MAKING PLACE FOR AMBIANCE

We had to run into town this afternoon to grab some kitchen garbage bags - along the way, I spotted this heart shape cutting it's way through a thick cloud …

Heart-shaped cloud shaping up ;-)

And the depth of the cloud fluff is showing.

Our destination was a store called Fry's.

I had never shopped in one before, but Holland has.

A new store for me, a store Holland is familiar with.

Inside, it resembles a Safeway and Shop-n-Kart combined.

Holland and Bleu stayed behind, relaxing in Betsy; we didn't think Bleu would be as welcomed in Fry's as he is in Wal*Mart, so they sat in the 4x listening to music and people watching :-)

I was probably in the store for an hour because I'm not used to the layout, and did several backtrack laps through the aisles to locate things on the List.

I also grabbed some things that weren't on the list … like this colorful garland swag (there are 2 more, too ;-)), that I hung while Bleu and Holland enjoyed a short siesta.

Festive Lights Garland strung while Holland napped.

And some goodies; a little box of candy canes for me, and a tub of peppermint candies for Holland.

I was looking for the tiny canes because I thought they'd look better hung on my crochet christmas cactus, but all Fry's had was the big ones … so, I did the best I could with them, and I don't think they look too bad, hung the way I hung them ;-)

Candy Canes ready for plucking & enjoying.

Peppermints for Holland - he loves these things.

When Holland woke up - and noticed the strung garland and candy canes, I said, "I know you don't "do" the "christmas thing" - and I agree with you that tree adornment and crazy debit to outshine the jones has gotten out of hand and soured the holiday. But, I think a little bit of festivity is okay: I'm not going wild with decorations, and I'm not lavishly waving the card around - everything I'm using to add a bit of holiday ambiance didn't cost much, can easily be stored flat using minimum space; and it will last several years - except the candy, and that's a sweet indulgence that will make the holiday lip-smacking enjoyable. I don't want to rack up debt, either: but I do like bright garlands, and I do like candy canes and christmas cookies in December. December is my BD month, and I like it to be enjoyable. I like color in my life."

He smiled and said, "I've noticed." He was referring to my flamingo makeup and clothing when I get dolled up ;-)

But he was also noting the garland, and candy, too.

And he asked, "Where are the lights?" I said, "I returned them last week - they were really too long, and the electric outlets available won't work without looking hillbillyish. I really want battery operated ones, anyway. Maybe when we get back up north, where we have an actual mailbox, we can look for some online?"

HE AGREED!

It's a Shabbat miracle ;-)

Holland has been very vocal about his avoidance of christmas madness. But, he is bending to allow some festive attitude, and atmosphere in our home. He understands why I want a little low-key holiday "pop"; and I, in return, acknowledge and understand why he wants the holiday festivities to be kept low-key.

ALLOW THE PICTURE

 

TODAY ... LOVE~Shabbat 2023 - Yuma, AZ

December 15th: I started my day early; a 'duty call wakeup' with Bleu … and a lovely sunrise unfolding :-)

The Resort Park is wakening … 7:33 AM

I set my mind on quelling the angry thoughts (post about that follows) racing through my gray matter, and determinedly set about bringing peace and harmony into my Island of Rest: the world around me may be spinning out of control … but I do not have to join in, on the downward spiral.

Angry thoughts Post:(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2023/12/what-if-israel-islamshabbat-yuma-az.html)

Today is Shabbat, a Day when the pressing needs, concerning, actions, and spiritual deprivation of the world, is deliberately set aside: and the Spirit of Peace (peace that passes all understanding) is welcomed and encouraged.

I spent some early morning time enjoying uninterrupted time, with my handsome furry son.

Bleu …

I put finishing touches on the ABB I had finished the previous evening:

Final touches on ABB; corner picot floret, & a strengthening sl st down entire backside of ABB.

I touched base with Friends on the internet - replied to FB texts, and was pleasantly surprised to see that my Christmas Cactus pattern post, and Blog had been highlighted on a few Blog sites :-)

When Holland woke up, I enjoyed time and convo with him.

And we both enjoyed the lunch he drove into town to get, "so you can just rest and enjoy your day Baby, and not cook" ;-)

He is still struggling with my Messianic Faith … but today, at least, he is trying to understand it: and the importance of Shabbat, in my Life. I am not a stickler about strict observances, and I don't mind cooking on the Sabbath - but it's nice not to have to :-)

Love in action; a crunch-wrap for me; and burritos for himself ;-)

I am grateful for my husband's thoughtfulness.

I am thankful for Elohim's gifting of this man in my Life: his loving presence in my life blesses me in so many ways.

My WA friend sent me a text, and I saw that there is no snow there yet, though the temperature where she lives is a freezing 32-degrees.

It gets cold here, too, in the morning. People think the desert is hot all the time, but when the sun goes down in the winter months … so does the temperature:

Pam's texts … in the afternoon, she had gone for a walk at Willow Grove; and sent me a picture of what she saw as she walked the Trail Loop - somebody has a sense of humor. LOL!

As the Day ebbed and our texting contacts with friends slowed (we both had active phones all day long); Holland relaxed with a couple TV movies, a few FB interactions, and a couple YouTube videos … I relaxed by stitching up another Angel Baby Blanket.

Bleu relaxed by spending time with both of us throughout the day ;-)

Holland & Bleu.

The start of another ABB.

MOD 21" ANGEL BABY BLANKETS ~ 7 Designs/Knit:

 (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/03/mod-angel-baby-blankets-7-designs.html)

Once it was underway, it was a relaxing Shabbat today :-)

Lamb - "Pray For Jerusalem" song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgyfvuI-XCs)

WHAT IF - Israel & islam~Shabbat - Yuma, AZ

December 15th: My heart breaks for the people of Israel; still suffering the after-effects of a satanically inspired war … and still engaged in forward-going war efforts to rid the world of islamic terrorists.

My thoughts are angry towards the people of America who have lost their moral footing; gambling with their souls.

That our divided Congress, wishy-washy House of Representatives, and that demented moron squatting in the White House actually felt the need to vote on whether Israel has a "right to exist" or not following the deliberate islamic attack on Israel, October 7th'23, infuriates me.

My whole being is filled with sorrow at how far Americans have gone down the rabbit hole since the first barak and michael obama coup in 2009: understanding that with this 3rd demonic-religiously inspired political coup, the highest seats in our government are held by American & Israel hating persons (who cannot rationally define what a human being is), is mind-boggling. And that 99% of American Jews, and Christians, promote and support islam ... is staggering.

That people who think they are intelligent are discounting the horrific massacre in Israel, on Jews (innocent men, women, children, and babies); and demanding global focus, sympathies, and support be redirected to the terrorist-breeding, training, and harboring muslims in Gaza, is wickedness spurred forward by pure evil.

The world's spiteful hatred is encroaching on my Day of Rest :-(

Forgive me Lord.

Let the Spirit of Peace dwell in my home, and my heart: settle my heart's emotions and soothe my angry thoughts.