Christmas

Oh Christmas Tree

/ inkspeare

Sometimes, my husband comes up with out of the blue projects; this is one of them. I don’t know where he gets the time, but he does. I want to share it with you because it is a simple and cute Christmas ornament for the outdoors that requires a few recycle materials, in this case, it is several wire hangers. Yes, the kind of hangers that you get from the cleaners. Most people dislike these and throw them away. He made a lovely Christmas tree. Somehow, he attached the hangers together with wire, spray painted these with silver paint and bent the part that hangs to be able to use it for ornaments, in this case he added silver bells. He also wrapped the tree with mini lights. Here are the pictures, and maybe you will be inspired to make one for your patio or porch. I will be putting this one on the porch, near the door.

This is the frame before adding the bells and lights.
Here it is decorated with bells and lights. If I was going to put it out on the ground instead of the porch, I would use the remnant of a hanger to make u shaped pins and pin it to the ground with those.

As for me, I continue my tradition of eating a Christmas tree mini cake, and of course, a chocolate Santa or a reindeer to kickstart the holiday season.

I hope that you enjoyed this little Christmas project.

Best of Wishes

/ inkspeare

It is a windy and rainy day; I love days like this one. I can see leaves falling and hear the wind, as the raindrops hit the window glass. There is a mystifying and peaceful feeling about it, very serene. I feel tucked-in, secure inside, the warmth of home. I guess nature mimics that feeling, because all critters do the same; they are nestled in their habitats. On days like this one, one can help it but reminisce and hope for the promises of the new year. Soon, the holidays will be here and gone, and we are left with the expectation of a brand-new year, a fresh opportunity to do better, but in reality, every brand-new day is just that, a gift, a new opportunity. Whether to keep on going, to start over, or simply, be grateful for what is, it is a blessed gift. Some people say, “what matters is this moment;” but I think that what matters is what I do with this moment; we all have to live it, one way or another.

When we cease to exist, moments do not matter anymore; it all blends into eternity. I guess where we’ll spend it matters. Challenges come and go, dreams do as well. We live and give meaning and purpose to our living or we strive looking for it. If we find it, we count ourselves lucky, blessed; if we don’t, we search all our life, or feel cursed, not knowing that the mere act of living has purpose in itself, if we dare to see. Life reveals itself. It reveals its miracles every single day, and all of it in the midst of our challenges and blessings. The breath of the Creator is in every one of us. Every time that we open our eyes to receive the blessing of another day is reason enough, purpose in itself, to make the best of what we are given. Life will never be perfect, and there will always be challenges, ups and downs, the unexpected, and the undesirable, but with it, also the human God-given capacity to dream, to hope, to love, and to feel every second of our experience here, until we come home.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord shine his face upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his face upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26

Wishing you a very merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a blessed new year.

Have I Loved Enough?

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

As the holiday season approaches, and nature prepares for a deep sleep, I reminisce about the year and mentally review what transcurred, blessings and challenges considered. I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude and humility, hope as well. Reviewing these events brings me a sense of grounding, but I also think of what I could have done better. I realize that at times, I should extend a bit of kindness to myself as to others. The hopeful outlook and anticipation of the new year set the stage for receiving what will be, whether challenging or not. One thing I ask myself is, have I loved enough this year? I realize the answer to that question will always be, “you can love more.” That is true for everyone. We can always extend our kindness and love more, each time being more understanding of others and less judgmental. Over the years, I have understood that I must strive to love everyone, whether I agree or disagree with their lifestyle or life choices.

God loves everyone the same, and I am not better in His eyes than another of His children. Yes, He doesn’t love me more. The same love He has for me, He has for the drug addict, the prostitute, the murderer, the rapist, the witch or the devil worshipper. In His eyes, they are also His children, and He wants them to come home to Him. His arms are always open for the ones who ask for forgiveness. Once I “understood” the immensity of His love for all His creation, I learned another dimension of love and kindness, one that is not so quick to judge, one of humility and understanding. It is under that humble approach that I ask myself, “Have I loved enough this year?”

Love and Light

Sweet December

/ inkspeare

Here in Southern Virginia, December is milder in comparison to Jersey, however, when it is cold, you can feel it in your bones, deep in your bones. Sunday, I woke up in the middle of the night and looked through the window; it was snowing, a little surprise since we were not expecting anything in our area, and it had been raining all day. It was a decent dusting that certainly spoke of dreaming of a white Christmas.

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. (Photo by M.A.D.)

Christmas decor has become simpler for us since we moved here, especially outdoors. Indoors, I like little touches here and there, not too much, a little something in each room. Life has become simpler in many ways.

I have always liked the look of two potted trees at each side of the front door, and a wreath, but I did not want to spend money on two artificial trees and large wreath, so I made mine. From time to time, I might find a little cedar tree growing in an area where it should not. I remove it and plant it in a pot until it grows large enough (about 12 inches) to be replanted in the perimeter of the property. I have been growing three tiny cedars that were about 2-3 inches when I found them, all on the same day. These have grown quite lovely. These grow fast. I planted one on a cement urn. It will become an outdoor Christmas tree. Now its branches are not strong enough to support a string of lights, so I attached a bow.

Little cedar growing to become a Christmas tree. (Photo by M.A.D.)

I planted the other two cedars on large pots and placed them at each side of the front door. These look lovely and will continue to grow. When these become too big for the porch, I will plant them on our property, and I will keep an eye for any little cedars that can take their place on the porch.

Little Cedars in training. (Photo by M.A.D.)
I made the wreath from recycled ornaments and greenery that I already had.

Here, December is a prelude to the colder months, and temperatures and weather are all over the place; one day could be freezing, the next day, very warm. Overall, I have found summer to be hot and humid, and winter, cold and wet, and not every year we get a considerable amount of snow. In fact, one year did not snow at all. I find the weather here very variable. Do I miss the Jersey blizzards? No, but I do miss other things.

A little stroll around town during the season is magical. The town dresses up for the holidays, and in a warm evening, it is enjoyable.

A little bit of history. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Lighting the lanterns in the evening is a Chatham tradition. (Photo by M.A.D.)
The many lights around town are just lovely. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Almost as if straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. (Photo by M.A.D.)
People love to see the decorations on this home. (Photo by M.A.D.)

Stores dress up their windows as well. I have fallen in love with the magic of this little town.

For me, December is also a month of deep reflection in many areas of my life. A month of planning for the new year and of dreaming as well. But most important, it is when I celebrate the birth of my King and Savior, Jesus Christ, reflecting in all that it means and also, all the joy and beauty of the season: friends, family, decorations, food, traditions … It is all good, all a blessing.

Photo by M.A.D.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV

This will be my last post for this year. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. May your lives be filled with all the joy and love of God, and may your New Year be filled with all His blessings. Until next time.

Love and Light,

Maria Antonia Diaz

Happy Beginnings

/ inkspeare

Happy Beginnings to all of you. I am grateful and excited to start one more year. I have chosen a few pictures from 2021 and this new year to share on this post, kind of a rite of passage into the new.

2021

Last year displayed some beautiful colors. This photo has not been altered.
And lovely fiery red evenings.

A new friend has been showing up since the end of last year.

I never get tired of watching them. Black Crow Cottage is still a good fit, as I named the place.

One of my favorite delights thanks to my sister who has made it a tradition for me. Heavenly. Totally understand why the Narnia kid went along with the winter witch at the mention of Turkish Delight.

Made a recycled wreath to receive the season.

Our historic little town was ready for an old-fashioned Christmas and so was I (and my kitty cats).

2022

The year started with some snow, rose gold mornings, and many critters (and man) prancing through the snow.

And through all of it, I saw the hand of God and His love.

Hope you enjoyed this post.

The Greatest Gift – A Simple Call

/ inkspeare

Christmas is just around the corner, the best season of all. Even in darkness Christmas makes everything better. The true and only meaning of Christmas happens to be the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ the Lord. It is the reason for celebrating Christmas. Many might advocate for a “christless” Christmas but there wouldn’t be a Christmas without Christ. When I think of all the gifts that I have received throughout my entire life, and even the ones that I will receive during my lifetime, there is nothing that would compare or be better than the gift God gave us because of His immense love – salvation through redemption, and that can only be done by believing in Jesus Christ. When you and I believe that Jesus came for you and me to give us the eternal life (and benefits) that was stolen from us in the beginning, our closeness to God, and that He sacrificed his life for you and me, thus paying the price for us, and when we accept that sacrifice in our hearts, with repentance and desire to start anew, that is all it takes to be a part of God’s family again, and be closer to Him once more. God’s love is that huge, but it is also simple. Believe in Jesus Christ, be truly sorry in your heart, and you will be restored. Many might want to make it complicated, full of human pomposity, restrictions and requirements, but God made it straight clear so you and me could come back to Him. Jesus doesn’t equal religion (a most misunderstood concept). There is nothing on this planet I can compare to the love of Jesus Christ, and there will never be anything like it.

So why am I getting all “holy” on this post? Because soon it will be Christmas. So this Christmas, while we celebrate the season with our loved ones, think about this amazing gift, and see if you find space in your heart to accept it. It is a gift exchange between you and Him. It is a simple call.

Many blessings to you and your loved ones. Merry Christmas and a beautiful Holiday season to you all. I will be back blogging next year.

King of Souls

/ inkspeare

King of Souls – A Christmas Poem

A blanket of snow

covering the earth

like angel wings

gently befalls.

A shining star

dancing through the night

announces to the world

a miracle below.

A mother beholds

great news from above

The angels rejoice

A Savior is born.

A King in a manger

of God, divine son

Born to mankind

a Savior of souls.

May this Season of Joy bring the best into your heart and may blessings pour over your home. Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season to you all. Inkspeare

A Holiday Wish

/ inkspeare

Many times, we take things for granted; I mean, the little blessings in life. Things such as the first snow, the first bud we see at the start of spring, the first colorful leaf one sees on the floor, the sounds of nature … so many beautiful things. We also live on a planet full of people, full of souls with dreams, full of good people and not-so-good people. However, we are all on this beautiful planet. The other day, I was reflecting about the evil in this world, and how a human being can personify it. Then I got thinking, what could possibly happen to a person to become that way – a living personification of evil. I thought, at least once during a lifetime that person must have had one dream, one dream of goodness. What happened? Immediately, a thought came to mind. When we stop counting blessings, even the tiniest ones, our heart becomes heavy. Our eyes are placed away from the blessings each day brings, and wander looking for what is missing. We go from a state of gratitude and plenty to one of ungratefulness, frustration, and misery. The soul starts lacking, and the pathway becomes dark. This thought did not give me an explanation of why people turn to evil deeds, but it gave me an understanding of how easily one can go from a state of joy and plenty to one of misery and lack.

It is December, a season to celebrate joy, a season of giving, and one of receiving as well. One to wish Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, one to dream about the new year, and wish others a happy and healthy one. A season to look back and reflect about trials and blessings, and one to give thanks as well. I truly want to wish you all a beautiful and meaningful season, and a new year full of blessings, but mostly, I want to thank each one of you for being part of my world, for every comment, like, and read, because I don’t want to take those for granted – they are part of my blessings.

To you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thank you. To all, my love.

Shining Stars

It was the night before Christmas 

and I stepped outside to see

a sky showing all its glory

a firmament all lit.

*

A silence as no other

whispered its peace to me

The blessings of the season

filling the air I breathe.

*

As I looked to the heavens

a star shone bright above

the love of Jesus my savior, I thought

filling my heart with his love.

*

Then one by one the stars shone bright

each one with a special light.

A voice I heard inside my heart

A whisper of love so bright.

*

These are the souls of mankind 

born pure, of evil none

like stars shining above

to each, a special light bestowed.

*

It was the night before Christmas

I stepped outside to see.

I saw the love of God

for every human being.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gift

/ inkspeare

Wishing all a Happy Holiday Season. I will be back on January. In the meantime, I leave you with this Christmas poem I just wrote. I hope you enjoy it.

 

The Gift

 

A snowflake shimmers

Falling down to Earth

A blanket of purity

Awaiting a birth.

 

Far away a star twinkles bright the night,

Diamonds on velvet

The firmament shines,

Announcing King, Child.

 

The hay in the manger

Keeps Majesty warm,

While chorus of Angels

Sing quiet nearby.

 

A mother and father

Observe with delight,

A Savior from heaven,

Their innocent child.

 

Whenever you see a snowflake, a star

Or nested the Earth in the eyes of a child,

Think of Heaven’s Love

For you, wrapped up on that night.

 

 

 

Love,

Inkspeare

Photo by M.A.D.

Photo by M.A.D.