Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Wednesday Wisdom!























Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

We have just literally walked in the door. A glass of South African wine is definitely hitting the spot! Skal! Good to be home; particularly when it ia nasty rainy evening! We had a very early bittid start; and have been on the go, non-stop!

The above daffodil photo is showing a vase of 'fallen flowers', that Alan picked up on his morning walk yesterday with our Blue. There had been a mighty wind and fierce rains the night before; and it was amazing how many blown over 'orphan' flowers he found and rescued!

Today, we had a reknown expert in paintings come to our house; and the painting of the 'pensive woman' caught his tidbit eye. He is kindly going to research that painting, as well as a few others, that we have 'scattered about'. Always good tidbitz info to know, methinks; because, down the road, you just never know. We certainly have no hesitation about recommending this fine chap, to those who want to know more and / or to unload their pieces of art.

After he left, our very dear friend came over; and she and I 'rearranged' the whereabouts of a few paintings; including our 'pensive woman'. You can refer to my bittidz post, 'Pensive', of April 29th for a bit of background if you wish. Plus, you will see her portrait as well. Do not know if I mentioned earlier, but there is another painting / sketch that was done on the back of this exquisite and unique painting. 'She' almost appears to be smiling now that she is in her new location; which beautifully blends in with our European chairs. In her place, is a portrait of myself; and it surprisingly, looks really good there; 'presiding' over the Ladies! LOL!

Our dear friend came over to take a look at the costume jewellry, I have accumulated over the years. I was giving her first tid dibs! She is doing the same thing as I am - 'Spring Cleaning!' A lot of my pieces are similar to hers; and we enjoyed a few good laughs about our various memories about certain same special items. It was fun to see her; and also that our few paintings received a 'change of scene!' Feels good! 'A change is as good as a rest', as the expression goes!

Then Alan and I went to two 'consignment stores' for the costume jewellry. The first one, I had seen 'in my travels'; but did not know the name of the store. The owners were busy, but inquired if we could come back within an hour or so. No problemo, we replied. We then went to another store, and the woman also was occupied with customers. It did not turn out well; because it was quite rushed; so I left a few pieces with her, before we worked it out. NOT the best way of conducting business; but, I 'trusted' the woman with a few 'trinkets' nonetheless. I ended up returning to her store, to see if we could meet at a more convenient time for her. However, she went on the immediate offensive and practically threw the 'stuff' back at me. So, live and learn, methinks.

So, back we went to the original spot which is less than five minutes from where we live! Better located and much kinder treatment! It was busy in there too; but they were just 'nicer' and upfront. Plus, they offered to give us a 'break' on price; and we have some 'homework'; which is to write everything up, including a reasonable price for each item. The interesting thing is too, that they LOVE Aynsley tea cups and saucers - well, we just happen to have some!(as per earlier posts - ie 'Evening Sunshine' - April 20th etc). Plus, we mentioned about our Lady Head Vases; and they were ecstatic! They are 'hungry' and 'what goes around, comes around'; and they know about these special 'Ladies!'. They also carry other miscellaneous items; and methinks they will be successful; because of their willing genuineness and winning mannerisms. A refreshing relief! 'Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!'

Tidbit - Trust and Go with your 'gut'. I personally did not have a good feeling towards the second shop; even before I even set foot in it! Even 'face to face', I 'discerned' that 'something was not quite right'. Yet, I guess we had to go through that experience to truly appreciate and gravitate back to the first store. 'Praise Him In ALL Things!'

Bittid - 'Do your due diligence'; as it will always stand you in good stead. Rely on Him; not upon your own Understanding.

"Due diligence" methinks, also includes tuning into various websites, if you wish to know more about Him! ie. 'Hour of Power' - www.hourofpower.org; 'Enjoying Everyday Life' - www.joycemeyer.org; and 'Living Truth' - www.livingtruth.ca. You will receive empowering tidbits of Guidance and Encouragement towards simple Solutions in your daily lives. I will still share a few bittids; however, best if you check out their illuminating teachings for yourselves.

Going to go and have something to eat, and then call it a night. Tomorrow will be here, before we know it!

Good Night, Sweet Dreams, Peace, and God Bless.

Tuesday, 5 May 2009

'Tuesday tulips!'


Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

You would not really think it is 'Spring' given the black overcast clouds, heavy winds, and now pouring rain; save for the beautiful array of foliage and flowers. Amongst all the different types of daffodils, colourful tulips, including some unique 'parrot tulips' (tulips with funky fringes around their edges), our purple tulips, are just about to spring into bloom! Just took a photo; and you can see one red and yellow 'parrot tulip' with the fringed edge! The purple tulips are a rich almost black / purplish colour, and the camera does not do them 'royal' justice, methinks!

Also, in yesterday's pictures of the tidbitz 'china rose garden', our wonderful loft skylight still encourages a bittidz bright glare. Perhaps too, the white coin dot Fenton vase was not positioned in the centre, of the clear vase behind it? I love that clear square vase; received that as a wedding gift (first marriage) from one of my best childhood friends. So, when I see the vase, I always think of her, and remember some of our fun times together! She has lived in Alberta all these years; and methinks one of these days, I should somehow contact her.

At the moment, am grateful for my elixir of coffee and enjoying the 'indoor garden' to the left of our computer. Alan prepares the coffee the night before and it is simply a matter of pushing a button. Well, voila! today, there was 'air coffee!' LOL! No coffee grains! So, I 'remade' the coffee this time (with coffee); and I am extra appreciative!

Shared also a bit about some of our nice neighbours yesterday. If you wish you can refer to January 5th's post of 'Monday Reflections' for a bittid of further background re: 'David'. Well, he passed away two days ago; his wife called us later last night, was appreciative of our card; alas, we were 'one day too late' with our message to her and him. However, the tidbit comforting way of accepting it, is that David is no longer suffering and is now at peace. Alan spent some time with David; so Alan is feeling extra sad; small wonder he was 'distracted' about the tid coffee grains.

Writing of 'air', I made 'air sandwiches' once. (Was 5 months pregnant with my first child). My first husband, his Dad, and myself had to go to the island for a day of business, and I was responsible for packing up a picnic lunch. Did all that; save that when we opened up the sandwich saran wrap, only bread, no filling! Whatever was I thinking of! Anyway, that has always been a 'family' joke!

Tidbit - A sense of humour is always good!

Bittid - Take a few minutes each day, to be reflective and thankful for your Blessings. 'Praise Him In ALL Things'.

Hope to be back later; and here is wishing you a great day!

God Bless.

Monday, 4 May 2009

Exchange of Neighbourly Blessings!


Good Evening,

Well, some new tidbits! Nice ones! Earlier today, we hand wrote some uplifting cards, to our immediate neighbours. ie. One neighbour, whose husband (he lived in an care facility), just passed away; and, it still is a sad occasion; albeit they were apart for a year. Another neighbour's wife died about a year ago; and we know he has been feeling quite despondent, as of late. Another neighbour, who had recent pace maker surgery; so that has changed her life considerably. Then a gentleman who is terminally ill with cancer; and his poor wife, who is literally beside herself with the devastating news. Have also written about these fine people in various posts, should you wish to read about them.

Plus - an upper! - our very next door neighbours, who gave us today, a jar of homemade marmalade jam! The husband loves making homemade jam; and he was the one who gave us their scarlet red rhododendrum; thinking we have a 'green thumb', and that we could restore it to a healthy vitality! As it happens, the rhodo is starting to appear in gorgeous blooms in 'our' common strata area, between their place and ours. The 'maintenance gardening crew' moved the rhodo from our pot to this ideal 'middle' location. Interestingly enough, the previous plant, suffered at the hands of our cold harsh winter; so, this is, indeed, a 'Blessing in disguise!'

We let our neighbours / friends know they are 'special' and that we are there for them, should they ever require any help. We went through experiences with our ailing parents; so we have some empathy and compassion.

To make a long story short, two neighbours responded; but with thanks! One of them, because we had also given him 'Al's Homemade Vegetable Soup' yesterday (he is the one whose wife died a year ago) and he wrote us a heartfelt message, in a beautiful card. The other neighbour gave us pictures that her gentleman friend took of a mutual DOG friend of his and ours.

Also, as an added surprise, was a lovely Philippino woman, close to my Mum's age, who arrived on our doorstep! Apparently she found some pictures that her granddaughter took of my Mum, along with my Mum's caregiver; the caregiver being friends of the granddaugher. What a small world! Plus, Alan helped carry hers and her husband's five very heavy and large suitcases into their house, when they arrived the other evening. So, as the expression goes; 'What goes around, comes around!'

Tidbit - 'Do unto others, as you would have others do unto you!'

Bittid - 'It is better to give, than to receive!' Plus, you do feel so much better, when you give to others!

We have had our various 'ups and downs' (who doeesn't, particularly during these challenging times?); and yet, 'keeping things simple', and 'trekking onwards like the energizer bunny!' works best! AND, having total TRUST in Him to Provide our daily needs.

Eventhough, Alan and I are steadfastedly working towards fruition; we are confidently looking to Him, to Guide us in all our steps, for HIS Purpose. We believe that it is ALL to the GOOD; regardless of 'delays' and 'setbacks'. We recently had a bit of a blow; and yet we thought 'get out there and uplift others asap!' Well, since we made that positive choice earlier today, it has been a very rewarding and wonderful day! We daily 'Praise Him In ALL Things', and we are utterly thankful for all our Blessings!

Wanted to share some of these bittids with you, if any of you are experiencing some discouraging / down 'moments'. Making the choice to have a positive attitude, regarldess of all circumstances, works best!

Love the colourful picture (you can refer to earlier posts, if you wish); and eventhough, it is still 'daylight', there is a feisty wind brewing, along with the forecasted showers. A good night, methinks, to remain indoors.

Peace, Good Night, and God Bless.

Indoor 'rose garden'




Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

We were up very early; and it seems much later in the day, than it really is! Also, very strange weather; at the momsnt dark clouds overhead, threatening bittids of rain any minute, methinks.

We have been on the phone and setting things up for the week and weeks to come. Where has the time gone!

The three tid photos are of our 'indoor garden'. The 'china roses' in the various vases (mostly Fenton vases), provide a colourful and peaceful ambience; as if they have always been residing there. Calm, restful scenery when I am on our computer! LOL! The two wedding pictures of Alan and I, which are appreciatively relocated to our bedroom, are all the more 'special' tidbits to us.

Tidbit - Amazing what a bittidz 'change of scenery' does for one's spirits! ie. You may not be travelling on a designated holiday; however, you can appreciate a cheerful indoor tidbitz 'rose garden' atmosphere!

Bittid - Appreciate 'early starts'; particularly when there has been good progress made. Remember to Rely upon Him; not upon your own understanding. Also, have the 'patience' of a farmer; while you 'wait for 'harvest'. As mentioned yesterday, you may wish to refer to Charles Price of Living Truth - www.livingtruth.ca. to gain further illuminating insights.

Just turned the heat on; it is a bittid chilly, methinks. For dinner, we will enjoy a creative combination of tidbit leftovers! ie Alan's Veggie Soup for starters.

Peace and God Bless.

Sunday, 3 May 2009

Indoor and Outdoor 'Blessings' Abound!





Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

For those of you, who are 'hockey fans', you know the score scoop of the Stanley Cup Play-off games played thus far. Our Canucks came in 2nd last night in their game series, with the Blackhawks; who played with courageous conviction! The Canucks experienced a couple of injuries, a dangerous 5 on 3 penalty play, a broken stick. Needless, to say, the Series is tied 1 - 1; and the next two games will be resuming in Chicago, this coming Tuesday.

The woman who was referred to me about the Ladies, did not show up last night? Perhaps she ran into some difficulties; and I hope everything is A-Okay with her. The courtesy of a phone call would have been helpful; however, that being said, I left her a gentle message to call, if she wishes.

It poured heavily with fierce rains during the night. Everything was super saturated, as Alan and Blue discovered this morning, when they were out for their morning walk. Thus, Alan brought home a large bunch of 'fallen' daffodils; and into our lovely vase on our kitchen table they went. The vase was already filled with 'room temperature' water, so any additional 'orphans' are a welcome mix!

Watched Joyce Meyer on 'Enjoying Everyday Life' - www.joycemeyer.org; and Charles Price on 'Living Truth' - www.livingtruth.ca and WOW! Will share a few tidbits within the next few days; but best (as per yesterday's bittid post) for those of who, who are genuinely interested in learning more about Him, check out these International Bible Teachers. Lots of knowledge and reinforcement by their illuminating interpretations of the Bible. Joyce's wonderful guest, Dr. Henry Cloud; is very encouraging and suggests we 'rewind'. Should you choose to go online, perhaps you will understand the 'rewind' a tid better. Charles, in his Part Two message on 'Discipleship' (ie Timothy); asks in closing: 'How is your SOLDIERING?'.

Well worth tuning into Joyce and Charles and reading their insights, as well as Dr. Schuller! Have to admit, we slept in this am; and I missed 'Hour of Power', with Dr. Robert Schuller - www.hourofpower.org. I will go online to absorb his empowering bittids as well.

The weather has been up and down thus far; and regardless, we will enjoy a nice long walk with our 'puppy'. Just finished a hearty brunch (bacon and eggs) prepared by Alan; and we have much to be thankful for!

Tidbit - Live one day at a time; and Rely upon Him; not upon your own understandings. Ask Him to Guide you in all your endeavours. ie. Think of living your life as a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer in His Service; all three 'images', Charles touched upon in being a Disciple of Jesus. Today, he talked about being a Soldier; very impactful wisdom!

Bittid - Appreciate each and every day; and always 'Praise Him In All Things'.

A tidbit addendum to the above!

Decided to telephone the woman again (primarily out of concern); it was her niece who answered the phone. Apparently, the woman was not feeling well; and went home. However, she had been really looking forward to coming over to view the Ladies; so when she is feeling better, I know I will hear back from her.

The three of us just returned from a glorious walk; a bit of sunshine is now brilliantly shining forth! To capture the 'beauty of the bright moment', I took some 'special' pictures of the gorgeous flowers and blossoms, that greeted us along our journey throughout our complex. Met up too, with some neighbours; whom we have been meaning to invite over. Although unexpected, it was 'mission accomplished!' I have mentioned in previous posts, that there are NO coincidences! Age does not matter; however, these neighbours happen to be closer to us in years; and methinks, we could become good friends!

Picked some more 'fallen' daffodils; and they look wonderful in our elegant and simple crystal vase set upon our kitchen table! Also found a better location for our 'china roses'; they are perpetually in indoor bloom (may take a photo of them sometime for you). Indoor and outdoor 'Blessings' abound!

Here is wishing you a joyful Sunday; as well as enjoying continual 'Blessings', for each and every day!

Peace and God Bless.

Saturday, 2 May 2009

Be of 'extra' Faith, Trust, and Good Cheer!




















Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Well, so much for 'happy gardening' today. It has been overcast; and finally the long threatening clouds have unleashed the rain! The inside of our house needed a tidbitz vacumming, dusting, the usual; so it was the right time to attend to those bittidz tasks!

The hockey game is on tonight; and we are glad to be home to enjoy a quiet evening; a bit of a respite from our full week.

Also, there is a 'referred person' who is coming by this evening to 'view' the Ladies (Lady Head Vases, for those of you who are just joining in. You can refer to some earlier posts - ie April 4th, 5th, 20th, 21st, 22nd for a tid of background, if you wish). When I told her that it was Alan's 'sparkling idea' that the cabinets were built on each side of our lofty fireplace (a perfect night for a cosy fire, methinks!), to protectively 'house' our Ladies, she was ecstatic! So, who knows? Regardless, it is always interesting to meet fellow Lady Head Vase Collectors; and at the end of her busy work day, am sure she may appreciate a glass of wine!

Am looking forward to watching the Vision Channel tomorrow morning; 'Hour of Power' - www.hourofpower.org; 'Enjoying Everyday Life' - www.joycemeyer.org; and 'Living Truth' - www.livingtruth.ca. As mentioned earlier, if you are genuinely interested in 'Seeking Him Out', best you tune into their empowering websites! I am happy to share a few 'tidbits'; however, for those of you who are questioning 'things' in your lives, or need extra special 'encouragement', it is better you check their various teaching 'bittids' out for yourselves.

Tidbit - 'Knowledge is power'. Learning is good; better yet, a combination of experience and a willing heart towards Him.

Bittid - He says: 'Fear Not, For I Have Overcome the World'. That is so! For those feeling down, discouraged, despairing, etc, remember that if you have Faith, total TRUST in Him, and also to be of 'GOOD CHEER!', He will Provide your needs! (I love reading the Psalms; and I genuinely relate to David; you can refer to my February 03/09 post, 'Have Faith!. Methinks, right on!). Eventhough, it can be hard to do at challenging moments; and yet very simple! Just keep 'Praising Him In ALL Things' and be totally grateful for your daily Blessings!!! Alan and I are extra glad it is the weekend; because we can look back at the past week (good, bad, and / or indifferent) and be thankful that He Looked after us - for each and every day! That is how we enjoy and live our lives; one day at a time; 'Keeping things simple and Trusting Him completely!

Hope this is uplifts you a tid; as it reinforces my spirits too, a bit!

Peace and God Bless.

Friday, 1 May 2009

Double Blooms / Double Blessings!


Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Today has been gorgeous; it is 72 degrees Fahrenheit; even at this tidbitz hour of night! The flowers, shrubs, trees, are launching into beautiful colourful bittidz blooms; as well as bursting forth with all their refreshing lively signs of Spring! Happy May 1st!

The tid week has come and gone! Am thankful it is Friday night and the weekend! Should say too, that when Alan and Blue were out this morning, Alan picked a bunch of 'fallen' daffodils - double bloom ones! They have revived wonderfully and look magnificent in our special vase! I love daffodils; particularly the double bloom ones! Thank you, to my friend who took this glorious picture of the double centre daffodil, and permitted me to display it in tonight's bit post! Our double blooms are all in vivid yellow!

We also went to Costco this afternoon, and 'stuck steadfastedly to our list!' Fortunately, our large calculator was very helpful! It is always a nice feeling, isn't it, to have the larder full again!

Tidbit - Be genuinely joyful for your Blessings and 'Praise Him In ALL Things'. At the end of a full week, it is especially nice to appreciate a 'calm'; while you reflect upon all the 'good tidbit things' that happened to you - be it during the day and / or throughout the week! For any 'not so good bittid moments', you take those in stride; perhaps a positive lesson was learned; as well as courageously growing from experiences.

Bittid - A peaceful contentment and a confident countenance is good, as well as 'keeping things simple', each and every day; having Him as your Guide!

Here is wishing you a great R & R weekend.

Good Night and God Bless.