Monday, December 17, 2012

Trimming the Tree

The Tree is finally trimmed!
Most of the tiny lights
are working (discovered that
a whole section isn't - sigh)
Not sure it's worth the time
and frustration to undress that 
part of the tree.

Perhaps, I'll just leave it to
help remind me of the 
darkness and sadness
that we are all feeling
following the unspeakable
horror and tragedies
of recent days in our own community
and in Newtown, Connecticut!


My tree's ornaments are humble and eclectic
and probably almost antique!
The first set was purchased at 
Home Hardware in 1973 for our first tree.  
They cost $1.89!!!!
and I still love them.





This handmade ornament
was made by Bao Lee, our church's Hmong refugee
family mother - how I treasure
this one and remember that brave
family who arrived to our cold country from Laos in 1979!





This ornament reminds me of the 
fabulous little country store that
my friend and I owned for 7 years in the
late 1980's to the mid 1990's!
It was called "Noah's Ark Studio"
and was one of the most interesting experiences
in my life!





This Angel ornament was given to us
by the farmer's new boss as he
launched into a new "second" career
as a financial advisor.
Another remarkable chapter in our lives!




I even used one of the
wedding burlap table runners
for the skirt - I like this look!





All the while I decorated and cleaned,
my favourite little German Smoker,
an ornament sent to us by friends who 
were teaching in Germany at the time,
scented the room with 
"Tannen-Duft" pine
incense


There are many, many more that all
remind me of special events and people in
my life - too many to post!!

I feel so blessed and life has been
so very good to me,
reminding me to
slow down and make each
day worthwhile!


Till next time.... .have a week of joyful preparation for the celebration of our Saviour's birth!



9 comments:

  1. Our tree is probably a lot like yours - full of little bits and pieces that remind us of a time, a place, a stage in our children's lives. It makes for a long time decorating, as we reminisce! Be sure to sit with the lights out and the tree lit, and just enjoy!

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  2. It is wonderful when your Christmas tree is also a Memory Tree. How darling your little smoker is! They don't make Christmas bulbs quite as lovely anymore and especially not for $1.89...

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  3. You aren't the first person I've read about who has a dark section of lights on their tree this year and they all have decided to just let it be. It is fun to think about individual ornaments and the memories associated with them. Blessings...

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  4. I love that you use the tried and true decor from years gone by...filled with so many memories! Sorry about those lights that chose not to shine this year.

    Funny...I have a burlap runner around our tree. I've used it for many years already.

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  6. Great post and guess what, I too used the burlap from the wedding to decorate my tiled window casing...so many similar thoughts.
    I have never collected Christmas ornaments, but I do have some straw stars that I made, but chose to use bulbs this year instead.
    It looks like you are ready in your heart also, now we just need a glass of the Schirmtopff that Ellen brought to our MGCC Party.
    It was so good.

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  7. I loved hearing about your ornaments and memories, Rosella...they are all to be treasured. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!! xoxo

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  8. Thank you for sharing some of your special memories via ornaments. I especially like you burlap tree skirt.

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  9. Oh.. and in case my days keep me from the computer... I wanted to wish you a most blessed Christmas! May you sense a special awareness of God's peace and grace.

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