Miscellaneous Musings

 

(photo courtesy of ehow) 

Several of you wondered what I was talking about when I mentioned having a toothpick tree growing up, so I thought I would show you what one looks like and even provide you with a link to a tutorial (HERE) in case you're interested in making one yourself!  

In the photo above they have hung the little ball ornaments from the toothpicks by hooks or maybe from the little loop where you normally attach the hooks?  The tree I had growing up had the ornaments attached in a different way.  My mother simply removed the gold end from each ornament leaving a hole and then slid the balls onto the end of a toothpick.  And we also didn't have a stand for our trees, they simply rested on the bottom set of toothpicks.  Either way you chose to do it, I think they are cool little creative trees, and I certainly loved having mine in my room each year.

Each year we have Tundra swans return to our creek, sometimes we have up to 12 pairs who spend their winters with us.  I love these beautiful, graceful creatures and look forward to their return each December, usually right around my birthday.  On Tuesday morning when I woke up, they were back, and Mr. Tide informed me that it took a lot of doing, but that he had made all of the arrangements to ensure they would be here for my special day.

You see, yesterday was my 47th birthday, so Mr. Tide was actually a day early on the swan delivery.  He waited until yesterday for the rest of my gifts, and boy what great gifts I received!   

I got the prettiest pink Cyclamen I think I've ever seen from my neighbor J!  My son gave me a card that made me cry, $60 worth of iTunes cards, and a package of cd's so that I can burn some new music to listen to in my car.  My daughter called me to wish me a happy birthday and to say she was sorry she couldn't be here, and she sent me the cutest e-card telling me that she is waiting to bring my present the next time she comes for a visit.  My in-laws sent me a check to put towards whatever I want,(it will go towards Mr. Tide's amazing gift).  And then Mr. Tide gave me another tear jerker card and some studio lighting equipment!!!

I've been wanting some studio lighting to be able to shoot the interiors of homes with really high ceilings, or at night.  And I've also been thinking about trying my hand at portrait work, so the lighting equipment he bought will help me to accomplish all of that!  As I sat and looked at it last night I thought to myself, wow I feel like a professional photographer...or at least I can play one on TV...ie. Blogland!

  

Studio lighting equipment isn't cheap, and I wish my family hadn't spent so much money on me so close to Christmastime, but Mr. Tide said I should look at it as an investment.  Did I mention that this man who I love dearly thinks I can do anything I want to do?!  

As if all of that weren't enough, or really too much, I also got fresh flowers and a homemade German Chocolate Cake...my favorite!!  Mr. Tide made the entire thing from scratch and it was delish!  Mr. Tide doesn't bake much...ok not really at all unless I need him to whip up some brownies when I'm behind the 8 ball, so it was a real treat to have such a yummy cake made by him.  My son even called him Betty Crocker a few times while he was in the kitchen baking!

You could say I was a bit spoiled...ok a lot spoiled on the occasion of my 47th birthday, and the day was perfectly wonderful!  We had Panera salads for lunch and then pizza for dinner...yum!

The day ended with phone calls from family and friends. LOTS of puppy love, and an early bedtime.  When I woke up this morning, I didn't feel any older, and certainly no wiser.  I actually don't lament each passing year and think of it as a badge of honor really, it's a gift to still be breathing in the air around me.  Like my father used to say "having a birthday is better than the alternative!"  

I am truly blessed in so many ways and unlike some December babies, I don't feel like I miss out on having a December birthday.  If anything, I feel like I get to appreciate everything that's near and dear to me twice as much this time of year because my birthday is so close to Christmas.  Just don't wrap my presents in Christmas wrap...that's all I ask! ;-)

It's been awhile since I've shared a song with you so I thought I would end today's post with a song I found on a wonderful blog, HERE, that I came across thanks to my newest follower.  She is an artist and a very creative young woman it seems who hails from the city where my mother was born, Charlottesville, Virginia!  Thanks Danielle and everyone who follows LTHS, and thanks for introducing me to this song which sums up my love for all those near and dear to my heart...it truly is Brighter Than Sunshine!

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!!!