Keeping Busy

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. ~ William Arthur Ward

Hello dear friends! I have been trying to stay busy now that the flu bug has finally left me. 
I have been cleaning my teapots that are on display and my silverware. The silverware in particular, is a lot of work.

I have a few of these wee silver tea spoons. Don't you just love little spoons? Do you collect them?

Sorry, my camera isn't working at the moment so I had to use my phone. The pictures are a bit cloudy. 
The spoon on the left is part of a set of eight which is part of my mother's wedding silverware; Evening Star. The middle one I found at an antique shop, and the one on the right was one my cousin gave me from her collection. I seem to favour that one because I use it more.

Beautiful pink tulips brighten up the room.

Time for a break...

The teacup below is Royal Albert but I don't know the name of it.

This cup and saucer is made by Aynsley. It has a crocus shape and is said to be the pattern Princess Diana had chosen. I don't know whether or not that is true. But it is a lovely thought, isn't it?

Both teacups are so dainty with rose buds sprinkled all over them. 

A piece of strawberry swirl cheesecake with tea is a nice treat amidst all the polishing.

The covid-19 virus is keeping many of us home these last few weeks so it is nice to have something to focus on while being housebound. I know many of you have your gardens to tend to.

As you know, I lost my brother less than a month ago and now there is another tragedy so my heart is heavy!

Here in the Maritimes, particularly in Nova Scotia, and indeed all across Canada, we are saddened by the tragedy which took place over the weekend when a lone gunman went on a shooting rampage, taking the lives of so many innocent people. It is the deadliest shooting in Canadian history and we are all terribly shocked and saddened by the loss of life. 

My father's family is from Nova Scotia and most of them still reside over there. I spent many summers there as a child. Thankfully all of my Nova Scotia family is safe.

It is heartbreaking that such a senseless act could take place in this usually quiet seaside province. Families and friends are in mourning and we have lost yet another RCMP officer. It seems the world has gone mad in many ways, and we are shocked that this could happen in our little corner of the world where such things normally don't happen. God bless and comfort those who lost family members and friends!

It is a beautiful spring day and our little feathered friends are busy at the feeder in our back yard. They have no idea that the human race is isolating themselves and in mourning. Watching the birds fly to and from the trees to the feeder, brings me a little bit of contentment in the midst of all of this. I am looking forward to opening the windows soon so I can hear them singing. It is a bit too cold yet, but soon.

How are you keeping busy, my friends? 

I pray all is well with you and your loved ones. Please stay safe and enjoy the simple things around you; a lovely flower, the sound of a bird singing, the laugh of a child. There are so many beautiful things that can make us smile. Life is still a beautiful thing when we count our blessings.

For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass so fresh and sweet;

For song of bird and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear and see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee! ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

A Quiet Easter Weekend

Above all powers

Above all kings

Above all nature

And all created things

Above all wisdom

And all the ways of man

You were here

Before the world began

Above all kingdoms

Above all thrones

Above all wonders

The world has ever known

Above all wealth

And treasures of the earth

There's no way to measure

What You're worth

Crucified

Laid behind a stone

You lived to die

Rejected and alone

Like a rose

Trampled on the ground

You took the fall

And thought of me

Above all ~ Michael W. Smith

Source

I love that song! Happy Easter weekend, dear friends! Thank you to everyone who visited me and left such lovely and comforting comments on the passing of my beloved brother. It can be a lonely time when you have lost someone you love and you cannot be with your family or friends. So, I thank you so much for caring enough to pray for me and my family.


I am still grieving for my brother but it is getting better. Life is hard for everyone right now with the self isolating and the covid-19 virus spreading. These are the days, perhaps more than ever, when we should focus on Philippians 4:8, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are right, pure, lovely, admirable; if there is any excellence or anything praiseworthy, let your mind dwell on these things." When we focus on these good things, our spirits are lifted and we are reminded of all the blessings God still pours out upon us. He is in control, and He will look after us!

I have also been fighting a flu that comes and goes so I didn't get any pictures taken for my post but I will share some from an earlier posting.

My tea table is set with a favourite tablecloth and a decadent dessert; banana split cake. 

This adorable bunny was a win from an artist blogger several years ago. I love the roses she painted on the bunny! Thank you, Celeste! The bunny comes out every spring at Easter time.

Royal Albert Lavender Rose is a pattern I started for my mother many years ago when I worked at a jewelry store. I learned about china and many china patterns there. When my mother was through with it, she passed it down to me and I am happy to have it. Over the years she acquired eight place settings, the tea set, cake plates, salt and peppers, as well as other pieces. I don't use it often but the tea set is always sitting out and I am thankful to have all these pieces in my cabinet.

My favourite blush roses from another occasion. 

Hubby didn't get me flowers for Easter this year. No flower shops are open although one can still find some posies at the grocery store. He surprised me with a comfortable pair of sandals instead. A pair of sandals to walk beside him this summer, should we have the freedom to do so! I pray that we do.

Reminds me of the old hymn, "In the Garden" by C. Austin Miles, 1912.

"And He walks with me, 
And He talks with me, 
And He tells me I am His own; 
And the joy we share as we tarry there, 
None other has never known."

Have a beautiful Easter weekend, dear friends. Even though we cannot spend Easter with our families, unless they live with us, we can be thankful for what our Saviour did for us. It is a time to reflect on God's love and His sacrifice. Tomorrow is Sunday when we celebrate His resurrection. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we can still celebrate and be filled with joy! The Lord bless you all and stay safe!



Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi