Ramblings

Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I’m living in some sorts of a dream; as if walking outside my body… do I really live here? Have I stumbled down the rabbit hole into some magical world? I’m I lost?




Of course, those are just words... words I have chosen to describe how I’m feeling these days; for I haven’t been my usual self lately. In fact, it is the customary at this time of year. Winter does that to you; and I require a drop of sunshine; warmth to comfort the soul and a little flower or two… and thus, it’s like walking through fog these days; feet slowly moving forward, arms and hands parting branches and shrubbery in coolness so deep, I shiver.




Walking the solitary garden is like walking the mystical landscape of poetry, and I’m unconsciously reminded of Ann Bronte and her soulful writings… and my heart is “like a sensitive plant that opens for a moment in the sunshine, but curls up and shrinks into itself at the slightest touch of the finger, or the lightest breath of wind”.




So I’ve bought me a red blouse to cheer me up. Generally I would not wear red. Red is not precisely my color, but it sets off balance in the whiteness and barrenness of winter. Red is definitely one of the colors of winter, and I should wear it more often. Tesa and I had so much fun last week at the mall trying on all sorts of pretty things. We laughed and shared secrets as we tried out the perfect lipstick shades and played games and even run a bit hand in hand through the isles when nobody was looking… We tried many a handsome hat too, but we thought these red ones looked supper cool on us!




So I’m in the garden now. And there’s a cold wind sweeping over the old roses, nature basks in the ices of January, but something larger than myself had pulled me out here… I needed to be here...




Daylight is but fleeting moments these days. I find this most distressing to the spirit. By mid-afternoon the special slant of grayish-yellowish light that comes only this time of year would settler over the tall grasses that grow along the old buildings across my office. As they take on a deeper amber hue I’m reminded that the day is almost over. It is a race against time then; a race against darkness, because I yearn to be in the garden; feel it, live in it; be delimited by it; and I know I wont be fulfilling that need for yet another day. It is hard leaving home when it’s dark and returning to it when it’s already dark.




Birds are fugitives of the landscape as well. Maybe they prefer to stay wrapped up indoors… wherever that might be? Bird feeders and food stations are brimming with all sorts of special goodness, but I haven’t seen a bird in weeks, and I have started to believe that maybe the menacing figure of this imposing owl that I so love, because it gives such a sense of peace and mystic to the winter garden, might have something to do with such an unfortunate occurrence... for I truly miss my little friends.




If there’s one thing I love about winter is the magic of birds; old and new feathered friends gathering in the center of the sleepy garden as it slowly awakes from the slumber of a wintry day with their joyful twirling ... Birds are such happy little souls… and I so miss them! I’m thinking maybe I should cheer up the garden with some silk roses—such pitiful contrast in the dead of winter…




I know, this might not work for the birds, but it certainly is putting a smile on my face… ;)




It is getting late and I must get in… magic swirls all around me and again, the sky seems to be on fire.




No drama; not the slightest alteration on any of these photographs; that is just how the sky was when I took them. Here in our valley we are blessed with the most magical and amazing sunsets during the cold months. Twilight is certain a magical time in winter; which by the way, if you want… if you really really want and try your best for a positive attitude, it can truly be a magical season. Yes, I’d have to remind myself of that often! ;)






Oh oh I almost forgot! I have a very interesting and strange tale of sorts to tell you, but that’s going to take me another full post, so I best share it with you next time… For now, I just want to say thank you for blessing me with your friendships and kind words all year through… If you are new here at The house in the roses, I’d like to say WELCOME! I truly hope you will find something here that inspires you. Please stay awhile, and take time to smell the roses! Well, maybe not now; but I'm sure you can wait until May! ;)


"Health Over Everything"

Hey all!  I have a guest post from a mom on a mission!  She has a new healthy lifestyle series starting on her blog and wants to let you know that you are all invited!!! Smile
So here is Latoya! 
 
Hi Everyone!
 
I am so excited that Bonnie allowed me to share with you something that I thought may be of interest to each of you who are on a mission to live healthier lives!
 

 
My name is Latoya and I blog over at The Scott's Crib and I have something very exciting to share with you today as I embark on a year long mission to help as many families as possible live healthier lifestyles! 2012 is now staring at us and many of us make New Year's resolutions only to give up around March even though our intentions were pretty darned good.
 
I never make resolutions because I know where it's going to end up so I thought about this past year and my quest for healthier living.  After perusing over some of the things that I have done, incorporated, and eliminated this year I decided to challenge myself even further in 2012.
I don't want to do this by myself.
 
One of my goals for 2012 is to get at least 6 families on board (I would love more!) with me and take on the motto "Health Over Everything".
 
So what is the Healthier Crib and Family Challenge?
 
This challenge has been created to help get as many people on board to living a healthier life and incorporating green living within their lifestyles.  Each month I will write a post about a new recipe, new remedy, supplement, product, game, or activity that either myself or my crib has incorporated for this challenge.  Some may be vlog posts, guest posts, or informative posts, but either way once a month the information will serve as a purpose to help you.
What do I need you to do?
Join Me!  Your participation could simply involve making an effort to walk everyday, quit smoking, or give up a bad habit!  Or perhaps someone in your household suffers from a chronic condition and you want to make positive changes that will influence them in a powerful way.  Maybe you have just been in a rut and need some simple system that is easily accessible to hold you accountable!
Each month there will be a link up. You can link up anything so that we all can hold each other accountable on our mission for healthier living.  You can link up cleaning rituals that incorporate non-toxic cleaning methods, new recipes you have tried, exercise routines etc.  You can also link up testimonials about any methods or products you have tried, or how the challenge is helping you on your journey towards healthier living.  Any positive change you make in your lifestyle, big or small, is welcomed! 
The first link up party will be January 16th. Each post and following link ups will be every month on the 16th as well.  Every month I will choose a giveaway winner using random.org.  The winner will win a challenge related prize that will help them through out 2012.
Not Sure Where To Start?
  • Visit The Scott's Crib and become a follower.
  • Visit my Facebook and Twitter pages for weekly tips and freebies that will help you on your journey.
  • Email me and set up personal and free consultations designed to help you live a greener and healthier life.  (optional)
So now it's time for you to make your move!  You have 2 weeks to get ready for the first link up!  Don't have a blog and want to participate? Or do you have a testimonial to share?  Email me your name, picture (optional) and testimonial and I will feature YOU during the monthly post!
JOIN me this year and let's make our homes and our families healthier this
year in 2012.  Also make sure to grab a  button for your blog and encourage other families to get healthy with you!
The Scott's Crib
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Thank you so much for having me and I hope that you will embark on this journey with me and lead a positive and healthier life during 2012!
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Thanks Latoya!

Have a great day! :)

Bonnie

Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Sunday, January 1, 2012
Ever since I can remember I’ve wanted a pink room—sleeping in a soothing bedroom in many shades of pink and a lighthearted jumble of patterns for a fresh twist sounds like sleeping in a cloud to me, so when our youngest child left our nest a few months ago I decided it was finally time… time to build me my perfect room! Of course, that means a room in my shabby cottage style love! So I mixed things around, used things I already had, and spruced up a bit with new Simply Shabby Chic bedding! My bedding is all from the Simply Shabby Chic line at Target. I still would like to try some wallpaper on one of the walls, or maybe paint the whole room in the faintest shade of pink… but for now those little changes have softened up the look of the room, and I just love it!


















OK… I may think that this is my room, but it really doesn't belong to me... you see, a very special person has claimed ownership, and I'd totally and lovingly agreed! Introducing sweet Miss Tesa, the light of my life and princess of my heart, the fairest fairy of the house in the roses and according to her very own will, a future rock star! ;)









Thank you dear friends for a beautiful year! May you be blessed with health and happiness, and with the love of your family and friends in this New Year.


The House in the Roses