The Haven

I know, the red cups have been out for a while now.  But there's just something about them!  The minute you see one it feels like the Holidays and you start having visions of sugar plums dancing in your head.  You can almost taste the gingerbread or peppermint (the caramel is a bit too sweet for me).  Even if you aren't a fan, you know what it means when you start seeing the tell-tale red coffee cups.  Personally, we buy Starbucks coffee to make at home, but the flavored drinks...well that's a bit tricky.  I don't even bother trying to replicate them at home anymore.  Besides, even if you get the taste right, it's just not the same without that red cup! ~ Heathen

Image found at Remodeling My Space here . The magical time of year is upon us again.  Life in Florida means no snow, not even flurries, but we still get that tingly and sparkly feeling.  Especially when the decorations start to be seen around town on the streetlights, the red cups come out at Starbucks (there's just something about those silly cups), and let's not forget the holiday music, movies and specials.  While we may not get to go sledding or build snowmen we still get into the holiday spirit.  The decorations have been brought out and the tree is up.  Planning for the holiday meal is in progress.  And there are even a few gifts under the tree already!  The holiday music playlist is ready and the movies have all been queued. This is the time of year when we feel closest to our spiritual path, whatever that may be.  It's a time for twinkling lights, jingling bells, flickering candles, scents of home and the warm feelings that come with ...

"For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see..." excerpt from Ralph Waldo Emerson Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. ~ Heathen

I'm curious to know what your plans are for this Thanksgiving.  We all "celebrate" differently but most of us have annual traditions that we stick with.  What are your traditions? This Thanksgiving I'll be taking most of the week of from my day job, something I don't usually do.  On Thanksgiving day I'll be dragging out the Holiday decorations, and putting up the tree as usual.  We don't typically do the whole big dinner thing, there just aren't enough people in one place to eat that much food.  We've tried it a couple times, but it's just too much.  Too much food and too much stress, what with me making a mess of the house by emptying all the bins and boxes marked "Christmas".  If it's cold out I usually just cook a big pot of chili and leave it on the stove so food is ready whenever we want to eat.  If it's not (I live in Florida remember) then I like to get some turkey from the deli for sandwiches.  Of course if I get tur...

While visiting my favorite blogs, I realized today that I have not done a post about the things I'm thankful for.  Since Thanksgiving is almost upon us, I guess I'd better do that before I run out of time.  So here are a few things I'm thankful for this year: My job.  While it doesn't leave much free time to do the things I love, it usually pays the bills and there are far too many people without one right now. My family.  Sure they make me crazy some times, but they're always there for me when I need them.  And let's be honest, I love them. My hobbies.  Like most of you, I love doing something creative and I'm thankful I have the opportunity to be creative in my free time. My friends, both old and new.  In addition to the life-long friends I have, I've met so many new and wonderful friends here in blogland. Okay, I know my thankful list is a bit generic but it's honest.  These are the things I'm most thankful for.  Maybe tomorrow I'll...

So yesterday I spent a couple hours wandering the aisles of my local Michael's store and the Holidays have definitely arrived!  I could have easily maxed out the credit card on all the wonderful things they have, but I was good.  Instead I just picked up a few Holiday craft supplies and of course a lot of inspiration!  For the next month I'll be spending my weekends and most of my free time crafting and decorating...and I'm so excited!  I didn't think I was ready for it, but after wandering through a veritable winter wonderland listening to Christmas music I realize I'm more than ready to get things started.  The decorations won't go up until Thanksgiving weekend, but the crafting has already begun.  I should have some pics for you in a couple of days. Until then, head on over to your local craft store and soak up some good Holiday cheer!  Hope you're having a great weekend! ~ Heathen

Today in the states we honor our soldiers, both past and present, for serving our country in times of war and in times of peace.  Like most of us here, I have several veterans in my family.  So for my post today I would simply like to say Thank You; not just to the veterans in my family, but to all the veterans out there. ~ Heathen

Before I settle in for the night I like to "put the house to bed".  Let me explain.  Prior to actually going to bed for the night I like to have some time to settle in and relax, usually in front of the TV since that requires minimal brain power.  But before that, I like to get my house in order; make sure the kitchen is clean, put away anything I dragged out during the evening, basically put things back in their proper place.  I call this putting the house to bed.  By doing this, the house feels calmer and more peaceful and therefore I can relax and feel calm. Now, because this is the real world, I don't live alone, and we all keep different hours, this doesn't always happen.  Let's face it, sometimes life just gets in the way and life is more important than an orderly house.  I refuse to stay up late to do "chores".  But there is something almost meditative about the simple routine act of putting things in order each night.  I'm not talki...

I do so love the quiet time.  This weekend the October decorations will come down and I can curl up a bit before the crazy days of the Holiday season.  For me this time of year is: Sweaters and boots Hot chocolate and flavored coffee Hearty meals and spicy deserts Curling up with a good book or movie Cloudy days and cool nights Candle light and a blanket on the porch A general sense of peace and calm It doesn't last long since the Christmas decorations go up on Thanksgiving weekend, but I always looks forward to it and enjoy it as much as possible! ~ Heathen