Preparing the Way


After a wonderful family visit last week where I was happily with all my children, I'm back once again at home (home sweet home) and I have been vigilantly working through my tasks and errands.  Monday and Tuesday were a blur of playing catch up after being out of town.

Also, after ignoring sinus issues for more than two weeks, I contacted my doctor and started some antibiotics.  I must say, I love that I truly believe I can kick a virus with a compromised immune system.  That proves that I am a "glass half full" kind of gal.

My house is decorated and today I have a few photos to share.  I love the season of Advent and the preparing my home for company and preparing my heart for reflections of peace and love during this season.


I bought the above flicker candles during my holiday visit and they are fantastic.  I love that they are battery operated and yet look real to me.  Every night, I am filled with joy just looking at them, you should buy some! (mine are from JoAnn Fabrics..not sure the brand).


See that coffee maker?  That is the best coffee maker ever.  I am now on my third edition.  The first one lasted five years, the second one lasted 10 years and died on Sunday morning, thank goodness we have a Keurig as well and I had my coffee.  I love coffee in a carafe and my husband loves a quick cup in the evening during the news.  So we have two....crazy right?

I love this coffee maker because I can program the machine to stay on for FOUR hours.  Most of the others have an automatic shut off after two hours, that is not for me.


Each morning after my journaling and praying, I am crafting a list for what I want to get done.  As you know, I'm motivated by seeing tasks and crossing them off once completed.


These pretty note cards arrived earlier this week - I bought them from a dear on-line friend, Grace.  Her blog is beautiful and she has started an etsy shop.  Feel free to hop over and take a peek at her beautiful artwork!

The winner to the Lottie Bonnet Giveaway is ELAINE.  Congrats, Elaine!  I will contact you and Lisa through email today.

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 2, 2016 at 8:23 AM

    Congratulations, Elaine!! I'll get the pattern pdf emailed to you this morning. :)
    Karen, we are so alike in our list making...the satisfaction of a crossed off list is, well, satisfying (as you know). I must add here that my new coffee maker (have had it for a few months) shuts off after only 1.5 hours which means I have to use the micro. 4 hours?! Nice! We're getting a tree and decorating this Saturday, LW, and I can't wait! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. karenDecember 4, 2016 at 4:18 PM

      well when that one dies, you should buy this one :)

      Delete
  2. AnonymousDecember 2, 2016 at 8:24 AM

    Lovely preparations and colorwork! I am much more leisurely in my decorating and spread it out over several weeks. I just can't get my act together all at once ;-) And hooray for lists! I am totally motivated by being able to cross them off and that feeling of accomplishment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. karenDecember 4, 2016 at 4:19 PM

      I wish I could spread it out, but I'm compulsive and want it down all at once!

      Delete
  3. BridgetDecember 2, 2016 at 8:28 AM

    This is a wonderful, beautiful post. And I love the knitting in the first photo - I can't wait to find out what that is!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. karenDecember 4, 2016 at 4:19 PM

      It's a fair isle hat, number two out of three. Almost done.

      Delete
  4. ElaineDecember 2, 2016 at 8:32 AM

    I'm happy for the win! I know what my granddaughters will be getting soon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AlinaDecember 2, 2016 at 10:12 AM

    I love cozy corners of your house... I am sorry you are not 100% and have to be on the antibiotics, but a glass half full philosophy is definitely helpful in any recovery!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. karenDecember 4, 2016 at 4:20 PM

      thank you Alina :) I am feeling much better now!

      Delete
  6. mamasmercantileDecember 2, 2016 at 1:29 PM

    Sorry to hear you are not well, hopefully the antibiotics will kick in and you will get some relief soon. I too love this season of advent, for me life slows down a little and I can take time to reflect.

    ReplyDelete
  7. BonnyDecember 2, 2016 at 1:53 PM

    You are indeed a busy bee, and better yet, an organized one. Love that fair isle hat!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kim December 2, 2016 at 11:09 PM

    Lovely little peeks Karen, thank you. Hope you feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousDecember 3, 2016 at 3:33 AM

    I love the pictures you have shared. Everything looks so pretty. I just wanted to say that you can't cure a virus with antibiotics,so I do hope you are better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. kathy bDecember 4, 2016 at 12:08 PM

    Your fair isle knitting is sooooo pretty. I want to copy the colors.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousDecember 4, 2016 at 1:56 PM

    I love your decorations. The stranded knitting is lovely. I'm having sinus issues, having a headache for the past few days and that lurks after a dose of IB. I finally filled the online form to get an appointment. I'll call tomorrow morning which will be faster during drop off.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. karenDecember 4, 2016 at 4:22 PM

      Sinus issues are the pits, I've had them all my life. I have a lovely ENT who has helped me immensely!!

      Delete
  12. JaneDecember 4, 2016 at 5:52 PM

    Your home is very festive Karen, I love it. Isn't Grace talented, I love her artwork. Glad you sorted your sinuses out, they can be so painful. I have catarrh virtually all the time and it drives me crazy. Enjoy your coffee the week ahead xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. AsKatKnitsDecember 5, 2016 at 10:27 AM

    Beautiful decorations Karen! I just love this time of year! And, your knitting - as always - is so lovely! I hope you are feeling better and soon!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousDecember 5, 2016 at 12:15 PM

    Karen, thank you so much for sharing my blog and Etsy shop! : ) I was so tickled when I scrolled down and saw the photo! Guess what? We have both a Keurig and a regular coffee maker as well! AND an espresso machine, LOL! We're a regular coffee shop!

    I'm curious as to when you read and journal. Do you wait until after breakfast? I have been trying to figure out when to do mine; I used to do it right when I woke up but sometimes if I'm still sleepy I find it hard to focus. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. karenDecember 7, 2016 at 8:01 AM

      you are so very much welcome!!

      I journal in the wee hours of the early morning right when the coffee is brewed. I am completely alone. I am also a "morning" person so I am fresh and able to write.

      Delete

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