Unusual Beauty

It is not often you get pristine white

snow and golden leaves all in one shot.

But, this morning that was possible.

So...I did!

 Check out the natural star that formed at the top of this tree.

Just made a test run to the church...

it is all good. 

The power is on.

So we will worship corporately this morning...

those that can make it.

October Snow! Lots of It!!

This morning just after the snow began.

The Country Bumpkin is having a hard time seeing.

This morning just before noon.

The same planter this evening around 6pm.

I think these trees could be in a book by 

Dr. Suess.

The power has gone out for a few seconds at a time

but so far......we are ok.

The kids were out briefly this afternoon but 

came back reporting the sounds of cracking 

limbs all around them.

It is beautiful.

It is dangerous.

We miss Warren
for many reasons as he is
on a business trip in Florida
but specifically right now because
I don't have a clue how to
hook up the generator if the power goes out.
Hurry home, Honey.
We'll try to save a little bit of snow
for you....

Update:  We lost power around 11pm
last night but it came back around 4:15am
this morning.

No One Thought of It....

I am so disappointed.

Yesterday was so exciting and fun.

Yet, there was something missing.

Very missing.

You see, yesterday afternoon Mrs. Rabe

and I made a trek to Harrisburg to meet 

a special lady.  We went to meet Diane, 

who writes the Tomato Soupcake Blog.

We arrived and I left her a voice mail

telling her that we had arrived and that she 

should come and find us in the lobby.

She did.

We met with laughter and hugs.

She is exactly what I was expecting

her to be.

A bundle of love.

So warm.

Caring.

Open.

Sweet.

Oh, a tiny bit of what Heaven will

be....all of these dear friends from across

the globe meeting and sharing our love of 

Jesus and each other.

The three of us sat and chatted for 

nearly two hours.

It was great.

Finally, we knew Diane needed to 

get back to her events at the 

Relevant Convention.

I also needed to take Mrs. Rabe

back home so she could complete

her tasks to get ready for a family trip.

We got up,

we walked arm and arm to the car.

We wished that we lived closer so that 

these kinds of chats could happen 

more often.

We left.

Half an hour later as we drove up

Route 283 I saw some beautiful trees.

That made me think of my camera.

Which led to the random declaration that

we had taken no photos!

NONE!!

Three bloggers and NONE of us had

remembered to take a photo 

of this meeting.

What is the world coming to?

How could this have happened??

Priorities, I guess.

We were just being real.

Loving the meeting and the sharing.

Selfishly.

But, just so you know....

Diane said I was "adorable".

I'm pretty sure that was the word she 

used...but you'll just have to take 

my word for it...

'cause there is no evidence.

Hugs!!

The House is Coming Alive....

As the sun rises in the sky 

one by one people begin crossing 

through the living room where I sit

watching the tragedies on the news.

One sometimes has to wonder why 

I watch it....a morbid fascination,
I guess.

I'm not likely to give it up anytime 

soon so don't even try....

LOL.

But, from the quietness of 

me at the keyboard,

2 cats and 2 dogs comes a Mikey.

He bounds up the stairs headed for the 

shower.  He greets the dog with genuine

affection.  I warn him that he'll want a 

heavy coat today.  The temps have dropped

dramatically.

Eventually he makes it to the kitchen to 

make his breakfast before a full day at

work.  Chelsea wanders out and they 

chatter between themselves.  I can't hear 

what they are saying, only that they are

enjoying each other's company.

The Coffee Maker sputters out its last

drops and still the murmers of their voices

continue. 

These are the little things that make a house

a home.  This is family.

I love it.

We are missing Warren who is on a business 

trip this weekend.  But, it is also opportunity to

work, work, work and even fit a bit of play 

into our schedule.  Hoping to meet Diane, 

from Tomato Soupcake today.  She's at a 

Blog Conference about an hour from me.

We'll see how that works out.

But in the meantime....

I'll just bask in the coziness of home and

family as the house wakes up around me.

Great sounds, great times.

Stolen from My Mother!

Since Chelsea has been working at 

Sight and Sound Theater with my mother

I get to hear bits and pieces from

the devotions my Mom shares there.

Wouldn't it be pretty cool to work in 

an environment where 

you actually have 

devotions?

Well, they do and it is a shared duty

among willing employees.

Apparently the other day Mom used

an event that happened right after 

Chelsea was born to make a very 

important point for us in life.

The story goes like this.

While pregnant with Chelsea I was 

put on bed rest at the fourth month due

to very, very high blood pressure.

Therefore I was chomping at the bit

as soon as she was born to get back out

there and shop!

LOL

No, not just shop, just not sit 

on my couch for endless days!!

I was excited to visit the outside world,

other than my illegal Saturday outings to Hoss's.

Yes, we did do that all the while I was on

bed rest.  It was necessary for my sanity.

A quick trip.

Anyway, within days of Chelsea's birth

Mom and I were at the local Sam's Club.

We had completed our shopping and were

leaving when we noticed piles of boxes.

I don't remember who it was that wanted the boxes

but I do know that both of us became engrossed in 

finding just the right ones not realizing that 

the sidewalk sloped right into the road and 

neither of us was holding onto the cart

anymore.

The next thing I heard was a man's voice

yelling...

"Hey Lady!  Your baby is in the middle of the road!"

I turned and there she was....
Chelsea, in her car seat, 

sitting in the cart

in front of a stopped 

pick-up truck.

My adrenaline went through the roof.

I was so angry at myself, at my Mom

and at the world.

But ever so thankful that my Chelsea, 

so long waited for, 

was ok.

Well, Mom made a wonderful analogy

for this sorry tale in her devotional.

She reminded her coworkers not to 

let go of the precious things of life to 

reach for the cardboard things.

Isn't that a pretty cool lesson?

Yep, my Mom is cool like that.

That's were I learned it....

wink!

Have a wonderfully stupendous day.

I'm busy as a beaver in the 

candle kitchen!

I Just Might Be Losing It....

Never mind the fact that I cleaned my kitchen until,

well, lets just say late, 

last night....

And then I was up at six

this morning attacking the 

tub and shower 

with nauseatingly strong cleaner

points to one of two 

things....

either the baby is due any minute,

or ...

and this is the most likely one....
given that hysterectomy a few years back...

I have had enough!

Enough of the mess.

I can turn a blind eye for way longer

than most....

but it is always there.

That monkey on my shoulder.

But then I saw this.

And I totally lost it in mirth.

A new decor.

Making a mental note to ask if anyone actually uses that Old Spice.

Sure to be a fad!

A beautiful razor holder!!

Gasp!  

I never thought it could be functional too!!

LOL

Isn't this what you put candle holders out

there for?

The fact that I found this blogworthy 

at all should give you cause for 

concern.

But, never fear....

I'm way more fun this way!!

Just ask my kids.

Update on Katerina....

It is GREAT news....

Check out Susanna's Blog

to read it for yourself!

If the Lord wills it she will be in
her parent's arms before Thanksgiving.

Thank you, Jesus.

Good Morning!

I've just come inside after taking our Bandit out

for her necessary visit to the yard.

Let me tell you that moments like this are vital

to my survival.  Now, it is not every time that 

I enjoy this duty...but at 6:40am today it was

a very special experience.

There is a light breeze rustling in the trees 

and touching one's face with little fingers,

puffing clean fresh air into the nostrils,

thus cleaning out candle oil weary lungs.

Just to my right a cricket was playing

a song.  It seemed he or she was very 

proficient.

The horizon was just beginning to show the 

light of a new day.

All was quiet but in the distance
I saw the lights of the local
dairy barn.....
farmers busy at work so early
in the morning.
Then they will send the cows into
the pasture across from me.

Routines so familiar that we rarely
think about...

I'm always sad when the weather turns and
they don't send the cows out each day
and I know Spring is truly here when the
daily exodus begins once again.

I kind of hope Bandit asks to go back

out rather soon.

It is most pleasant out there....

but I have piles of work to do today.

So, I'd best be getting to it.

Maybe you'll be able to take just

a few minutes to step outside....

not headed anywhere.

Just to close your eyes

and breathe.

To be thankful for the beauty and

comfort of God's Creation.

Chatting Here

Just another rainy day in Lancaster County.

Actually they are warning of severe weather 

today.  It seems a bit late in the season for 

severe thunderstorms but what do I know.

Chelsea worked unexpectedly yesterday 

and Mikey applied for a full time job.

Praying that works out if it is supposed to.

Truth is, if he could work full time at 

his current job he would never, ever leave.

It is a fabulous place to work and his boss

it wonderful.

The way this possible job came about it 

interesting.  He was working on Saturday

when a neighbor whom we have only spoken

with in passing as our dogs run barking at his

dog invited Mikey to apply to work in the 

department he manages, the warehouse.

He said it is hard to find people who really want 

to work......

Well, Mikey loves to work!

He especially loves to work for decent pay 

and benefits.

It pays to do a job well....

Mikey is experiencing the fruits of this now

by being noticed.

Anyway, I told you that because I was going to 

say that both in taking Chelsea to work and in 

driving with Mikey and Jonathan to the potential

employer the weather was great!

The views absolutely gorgeous.

I have to say that this isn't the most brilliant 

Fall we've had, but it is gentle and sweet.

We passed a long line of beech trees

where the power company had trimmed the branches

back from power lines exposing the 

tall white trunks. 

This may be the first time the power company's trimming

has improved the looks of a landscape.

But it was truly stunning!!

I also enjoyed spending time with my 

friend, Mindy, yesterday.

She came and hung out while I worked

on three dozen pumpkin pie spice candles.

It was good to catch up with her!

Tomorrow the Heartsy deal begins.

You'll be able to get $21 in candles for just 

$10 if you buy one of their vouchers.

Fun!

Oh my!  

I got interrupted while writing this 

because the VIP Heartsy orders are rolling in.

Have to run!

If you want to know more just

go to www.heartsy.me

Hugs!

Late Night Feedings

Not for a baby.

We are all out of those.

For teen boys.

Ours and their friend.

Burgers.

On slider buns.

That's the way they like it.

With Cheese, Honey mustard, 

ketchup and

spicy mayo.

I like making them happy and 

hearing their chatter and laughter.

Did you know that my tart molds

can be an example of how a 

transmission works?

I do now.

They were quite impressed with 

the accuracy of the demo.

The things we learn

by serving and loving

the teens and young men who

pass through our doors.

But I think I've learned enough

for tonight.

It is time to sleep!

They'll be fine now that they've 

been fed.

I'm Still Here....Really, I Am....

Jonathan thought I was nuts to stop in the rain for this picture.  I'm not nuts...it is gorgeous!

Oh, dear friends, what a ride this whole candle season 

is turning out to be!  Since I started my Etsy shop I have

shipped packages at least once a week, often three or 

four times a week.  I am so blessed by the response there.

I have easily tripled my fund raiser work this year and am 

actively looking for an off site location to make candles.

Yes, my business is growing that much and quickly.

Last evening one of the public school fundraiser coordinators

asked if she could invite two other groups to join them in 

their fund raiser.  I gulped, turned white...told Warren...and

he said, "The answer is YES!".  

Oh. My.

My belly is in a happy uproar 

at all of this excitement.

Later this week I will run a Heartsy Deal

in my shop which will likely generate a lot

of new customers.  It is like Groupon

but for Etsy.  I hope you'll take advantage of 

it if you've been thinking of trying my candles

but haven't done so yet.  It runs for VIP's on 

Wednesday...if you buy a VIP pass you pay

$10 and get a $31 voucher for my shop.

On Thursday the regular Heartsy members

will pay $10 and receive a $21 voucher for

Good Neighbors Candle Co. on Etsy.

I take regular breaks to take kids to 

doctor appointments, work and .....

Starbucks!

Yep!  It has to happen regularly or 

a certain someone gets cranky.

Its not me.

But one I love dearly and she 

pays for her own addiction so

I am willing to enable her for now.

LOL

Oh!  And she is learning to drive.

She does very well and hopes to 

be much more independent in 

January.

You know, the month with all of 

the snow and ice around here?

Yep!  That month.

I'm in denial.

Its easier.

I understand, now better than ever, 

why God led by example and rested 

on the seventh day.

It is good for us.

Not always easy to just stop

but definitely wise to do as He did.

So....I saw Courageous for the third

time last night.

Am I crazy?

Nope!

Warren hadn't seen it yet

and he needed to.

Mrs. Rabe and Emma came along.

Last Sunday night I had seen it 

with their family and Chelsea.

I went with our Moms during the week.

So...really it is not ALL about candles here.

Just mostly.

This is why I haven't posted much.

Not a lot to share that you'd even care about.

But, I wanted to check in and say that 

I miss you!

Love the customer/blog reader connections

that have been experienced over the past 

few weeks.

It Was A Risk Worth Taking!

Last week Chelsea and I were coming out of 

the Christmas Tree Shoppes store 

when we were met by two Asian men.

They were smiling and issued an invitation

and tickets to an event scheduled for last evening.

The smiling men said it was a Christmas Cantata

produced and performed by a Korean 

Choir.  They assured us it would be well

worth our time.

There wasn't a lot of information about it

other than a large photo book with lots of 

writing in Korean....

which I pointed out that I couldn't read....lol.

I did notice that it was to be held in the smaller theater owned

by Sight and Sound and was fairly certain they wouldn't 

allow anything to happen there that wasn't at least safe.

Interestingly enough, I felt compelled to accept tickets 

for Warren, the moms and I.

Now, remember, the Moms were in Guatemala

at that time so I had no idea what they might

say about going.

But, knowing my Mother's love for other cultures

and especially the Korean people I thought she

would be interested for sure.

You see, when I was a teenager,

we taught Sunday School in a Korean church.

I remember those enthusiastic and smiling 

faces....so earnest in song and when listening to 

the lessons.

We knew of the talent that was possible.

I could only hope that this was something wonderful...

or at the very least tolerable.

Well, it was definitely worthwhile.

The choir rolled into Lancaster yesterday morning

with two semi trucks, several vans and cars....

their bus had broken down in Minnesota.

They set up stages and worked out lighting.

They tuned instruments and ran through their

program on a new stage.

Then we arrived.

We were greeted over and over again

and directed to our seats.

Right up front!

I would be thankful for this later.

Then the program began.

With some teen dancers.

It was cute.

We thought that we could sit through

an evening of aerobics on the stage.

The music was happy Christmas music.

But then came the first of five sets.

An orchestra and choir.

Now, before this had begun the emcee had 

let it be known that every sound we heard was 

live....no recordings of anything.

So...it only now occurred to me that this means 

the choir was singing for the dancers and that the 

orchestra was playing even then.

In our world of recorded music I just assumed

that they were dancing to "canned" music.

There is no way for me to explain to you 

the professionalism of this group.

It was beyond anything I have witnessed live.

The tones were perfect.

Absolutely perfect pitches, breath control and 

instrumental expertise.

I told Warren on the way home that I am not 

easily star struck to the point of wanting to meet 

someone...but I really wanted to shake the hand of the 

conductor.  WOW!!  The music genius there.

Oh.my.goodness!!

They shared the Christmas story in a way that was beautiful

and touching.  I couldn't help but notice that I had never 

seen an all Asian cast performing the Nativity before.

It was beautiful.

They sang songs of hope before and then celebration

after the Christ child was born.

Children of the group members performed

two very adorable dances.

Bringing smiles and laughs by their

antics and then loud applause

and giggles as some of them got caught by the

dropping curtain.  

Too precious!!

There was a very funny sketch about the joy 

of Christmas.

The talents of the group stretched beyond the music.

They can ACT!  

We were laughing so hard at their antics!

Oooh...there is the director.  My hero!

Isn't she sweet?

Made me think of my former music student, Abigail,

who also plays the cello.

We were a much different venue than this group is used

to.  They have sung in the Sydney Opera House and 

Madison Square Gardens.

This was apparently an exploratory event to set up 

for another visit next year.

Am I ever glad we were at the Christmas Tree Shoppes 

when we were.

I'm still trying to wipe the silly grin from my face that 

we were able to enjoy this amazing event.

The message of the gospel was crystal clear 

as they shared in song and then as a Korean Pastor 

from New York preached through an interpreter

to close the evening.

The Gracias Choir is a part of 

International Youth Fellowship.

I'm going to learn more about them....

If you happen to notice that they are coming to 

a city near you....

Please, please take my word for it 

and go.

We were their last stop this year.

But they plan to come back next year.

I can't wait!

Reminder...Purple Dress Project Candles Help Fight Crohn's Disease!

Available for sale in my Etsy Shop.

50% goes to fight Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's attacks the colon.

It is very painful.

It can be life altering.

Many people with Crohn's end up 

with large sections of the bowel 

being removed.

I could go on....

but I'll spare you.

These candles are exclusive to 

this fundraiser.

Four have been sold so far.

They are French Lavender scented.

Each one comes with a thank you tag

with artwork provided just for this

project by artist Elisabeth Arona Walsh.

Great Christmas Presents!!

As always, I so appreciate 

you coming by.