Christmas Nostalgia

My parents "decked the halls" to the extreme when my brothers and I were kids. They still do, but not to the extent they did when we were younger and all living under one roof. They have since passed on favorite items to each of us as the years have gone buy. These are two of my favorites that I now proudly display in my own home. I love unpacking them each year and thinking of all the memories I associate with each.

Remember the Fisher Price Little People from when you were a kid? They don't even make them like this anymore! When my brothers and I outgrew them, my dad decided to refurbish them! They've all got their choir robes on and some of their faces have been retouched. Grover proudly conducts them each year for the month of December.

Another project of my dad's...the Christmas Manger. He made the barn from popsicle sticks. All the figurines are handpainted. It's hard to tell in this picture, but the barn is even wired with electricity! We had this tradition growing up that involved the Three Wise Men traveling through our house during Advent to get to the manger. They would walk above the sills on all the doors in the house. Each night my Dad would move them a little further along on their journey. It's something I'll remember forever...

Blue Streak

I saw this quote recently in a magazine. It so perfectly describes my favorite color!
"Blue is freedom. It's demure yet electric. It can be calming like the sea and dramatic like sapphires sparkling in the Cartier window."

New Beginnings

I've been away from this blogging thing for a bit. Much has happened, some good and some bad. I'd like to think I'm a stronger and wiser person coming out of it. Lately I've really had the urge to write again. So after reworking the look of my page a little bit....I'm back.

A List For The New Year

I love to make lists. During December I visited several blogs who had published a different kind of list. They were calling it "The Holiday List." On it were just small reminders of how to enjoy the little things in life, which can be hard to do during a hectic season. I had very good intentions, but unfortunately never got around to doing mine. So instead, I have made a New Year's List.

If Dogs Were Teachers...

I received the following in an email recently and felt it worthy of posting ~

If a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Never pass up the opportunity for a joy ride.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstacy.
* Take naps.
* Stretch before rising.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
* When you're happy, dance around and wag your whole body.
* Run, romp and play daily.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Be loyal.
* Never pretend to be something you are not.
* If what you want is buried, dig until you find it.
* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Drink What Makes You Happy

Lissfull invited me to a soiree at her neighbor's house a few weeks back. We made a quick run to the liquor store, but had trouble deciding what we wanted to drink. I spotted the label below on a bottle and knew I had found my choice. What better fit could there be for Island Girl??

The Kindness Of Strangers

Have you ever had an experience where you felt comfortably connected to someone you don't even know? Well that happened to me today, at the post office of all places. I was standing in line when a gentleman in his mid-fifties came in behind me. He made a comment about the two female clerks working and it made me chuckle. These two clerks always seem to be working, no matter what time of day you go in there. They are always miserable and never in any hurry to swiftly help you! The gentleman and I got to talking while waiting in the never ending line. Now, I am not one to suddenly strike up a conversation with someone I don't know - but there was this kindhearted manner about him and I felt oddly at ease talking to him. We never exchanged names, but spoke for about fifteen minutes. Without going into a lot of detail, he gave me a much needed pep talk. At a time when I've been pretty doubtful about a lot of things, he reminded me that there is goodness and compassion out there. So thank you kind sir. You made my day today and I'm not going to forget what you said.