The little salt and pepper shakers were on sale for $3.99 so they jumped in my cart too.
I write an article each month for our Villa Ramona Complex. I wanted to share the Thoughts from the Treehouse for the New Year with you too.
Life is not like a "magic slate" or an Etch-a-Sketch, where you can lift the page or shake the box and get a clean page. Unfortunately, we bring into a new year all the troubles, worries and debts of the year past. We can't change the past. We can't change the future, but we can change the present.
This New Year is a GIFT. How we handle it is a choice. This is the one thing that is for sure. we can make choices. Here are a few of the ways I plan to make good choices for the New Year. Maybe you'd like to use some of mine and make some of your own.
G ~ Why not choose to show GRATITUDE in difficult situations. Something as simple as PLEASE or THANK YOU are wonderful gifts.
I ~ Showing genuine INTEREST in your family and friends is a special gift. We all long to have someone to take an interest in what we think and do.
F ~ Have some FUN every day. Smile a lot, laugh hard, and say hello to those you meet in the complex.
T ~ TIME is so valuable and a gift you can give that is priceless. Be sure to take TIME to share with your family and friends and perhaps a lonely person you know.
My husband and I enjoying living at Villa Ramona and are going on our second year. we have met many of you at the events at the Clubhouse and would like to meet more of you.
We love sitting on our balcony above the playground and hearing the laughter of the children. I continue to bake cookies and have a "Cookie Day". Be sure to look for the Red Cookie Banner on the ledge at #35 and enjoy a homemade cookie.
Have a wonderful New Year, and don't forget the GIFT.
Your friendly neighbor, Wanda.
I love what you wrote...something for everyone and sure to inspire people to be good neighbors!
ReplyDeleteYour new treasures are fun, too.....it's nice to spruce up the place with something that makes us smile!
Thanks Betsy. I really enjoy writing an article each month. They are gracious to let me. They have never done this before. Also looking forward to making carrot cake at our next cooking class next week.
DeleteThey may never have done this before but then again I doubt they;ve ever had anyone like the Slavens before either who are so outward focused. I truly LOVE this. What a great way to be light. I really love the please adn thank yous even--so often forgotten and the I is excellent too in particular. I jsu thope you can keep up on th ecookie making manifesto.
DeleteSo, when are you both coming to colorado for a holiday? I want to make you tea and Alex will make you the best scones ever. You just have to get here and we;ll take care of the rest. :)
sooo....when?!!!! :)
DeleteI love what you wrote too. It is impossible to erase the past, even though we may desperately want to, but each day is a new gift from the Father who loves us, a chance to begin anew.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your love, prayers, and encouragement.
:0)
Thanks Martha. I have to take my own advice every day. The present is all we have. I love what you said about a loving Father who gives us new chances and new mercies every day.
DeleteYou are wonderful and I am so glad you shared your article with us. Wise words for everyone! Thank you, Dear Wanda!!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I have a wonderful Lord, and I really enjoy writing an article each month. Have a great and relaxing time a the ranch.
DeleteGood advice! So is your kitchen named The Brew It Cafe? Sounds cute to me...
ReplyDeleteI love "Signs" and this is my newest. Yes, my kitchen is a working cafe....come by anytime. The coffee pot will be on, cookies in the cookie jar, and probably a banana bread in the oven.
DeleteLove it ! My dear you are so gifted!!!! The words you speak are blessings !!!! Love also the Kirkland gifts to yourself !!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pati...I have to follow my own advice every day too. But it's all Biblical based and you can't go wrong with that.
DeleteThat's beautiful, Wanda. And I love your new header with a nice view from the treehouse. :) Blessings in the new year, Tammy
ReplyDeleteThank you Tammy. Yes, we have a wonderful view from our treehouse balcony. I do love it here.
Deletesuch beautiful writing Wanda, such an inspiration! The sign is lovely too, perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Laurie...I appreciate your words as you are such a wonderful writer and story teller I enjoy every time I visit your blog.
DeleteYour words are so encouraging to the Complex and to all of us that read your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love your new coffee sign. You have little pieces of whimsy all over.
Love you my friend.
The Villa is feeling more and more like home, and I know this is just where God wants us.
DeleteWanda, I love your new things. So nice of you to encourage others to make good choices. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteI love your post today Wanda, you are so wise.
ReplyDeleteChristine, I don't know about "wise", but I have many many years of experience, and years in the ministry writing newsletter for our churches. I love to paint, and I love to write. So Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteThanks for commenting on my post. I really don't know if I will do it again or give it a rest. I'm really torn. I believe it does begin next Wed. Perhaps I will just be hit and miss... Just don't know.
ReplyDeleteI'm still considering it....Then I ask myself, why would I want to add anything else to my plate...HaHa. My downfall...getting too involved.
DeleteYour post was a gift in itself. Great acrostic and ideas for the new year, especially the ones about gratitude and laughter, but gee, time and interest are also important. I like the coffee sign. I need to shop for a couple of things for my house and now may be the right time to do it with lots of sales going on.
ReplyDeleteI think I have learned acrostics from my dearest. Being a Pastor for 50 years, he used acrostic many time in his sermons. It is a good way to remember things. I love "signs" so a sucker for a new one. Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteSo you remember the etch-a-sketch. Wasn't sure if anyone would know what I was talking about. I love signs. This one just looks so cute over my coffee station.
ReplyDeleteI did copy the new badge for Sunday Sketches. Thanks
Beautiful sentiments for a fresh year. I know it will inspire others to worry a little less and reach out a little more. You are a gift to the Villa, Wanda, and they a gift to you. All good blessings in 2016! xxoo
ReplyDeleteI love the new coffee sign!
Brew it well
Love that smell
Coffee's a dream
Sugar? Cream?
:-)
It is certainly a two way street. The Villa has given us a retirement home and new friends. A place to share our life and love.
DeleteYes, I will take sugar and cream...lots of cream.
Love and Hugs
I think they are lucky to have YOU dear Wanda...truly!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Thanks sweet Linda. It's a two way street. Love being here too.
DeleteGreat thoughts for a new year.....I enjoyed reading!! Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I really enjoy writing them too.
DeleteHow beautiful, Wanda. You are just precious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartfelt beautiful newsletter! We need more of you in the world,! As a Canadian you don't have to tell me twice to say please and thank-you....we are teased for our good manners! However many of those other suggestions are very inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing...and Happy New Year! Who doesn't love a cookie lady? Love it!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Oh yes, I'm glad I remember the etch-a-sketch too.
ReplyDelete