Christmas-It's the Most Wonderful (and Busiest!) Time of the Year

A friend recently emailed me to apologize that she had not responded to my email sooner, but that she'd been really busy. I told her not to worry, that nearly everyone this time of year was busier than usual.

That's why I'm late with this monthly blog post-busier than usual.

We have shopping to do-

This shop is in Fancy Gap, Virginia. (I'll have more about Fancy Gap in another blog post.)

There's decorating to do-

 inside...

and outside.

There are parties to attend.

There are also Christmas cards to send, gifts to wrap, and food to prepare.

And, personally, for Greg and me...

we've been working on our semi-fixer-upper old house.

And, I've had coal jewelry orders to fill.

But through all of the busyness of this wonderful time of year, I like to look at the positive aspects of Christmas-to count our many blessings, to connect with family and friends, to enjoy the pretty decorations, beautiful music, varied entertainment, and delicious food of the season...and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Our heartfelt wish for you...

And, a very happy New Year!

(Thanks to Betty and Mike for letting me take pictures of their beautiful house and yard.)

Positive thought: From Skyler at SmartStyle

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, January 5, 2020!, Becky

Gift-giving Ideas

Welcome!

With all the talk the past few days about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.  I'd like to give a few gift-giving ideas since the Christmas rush for finding gifts has officially begun.

Here are some ideas that are unique, that you won't find just anywhere:

Pet portraits in pastel or pencil-

"...I always like the gifts I get,
But how I love the gifts I give."
-Carolyn Wells

Appalachian Mountain coal jewelry-

"It is in giving that we receive."
-St. Francis of Assisi

Home organizing-

Last Christmas, a mother gave her son and his wife the gift of having their home organized by Home Solutions.  (What a thoughtful gift!)

Paranormal book, "Photographic Encounters of the Spirit Kind" by Becky Arnott-
(To purchase, please see the widget above and/or see my "Spirit Photographs"11/2/13 blog post [ www.spiritphotographs.blogspot.com ].)

"Do give books, religious or otherwise, for Christmas..."
-Lenore Hershey

The above-mentioned gift ideas are not just for giving at Christmas.  They can be given any time during the year.

F.Y.I.
beckyarnottartist@gmail.com

Love and appreciation!

Positive thought: "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." -Charles Schultz
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday (or Monday), Becky

Delayed Blog Post

Welcome!

Dear Reader,

Please don't think I have deserted you, for I haven't.  The last two weeks of June seem to have been the busiest ones of my entire life.  Explanation: First of all, Greg and I finally found a house we really love which we bought last month.  Moving took two days, since we had to move our stuff not only from the house we were renting, but also from a storage unit.  On top of that, I got a large coal-jewelry order that I needed to work on and mail by yesterday, which I did, thankfully, get done on time.  Plus, I'm still working on getting my book published, hopefully in the next week or two.  (I'll let you know when that happens.  Around that time, I'll be starting back my "Spirit Photographs" blog.)

Now you know the reason why I needed to delay my blog post.

Here, in words and pictures, is what I've been doing the last few days (so you don't think I'm telling you a fib!):

                                 Our New Home (After a Six-Month Search!)

                       Lovely crepe myrtles are in in bloom all around our area.

Our two babies went from cowering under the bed on the day we moved, to deciding that the new house wasn't so bad after all. 

                                          Part of a Large Jewelry Order

Organizing is my strong suit.  For me, it's a labor of love.

                        Labeled laundry baskets make laundry almost a breeze.

Have a great rest of the week!

Positive thought: Embrace positive change!
Thanks for visiting!  Until next Sunday (hopefully!), Becky