A quiet snowy evening, several horse drawn wagons carrying excited seasonal guests, candlelit paths and homesteads everywhere, hot Wassail out of a cauldron hanging over a roaring fire and a peaceful village which was marked by time in the Farmer’s Museum, were all treasures to behold at the Candlelight Evening in Cooperstown, N.Y.  It is a bit like walking into a Currier and Ives Christmas Card. I was fortunate to spend the day there volunteering at this wonderful holiday event and I encourage anyone who has not attended to look to next year and make it a part of your schedule in December! I have been so busy this year that this is the first chance that I have had to say Merry Christmas, anyhow. I hope that your New Year is filled with new beginnings!!

Today we remember all those courageous men and women who have stepped into a role that would bring honor to our nation- because of their selfless roles. From all here who recognize the sacrifices that each of these brave soldiers have made for our freedom, we say THANK YOU!!! We honor you each and every one!

Many people at this time of year are intrigued by fleeting shadows of a variety of negative elements, fear of the shadows in the night , ‘resist the shadows and be protected’, shadows in a dark alley, shadows in the corner of the room.
The shadow that God has over each one of us does not instill fear but instead we are drawn under the shadow of His wing and we find protection, love, warmth, acceptance, yes all that we need!

This is always a busy month for me.
If you or someone that you may know are trapped in an abusive relationship , check out my links page. You are valuable and I do know what you are going through, my story , published in “Hidden Hurt” is on my webpage , though it was terrifying to leave , it was so much more terrifying to stay in that madness. You are not alone , connect with a domestic violence advocate and make a safe plan.
The most important part is to carefully plan your every step so that there will be less confusion and you will remain safe! It is important not to make half hearted steps, rather every move should be full of purpose and well planned. Life is so much more meaningful to live , experience- not just hanging on by a thread. Life is so short make the best choices that you can every day!

” The garden glows of brittle bronze,
While purple leaves bog shores of ponds.
The holly hocks bend sadly, down;
“Neath swaying trees, vermilion crowned.
The grassy field once waved in jade; now dances golden, sun arrayed.
The watching forest standing by,
reflects great rainbows to the sky.”

Copyright @1980 Margaret Marie

Savor each memory with great hunger as the seasons pass so quickly, let each beautiful moment write a song on your heart that will be sung for all time!!