Asking for a Sign

If you've been reading my posts since the start of the week, you already know my year-end craft project. If you just tuned in, I made a charm bracelet:

I used some beads, invisible string and gold clasps.

In between the beads, I added some gold-toned charms, each one whispering a tale of what my 2011 was like.

It was generally a peaceful year marked with the passing of loved ones and a few health issues. How can I call my year "peaceful" even with tragedy? I could have easily anointed this year as "terrible" or "a year I would like to forget", but I am accepting that everything can't be shiny, happy 24/7.

I'm deeply spiritual and would like to uphold hope and faith in my life. But sometimes, it isn't easy. Especially when I'm afraid or worried or upset. Then I pray. I asked God for a sign that everything will be alright. He spoke loud and clear.

God showed me a rose. Not just one, but many in different forms -- fresh ones at the deli, a sculpture at a museum, a design on a stained glass window, an ad in the newspaper. Then I read this passage from the Bible {Isaiah 41: 10,13}:

Do not be afraid - I am with you!

I am your God - let nothing terrify you!

I will make you strong and help you;

I will protect and save you.

I am the Lord your God;

I strengthen you and tell you,

Do not be afraid; I will help you.

And that's why I have this rose on my bracelet -- it's a reminder of God's reassuring love.

Tree of Life

Thanks for stopping by today!

I'm taking a pause and reflecting on the year that was. And if you're a crafter like me, this is a great excuse to craft.

I made this bracelet with charms marking

important events of my year.

One of the charms is this vibrant tree.

I look at it as a symbol of stability & longevity.

You see, this year I had a few minor health issues. I try to live a healthy lifestyle but sometimes, sickness can hit you out of the blue. And it's times like these when you value "normal days" -- days when you are strong enough to go through your daily routine without having to worry about aches or pains.

It's also this year that many loved ones and friends are battling health problems like heart ailments and cancer. It sucks. I worry for them and keep them in my prayers.

Health is a gift to be cherished.

This tree will remind me to never,

ever take it for granted.

Hope to see you back tomorrow!

Thoughts of Love

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

As the year comes to a close, I'm looking

back at the highlights of my 2011.

Look, I even made a charm bracelet:

Each charm represents a significant event.

Today, it's all about this heart in an envelope. I think it represents thoughtfulness -- one of the best qualities of my Uncle O. Uncle O is my dad's brother who loved to travel. He'd always send us a postcard from where he'd been or a greeting card to send some birthday love. Out of the blue, he would also call just to say hello. This October, Uncle O passed away.

I know, another death. It's heart-breaking. I hope I'm not making you depressed; I just wanted to honor his memory.

To my Uncle O -- this charm will always

remind me of your kind & gentle spirit.

Party on!

My Year in Review

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas!

It's the last week of 2011 and I always get

nostalgic at this time of year.

My 2011 was a quiet ride on the highway

but with a few rattling bumps along the way.

To mark the significant events of my 2011,

I crafted this bracelet.

I made it out of inexpensive charms...

...and a string of beads.

{I happen to like black accessories,

thus the color}

Everyday this week, I'll tell you the story

behind each charm.

The first charm is for my father-in-law, Daddy Y.

Sadly, we lost him in March.

I chose a set of golf clubs & a golf ball -- he was

an avid golfer. Everyday I think of him and miss

his hearty laugh, generous heart, zest for

living and inspiring courage.

If you've experienced death in a family,

you know that it leaves a

hole in your heart.

While we miss him dearly, we

know that Daddy Y is in good

company and winning many

rounds of golf up in heaven.

See you again tomorrow!

A Delicious Holiday

One of my favorite indulgences during the

holidays & the winter months is

hot chocolate:

I'm an equal opportunity hot chocolate

lover -- thick, light, topped with

marshmallows or cream or with

cookies on the side. I love them all!

Are you still putting together

gifts for surprise guests or

instant meet-ups?

Here are a few more ideas

I found while browsing

on Pinterest:

A S'mores kit made of

graham crackers, chocolate

bars and marshmallows.

Reindeer pops made of peanut butter

cookies, chocolate, pretzels

and candy.

These packages of popcorn

are dressed up as snowmen.

The face and body are drawn

with a pen and the hat is

made of a glove & ribbon.

Cute don't you think?

May you have a happy weekend

and a truly Merry Christmas!

Here Come Santa's Reindeer

Christmas is just around the corner.

Gasp! Are you all set?

Here's a stocking that hangs on one

of our doors...I added Santa which

was a gift embellishment.

Now doesn't the stocking

look more festive?

Even with limited time, you can

still do some blah to TADA!

Need some last minute gift ideas.

Here's some I found on Pinterest:

Beer bottles dressed up as reindeer!

Just use pipe cleaners, stick-on eyes

and pompoms.

A wash cloth transformed

into another reindeer.

You can use it to wrap bars of

soap or other bath products

to give away.

Reindeer pops that kids will love.

Made of marshmallows

dipped in chocolate and

dressed up with

pretzels & candy.

Printed with Love

Do you give out holiday cards?

I love sending and receiving them!

This year, I sent out store bought cards.

There's nothing wrong with that.

When I can, I try to add a handmade

touch to my cards like these ornaments

from last year. But alas, sometimes

time isn't on our side.

I found these really cute prints on Pinterest:

A Christmas tree made of tiny foot prints

Another tree, this time, made with

hand prints

Check out these reindeer

also made of foot prints!