Want a Blessing?

Checking the messages on the answering machine after being gone for almost two weeks, we heard from dear friends we haven't seen for several years. They just wanted to visit awhile and wish us a Merry Christmas. It was a lovely thing to do. We decide to touch bases with those we love, not by Facebook or email, by phone. The calls didn't take that long and after talking to friends and loved ones, my husband and I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. I suppose that's what you get when you simply reach out and let someone know they're important. It is a lovely thing to do. Happy New Year's Eve!

A Real Friend is a Friend Forever

Someone once said that by the time you reach your 25th anniversary, if you have seven real friends, you are fortunate indeed. At least seven friends is a lovely thing, indeed. We had the privilege of having two of our seven friends over for lunch today.

My daughter and I made Boston clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls and a grilled chicken salad. My granddaughter made her famous pumpkin muffins with cream cheese frosting and walnuts for dessert. All ten of us sat around the dining room table under the beautiful crystal chandelier for several hours, chatting about our lives. The most gratifying thing about our luncheon was the love we still have for each other, even though it's been five years since we moved away. I love the old song that says: Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. We had a lovely time together. Saying goodbye was hard, but we'll see them again. It's what friends do.

 

Dreams and Goals

I believe when dreams are translated into concrete goals and you focus on them everyday (except Sunday when it's a good idea to rest) then those dreams will come true. In January 2011 I listed 16 goals and they have all become realities. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to make my list for 2012! Blessings to you all!

April 2012       

October 2012

IT'S LOVELY SITTING BY THE FIRE

May your homes be filled with love's warmth in 2012!

 

 

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My husband and I have been renewing old acquaintances lately, thanks to Facebook and LinkedIn. And it's not over yet! We plan on seeing even more friends over the holidays in California. I just wanted to tell you how much we treasure your friendships. Hopefully, as we travel on business in 2012 we can touch bases with many more of you. I'm amazed at the doors my writing has opened for me to meet new people and begin new friendships. I believe having relationships with people I love is really the highlight of my life. 

So, as 2011 draws to a close, I wanted to tell you how glad we are  to have all our old friends, and how lovely it is to have met all of you new ones this year.

                                                Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
                                                             from Ted and Nancy Jill

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

My heart is full of happiness being with family and friends, especially at this time of year. I have armed my system and that of my husbands' with Juice Plus+, which (I have told my brain) will keep us from getting colds and the flu. So onward and upward with the Christmas celebrations, shopping for gifts, and using our Lenox Holiday China for everyday. I am determined to stay happy and unstressed for the remainder of the season, although I may need Aleve to help keep my body unaware of all I'm putting it through! And what a privilege to make Chicken and Dumplings and Chocolate Cream Pies for our Family Christmas Celebration! Just what we need! Well, it's only once a year. One final thought that I just love. Jesus had the birthday; we got the gift. Keep smiling!


P.S. I've been inspired to write a new book for Christmas next year.  "Waiting for Santa" is scheduled to be out October of 2012.

Beautiful Prose

Muriel Barbery is a Normandy philosophy professor, who writes her profound thoughts on the human race in this captivating and satirical novel. I was struck by a passage in which she writes, “Yes, the world may aspire to vacuousness, lost souls mourn beauty, insignificance surrounds us. Then let us drink a cup of tea. Silence descends, one hears the wind outside, autumn leaves rustle and take flight, the cat sleeps in a warm pool of light. And, with each swallow, time is sublimed.”

Perhaps you could invite someone to have a cup of tea, and enjoy a moment of time sublimed.  

Nancy Jill

 http://www.amazon.com/Elegance-Hedgehog-Muriel-Barbery/dp/1933372605/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323198584&sr=8-1

Merry Christmas!

My wish for you this year is awareness. Awareness of how blessed we all are, whether you have material blessings, good health, family, friends, or trials. Trials, you ask? Yes. Trials are necessary for us to appreciate our blessings. My prayer for you, dear friends, is that you will realize there are blessings you can be aware of if you'll only look for them. No one has them all. But all of us have some. Pause this season and count your blessings...one...by...one.

May you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year in 2012!

Nancy Jill

Hello, friends.

Thanks for stopping by. Would you care for a cup of tea? Please share a good thing that happened to you today, or share something you're thankful for.

Welcome

This blog site is for you, the reader. Your thoughts and ideas regarding The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series are appreciated.
Thank you for reading my books. I write for your entertainment and enjoyment.

Nancy Jill