Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Ballad of Befana- Phylis McGinley

Befana the Housewife, scrubbing her pane,
Saw three old sages ride down the lane,
Saw three gray travelers pass her door--
Gaspar, Balthazar, Melchior.

"Where journey you sirs?" she asked of them.
Balthazar answered, "To Bethlehem,
for we have news of a marvelous thing,
Born in a stable is Christ the King".

"Give Him my welcome!" Then Gaspar smiled,
"Come with us, mistress, to greet the Child".

"Oh happily, happily, would I fare,
Were my dusting through and I'd polished the stair".

Old Melchior leaned on his saddle horn,
"Then send but a gift to the small Newborn".

"Oh, gladly, gladly I'd send Him one,
Were the hearthstone swept and my weaving done,
"As soon as ever I've baked my bread,
I'll fetch Him a pillow for His head,
And a coverlet too, " Befana said.

"When the rooms are aired and the linen dry,
I'll look at the Babe".
But the three rode by.

She worked for a day and a night and a day,
Then, gifts in her hands, took up her way.
But she never could find where the Christ Child lay.

And still she wonders at Christmastide,
Houseless, whose house was all her pride,

Whose heart was tardy, whose gifts were late;
Wanders, and knocks at every gate,
Crying, "Good people, the bells begin!
Put off your toiling and let love in."

Befana is the Italian gift giver. Befana is an old woman who
missed her chance to travel with the Magi to Bethlehem, to worship the newborn Jesus.
Befana is forever searching for the manger, carrying her gifts for the Child.
On January 6th, she distributes some gifts to the good children of Italy~those who not lived up
to expectations get only a bag of ashes.

Don't forget to hang your stockings!

*An Early Primitive Stocking*

A Lovely Christmastime

Beautiful homes decorated in New Oxford for the season
Oxford Bed & Breakfast
My favorite backyard scene
* Our home lit by candles & the Christmas tree *
Ah.....Christmastime!

A Neighborly Thing......

Today during this Wintery Sunday, my husband decided to finish clearing our long driveway out with his "toy" snowblower. After an hour, I called everyone in to have a country style brunch.....country eggs with thyme, sage sausage, country wheat bread, oj and hazelnut coffee. Yum. While eating in our cozy kitchen, we couldn't help but watch our young neighbors try to plow their way out of a deep driveway that was completely closed by the snow plows during the night. My husband walked over with his snow blower and assisted the young man with his driveway. We never had the chance to meet this young couple....they are new to our area and since we do not live in a "neighborhood"- there are no block parties, or neighborhood block watch committees where neighbors meet one another. So today was the day!
2 hours ago there was a knock on our door....it was the young neighbor. He and his wife were baking Christmas cookies and decided to deliver a dozen delicious cookies!! I love this time of year.....and it's so much fun meeting other folks in the snow! Remember acts of kindness all year long!
Stay warm and cozy*

Sunday, December 13, 2009



The love in your heart
wasn't put there to stay~
love isn't love till
it's given
away.

*More Great Reads*

* * * *
* * * *
Three more great books for the Christmas season......"Cosmic Christmas" was a gift for my oldest daughter- from her Aunt Debbie. "It's a Wonderful Life" was a gift to me- from my sister Debbie.
And "Flight Of The Reindeer" was a gift from well.....Santa of course!
Each evening before bed- I read one of the holiday favorites from our collection to our youngest. My oldest daughter wanted to start her own tradition- baking Christmas cookies and watching some of the best classics with her baby sister. It warms my heart how traditional roles are past down from generation to generation.
Today after church our youngest received another addition to her own Christmas story books from her Uncle Doug & Aunt Eva/Godparents - "The Christmas Baby". Can't wait to read this story tonight at bedtime. : )


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Cozy up with Carl's Christmas


"Good Dog Carl" books have always been my favorite to read- and not just to the youngsters. During my days teaching pre-k and kindergarten, I always packed my Carl books into my teacher backpack for circle time! My beloved Bella was a pure bred Rottweiler-she wasn't as famous as Carl.....well, I wouldn't have said that to her- Bella WAS famous in her own way. She was the neighborhood socialite, the mail mans best friend {and that is the truth, he brought her treats every morning}, my room mate & cozy up baby during the winter months in our little city home. I continued reading Carl books to my oldest kiddo's and now to my youngest daughter who enjoys looking at the beautiful pictures in all Carl books. Alexandra Day is a very talented lady!
I'm not even sure I have a favorite Carl book......however, Carl's Afternoon in the Park is probably one, but wait.....there's Good Dog Carl, Carl goes Shopping, Carls Birthday, Carl makes a Scrapbook......well, you get the picture! >^..^<

Stuff&Such

"Father Christmas"....a collectable from my mother. : )
Very primitive looking- this candy cane was created by a woman from Gettysburg.
This particular style of her primitive candy cane speaks volumes in "time worn".....I love it!
This sweet little reproduction of a vintage snowman was created by Simple Dimple creator Jeanne Wagman. I love his mini pine cone buttons.
This is one of my favorite primitive -reproduction- farm signs.....a Gettysburg crafter created this cool sign from old barn wood. Can't part with it....so it now hangs in our "brick room" the original part of our farmhouse.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Simple Dimple Primitives Seasonal Items

*Farmhouse Shirt
Little girls prairie dress
Early candle holder with grungy candle
~ Christmas invitation~
Hello all,
Here are a few items from Simple Dimple Primitives.
Some items are at the Red Lion Bed & Breakfast for Grandma's Holiday Show. I think my favorite ornament is the little knitted red long john.
If you haven't been to the Red Lion Bed&Breakfast for their holiday show, this weekend {4th,5h&6th} is the last weekend. Last weekend was a great turnout!!
Stay warm & cozy!

Tree Trimming Night


What a fun afternoon! Finding the "perfect imperfect" Christmas tree took some time- and effort. My family decided this year- we will not purchase a freshly cut tree from a local nursery- we thought it would be fun to cut our own....{legally of course} but in support of a local retired man who grows various evergreens just for folks like us! {I won't get all global on you- but I do carry the guilt from purchasing trees in the past from tree industries}
Watching these two work on the decorations was a lot of fun.....especially when the cat was trying to climb up into the tree!
Who wants cocoa & cookies??!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

"Santa once joked that if he
didn't have help,
New York City would
take him half the night."

Al Roker-
meteorologist & Helper ~

Chocolate Mint Coffee

1/2 c. whipping cream
2 Tbsp. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 oz. German sweet chocolate~grated
2 cups of strong hot coffee
8 Tbsp. peppermint schnapps
chocolate curls

Beat cream with sugar & vanilla until soft peaks form.
Fold in grated chocolate. Pour hot coffee evenly into 4 mugs & add 2 Tbsp. schnapps to each. Spoon on whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate curls & serve immediately.

Wonderful.....life.

Dear George:


Remember, no man is a failure
who has friends.
Thanks for the wings!


Love,
Clarence

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Christmas Day Fun!

*Give overnight guest breakfast in bed~
*Have an "open house" Christmas night~ encourage folks to "stop by" it will give a nice break in your day!
*Play music, say a prayer, light candles, kiss under the mistletoe & take pictures so you can remember THIS Christmas all year long!
*Gather your friends and family for a fun night of Christmas caroling


"It's good to be children sometimes, & never better than at Christmas."
~Charles Dickens

Must be love.....or who's the prettiest

What is it about these two? As I try to dig out Christmas decorations- they love getting in my way....to do what....have a stare down?!

Christmas is coming......

Every year when the holiday season approaches I find myself trying to "fit in" more "stuff".
Whether it's more decorating, more events for Simple Dimple or volunteering for charity, it seems I can never "FIT" in all the "STUFF"!
This year I am dedicating more time for charitable events. My oldest daughter and I will be assisting our church with wrapping presents for city residents who are less fortunate. I have been packing my car with clothes, toys and gently used blankets for homeless shelters and still I'm feeling as if I'm not doing enough!
With all that, I can honestly say that what has been taking place in my wee little world is wonderful. I'm happy, healthy & wise {or make that witty} ha ha ha!

Simple Dimple Primitives will be at the Red Lion B&B one last weekend for their holiday show.
I'm proud to announce the show has been a success! This show was easy for me- I didn't really need to "work" at all.....but there is nothing like having your own little shop to sell items that reflect who you are and what your shop is all about. That's the fun part! As I closed up shop for the season I found myself wishing April would be right around the corner- but then I slapped myself back into reality and reminded myself I've got some work to do!
I plan to keep you all up to date on the face lift of Simple Dimple Primitives!!
Until then- enjoy this cozy day. It's raining here in PA, but I have a toasty fire burning as my wee-one sleeps on the couch with Piglet. : )
Shhh........