As Heard in Church Yesterday Morning...

Thou hast brought me into life as if into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky like a chalice of deepest blue, where in the azure heights the birds are singing. We have listened to the something murmur of the forest and the melodious music of the streams. We have tasted fruit of fine flavor and the sweet-scented honey. We can live very well on Thy earth. It is a pleasure to be Thy guest.

Glory to Thee for the feast-day of life.
Glory to Thee for the perfume of lilies and roses.
Glory to Thee for each different taste of berry and fruit.
Glory to Thee for the sparkling silver of early morning dew.
Glory to Thee for the joy of dawn's awakening.
Glory to Thee for the new life each day brings.
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age!

-Ikos Two: The Glory to God for All Things Akathist-

A Brief History:

"This Akathist, also called the Akathist of Thanksgiving, was composed by Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov in a Soviet prison camp shortly before his death in 1940. The title is taken from the words of St. John Chrysostom as he was dying in exile after beling forcefully and unjustly removed as Patriarch of Constantinople.

Fr. Gregory's work is a comprehensive celebration of God's glory as found throughout a broad examination of life, in the smallest of things, and most basic circumstances. It is a celebration as understood by someone from whom all beauty was seemingly denied, but who was given the gift to see the beauty of God's work in all things. It is a song of praise and gratitude from amidst the most terrible sufferings.

Fr. Gregory could have reflected on how evil the Communists were who caused his exile and imprisonment. Instead, he rejoiced in Christ, Who was within him and would never leave him. He could have reflected on his misery, on how the rulers had deprived him of his priestly duties and the ability to ministration to his flock, and on the pain that his captors inflicted upon him daily. Yet, the text speaks from someone with the knowledge that everything that happens to those who love God is for their benefit. It is a song of joy eminating from the heart of a man whose physical eyes could not not see the beautiful things which are described so vividly, but through Our Lord, was given a superior vision."

Taken from: http://yya.oca.org

Resolutions for the New Year...

Resolutions for the New Year

1. I resolve to work to have a spirit of loveliness that shines forth in all that I do.

2. I resolve to help my husband out on a daily basis in unexpected ways. I will try to choose things that help him maximize the time he has to work and relax and also add a bit of pleasure to his day. Some of my ideas are: driving to get the church's mail (a 30 to 40 minute endeavor), taking care of the banking (dropping off checks), making him hot cocoa with whipped cream, stocking our freezer with his favorite ice cream, offering to do evening prayers as a family, creating moments for him to be able to enjoy spending time with our daughter (i.e. not dumping her on him when she is cranky, hungry, or has a dirty diaper after he has had a distressing day... instead giving her to him when she is at her best and so that they can have a good time together rather than a frustrating one), etc.

For some inspiration in the department of resolution making, go to: Top 10 New Years Resolutions for young Christian Women

A Hors D'oeuvres Party for Two...

After receiving the fabulous gift of New Year in a Basket from my sisters and brother, Husband and I are instituting the following on this rainy New Years Eve: The yummiest Hors D'oeuvres we can muster up! In addition to the sparkling apple cider, onion dip, and fixings for chili cheese dip (already made up and cooking in the oven!) that came in the basket, we will be feasting on an assortment of cheese, pepperoni, crackers, and desserts! I think that this may just be a tradition for our little family... thank goodness we didn't have any dinner!

Doesn't this Sound Absolutly Delish?

Fried perch, crisp and hot, on a platter. A pot of coffee, strong and fragrant. A pitcher of fresh orange juice. Cantaloupe, cut into thick, ripe slices. Biscuits mounded in a basket next to a golden round of cheese and a saucer of butter, with a school of jellies and preserves on the side.
"Homemade fig preserve, " said Marion, pointing to the jam pots. "Raspberry jelly. Blueberry jam. And orange marmalade."

-A New Song
Jan Karon-

Asked if this sounds good, my husband says, "I just want some bacon and eggs!"

I would love to try a sample of Jo Malone's Red Roses Cologne...

Composed of seven types of roses from around the world, red roses is a surprisingly clean, voluptuous scent. With a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint, it unfolds like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers.

I currently wear Caswell-Massey Honeysuckle Perfume...

Discover the stunning simplicity of nature's secret perfume in our new Signature Scent. The unforgetable sweetness of honeysuckle is surely one of life's simple pleasures to be enjoyed every day.

A Feminine Corner in Our Bedroom...

I was finally able to set up the dressing table that my parents gave me for my birthday several years ago. Though it still needs a small chair, it has been serving its purpose very well! I keep my make-up in the center drawer and my perfume and creams on the top. My favorite lamp, a mirrored tray, and floral arrangement complete the look. I feel much more inspired to add feminine touches to my day when I spy this little table!

St. Nicolas Treats Left by Papa...

Though St. Nicolas Day was on December 6th, I forgot to post photos of the treats that Papa Bear left in our shoes in honor of St. Nicolas! Since it was Baby's first St. Nicolas Day, it was pretty exciting!

A New Baby Jumper from Auntie Anna...

An Early Christmas Present...

While we were visiting my in-laws for Thanksgiving, my brother -in-law offered to give me an "old" computer he had. I jumped at the chance since my husband's laptop (he has a web-based business which limits the time that I can spend on the computer) has been our only computer since I stopped teaching (I had to return the laptop the school district was letting me use). After getting it home, my husband mentioned that it would probably be awhile (i.e. a few months) before we could afford the software that it needed, but a week or two later, he surprised me by buying the software and getting this great desk! I am so happy!

Some Homemade Christmas Gifts...

The Sleep..

Of all the thoughts of God that are
Borne inward unto souls afar,
Along the Psalmist's music deep,
Now tell me if that any is,
For gift or grace, surpassing this-
"He giveth His beloved, sleep"

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

When it rained or snowed, Charles would direct his horse over the shortcuts... every night he would come home to a glowing fire, the table set, the furniture arranged comfortably, and a charming woman, neatly dressed, smelling so fresh you wondered where the fragrance came from and whether it wasn't her skin lending the scent to her petticoat. She charmed him by a number of elegant gestures. Sometimes it was a new way of cutting paper sconces for the candles, a flounce that she had changed on her dress, or the extraordinary name of some simple dish the maid had spoiled but that Charles swallowed with pleasure down to the bitter end. In Rouen she saw some women wearing charms on their watches; she bought charms. She wanted two large vases of blue glass on her fireplace, and awhile later, an ivory work box with a vermeil thimble. The less Charles understood these elegant touches, the more he responded to their attraction. They added something to his sensual pleasures and to the sweetness of his home. it was as if gold dust were being spread all along the narrow path of his life."

Gustave Flaubert
Madame Bovery

Sketch by Waterhouse

The Sartorialist...

As much as I love living in a small town, I must admit that I really enjoy a day in a big city.

When we were living in New Jersey, one of my favorite outings was to take a train into New York City and spend the day walking around museums (the Met especially), eating at restaurants with delicious foods, and just taking in the sights!

One thing that I particularly enjoyed was the chance to watch interesting people. Since we've moved and I no longer have the opportunity to visit N.Y.C. with any frequency, I have begun to people watch on this blog: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/. The guy who takes the photographs of people that he sees on the streets, has a career in fashion. I cannot vouch for the content (I honestly haven't read much of it), but I can say that looking at the photos on this blog is such an interesting way to end my day! People really are characters!

P.S. Sometimes The Sartorialist captures the photo of someone that is feminine and inspiring... that really makes my day!

Shopping the Sales...

A Black Belt Sales Shopper

By Susan Sommers

Originally Posted: December's Dresszing Newsletter

Tis the season for shopping the sales. This is the moment when you might find that fabulous--but formerly prohibitively expensive--outfit at 50 percent off, a few items to freshen what you've been wearing for years and/or that great party piece. And don't forget basics because they too are discounted now.

However, shopping the holiday sales isn't for the meek or indecisive. You need to be sure of yourself and have a plan. In short, you have to be a black belt shopper. Here are some tips:

MAKE A LIST. That suit you've had your eye on, the cashmere sweaters that were advertised or replacements for your black, gray and camel pants...note the item(s) or category(ies) on a list, which will be your starting point.

WEAR THE ITEM YOU WANT TO BUILD ON. Looking for an interesting cardigan to team with those plaid pants? Wear the pants (or at least, bring them along to try on) so that you can see how the outfit will look. Guessing about it might take more time than it's worth--and certainly going back to return the item is a time-waster.

BE AN EARLY BIRD. Arrive when the store opens. You'll find the best selection and the fewest shoppers, so you might have the sales racks all to yourself.

DON'T BUY ORPHANS. Purchase only items that work with something you already own. An "orphan" usually stays that way. Whatever you buy should be easy to integrate into your wardrobe.

SHOP YOUR LIST FIRST. Once you've gotten what you need, then you can look at impulse items. Remember, even bargains become expensive if you don't wear them.

A Good Attitude...

"It doesn't pay to sit and looking at a mountain of work and commiserate with oneself or the neighbors about it. Turn in- begin, singing if you can- and how the work slips along!

One can say to oneself, "For just this minute, one minute at a time I am expected to be cheerful and to work willingly." Just to eliminate the dams and hindrances of worry speeds up the work greatly."

How to Live Beyond Your Means
Margery Wilson
1945

Plan Your Work - and Work Your Plan..."

"I know a mother of three small children who does all her own work, except for one day a week when a cleaning woman comes in. This young mother does the daily laundry, everything except sheets and heavy towels and her husband's shirts. her schedule is a tight one, but it leaves time to take the children out in the air daily, to go to church and other church activities, and to devote one evening a week to civil good. She dresses nicely, her children are clean and healthy and her house is reasonably well kept.

Mothers, distraught over the care of one child, might calm themselves and learn how this young woman takes care of three! She has cut down every necessary move to its irreducible minimum. True,she is somewhat like the old lady who, while she rested, rocked the cradle with one foot and peeled the potatoes. But after all, why not? I'd rather double up on efficiency and have time to go to a movie or a dance than scramble around though tasks that never seem to get done.

In order to keep her own clothes clean so that she always presents a neat appearance, she uses either aprons that are waterproof and cover her pretty well or the ones called carpenters' or butlers' aprons of striped denim that are strong enough to give real protection. they hang over the neck and are easily removed if callers arrive. For these years while the children are small she has decided n a very simple hair-do, something like a short feather-cut. She merely runs a comb through her hair and spends time on taking care of her skin.

She has taught herself to work with gloves on- not an easy thing to do- but worth learning even though one must pass through a clumsy period. She washes dishes with a dish mop instead of a cloth, thus keeping her hands out of water as much as possible, since they get plenty of wetting doing the laundry."

:Most women who wear themselves out doing housework the hard way will tell you that they simply can't work with gloves on, that they simply can't iron, polish silver, or do other chores sitting down. No wonder they get worn, scrubby and old before their time. A thirty-five cent pair of gloves with give from one to two weeks of hard wear and sometimes they can be salvaged after that.

There's no sensible reason why a woman can't dress herself smartly, and stay looking that way while she takes care of a seven-room house and three children- if she will use her head. If she's rather feel sorry for herself than to plan her time, her clothes and her work, that's just her loss."

How to Live Beyond Your Means
Margery Wilson
1945

The Daily Grind...

This excerpt is from the book "What would Jackie Do? An Inspired Guide to Distinctive Living" By Shelly Branch and Sue Callaway. It is a book on the style of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Though I certainly don't think that Jackie was perfect, I enjoyed reading this book and gleaned a few tidbits from its pages that I will gladly incorporate into my own life!

"When Jackie applied for Vogue's Prix de Paris prize in 1951, one essay called for her to write about personal grooming. At twenty-one, her opinions were amusingly firm (even though she also smoked and bit her nails). Sure, she would later prefer wax to depilatory creams, and the number of hair-brushing strokes would go down as the complexity of her coif went up. Yet her earnest thesis on feminine upkeep proves remarkable useful even today. an upkeep summary in her own words:

'If you buy decent materials and take care of them (no dirty powder puff, unwashed brush and comb, dried out nail polish), eat and drink sensibly, remember that cleanliness and neatness are what you are working for, and that they can be attained with ten minutes of washing and brushing a day and a little extra time once a week, you should never have to scream in anguish and take an hour to get ready when told that your best beau has arrived unexpectedly and is waiting downstairs.'"

Liquid Calories...

Avoid Liquid Calories (Except for skim, low fat, and soy milk)

If you drink two cups of coffee with half-and-half and sugar, one glass of orange juice. two cans of soda, and a glass of white wine, you're downing 627 calories per day from beverages alone! Drp the calorie laden drinks, and you'll lose a pound every six days.

-Joy Bauer-
-From: The Expert's Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do-

Neat and Dainty as a Flower...

Anna has a new blog!!

http://neatanddaintyasaflower.blogspot.com/