Sweetbrier is going on a blogiday...

Sweetbrier is going on an extended blogiday. As always, we send our best wishes to everyone!

Life's Blessings

Happy New Year! What better way to start the new year than to think of a rainbow and the promise that it brings.

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13 NIV

"Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep believing, the dream that you wish will come true." (Unknown)

Merry Christmas!

Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o'er all the earth,

Ye who sang creations story,

Now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Come and worship,

Come and worship,

Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Life's Blessings

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas!" (Calvin Coolidge)

The tail of the pups...

Once upon a time there were four pups. Three of the pups were of questionable ancestry having once lived in the streets. A kindly couple adopted them and they happily became residents of a sweet little Victorian cottage in a small coastal town.

There was Casey, the wonder pup...

Calvin, the philosopher...

and Lizzie, the drama-queen...

The fourth pup, one of royalty, lived in a distant city. His name was Sir Winston and he proudly protected his castle and its inhabitants.

One day, Sir Winston’s governess took him to visit his adopted cousins. He was most excited by this trip and was warmly greeted by his kin. All was well, although on occasion, Sir Winston, would pompously attempt to best those that had welcomed him so readily.

Sir Winston wanted so badly to be accepted by his cousins. He would sit by quietly and watch while the other pups received encouragement and treats from the master of the house.
The other pups were so calm and patient. "Perhaps if I could just get a little closer," he thought.
"The master has asked them to sit...hmmm."
"But I am of noble birth... I do not take commands from someone else's master..."
"Ahhh... perhaps if I just wag my pom-pom tail, I will get a treat!" he mused.
"Yes, the master has noticed me!!! I too will now receive a reward!"

And he did. First Casey and Lizzie and then Calvin. Finally Sir Winston received a biscuit, having waited patiently and quietly, as one of noble birth would.

Night on the Town

The first Friday of each December joyously brings locals and visitors to the main street of Beaufort, SC. The street is blocked off, shops are opened, and people can leisurely walk through the town checking out the wares of shopkeepers, meeting and talking to people, and tasting and sipping the treats and drinks that have been so kindly laid out. There are lots of things to do for all age groups not to mention being serenaded by various choral groups.

Below, one of the beautiful historic homes demonstrates the Christmas spirit with its beautiful decorations.

Yes, those are umbrellas. It rained the entire time, however, those of us who braved the weather had an absolutely wonderful evening. This group, which later grew to such proportions that you could barely walk through, is waiting for the Beaufort Harbormasters Chorus to begin singing.
Do you recognize the gentleman in the center who shares a close resemblance to Santa?
Beautiful melodies of Christmas tunes filled the air...
Even standing in pouring rain, these Santas were really getting into it (thus the blurriness of the photos)
The leader of the group. Note the number of people who are now captivated by the singing...
A quartet also added festivity.
A wonderful time was had by all and what a phenomenal way to begin the Christmas season!

The Dixie Fair Returns!

Woo-hoo - the Dixie Fair at the North Atlanta Trade Center has returned! This is a smaller antique fair than Lakewood or Scotts, but wow what an incredible selection! And the dealers were truly wonderful, sharing their expertise and being ever so kind.In addition to antiques there were some modern creative pieces as well. One of my favorite booths was "The Charming Cherub" (http://debrafarley.com/). Her necklaces were absolutely fab!

My mum found a crown and tried it on. The dealer at this booth and sadly I didn't get his name and Andrea Huff (Lulu Redstar?) from the booth next door helped me take pics. They sat mum in a royal chair and provided a scepter so that I could take pictures. Doesn't she resemble the queen? Her family is from Wales as well, so you never know, we might be royalty:)

Andrea and the unnamed elf who provided the crown and helped with the pictures.

Goodies from Andrea's booth.
The picture does not do this necklace justice
From Withington Court Antiques, we snapped pics of these canes.
Finely carved...
And the perfect tea caddy...

What a great time we had! It was so enjoyable we went back a second time. The Dixie Fair is planning four showings a year and we were told that the next event should be the 4th weekend in January 2010. Let's hope!

Life's Blessings

"You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt;
as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear;
as young as your hope, as old as your despair."
(General Douglas MacArthur)

Thanksgiving Week

We have many things to be thankful for this week and throughout the year. One of the things I am thankful for is Berkmar United Methodist Church.This church was founded in 1972 and is located in Lilbrun, GA.
A beautiful cross graces its sanctuary...
Evidence of an inspiring sermon on tithing...
A coffee shop with sitting area allows people to congregate and chat between sermons and classes.
I love the beautiful Victorian-style chandeliers that hang from the Sanctuary's ceiling.
This Church continues to give back in so many forms - food to the local co-op...
Handmade quilts for those who are ill. The quilts are tied off by the congregation at the end of the service, each tie receiving a thoughtful prayer.


"Church isn't where you meet. Church isn't a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let's not go to church. Let's be the church." (Bridget Willard)

Life's Blessings

In loving memory of my father (1914-1999)

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on the ripened grain,

I am the gentle Autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there, I did not die.

(Hopi Prayer)

Life's Blessings

"Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtues appear from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue" (Buddha)

Happy Veteran's Day

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them!" (John F. Kennedy)

To all of those who have served in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard and Reserves, Thank You!