It's getting closer to Christmas.
How are you doing?
Stressed?
Calm?
It's been a calm Christmas season for me. I cut back on the decorating and the shopping and spent more time focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. I've had more time to enjoy the things I have chosen to do. Today I'm sharing a few things that have delighted me this season. First up, this little cute jar with it's metal holder. Couldn't pass it up when I saw it at the flea market!
I found my favorite Cordial Cherries! I only buy them at Christmas, so they remain special. I also have a special way of eating them. First I take a small bite being careful not to get the cherry and savor the sweet, creamy fondant and chocolate. Next, I pop the whole thing in my mouth and enjoy the cherry!! Yum!!
I found myself absolutely in awe of this man's photography. This is Arkansas nature photographer, Tim Ernst. Each year in December he presents a slideshow of images that he has included in his latest photography book. This year his book, Arkansas Nightscapes, features only night photography. My mom, dad, sister, and I attended one of his slideshows. The images include the milky way, the moon, stars, comets, shadows, color, and light. They were absolutely breathtaking! In the slide show he also included several time-lapse videos of those night skies. One in particular made the whole room gasp. He had captured a falling star that burst right above a rock formation! Of course, I had to have his latest book. That's my book he's signing! We had a delightful evening that filled our hearts with gratitude for the beauty that God has given us even in the darkest night!
One more thing that made me happy this week. After the slideshow we stopped by the Saline County Courthouse to see their lights. It makes me so happy that there is still a Nativity scene sitting on the courthouse lawn!
My week has been full of peace and joy!
I hope the same can be said of your's!
Cathy, I always find peace and joy when I visit your blog. This is a lovely post! And yes, I've had a good week, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, Cathy! I can see why you couldn't pass up that jar. I would have taken it, too. That is going to be a well-used photo prop, I'm sure. And good for you, dialing it back and be present now ... the best present you could give yourself. Merry Christmas to you all, my friend. {Remind me to tell you some day about all the mugs I have on this shelf and that which are never used for drinking! :-D }
ReplyDeleteThis has been a hectic week, so I am looking forward to a bit of peace next week. You've found a way to really enjoy the holidays, without getting swept up in the craziness. Good for you! I LOVE your first image, so pretty!
ReplyDeleteCathy this is the most beautiful post today!! Love the photos, love the photographer signing your book, and how he captures beauty in nature, and I LOVE that you eat cordial cherries....just the same as I do. :) Have a beautiful, and Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteLove the little jar. I don't think I could have passed it up either. I can see why you like Tim Ernst's photography. It is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've had a lovely week! Your first image is simply gorgeous - lovely bokeh!
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly had a happy week! I love that first image with the little jar and metal holder, the composition is so soft and yet quietly festive. That slideshow by the Arkansas nature phototrapher sounded lovely. I can understand why you would want his book after reading your descriptions. I love to see Nativity scenes at this time of year as well, it is the whole reason for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLove the sentiment: relax and appreciate the things that really matter. Lovely images. All the best, Bonny
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to have found your blog, Cathy--your photos are amazing!! Wishing you and your family a truly joyful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI have also had a calm week ... writing Christmas cards and enjoying the spirit of the season. Tim Ernst photography is really beautiful ... his capture of the two swans are really a piece of art. Merry Christmas to you!
Love your jar and the beautiful still life you have created with it as the centerpiece and the shiny bokeh background. You are getting to be quite a pro at setting up these lovely images. Another that would work great for a holiday card.
ReplyDeleteIt's evident that you have had a wonderful week and I pray it continues as we head into the week of Christmas. I love the navity and I have to admit I am surprised it's up at a courthouse. By the way, I like you only eat chocolate covered cherries at Christmas time. My granddaddy used to pass them out to us and it was always special....Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThis a special time of year and I am so glad that you have taken the time to slow down and enjoy it all. We did have a good time with Dad and Mom. Making memories. We really need new ones because at my age I am forgetting the old ones.
ReplyDeleteWow! A nativity scene on state property that is pretty amazing. And so encouraging. Merry Christmas my friend!
ReplyDeleteI love your little jar!!! And that Nativity scene is simply perfect!! I had the flu a couple of weeks ago, so I have completely given up trying to decorate or cook or anything. being healthy is such a gift!!
ReplyDeleteHow very special!!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. Happy, happy Christmas Cathy. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely images, I really like the Nativity Scene, so pretty. Merry Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteCathy what a great post, I missed it as I am taking a short break from blogging. I wanted to wish you the best of Christmas and New Year. Looking forward to your posts in 2015.
ReplyDeleteI think my comment got eaten. Trying again. All Christmas blessings to you and your family, Cathy.
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