We posted this poem for Mothers last month. However, it also is written in honor of our aging Fathers, so enjoy it again -- in a little different light -- for our Fathers, Grandfathers, or other important aging men in our lives.
Blessed are they that know my ears today
Must strain to catch the things they say.
Blessed are they that looked away
When the coffee spilled at the table today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say,
“You’ve told that story twice today.”
Blessed are they who find a way
To bring back memories of yesterday.
Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved and not alone.
Blessed are they who ease the days
On my journey Home in loving ways.
-- author unknown
Go to http://www.betterbeltbuckles.com for gift ideas for Father's Day!
For those who have aged Mothers
or Grandmothers
or Aunts
or Friends . . .
Blessed are they that know my ears today
Must strain to catch the things they say.
Blessed are they that looked away
When the coffee spilled at the table today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say,
“You’ve told that story twice today.”
Blessed are they who find a way
To bring back memories of yesterday.
Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved and not alone.
Blessed are they who ease the days
On my journey Home in loving ways.
-- author unknown
Show your love and appreciation for your Mother this Mother's Day.
For gift ideas go to http://www.betterbeltbuckles.com
Not to be negative or anything, but isn't it time we were preparing to usher in Spring? It is SO cold. The calendar reads the end of February, but the freezing rain and snow continue. The biting wind chill factor has lost it's "invigorating" appeal. It is getting downright ugly, at least at our place. We were on our way to church. We took a deep breath as we released the stresses of our week, prepared for a time of refreshment -- wonderful praise and worship music followed by a thought-provoking message to remind us that our struggles are but for a season. Not more than a mere minute passed when it became obvious that even the drive to church would be loaded with stress and 'struggles'. It started as we got into the car and Earl's door wouldn't shut -- no matter how hard he pulled on it. Even our 18-year-old car was giving up. As it was explained to me over and over again on our 20 mile drive, this is what happens every morning in the cold weather: the door won't close. So all the way to work he has to hang on to the door handle and pull it shut, all the while keeping his attention on the road, steering and changing gears as necessary. Any right-hand turn, no matter how wide, causes extra pressure to heavily pull on the door . . . And so it was on Sunday. The tortuous drive was frequently intercepted with outbursts of strange language escaping his lips . . . and finally, as Earl predicted, as soon as we parked in the church parking lot, the door shut . . . Where, oh where, is Spring?
Consider treating yourself to a brand new belt buckle -- or what about surprising a friend with a cool belt buckle. Break up this tedium of cold and ice and snow. This will not only bring warmth to your heart but will lift the clouds and brighten the day for another. Go to our website for some great belt buckle ideas, perfect for any weather or any season!
Valentine's Day is almost here! What will you be doing?
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. . .
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".Encyclopedia: Lincoln, Abraham. The History Channel website. 2004. Available at: http://www.historychannel.com/thcsearch/thc_resourcedetail.do?encyc_id=214843. Accessed May 9, 2006.How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
For a cool gift idea go to http://www.betterbeltbuckles.com
Find a unique belt buckle for your Valentine!
Enjoy the SALE -- take 20% off your total purchase. Just enter V20 in the code box at check-out.
This offer expires at midnight, Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!
Ours w
as more like a nightmare . . . Oh, don't get me wrong. Christmas -- the celebration of Christ's birth, heralded by the angel's announcement to the shepherds: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" -- was a joyful reminder of our purpose and the hope before us! The spirit of Christmas offered us peace in the face of the fears and the gloom that is looming for this coming year.
It started with canceled flights and record-breaking snowstorms and then, as our children finally began to arrive, they headed straight for their beds, all sick with the flu. Disappointments in missing out on pre-arranged visits and events led to cranky children. All the thoughts and efforts put into cleaning, decorating, baking, and cooking were hardly noticed, much less appreciated. However, we agreed it was better to be sick at home on holiday, with Dad always at the ready with hot honey/lemon drinks, and Mom's kisses available at the slightest whimper. Now that they are all gone again, we have finally finished the left-over turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy . . . but are still working on the traditional shortbread cookies, pecan squares, Nanaimo bars, and all the sweet treats from friends.
We did, however, fulfill Earl’s annual dream of driving out into the country to cut down our own Christmas tree. Although prepared, he didn’t need a saw or any tool, for that matter, on this tree farm where the trees were already cut and lined up nicely, stuck on individual spikes and arranged in comfortable rows to facilitate all-around viewing and to expedite comparing. It was heart-warming to watch his expectant face as he ‘shopped’ through this ‘forest’ (of only about six trees left) and to witness his look of accomplishment as he enthusiastically yanked the chosen tree off its spike! Joel was quick on the draw and caught the event on camera!
This New Year, enjoy a reprieve and save 15% on your first belt buckle order of the year! Just enter Code: NY15 in the Discount Code box on check-out and it will apply to your total order.*
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
* Offer expires midnight, Sunday, January 18th.
Blessed are they that know my ears today
