There’s No Such Thing as ONE KIND of Perfect

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Dear Sisters,

We’ve got some catching up to do! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Winter Solstice! Merry Christmas AND Happy NEW Year! Whew! Gosh, I hope life has been treating you all well and that you’re feeling healthy and happy, warm and cozy, safe and satisfied. Now that winter is here and Christmas has passed I have a confession… I’ve been on somewhat of a holiday hiatus since Thanksgiving. After I dug up the dahlias I sort of went dormant… Just like the garden but, in a good way!

This year I was determined to not get swept away in all of the holiday hype and make a Christmas that was quiet on the pocket book but LOUD in the things that matter the most. EACH OTHER! As December approached the bells of Christmas consumerism were ringing so loudly at every turn of the dial, or click of the TV remote, I could barely hear my own Christmas inspirations. And let’s not even get into how much advertising is done on Facebook and the internet. I’ve never been accused of being a scrooge and I wasn’t about to start now. However, I did want to do ” Christmas ” a little differently.

I retreated from shopping at big box stores, except for things I couldn’t find elsewhere and shopped local and online. Max was a great Santa’s helper!

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We bought our Christmas tree at my favorite local nursery during their annul Christmas Craft Fair weekend where we shared some holiday cheer with my garden shop pals round the old wood stove.

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I’ve never been one to think everything has to be perfect or look perfect or, match a Pinterest image to a tee but, I do like our home to be tidy and festive, warm and inviting and nurturing and comforting.

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As the month unfolded we decorated simply, shopped discreetly, listened to our favorite Christmas music, baked only our very favorite sweets ( chocolate chip cookies for the win!) and spent some time with family and friends. We also indulged in a few of our favorite family traditions.

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My handsome Yankee made his famous waffles with grape nuts for breakfast on Christmas Eve. We look forward to that treat every year! They’re pictured plain here but we love to top them with fresh strawberry sauce spooned over cream cheese with a dollop of whipped cream but you could use any kind of topping or fruit compote. Rhubarb, apple, and cherry filling would be yummy, too! Or imagine fresh sliced peaches with a pinch of cinnamon in the summertime! Get the recipe here! * Regular milk can be substituted with Almond Milk.

We also did some de-cluttering and made a sizeable donation to our local homeless coalition. We counted our blessings and in our own private ways wished that those who are suffering or in need get the help and healing they need. Well, before we knew it, Christmas Day was here and we were full of Christmas spirit!

Before we opened anything we took a minute to exchange verbal Christmas cards. The kind where you look each other in the eyes and tell people how grateful you are for them and all the special gifts they have to share with the world and how much they mean to you each and every day. We shared our hearts and we loved up on each-other, then it was time to open stockings!

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These were a gift from my hubby on our first Christmas in our very first home 27 years ago. ( SMILE ). They might not be the popular style these days, but they’re perfect for us!

My handsome Yankee is the master of stocking stuffers which typically results in all of us doubled over belly laughing and crying at the same time.  He is simply the best at reminding us not to take things too seriously. I can’t think of a better way to release all of that built up energy! Can you?

IMG_2016Now don’t get me wrong… I’m not trying to paint the perfect Christmas hallmark card for you. We are anything but that. We are just like every other family who lives under one roof going in 20 different directions every day, each with their own sets of hopes and dreams, problems to solve and crosses to bear. But at the end of the day, we love and support each other to the ends of the earth and we really do enjoy each other ( most of the time ) 😉

Now that Christmas has come and gone and the dawn of a New Year is upon us there will be time to indulge in some fun indoor pursuits.

IMG_2029I’m excited to unpack this fun White Mountain Garden Seeds puzzle with vintage seed packet art. This will surely get me in the mood for selecting new varieties for the garden next season! White Mountain puzzles are made in America. They add new topics every month so you’ll never run out of puzzles to add to your collection.

IMG_2032My mom wanted to try the new Arteza Real Brush pens so I got a set for each of us to share on our painting dates this winter. Here’s a post from one of our dates with paint last year!

 

While the garden sleeps, I sleep a little too. I look forward to this time of quiet to reflect on the previous year and align myself with my truest inspirations and ideas for the year to come. One needs quiet to hear your hearts desires clearly so be sure to gift yourself some space inside or out to clear the decks so you’ll be ready to go for everything that’s waiting for you next year! Just remember, you’re the one holding the compass. Point it where you want to go and as always, do it your way because there’s no such thing as ONE KIND OF perfect!

Happy New Year!

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Until our next shoreline visit~ Listen, love, and laugh and laugh!

The Beach Farmgirl

Deb # 1199

 

 

  1. mari1017 says:

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Deb! I so loved this post I moved to another state in late autumn and the unpacking, holidays, reorienting all rather overwhelmed me. I love where I’m living now, the move was the result of a 4 year caregiving journey to my beautiful Mom who passed in March. This year certainly had its ups and downs, and a simple Christmas with family was celebrated here. Love your honest heart in all this. Have a blessed and beautiful new year! I’m no longer in New England, but I am by the coast again…in North Carolina
    p.s. Love those puzzles!
    Hugs, Mari

  2. Deb Bosworth says:

    Right back at you, Mari!
    Thank you for your note. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. Care giving a parent in their last years has so many challenges, heartaches and blessings all wound into one.
    So many things can discombobulate a holiday. Moving is right up there! Sounds like you weathered the move okay and how wonderful that you landed by the coast again! The ocean will help you heal for sure….Hugs and happiness to your in your new home!
    Deb

  3. Mary Rauch says:

    For good reasons we will not discuss, I have not been here to visit with you for a couple of months. I have missed you in similar fashion to missing an “in-person” friend. Isn’t that strange? You don’t even know who I am, ha ha ha. Anyhow, just know that it is worth a lot to a huge number of us who wait to enjoy your next post (and the one after that). I am an amateur photographer and really enjoy your composition and color balance results in the photos you share!…Sending best wishes for a wonderful, healthy 2019 for you and your family.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Welcome back, Mary. I’m happy to hear from you. Your kind words washed over me like a warm blanket today. Thank you. That’s great you enjoy photography too! It’s such a fun creative pursuit.
      Happy New Year and as always, thank you for reading. 🙂
      xo Deb

  4. Cheryl says:

    I think a lot of people went simple this Christmas! There is always plenty of food and family but the gift giving has gotten so out of hand. We don’t do many gifts at all. We just enjoy the time together and laughter is the best gift. Have a peaceful New Year and dream of Spring!!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Cheryl,
      I think so too. Much less on the gift giving and more concentrating on just enjoying time together.We enjoyed some long phone conversations with distant family members as well and those were great gifts as well. Sending Happy New Year wishes to you and yours and thanks so much for your note! xo Deb

  5. Marge Galletta says:

    Debbie that whole post was just beautiful!! Happy holidays to you and your family and I wish you the best for a healthy, happy, prosperous and wonderful gardening new year. ❤️❤️❤️

  6. Marilyn says:

    Thank You for this interesting post. Wishing you and yours a Blessed,Healthy and Peaceful 2019.
    Marilyn

  7. Laura R. says:

    Hi Deb,

    I love your verbal Christmas cards… It evokes the true meaning of Christmas, the expression of love.

    And I am a big fan of White Mountain Puzzles :)))
    Happy New Year to you and yours!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Laura! Happy New Year!
      I love White Mountain Puzzles, too! We sold them at the Garden Shop and I fell in love with the old-time-y themes!
      Thanks for the note, as always! xo Deb

  8. Susan Abernethy says:

    Happy New Year, Deb!
    I so enjoy all your blogs, and especially was touched about how you slowed your mind, body, and soul during the Christmas season.
    I too, was craving a simple Christmas this year, and a time of reflection and rest.
    It was GOOD.
    May 2019 be a year of blessings, health, and happiness !
    Your friend,
    Susan

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Susan,
      It’s not easy to pull away from the business of the season even when you know inside that’s what’s needed. But, alas we did it! Glad you got caught up on some down time, too.
      Thanks for the New Year wishes…Right back atcha!
      xo Deb

  9. Nicki says:

    Hi Deb!
    So nice to catch up with you again! And thank you for the jigsaw puzzle link — it’s just what I needed!

    Nicki in NC

  10. Joanne Luthman says:

    What lovely sentiments!
    Thank you for sharing!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Happy New Year Joanne!
      Thanks for reading, as always… Best wishes and health and happiness in 2019 and beyond!
      xo Deb

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