It's That Time Again

 Every November I enjoy filling a girl and a boy shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. I always wonder who will receive the boxes. 

The trees are turning golden. Love to witness this change every year.

Though a bit chilly in the mornings I put on a jacket and walk for exercise. The shadows remind me of that childhood poem "My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

"The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow -

Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;

For he sometimes shoots up taller like an India-rubber ball,

And he sometimes gets so little that there's none of him at all."

(Verse 2 of the poem)

Inside I've been moving things around. Soon there will be other changes as Christmas decorating gets underway after Thanksgiving.

Oh, one more thing. A little visitor was here today. Bliss! I was so busy talking, reading, and playing with her that I forgot to snap a quick picture. 

Pumpkins and Shoeboxes

This week I visited a friend's home and admired her light-colored kitchen which was decorated with a rooster theme. I was envious of her lovely island and the display spaces above her cabinets. It was magazine worthy, but certainly cozy with a genuine feel good atmosphere.

 Her talents are many, but making pumpkins has become her number one focus this month. She insisted I take home another one.

I use a lot of green to brighten my kitchen which is very dark. I tried out the pumpkin gift in several kitchen spots, but decided to move it to another room.

I wish you could see all the roosters and pumpkins at Kim's home.

But you are seeing my pumpkin, and it's really pretty.

Also this week I have had fun gathering items for the Christmas shoeboxes. They have to be filled by early November. I want to find a few more "little treasures."

Thanks for coming by

and 

do come again.

It's That Time Again

Time for Shoeboxes! I enjoy gathering supplies and small toys for this ministry every November. 

By the time all the items are packed in the box, it is stuffed and must be well taped. 

Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful way to spread joy, hope, and love.

My recent days have been more inside than out. I have been cleaning out my Christmas storage closet, trying to decide what decorations to use this year.
Of course, I wait until after Thanksgiving to begin that decorating. So glad the sun is bright today. My mood is better on a clear sunshiny day. 

Have a great day! 

Shoebox Ministry

It's that time of year again. I really enjoy packing a boy and a girl Christmas shoebox. A shoebox fills up fast once you include a toothpaste and brush set, soap and washcloth, crayons, pens and pencils, books, journals, and small 
toys. With so much misery in different parts of the world I feel this ministry

brings some joy and perhaps hope to young lives.

Enjoyment

Outside beauty

Little things inside

Susan Branch calendar for 2016

Her blog is exquisite in every way.

To go there is to take a mini-vacation.

She welcomes you into her world of art, travel, and home pleasures.

Getting shoeboxes ready for Operation Christmas Child brings enjoyment each and every year. I hope and pray the little ones get joy from the surprises and encouragement for the future.

Wishing you a weekend of enjoyment,
Sandy

Happy Errands

Was happy to find a few more items to tuck into the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. I enjoy filling the boxes and thinking about the boy and the girl who will receive them. This is another reason I like November.

In addition to school supplies, hygiene items,and small toys, I like to include tiny extras.   
















Also was glad to get by the booth with a few different decorations.  

Have a happy day!

  

 



Getting Into The Spirit

First I must mention Rachel Ashwell's book The Gift of Giving. This wonderful book inspires me to look for little things when I'm browsing booths at antique malls. 

That little seal gift from her book stayed in my head. When I spotted a small brass one I knew it wasn't as cute, but it had possibilities.

 

This November our church is again getting shoeboxes ready for Operation Christmas Child. I plan to tuck this little guy into a box.






Today a local gift shop had their Christmas Open House. The pictures below show a few of their decorations.

All the trees were loaded  with ornaments. 

This wall hanging with twinkling stars and lights in the windows was very impressive. 

I had fun looking inside this store. Hope you enjoyed looking, too.