Dec 23, 2007

The Sweetest Joy


It is evening here in Salem, Oregon. The house is filled with candlelight as Christmas carols play softly in the background. I am here on the computer, my family is gathered inches away playing a board game.

Shouts of laughter or consternation burst forth as each is either successful or not in their gaming pursuits. One of our three cats bats playfully at a Christmas stocking hanging from our loft railings, the other two nap contentedly. We have shared several pizzas, eaten pretzels and chips, apples and oranges, candies and cookies. It feels lovely and I am filled with gratitudes.

Today, my daughter baked me some birthday cupcakes for tomorrow and tried her version of Rachael Ray's 5 Minute Fudge. Some dear friends stopped by unexpectedly for a nice, long visit and I happily finished the last of the gift wrapping. It was a day of sweet things, of friendship, of the comforts of heart and home, family and fun.

As my Kathy Schmitz Christmas fabric for Moda proclaims "Follow Your Heart", "The Sweetest Joy", and Peace Abides". That is how it feels here in Salem, the city of Peace, tonight. I wish you all the sweetest joys, the most heartfelt of blessings, and the hope that peace fill your hearts and homes during this holiday season.

8 comments:

Anne Ida said...

Yummy!

Merry Christmas!!! Hugs...

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

CONNIE W said...

Sending you a Merry Christmas wish. CW

dee said...

Merry Christmas and thanks for making so much cyber-fun for us all. I hope you have all the blessings and joys of the season and can't wait till you have some more interesting things to write about. You're a fascinating woman. God Bless!
Hey those cupcakes match my redwork design I made for Christmas which is, as yet, unfinished(but you knew that)

Shelina said...

It sounds like you had a great time - exactly what any family gathering should be about.

His Office, My Studio said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

SuBee said...

And that, Charlie Brown, is the meaning of Life!
Happy Happy Birthday Michele, and a blessed Christmas to you and yours.
(((hugs)))

Erin said...

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas to you too! Your home sounds so warm and inviting..and right where the heart is..and peace..I am so happy for you and your family and wish you all the best!