissed each other in front of me, oblivious to shame.

As I contemplated this magical world from across the window, Abutilon and Serissa took the challenge and flew across the Swamps of Shadows and the Silver Mountains, meeting sorcerers and giants, bats and night-hobs, gnomes and racing snails… but really, all they did was wait bravely for the apparition of the terrible "Plectranthus"... the beautiful but ever so cruel black hawk that has been visiting my garden frequently this winter. 

"Plectranthus", a mysterious figure in disguise, soars the air where I stand, just a few feet away from me... I know what he’s up to, but I don't have time to warn my little feathered friends... till suddenly a unison flight of tiny wings, tiny feathers scattering away, leaving behind a muted sound, like a sad song filled with premonition and death. Then I see it…. grayish black feathers and legs yellow drops from a low glide on something.... Tiny feathers disperse in the morning air, like diminutive butterflies... but I know it's not. 

A new visitor then entered the scene... pointed beak to acts as both a chisel and a crowbar to remove bark and find hiding insects. I've never seen him here, what is he? An ivory-billed woodpecker... maybe?

The lure of the unexpected and the surprises that invariably appear in nature, entice me... invite me to linger a moment longer and look a little closer. I am blessed, and I am blessed by you, my faithful readers. Two whole years have gone by since I began my blog. And what a marvelous journey it has been, what a lot of fun and inspiration, what a lot of lovely folks, (like you) I have met. To all of you who come by, who fill my life with dreams and tales I must tell, I am so thankful... I've been truly blessed by your company and your kindness. Your words have given me so much joy... Thank you! 

May you and yours have a joyful and blessed Christmas. 

Cielo

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Thankfulness

We woke up to a world swathed in more snow. This time, however, is more ice than snow. It is windy, and tree branches in white seem to glitter. A magical glow has settled upon the land... like some mystical banquet content in its repose. I can hear, or imagine, the small critters beneath the snow; the ground moles and field mice scattering beneath their white world. What do they feel--I wonder. Do they like snow? I don’t see any snow fairy dancing in this winter wonderland, but the world certainly seems calmer, quieter, and at peace. People enjoy snowy days in different ways. Skiers, snowmobilers and boarders flock to the mountain as soon as the first flakes invade the ground, but when winds from the west whip across my garden, I yearn for the conform and warmth of my home.
I don’t know why it is, but whenever snow and ice arrives, I have this sweet urge to cozy up by a quiet window and look at this magical world outside from the warmth of my nest.

I can hear the music that frigid wind makes; its taunting melody carrying mystery and voices that remind me of laments of misery. The music of the wind is spellbinding; it makes me appreciate the warmth and coziness of home like nothing else.... I am thankful I have a safe place filled with light and warmth to call home…
 

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Welcome to “Show Off Your Cottage Monday”, a blog party I host at the beginning of each week to celebrate the things we love about our homes and how we live.

Today, I’m celebrating “scent”

At The house in the roses we believe in living the simple life... which means that other than a very small Christmas tree illuminating one of our windows, I don’t decorate our home for Christmas. I know, that's pretty unusual. Why would anyone not want to celebrate Christmas like nearly everybody else? Well, for once, I believe that Christmas is driven by commercialism, and sadly to say, the real reason for the Christmas season has been long forgotten. So, you won’t find roads of reindeers, winter scenes, elves and the God substitute, Santa Claus in our home, but I do love the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Especially the smell. A home smelling like cinnamon rolls and pies being baked, speaks of Christmas and holidays. Aromatic smells coming from the kitchen is the sign of a welcoming home, but if you don’t happen to be baking at the moment, you can still have fabulous smells wafting out from the kitchen, by using liquid potpourri. 

Today, I created my own Christmas potpourri by simmering liquid over the stove with some spices I had in the pantry… Almost any spice would work. Almond, lemon or vanilla are common flavorings. If you don't any of these ingredients on hand, just substitute some herbs, seasonings or fruits that you have available that you enjoy. For my liquid potpourri, I used 3 cups water, some chunks of apples, including the peel, nutmeg, and of course, cinnamon sticks. I love the smell of cinnamon; cinnamon evokes memories of holiday festivities, family gatherings and favorite seasonal treats. Cinnamon's aroma is simply soothing.

I also bought some greenery... fresh pine boughs and branches to dress my house and fill simple bottles, vases and jugs with it.

I loved the fresh smell of pine wafting through the house. Some fresh pine boughs and "Silent Night" are all I need.

What are you celebrating today?

Now it’s your turn to tell us what you’re celebrating. If you have something to share with us on your blog, then add your link below. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address. 2. Link back to the house in the roses from your post so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is celebrating today! 3. Copy and paste our little logo on your blog so your readers can also join our celebration. 4. And enjoy your home!