Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Saturday, 1 October 2016

The Softer Side of Autumn

The brisk Autumn air often sparks the urge to come indoors and rekindle the spirit of hearth and home. ~ Victoria magazine

Hello and Happy Autumn my lovely friends! I am truly touched by the love that has been poured out on me since my last post. I had no idea so many of you were so fond of my little blog and of me. I feel quite humbled. Blogland really is a friendly and caring community of friends. Thank you so much for your love and support. You're the best!

With all my health challenges, I have been resting as much as possible and I am going to physiotherapy for a couple of injuries I sustained over the past year. I am also under a doctor's care for a new medical condition I have developed over the past several months. 

Meanwhile, Autumn has arrived! I know for many of you, it is your favourite season. Although it can be lovely, I miss the warm balmy days of the summertime. I miss the scent of summer in the air and the songbirds singing in the trees behind our home. 

Our Island is surrounded by water so we never get overly hot in the summer. Our Autumns seem to turn chilly very quickly and then we have such long cold winters so, needless to say, I do miss the warm weather. 

However, one can always find beauty in every situation and season. The bounty of fruits and vegetables is in abundance and on the 10th they will be enjoyed with thankful hearts on our Thanksgiving tables here in Canada. Who couldn't be thankful for a slice of home made pumpkin pie and whipped cream? 

The foliage of bushes and trees is beginning to wear their last colourful tresses before they go to sleep for the winter. Try walking through a path in the woods when the air is crisp and there is burnished gold lying at your feet in the leaves strewn about. 

Overhead, there is a glimpse of blue sky through the beautifully coloured branches.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~ Albert Camus

I have a few pumpkins sitting out. 



I am more fond of white pumpkins than orange although a little punch of orange doesn't hurt here and there.



Teapot is on, the cups are waiting,
Favourite chairs anticipating,

No matter what I have to do, 
My friend, there's always time for you. ~ Author unknown


Aynsley

Today, I have decided to set out a tea time with a new little something I picked up at Home Sense one day. 



Do you like my little crystal parrot? 



He caught my eye right away because of the colour. There was only the one. Actually Hubby and I both noticed him at once when we walked into the store. He was just waiting on the shelf there all by himself waiting for me to bring him home. My aqua draperies have a floral and bird motif, including parrots, and I thought he couldn't be more perfect! 



Most of you know, I love the colour aqua and this particular teacup has sweet little violets inside. It doesn't appear to be so but the aqua cups are the exact same shade as the parrot. 


Aynsley

This time of year, the violets and purples can look awfully pretty with aqua. And so, for a different take on Autumn, my tea is set out in these colours. Underneath it all is a beautiful table topper I won from Bernideen several years ago. I bring it out every Autumn.



For our treat today I have made muffins. Autumn seems the perfect time to spice up your life and so I made ginger muffins. You can find the recipe here if you're interested.



I find one muffin quite filling and they are perfect for this time of year, don't you think? Slather on some whipped cream or butter and you have a lovely little treat to enjoy with your favourite cup of tea.


Would you like to join me?


Thank you so much for visiting today and I pray you will have a lovely weekend.


I will be sharing this with the following parties as well~

 Tuesday Cuppa Tea~ http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/
 Bernideen's Tea in the Garden ~ http://blog.bernideens.com/
 Tea Cup Tuesday ~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
 The Art of Home-Making Mondays ~ http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.ca/
 Share Your Cup Thursday~ http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
 Home Sweet Home~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/


 Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

Monday, 19 September 2016

Sharing From My Heart


A friend is someone who opens doors for you - and if a door has quietly closed, dares to knock. - unknown

Good morning my dear friends! I have something I wish to share with you today. 

I have been doing much heart searching over the last number of months and I have come to a decision. I am cancelling No Place Like Home for a while.



I know this will take some of you by surprise and I'm sorry, but I hope you will understand when I explain why. 

Most of you are not aware of it because I don't like talking about it but I have a few health issues and I have not been feeling well since the beginning of the year. I feel at this time I need to step back for a while with my blogging. 


From my No Place Like Home party - Victoria Park

You see, I have been hosting blog parties since January 2010, almost seven years, with very few breaks and I feel I must take one now. Hosting a blog party takes a lot of time and preparation and as you all know, I try to visit every one who links up.


From one of my HOME parties


Those of you who have been following my blog and participating in my parties know that I take my obligations as a host very seriously. 


Treats from one of my Tea Time Tuesday parties

But to be honest, at this moment in time, I am exhausted. I haven't mentioned it until now but it has been a tough year.


Beautiful teacups from one of my Tea Time Tuesday parties


 I still hope to blog at least once a week but I won't be hosting any more parties for a while. Perhaps after the new year I will feel like partying again. We will see.


From my No Place Like Home party - Canoe Cove

I want to thank all of you who have been so faithful in linking up, visiting me and leaving your nice comments. I have loved having you and I still intend to visit you when I am able.


Brackley Beach

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou

I hope you all know how much you mean to me. You have made my blogging experience a delightful past time and I have learned so much from all of you. You are a very gracious and gifted group of ladies and I am honoured that you have linked up to my parties over the years.


The boardwalk at Victoria Park

Thank you for your friendship, your understanding, and for visiting today. Take care and may the Lord bless you all! I will be back soon.

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi