Tuesday, March 12, 2013
not something you see every day
it's tuesday! time for NOT SOMETHING YOU SEE EVERY DAY! looking forward to your unique, funny, interesting experiences and observations!
Monday, March 11, 2013
get ready.....
free rice! free rice! free rice this whimsical wednesday! play the vocabulary game (or other games, the volcabulary is my favorite). earn at least 1000 grains of rice to feed others while having fun! here's the link:
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1400
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1400
Saturday, March 9, 2013
miscellaneous
miscellaneous moves to saturday!
it's lighter longer at the end of the day; almost six pm last night. with daylight savings time beginning this weekend, evenings filled with light will be with us until fall.
after this week's snow melted, the evidence of spring bulbs was revealed. it won't be long until there are blooms.
my daughter has taken to feeding the birds on her juliette balcony attached to the window of her manhattan apartment. we now bird feed and watch together, comparing notes on who visits our respective feeders. it's neat knowing that new york city birds enjoy being fed just like the birds here on the farm!
it's lighter longer at the end of the day; almost six pm last night. with daylight savings time beginning this weekend, evenings filled with light will be with us until fall.
after this week's snow melted, the evidence of spring bulbs was revealed. it won't be long until there are blooms.
my daughter has taken to feeding the birds on her juliette balcony attached to the window of her manhattan apartment. we now bird feed and watch together, comparing notes on who visits our respective feeders. it's neat knowing that new york city birds enjoy being fed just like the birds here on the farm!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
thoughtful thursday
to paraphrase harry wormwood (matilda by roald dahl):
everyone is good at something; even if it's only making jello salad!
everyone is good at something; even if it's only making jello salad!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
whimsical wednesday
we're getting ready for easter this whimsical wednesday!
my activity was to make post cards for my far flung friends (and family) that i remember with a card for all major holidays (and lots of minor ones as well. heehee.....). my favorite spring motif is flowers so floral stickers were used to create the decoration on the post cards.
card making didn't take all that long so i moved on to another activity. i assessed craft projects/supplies just in case the grandchildren visit for easter. there are several potential projects we can enjoy together while they are here. we'll even let their parents play too!
my activity was to make post cards for my far flung friends (and family) that i remember with a card for all major holidays (and lots of minor ones as well. heehee.....). my favorite spring motif is flowers so floral stickers were used to create the decoration on the post cards.
card making didn't take all that long so i moved on to another activity. i assessed craft projects/supplies just in case the grandchildren visit for easter. there are several potential projects we can enjoy together while they are here. we'll even let their parents play too!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
not something you see every day!
there's a new feature here at the whimsey project. tuesdays now offer an opportunity for readers to share the unusual, the unique, the surprises that make us say wow or laugh out loud! please feel free to share each and every tuesday. looking forward to being amazed and awed! welcome to.... NOT SOMETHING YOU SEE EVERY DAY!
my inaugural NOT SOMETHING YOU SEE EVERY DAY! was during my recent stay in tennessee. there was a white squirrel in mom's backyard. he sure stood out among the brown and grey squirrels. every day, after the initial sighting, i looked for him but never saw him in the yard for the duration of my visit. unless you are from olney, illinois "home of the white squirrel" a white squirrel is not something you see every day!
my inaugural NOT SOMETHING YOU SEE EVERY DAY! was during my recent stay in tennessee. there was a white squirrel in mom's backyard. he sure stood out among the brown and grey squirrels. every day, after the initial sighting, i looked for him but never saw him in the yard for the duration of my visit. unless you are from olney, illinois "home of the white squirrel" a white squirrel is not something you see every day!
Monday, March 4, 2013
get ready.....
easter is early this spring! we'll be creating something to use during our holiday celebration. i think i'll make cards. what will you make for whimsical wednesday?
Friday, March 1, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
thoughtful thursday
inquire about someone's day and the response is often, without thought, OK. that reply might be considered as blah, mundane and just so-so. however, OK is really a good day. there's nothing inherently negative about OK. and an OK day did not bring with it any unpleasantness or difficulty. there's nothing OK about that; it's remarkable and a day to celebrate! here's to the OK day!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
whimsical wednesday
it was birds on a wire activity for this whimsical wednesday. in other words, bird watching.
while on a three hour trip this afternoon, i watched for birds along the roadside. perhaps it was the strong wind. perhaps the wintery snow/rain mixture that fell during most of the drive. perhaps they were just hiding from me. but there weren't many birds to behold. i spied a few in nests in the crooks of the highest branches of tall trees. i saw several crows congregating on the median, pecking and chattering. there was a row of what appeared to be doves huddled in a row on a telephone wire. once in awhile there was a huge bird soaring in the sky. all very nice and a very pleasant way to enjoy a road trip. however, the bird sighting i was after was the large bird of prey; tall, alert, majestic, perched on a fence post or a road sign. i'll keep looking.....
while on a three hour trip this afternoon, i watched for birds along the roadside. perhaps it was the strong wind. perhaps the wintery snow/rain mixture that fell during most of the drive. perhaps they were just hiding from me. but there weren't many birds to behold. i spied a few in nests in the crooks of the highest branches of tall trees. i saw several crows congregating on the median, pecking and chattering. there was a row of what appeared to be doves huddled in a row on a telephone wire. once in awhile there was a huge bird soaring in the sky. all very nice and a very pleasant way to enjoy a road trip. however, the bird sighting i was after was the large bird of prey; tall, alert, majestic, perched on a fence post or a road sign. i'll keep looking.....
Sunday, February 24, 2013
get ready.....
whimsical wednesday will find me on a road trip. that means a road trip game for our activity. birds on a wire! as you travel along the roadways (or walking as the case may be) pay attention to telephone poles, sign posts, trees. we are looking for birds that perch very close to the road and watch the world as it passes them by. how many will you find? even one will be grand!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
thoughtful thursday
wisdom in 140 (or less) twitter characters.....
Zoë Quinn@ZoeQuinnzel
I’ve got 99 problems and 86 of them are completely made up scenarios in my head that I'm stressing about for absolutely no logical reason
Zoë Quinn
I’ve got 99 problems and 86 of them are completely made up scenarios in my head that I'm stressing about for absolutely no logical reason
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
whimsical wednesday
this whimsical wednesday's activity was to write in our memory books or enter something neat in our notable notebooks.
my memory book gained an entry about a whale. when cruising on the caribbean sea, i was sitting on the deck looking at the usual scenery; sky meeting sea, waves, white caps, sea foam, fish and birds gliding a short distance above the water. then i spied a whale swimming in the opposite direction of the ship's path. i followed along the railing of the ship watching the whale until there was no more ship to traverse. at that point i stood, watching, until the whale was no longer in sight. wow! it was an incredible experience.
my memory book gained an entry about a whale. when cruising on the caribbean sea, i was sitting on the deck looking at the usual scenery; sky meeting sea, waves, white caps, sea foam, fish and birds gliding a short distance above the water. then i spied a whale swimming in the opposite direction of the ship's path. i followed along the railing of the ship watching the whale until there was no more ship to traverse. at that point i stood, watching, until the whale was no longer in sight. wow! it was an incredible experience.
Monday, February 18, 2013
get ready.....
this whimsical wednesday is our february wednesday to write in our memory books or add something fun to our notable notebooks. so much to write, so little time.....
(see january 20, 2013, post for details on the memory book and notable notebook)
(see january 20, 2013, post for details on the memory book and notable notebook)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
thoughtful thursday
saying i love you is very special. showing love through action means even more.
happy valentine's day!
happy valentine's day!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
whimsical wednesday
it was celebrate spunky old broads for whimsical wednesday!
my sister and i, bordering on old broad status, enjoyed together. the local VFW post, of which my sister is a member, has happy hour and free supper on wednesday nights. we decided this had to be our whimsical wednesday activity. a few of the regulars saw us come in and said, "since you are here, it must be taco salad night!" yes, it was. we munched on a huge mound of taco salad as we sipped iced tea and dr pepper, both drinks with lemon no less. we talked and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. it was grand. we had such a wild night for spunky old broads day! giggle...........
my sister and i, bordering on old broad status, enjoyed together. the local VFW post, of which my sister is a member, has happy hour and free supper on wednesday nights. we decided this had to be our whimsical wednesday activity. a few of the regulars saw us come in and said, "since you are here, it must be taco salad night!" yes, it was. we munched on a huge mound of taco salad as we sipped iced tea and dr pepper, both drinks with lemon no less. we talked and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. it was grand. we had such a wild night for spunky old broads day! giggle...........
Monday, February 11, 2013
get ready.....
february is spunky old broads month. let's celebrate this whimsical wednesday! gather up a few spunky old (or young) broads and have some spunky old broad fun! and if you can't get together with others, have a spunky old broad day just for yourself! (guys, you have can fun too!)
Friday, February 8, 2013
photo friday
 | |
| recently retired, the old swing in mom and dad's backyard was the site of a yearly photo of megan and jacob. |
Thursday, February 7, 2013
thoughtful thursday
say yes. a friend of mine told me that "say yes" became his motto several years ago. say yes to doing things his kids wanted to do with him. say yes to what his wife wanted to do. say yes to friends. say yes to what he wanted to do. say yes to all manner of new experiences. in the intervening years he shared with me that "say yes" was one of the best resolutions he had ever made. say yes yourself.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
whimsical wednesday
valentines! valentines! we made valentines this whimsical wednesday. because i am with family, i enjoyed making my valentines with my sister and my mom. suzi, the papercrafter that she is, provided the supplies and tutorial for us to create simple post card style valentines. it was a very enjoyable afternoon. next week many will receive happy, happy valentine's day greetings from all of us! did you make valentines today?
Monday, February 4, 2013
get ready.....
we're making valentines this whimsical wednesday! it matters not if the valentines are a post card with a heart shaped sticker stuck to it or an elegant sheet of designer paper covered with glitter and ruffles. share part of you with others on valentine's day.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
thoughtful thursday
my father died yesterday after several months of medical complications. he was 88 years old. through it all, i continued the whimsey project. there were moments when i questioned this decision. a few times i wavered; thinking to suspend the blog and activities or asking a follower to keep it going while i took a break. but i persevered. doing so never interfered with caring for my father and mother. not so very long ago someone remarked to me that life was sure full of difficult experiences. she was sad over the death of a friend, a much younger person than my father. without forethought or hesitation i responded that the difficult experiences are the very reason why we should make the rest of living as wonderful as possible. that must be, without my realizing it, why i have continued active participation in the whimsey project.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
whimsical wednesday
it's rainbow day at whimsical wednesday; creating a rainbow simple or elaborate in any style or form. the goal of creating a rainbow for whimsical wednesday was to brighten our day amid winter's dreary. my rainbow was formed from ribbons. strips of ribbon, in the colors of the rainbow, were placed on the tines of a card holder; something of a ribbon rainbow tree.
a symbol of hope, the rainbow creating activity for this whimsical wednesday took on a very personal meaning for me. i dedicate my ribbon in my father's honor who died early this morning at the age of 88.
a symbol of hope, the rainbow creating activity for this whimsical wednesday took on a very personal meaning for me. i dedicate my ribbon in my father's honor who died early this morning at the age of 88.
Monday, January 28, 2013
get ready.....
long winter days can be very dreary. days can pass without the sun shining. we will brighten our environments this whimsical wednesday by creating a rainbow. elaborate, simple, paper and crayons, flowers arranged in the colors of the rainbow. whatever shape and style your rainbow takes, create one this whimsical wednesday.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
thoughtful thursday
my sweet daughter, libby, shared this quote with me today and it just had to be used for thoughtful thursday.
"never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. time will pass anyway."
-earl nightengale
isn't this thought an eye-opener? how often do we do nothing because we are overwhelmed by the enormity of a project, goal, dream? the days pass and nothing can be looked back upon that evidences progress; rendering us all the more discouraged and sure what we are after can never happen. fortunately there is a remedy for this condition. small steps. every day give yourself 15 minutes to focus on the project. it isn't a great deal of time in the larger scheme of time, but you will have accomplished something everyday. the small steps of accomplishment build to a larger and larger accomplishment. you WILL have something to show for your efforts, even small. often this gives the boost needed to put in more time on the project on some days to build even more accomplishment. and don't worry about whether it's great or you love it or it's your best effort. effort in and of itself matters! go for it!
"never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. time will pass anyway."
-earl nightengale
isn't this thought an eye-opener? how often do we do nothing because we are overwhelmed by the enormity of a project, goal, dream? the days pass and nothing can be looked back upon that evidences progress; rendering us all the more discouraged and sure what we are after can never happen. fortunately there is a remedy for this condition. small steps. every day give yourself 15 minutes to focus on the project. it isn't a great deal of time in the larger scheme of time, but you will have accomplished something everyday. the small steps of accomplishment build to a larger and larger accomplishment. you WILL have something to show for your efforts, even small. often this gives the boost needed to put in more time on the project on some days to build even more accomplishment. and don't worry about whether it's great or you love it or it's your best effort. effort in and of itself matters! go for it!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
whimsical wednesday
it was memory book or notable notebook entries for whimsical wednesday. nothing of note caught my attention today so the notable notebook received no attention. however, i did make write an entry into my memory book; all about my dad's favorite christmas cookies, his mother's boston cookies. not only did i write about dad and his cookies but i included grandma's recipe! if my children and/or grandchildren read my memory book, they will be able to make boston cookies just like their great-grandmother or their
great-great-grandmother!
great-great-grandmother!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
get ready.....
beginning with 2013, we will be paying attention to our memory books and notable notebooks one whimsical wednesday a month. let's start this whimsical wednesday! write an entry into the memory book or the notable notebook or both!
if you haven't begun either as yet, this whimsical wednesday will be a great place to begin. use any bound notebook of paper or loose leaf to put into a binder. a memory book is just that; entries of any memories. mine is a jumble of memories of me as an adult, a child, memories about my children, grandchildren, friends, experiences. these are written in no particular order, just when i think about them and decide to write them in the memory book. a notable notebook is a place for all sorts of fun stuff: definitions to neat words, quotes, ideas, anything you encounter that you want to record!
if you haven't begun either as yet, this whimsical wednesday will be a great place to begin. use any bound notebook of paper or loose leaf to put into a binder. a memory book is just that; entries of any memories. mine is a jumble of memories of me as an adult, a child, memories about my children, grandchildren, friends, experiences. these are written in no particular order, just when i think about them and decide to write them in the memory book. a notable notebook is a place for all sorts of fun stuff: definitions to neat words, quotes, ideas, anything you encounter that you want to record!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
thoughtful thursday
there are few absolutes that can be counted on in life. one we can absolutely be certain of is CHANGE!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
whimsical wednesday
it's accept kindness day for whimsical wednesday. i am visiting family in another state due to my father's serious illness. we have been exceedingly busy with attending to all his needs. when my sister arrived at mom and dad's house this morning she presented me with baked spaghetti without onions or celery; one of my more favorite meals ever! i was soooooo excited to get this treat as i never make it for myself. and, even as busy as we have all been, she took the time to make baked spaghetti without onions or celery for me! (i will share, although i could eat it all myself!)
Monday, January 14, 2013
get ready....
this whimsical wednesday, if someone offers you a kindness accept it graciously and with gratitude. pay attention to that which constitutes a kindness. what you least expect might be the grandest kindness of all.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
whimsical wednesday
it's oatmeal day this whimsical wednesday! the get ready post on monday offered several suggestions for whimsical wednesday oatmeal activities. several of those activities were very appealing. however, sometime between monday and wednesday, it came to me to dye oatmeal with food coloring! why, i have no clue but it sounded like fun so why not?!
oatmeal was poured into four paper cups, enough to cover the bottom of the cups. food coloring was added to the oatmeal; one color in each of the cups: red, yellow, blue and green. the oatmeal was stirred to coat all the oatmeal. it looked like confetti! confetti is one of my favorite happy words so that oatmeal outcome was exciting!
after the food coloring dried, the oatmeal needed a taste test. the red oatmeal tasted RED. the yellow oatmeal tasted YELLOW. the blue oatmeal tasted BLUE. the green oatmeal tasted GREEN! the blue oatmeal was my favorite.
it seemed the birds would enjoy confetti oatmeal so it was thrown out into the yard for them to enjoy.
what was your oatmeal activity for whimsical wednesday?
oatmeal was poured into four paper cups, enough to cover the bottom of the cups. food coloring was added to the oatmeal; one color in each of the cups: red, yellow, blue and green. the oatmeal was stirred to coat all the oatmeal. it looked like confetti! confetti is one of my favorite happy words so that oatmeal outcome was exciting!
after the food coloring dried, the oatmeal needed a taste test. the red oatmeal tasted RED. the yellow oatmeal tasted YELLOW. the blue oatmeal tasted BLUE. the green oatmeal tasted GREEN! the blue oatmeal was my favorite.
it seemed the birds would enjoy confetti oatmeal so it was thrown out into the yard for them to enjoy.
what was your oatmeal activity for whimsical wednesday?
Monday, January 7, 2013
get ready.....
january is oatmeal month! this whimsical wednesday let it be a day of all things oatmeal! eat oatmeal for lunch or supper; adding different ingredients to make it a new taste for you. bake oatmeal cookies. take an oatmeal bath. give yourself an oatmeal facial. make an oatmeal suet cake for the birds to enjoy. put a flake of oatmeal in a glass of water and watch how it puffs up. have fun with oatmeal! it's not just for breakfast anymore!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
thoughtful thursday
in the spirit of the new year, here is WISHFUL THINKING by janet mowat, published in the 11.1.02 FAMILY CIRCLE magazine.....
today:
i will allow the beds to stay unmade all day.
i will let the kids dress themselves and tell them they look wonderful; no matter what they choose.
i will invite people over even if the house isn't white-glove clean.
i will focus on the things i already have rather than the things i want.
i will indulge in the serenity and sanity of an afternoon nap.
i will relax and read a book when sense is telling me to do laundry.
i will forget about my extra pounds and wear something that makes me feel great.
i will call an old friend who always makes me laugh.
i will take a long, luxurious bath using the scented bath beads that i've been saving for a special time.
i will play my favorite music and sing along as loud as i want.
i will treat myself to a slice of apple pie a la mode and skip the guilt.
what uniquely you I WILL could you add to the list? no doubt there's at least one I WILL you wish for!
today:
i will allow the beds to stay unmade all day.
i will let the kids dress themselves and tell them they look wonderful; no matter what they choose.
i will invite people over even if the house isn't white-glove clean.
i will focus on the things i already have rather than the things i want.
i will indulge in the serenity and sanity of an afternoon nap.
i will relax and read a book when sense is telling me to do laundry.
i will forget about my extra pounds and wear something that makes me feel great.
i will call an old friend who always makes me laugh.
i will take a long, luxurious bath using the scented bath beads that i've been saving for a special time.
i will play my favorite music and sing along as loud as i want.
i will treat myself to a slice of apple pie a la mode and skip the guilt.
what uniquely you I WILL could you add to the list? no doubt there's at least one I WILL you wish for!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
whimsical wednesday
it's a look back to 2012 for whimsical wednesday; to discover all the good we experienced during the year. a month by month inventory revealed that i had a year filled with lots of wonderful and whimsey. here's my 2012:
january: rang in the new year with family and friends in tennessee.
february: crafting sessions with craft buddies (on going throughout the year).
march: visited tennessee to help mom and dad as well as visit with family and friends.
april: looked after friend's dogs so she could go away for spring break and not worry about her pets.
may: flew to new york city from chicago to visit libby for her 35th birthday. upon return to chicago attended performance of swan lake in which sarah was a lead dancer.
june: two wedding celebrations in tennessee; mom and dad's 64th wedding anniversary and the renewal of vows for friends on their 40th wedding anniversary.
july: back to chicago to attend the performances of sarah's dance company, the luna troop, perform sarah's original work, PLACES. and celebrate sarah's 37th birthday. another anniversary: the whimsey project!
august: megan and jacob visited the farm for three weeks!
september: a wonderful labor day picnic with friends here on the farm.
october: back to tennessee to help mom and dad.
november: thanksgiving holiday weekend with libby, katherine, sarah, megan, jacob and scott here. the most wonderful time of the year.
december: my opportunity to be secret santa to those in need or to offer special appreciation. lots and lots of holiday activity with family and friends; ended the year in tennessee with family.
january: rang in the new year with family and friends in tennessee.
february: crafting sessions with craft buddies (on going throughout the year).
march: visited tennessee to help mom and dad as well as visit with family and friends.
april: looked after friend's dogs so she could go away for spring break and not worry about her pets.
may: flew to new york city from chicago to visit libby for her 35th birthday. upon return to chicago attended performance of swan lake in which sarah was a lead dancer.
june: two wedding celebrations in tennessee; mom and dad's 64th wedding anniversary and the renewal of vows for friends on their 40th wedding anniversary.
july: back to chicago to attend the performances of sarah's dance company, the luna troop, perform sarah's original work, PLACES. and celebrate sarah's 37th birthday. another anniversary: the whimsey project!
august: megan and jacob visited the farm for three weeks!
september: a wonderful labor day picnic with friends here on the farm.
october: back to tennessee to help mom and dad.
november: thanksgiving holiday weekend with libby, katherine, sarah, megan, jacob and scott here. the most wonderful time of the year.
december: my opportunity to be secret santa to those in need or to offer special appreciation. lots and lots of holiday activity with family and friends; ended the year in tennessee with family.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
get ready.....
the new year begins tonight at the stroke of midnight! for whimsical wednesday, take time to reflect on the year we will have just left behind. think of something wonderful that happened in each month; be it a special celebration, something you did for someone else, anything that was positive in your life! (if necessary, use a calendar to nudge your memory). list what you have selected as your year's wonderful. see what you accomplished? achieved? provided to someone else? it all adds up to a year well lived. resolve to do even more wonderful in the new year! happy new year!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
thoughtful thursday
reunion. persons, separated by distance and time, reunite. the happy excitement that bubbles up upon greeting one another. the non-stop talking; several conversations at once. laughter, reminiscences. parting, with endless hugs and goodbyes, glowing of renewal and reconnection. reunion.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
whimsical wednesday
our whimsical wednesday activity was family time. we had a day of family time. with last night's snowfall we had fun playing in the snow after brunch. friends visited this afternoon, making the day feel like another christmas day. after a lovely dinner, where conversation and laughter accompanied the meal, we sat by the fire. while eating christmas cookies and other treats we played apples to apples, a game we all enjoy. after a bit of conversation and enjoying the fire, it was time for the children's bedtime. our whimsical wednesday was filled with lots of family time, quiet and not so quiet time.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
miscellaneous
I don't know if you believe in Christmas or if you have presents underneath a Christmas tree. but if you believe in love, that will be more than enough for you to come and celebrate with me.....
so sings john Denver and the muppets; expressing how I feel at Christmas time!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
so sings john Denver and the muppets; expressing how I feel at Christmas time!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Monday, December 24, 2012
get ready.....
whimsical wednesday is the day after christmas, a day of busy activity filled with family, friends, fun! for whimsical wednesday, make the day after this christmas a time where family engages in quiet activity together. look at all the christmas cards together, play games, work on a puzzle, watch your favorite christmas movie on video, make hot chocolate, make an after christmas treat, cook dinner together; maybe try homemade pizza for the first time! whatever you do, do it all together!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
thoughtful thursday
what if there were no Christmas trees?
what if there were no Christmas decorations?
what if there were no Christmas carols?
what if there were no Christmas cookies?
what if there were no Christmas parties?
what if there were no Christmas concerts?
what if there were no Christmas presents?
is there still Christmas?
if there are people who love and care for one another, Christmas is alive, with us and in us.
what if there were no Christmas decorations?
what if there were no Christmas carols?
what if there were no Christmas cookies?
what if there were no Christmas parties?
what if there were no Christmas concerts?
what if there were no Christmas presents?
is there still Christmas?
if there are people who love and care for one another, Christmas is alive, with us and in us.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
whimsical wednesday
it's secret santa this whimsical wednesday; offering a gift in any form to someone without them knowing who the gift came from. at once I knew who and what I wanted to offer as secret santa. my gift was actually gifts. every year I participate in a holiday cookie exchange. today the cookies were presented to the firemen in the two fire houses in town. I was seen but unknown therefore still secret! the firemen were very pleased to have an array of christmas cookies to enjoy. as soon as the cookies were handed over they began to munch, munch, munch them. the second secret santa gift went to a person who is having a rough time so is very sad this holiday season. she will have returned to her workplace after lunch today to be greeted by a lovely plant festooned in holiday regalia. hopefully her secret santa gift gave her reason to smile. what was your secret santa gift this whimsical wednesday?
Monday, December 17, 2012
get ready...
be a secret santa for someone this whimsical wednesday. your "gift" can come in any form you wish to offer. just make someone very happy today!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
thoughtful thursday
one is never too old to enjoy all the whimsey. one can be grown up, as in responsible, and still be goofy!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
whimsical wednesday
happy poinsettia day for whimsical wednesday. until i did the research (see website links posted monday of this week), i did not know that poinsettias were of special significance to the mexican culture. what to do for my poinsettia whimsical wednesday activity? after looking through the information on the links, the craft of creating poinsettias from old greeting cards caught my eye. so i pulled out a box of old cards, glue stick, pencil, scissors and packs of glitter glue (different colors). a poinsettia petal pattern from a scrap of paper was made and tested. then i spent what became several hours making poinsettias. while i didn't intend to spend all day making poinsettias out of old greeting cards, i enjoyed the process of selecting just the correct cards to combine as well as carefully cut out just the most perfect area of the greeting card to get the look i was after. the resulting flowers will be offered to a select few. the recipients can decide if they wish to make a poinsettia pin or ornament (the flowers will be given with a length of ribbon and a pin back). looking forward to sharing my whimsical wednesday poinsettias.
Monday, December 10, 2012
get ready.....
according to the calendar i have that informs me about such events, this whimsical wednesday is poinsettia day! so let's do something of a poinsettia theme for our whimsical wednesday activity. do whatever you wish. here are links that might provide inspiration:
http://www.aboutflowers.com/flower-holidays-occasions-a-parties/christmas/poinsettia-history.html
http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/christmas-card-projects/#page=10
http://www.ehow.com/how_5793173_make-paper-poinsettias-school-project.html
this one suggests a pencil decoration but it could be used as a napkin holder
http://www.bhg.com/christmas/ornaments/felt-poinsettia-christmas-ornament/
http://www.ehow.com/list_6716166_mexican-poinsettia-crafts-kids.html
http://www.aboutflowers.com/flower-holidays-occasions-a-parties/christmas/poinsettia-history.html
http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/christmas-card-projects/#page=10
http://www.ehow.com/how_5793173_make-paper-poinsettias-school-project.html
this one suggests a pencil decoration but it could be used as a napkin holder
http://www.bhg.com/christmas/ornaments/felt-poinsettia-christmas-ornament/
http://www.ehow.com/list_6716166_mexican-poinsettia-crafts-kids.html
Friday, December 7, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
thoughtful thursday
amid the many items on your santa wish list, be sure to include those items that are priceless and make life all the more precious. wish for patience, understanding, caring, concern for others; giving of self and treasure freely and often. wish for these qualities for all persons everywhere. the foundation of true peace on earth.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
whimsical wednesday
we are preparing for st nicholas day this whimsical wednesday. as explained in the get ready..... post of monday, when we were children, my siblings and i hung our socks (mostly set them on the kitchen table) before going to bed on december 5th. when we awoke on december 6th, the feast of st nicholas, we ran to the kitchen to see if anything was in our socks. we found a bit of candy, a nickel or dime and a piece of fruit; usually an orange. such excitement this simple treat brought. because it was such a fun holiday tradition for me growing up, it was also celebrated with my own children. my grandchildren are now, too, enjoying celebrating the feast of st nicholas, the original santa claus.
the link offered on monday was full of great ideas on how to celebrate st nicholas day. i read through all the recipes, activities, crafts before encountering SEND AN E-CARD. i knew immediately this was the activity i wanted to undertake for whimsical wednesday. because i have been thinking about memories of celebrating st nicholas day with my siblings, children and grandchildren, it seemed just right to share the memory with them through the e-card (which are free to send). tomorrow my siblings, children and grandchildren as well as a few friends will be greeted with a happy st nicholas day e-card from me. we shall share celebrating st nicholas day together via the e-card!
Monday, December 3, 2012
get ready.....
whimsical wednesday is the eve of the feast of st nicholas! the "original" santa claus, st nicholas is an important figure during the holidays around the world. when my siblings and i were young, we "hung" one of our socks before bed on december 5th. the next morning, we looked in our socks for anything that st nicholas might have left for us! for our whimsical wednesday activity, let's prepare for a visit from st nicholas. here's a link for ideas: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/how-to-celebrate/
Friday, November 30, 2012
photo friday
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| our thanksgiving table centerpiece. jacob created the bowl of nature, his interpretation of the symbol of thanksgiving, the turkey! |
Thursday, November 29, 2012
thoughtful thursday
everyday should be thanksgiving day. not to be celebrated like a holiday with turkey and pumpkin pie but of giving thanks; everyday.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
whimsical wednesday
it was post-thanksgiving day for whimsical wednesday. besides talking (via email, phone) to friends to ask about their holiday, "thank you for sharing thanksgiving with me" notes were sent. these were not only sent to those who were present but also to those who sent something to make our thanksgiving dinner even more tasty fine! the notes were written on the turkey cards i made for thanksgiving.
Monday, November 26, 2012
get ready.....
let's extend thanksgiving this whimsical wednesday. take the opportunity to spend time with someone you weren't able to be with at thanksgiving but would have enjoyed doing so. a visit, a call, a note in the mail, whatever you wish.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
whimsical wednesday
preparing something special for thanksgiving was our whimsical wednesday activity. my preparation was to gather materials for a dinner table game. a simple card, stamped with a turkey, and pens were placed into a container. these will be used to have everyone write something special about any thanksgiving they have experienced, their favorite aspects of thanksgiving or share something humorous about thanksgiving. the container was placed on the table to serve as a centerpiece.
we had a second whimsical wednesday activity today. we decided to have a thanksgiving eve celebration; a bonfire in the outdoor fire pit. the weather was lovely and the moon bright in a clear sky. we tended the fire, roasted hot dogs, brats and marshmallows. there was lots of talk, a few games like 20 questions and much laughter. happy thanksgiving eve!
we had a second whimsical wednesday activity today. we decided to have a thanksgiving eve celebration; a bonfire in the outdoor fire pit. the weather was lovely and the moon bright in a clear sky. we tended the fire, roasted hot dogs, brats and marshmallows. there was lots of talk, a few games like 20 questions and much laughter. happy thanksgiving eve!
Monday, November 19, 2012
get ready.....
variety of activity for whimsical wednesday is very important to me. however, every thanksgiving brings a wednesday, thanksgiving eve. that means every thanksgiving eve, whimsical wednesday, has to have a thanksgiving theme. this year, prepare something to be utilized on thanksgiving day. i will be preparing an activity for us to engage in on the most wonderful holiday of the year!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
thoughtful thursday
my friend shared this hilarious yet thoughtful quote with me recently:
before one can be old and wise, one has to be young and dumb!
before one can be old and wise, one has to be young and dumb!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
whimsical wednesday
we made or bought thanksgiving greeting cards for this whimsical wednesday. mine were created today. a simple post card in a lovely fall color stamped with thanksgiving motifs. i shall be handwriting the sentiment the rest of the week and mail the cards on saturday. that must mean that whimsical wednesday will last all week! will others be receiving your thanksgiving greetings next week? (one of our whimsey project followers already sent her cards and i was THANKFUL to have received one!)
Monday, November 12, 2012
get ready.....
i'm all about remembering others at special times throughout the year; especially at thanksgiving, the most wonderful holiday there is. for whimsical wednesday, prepare cards or postcards, store bought or homemade to send to at least five people who would be thrilled to find your thanksgiving greeting in their mailbox.
Friday, November 9, 2012
photo friday
visit this website filled with sweet and funny photos of animals of all varieties. it will delight!
http://www.cutestpaw.com/
http://www.cutestpaw.com/
Thursday, November 8, 2012
thoughtful thursday
people will often not remember precisely what you said or what you did, however, they will always remember how you made them feel.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
whimsical wednesday
we added family stories to our memory books for whimsical wednesday. family stories are very important; threads that connect one generation to another. when i write about family in my memory book, i think about my children and grandchildren and how much they will enjoy reading the entries. the entries will offer the opportunity to remember experiences or learn something new. i just hope they enjoy reading the stories as much as i enjoy writing them.
Monday, November 5, 2012
get ready.....
november is family stories month! for whimsical wednesday, enter a family story or two in your memory book. then share the stories during your thanksgiving celebration and ask those gathered to offer stories as well.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
thoughtful thursday
the eastern seaboard of the united states was ravaged by a super storm a few days ago; leaving in its wake much destruction. as is always comforting in such situations, people from all over the country unite to offer assistance in any form necessary to rescue fellow citizens. imagine how awesome the world would be if we treated each other with such care and concern all the time, in good times as well as bad!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
whimsical wednesday
happy halloween! halloween on the farm was indeed a happy one. the pumpkin fairy visited. i had a "costume" for the first time in many, many years. there was a bit of reverse trick or treating (in costume); took my neighbor a treat! as is tradition on the farm, all the critters got an extra treat! happy halloween!
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| i awoke to find that the pumpkin fairy had visited! |
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
miscellaneous
my friends enjoyed a recent vacation in hawaii to celebrate their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. i was pleased to have the opportunity to look at all of the photographs they took. one photo particularly caught my attention: a hawaii license plate on their rental car (convertible, of course)! while i'll continue to look for that elusive license plate, i can definitely say all fifty state license plates have been sighted. game over!
it's cold enough at night now to need a bit of heat. otherwise the weather has remained quite pleasant. what's nice about cool nights is the luxury to enjoy a fire in the pit outside or in the living room fireplace.
there are still plenty of colored (and green) leaves to enjoy. the bittersweet is striking, leafless with bright orange berries gleaming in the sunlight. the harvest moon grand.
it's cold enough at night now to need a bit of heat. otherwise the weather has remained quite pleasant. what's nice about cool nights is the luxury to enjoy a fire in the pit outside or in the living room fireplace.
there are still plenty of colored (and green) leaves to enjoy. the bittersweet is striking, leafless with bright orange berries gleaming in the sunlight. the harvest moon grand.
Monday, October 29, 2012
get ready.....
this week's whimsical wednesday is halloween! for your activity, have some halloween fun. do something new or revisit a part of the celebration you no longer participate in. enjoy!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
thoughtful thursday
we often find kindness from the most unexpected persons, under the most unexpected circumstances.
whimsical wednesday
our whimsical wednesday activity was the road trip game of sighting humorous signs. primed for seeing a multitude of signs, then having to narrow the choices to my favorite, i was shocked at the actual result after almost seven hours of driving! one, count them, one! only one sign i saw was even remotely humorous and it wasn't even that. it was more of a "smile" sign. a donut shop's sign read, PUMPKIN SHAPED COOKIES. that provoked a smile. it is pumpkin season and everything imaginable pumpkin can be found anywhere and everywhere. perhaps we'll have to play this road trip again for another whimsical wednesday.
Monday, October 22, 2012
get ready.....
what is it about wednesday lately that it a day of travel!? a day of travel means another road trip game for whimsical wednesday. let's read billboards, marquees, signs of all description. what was the most humorous one among them? share it with us here at the blog.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
thoughtful thursday
BEST EVER. two words used to describe a myriad of persons, places, things, circumstances. one would think that not everything in the world could be the BEST EVER. perhaps not if one's perspective is of a world of competition and exclusiveness. conversely, it is very heartening that individuals think their "world" is filled with the BEST EVER; the best ever family, the best ever home, the best ever friends, the best ever experiences. for the world is large enough and encompassing enough for everyone, everywhere to believe their small corner of the earth to be valued as the BEST EVER.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
whimsical wednesday
according to studies, it has been revealed that people smile, on average, 50 times per day. to discover if this average applied to our individual selves, this whimsical wednesday we counted our smiles.
the parameters for my smile counting was that i would count smiles for 12 hours, between six am and six pm. all smiles were counted; smiles when we encounter persons we pass in a hallway, smiles that occur during conversing with others, smiles given when thanking someone for their help, smiles that are provoked through reading or hearing or even thinking about something and any other that might cross my face.
based on my smile count "rules" i smiled a total of 140 smiles, 50 of which were smiled by 11 am! my smile count was 90 smiles over the average 50. it was neat to discover that i smile a great deal during any given day. as a result of our smile study for whimsical wednesday, i think i will continue to be aware of smiling and remind myself to do it offer everyday! how about you? how many smiles did you smile today?
the parameters for my smile counting was that i would count smiles for 12 hours, between six am and six pm. all smiles were counted; smiles when we encounter persons we pass in a hallway, smiles that occur during conversing with others, smiles given when thanking someone for their help, smiles that are provoked through reading or hearing or even thinking about something and any other that might cross my face.
based on my smile count "rules" i smiled a total of 140 smiles, 50 of which were smiled by 11 am! my smile count was 90 smiles over the average 50. it was neat to discover that i smile a great deal during any given day. as a result of our smile study for whimsical wednesday, i think i will continue to be aware of smiling and remind myself to do it offer everyday! how about you? how many smiles did you smile today?
Monday, October 15, 2012
get ready.....
studies suggest that people smile an average of 50 times a day. for whimsical wednesday, count the number of times you smile throughout the day! then assess how paying close attention to smiling makes you feel!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
thoughtful thursday
walk softly; be gentle and kind....
it is as much a benefit to the individual as it is for others.
it is as much a benefit to the individual as it is for others.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
whimsical wednesday
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| this is my photo of a commonly used item taken from a different angle. what is it? |
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
miscellaneous
colder temperatures arrived in the last few days; chasing the hummingbirds away. the feeder remains hanging just in case. however no hummers have been sighted since it got cold.
with the cold arriving and the hummingbirds heading south, it was time to bring in the houseplants that have been on the porch all summer. also, the kitties' winter nest was assembled (consisting of the bench on the porch covered with an old comforter). they can crawl under the blanket and stay quite snug.
leaves are not only turning colors but are already falling from the trees. some trees are already bare. that's what a drought and summer heat does to trees.
it's woolly worm season. they seem to be everywhere.
the heron flew overhead yesterday and cast such a large shadow it was startling! he glided from my lake, across the meadow to land at the neighbor's body of water for a visit there. wow! it is always breathtaking to watch.
with the cold arriving and the hummingbirds heading south, it was time to bring in the houseplants that have been on the porch all summer. also, the kitties' winter nest was assembled (consisting of the bench on the porch covered with an old comforter). they can crawl under the blanket and stay quite snug.
leaves are not only turning colors but are already falling from the trees. some trees are already bare. that's what a drought and summer heat does to trees.
it's woolly worm season. they seem to be everywhere.
the heron flew overhead yesterday and cast such a large shadow it was startling! he glided from my lake, across the meadow to land at the neighbor's body of water for a visit there. wow! it is always breathtaking to watch.
Monday, October 8, 2012
get ready.....
let's play "what is it?" for whimsical wednesday. take a photograph of a common object from a very uncommon angle so that the item isn't readily identifiable. then ask others if they know what the object in the photograph is!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
thoughtful thursday
fall beckoned. i complied; the screened porch my destination. while i sat, i was soon covered with the three kittens. as they snoozed in a heap on me, i looked at the vista beyond the porch. there was so much to see; the ducks lazing on the water, the birds going about their day, the turtles sunning themselves at water's edge, observing the trees to discover which leaves had begun to be painted with fall's colors. although it was very enjoyable to sit there it was soon that i thought that i "should" be doing something. as soon as that thought came to mind it occurred to me that i WAS doing something. i was immersed in the glorious season of autumn. i was in that moment instead of there and somewhere else at the same time. i allowed myself to DO this for quite awhile and it was time well spent.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
whimsical wednesday
happy halloween preparations this whimsical wednesday! my preparation entailed creating halloween cards. a dozen post cards of fall colors were embellished with pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns and greetings of stickers and stamps. the cards are ready to mail. they sure are cute; hopefully the recipients will think so too.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
miscellaneous
fall has arrived and so has october!
the birds and squirrels are making ready for winter as they store food in trees or in the earth.
everyday more and more leaves are turning bright colors.
it has begun to rain on at regular intervals. after a year of drought and a very intensely hot summer, the rain is most welcome.
as dusk fell a few nights ago, i looked out the window of the sun room to discover a raccoon peering into the window. he wasn't paying attention to me; he was watching television!
the "wee" ducks are now as large as the adults so i can no longer tell them apart. the "wee" kittens have just about reached their adult size as well.
friends tell me they have gotten out their stockpots as it soup and chili fixing time! that's eating at its finest.
the birds and squirrels are making ready for winter as they store food in trees or in the earth.
everyday more and more leaves are turning bright colors.
it has begun to rain on at regular intervals. after a year of drought and a very intensely hot summer, the rain is most welcome.
as dusk fell a few nights ago, i looked out the window of the sun room to discover a raccoon peering into the window. he wasn't paying attention to me; he was watching television!
the "wee" ducks are now as large as the adults so i can no longer tell them apart. the "wee" kittens have just about reached their adult size as well.
friends tell me they have gotten out their stockpots as it soup and chili fixing time! that's eating at its finest.
Monday, October 1, 2012
get ready.....
it's october! halloween will be here in a blink of an eye. let's get ready for that celebration by creating a decoration or making cards this whimsical wednesday.
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