Winter Staging

Prior to full blown holiday decor,

I begin with greens, pine cones, snow

and rustic accents.

Living where I do, I crave the cold and winter 

chill and the only way I get it is to create it

in my home.

Watching the Sandy aftermath 

has left me feeling hopeless to help.

Although I have donated to Red Cross 

and will be eating ramen all week in order to do so,

I wish I could take a family in,

or do some laundry for folks, or shovel out muck.

I want to physically help.

I am so blessed.

I begin to feel selfish or silly when decorating 

because so many are suffering

beyond our understanding.

I have to remind myself that

this practice of readying my home for 

friends and family does matter.

It reminds me, though I never need to be,

of how deeply I love these folks and I try to show 

them every day, because we are not promised

a moment, an hour or a day.

Time spent with those we love is precious.

Making this home a refuge, a nest, a haven,

for all who cross the threshold will 

always be important.

I keep the fires burning.

I hope all of you have been able to 

help Sandy victims in some way.

To my friend Gail, who owns the 

Nathaniel Morris Inn in

Manasquan New Jersey:

I am so relieved you are safe and my

 heart breaks for your town.

If you know Gail, or even if you don't

my bloggie pals, stop on over and 

give some love.

Gail has no power but can communicate

via her daughter.

****

To those who have known me 

for some time... you know I try to respond

 to each and every comment left for me.

Lately I have several new commenters

who do not have blogs and/or are

 "no reply comment",

like you "Janet".

It pains me to not be able to thank you

for stopping by or answer some question

so PLEASE put your email in your profile.

thanks guys

Z