If Winter Were a Tree, I Would Hug it!

November 24, 2015 by Dana Andrews

Wintertime is almost upon us, my friends! It just dawned on me... There are so many HUGE reasons I adore this season.

The tree branches are undressed, and we see things that we haven't seen in a long while. I love the new nests that have been built in the past year. I love how the leafless branches reveal, like curtains part before a show, a clear view of the twinkling stars. There is just something about winter that sings to my soul, tells it to slow down and take in everything that is before me. A pleasant, heartfelt reminder that winter is finally here, and the magic show commences…

We're Still here

November 21, 2015 by Dana Andrews

While raising our 5 kids, what we feared most was their being kidnapped. From an early age, they knew not to talk to strangers, let alone walk off with them. Fortunately, they remained safe, and despite our having childproofed the house back then, these days our kids still manage to come back in!

When our kids get together now, they remind me that when they used to jump on the bed, I warned them the mattress springs might pop out. They are thankful that never happened, and both they and their mattresses remained intact. Sadly, their innocence didn't.

What's In YOUR Heart?

November 19, 2015 by Dana Andrews

I've heard it said that some people "wear their hearts on their sleeves." I often wonder if there are some who wear not only sleeves, but a thick "designed-for-subzero-temperatures parka" over their hearts.

The Wizard of Oz muses "Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable." Undoubtedly, a beating heart keeps us alive, but people do die from a broken heart. How ironic that what keeps us alive in happiness, can also lead to our demise in the absence there of?

A lovely place to pass the hours...

November 13, 2015 by Dana Andrews

This sweet abode was originally planned to be a rustic potting shed; in my heart, however, it was always meant to be the cottage I’ve dreamed of since early childhood. This tiny (10’ X 12’) haven was built from doors and windows salvaged from old homes. It is heated, air conditioned, and has a loft with a little window where I can find my inspiration while looking outside to enjoy the view, which includes our chickens, ducks, and my lovely English cottage gardens, which I tend.

"Guess Who I Met at a Funeral?"

November 13, 2015 by Dana Andrews

Today my husband and I went to a funeral. Mind you, I never met this man, and expected that we were there to show respect to his son, who is a world-renown, incredibly devoted and equally loved physician. It is no surprise that our friend is a life-long friend to many.

After our friend began with, "My father was not formally educated, yet was an uncommon man," I was glued. I wanted to know so much more, now that my curiosity was piqued. I had always wondered what kind of parents created and raised this amazing friend we hold dear, and now I would finally know!