“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”  –  W. T. Ellis

 

 

Good Morning Dear Friends:

Today is December 1st, and quite a special day for me.  It is the beginning of what I personally feel is the most beautiful month of the year.  I had plans to write a post about all the many reasons December 1st holds such meaning for me, until I came across something so wonderful it immediately changed my thoughts. 

I subscribe to the fabulous and inspiring magazine, FLOWER –  House|Garden|Lifestyle. Do Visit Here.  Seeing this magazine in my mail always turns an ordinary day into an extraordinary day, truly an absolute treat.  The Editor-In-Chief of this outstanding publication is Margot Shaw. She always writes a lovely column at the beginning of each issue, but her words in the November/December issue were so inspirational and held such truth, I felt, if possible, they should be shared. She so eloquently speaks to the exact purpose of why I created this blog.  Therefore, as we begin this most beautiful month, I am pleased to share, with her permission, her inspiring column.    

 

“Peace on Earth,” by Margot Shaw

“As I leaf through this issue one last time before press, I’m transported by the warm, lustrous imagery of the season – the season of goodwill toward all men (and women).

But in the midst of the peaceful beauty, I experience a jarring disconnect while contemplating the culture.  I find I must speak of my heartbreak at the switches and ashes I witness in public discourse today.  There has been a jettisoning of simple, common courtesy and an adopting of vitriol and blame-casting that borders on barbarism.  There’s no willingness to hear differing viewpoints or feelings-only an immediate rush to judge, harangue, label and condemn.  I know there are terrible things happening in America today-worthy of condemnation-and I don’t presume to have solutions.  But I do know that inflammatory and hateful words and actions only exacerbate the problem.  I also know that no political position or policy (left or right) can heal our land.  You cannot legislate peace.  You cannot legislate love.

While we are just one voice at Flower, we make an effort to celebrate the good things in life – nature, creativity, home, and relationships – which we hope speaks to the message of goodwill.

So I ask all who read this, whatever your beliefs, to join me and our staff and light a candle, love a neighbor, forgive a trespass, say a prayer for this great nation, and perhaps, follow the words of the late, great Charles Dickens from A Christmas Carol;  ‘I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” 

I believe beauty, love, and kindness holds great power – power to create a movement for change toward a kinder and better world. 

Thanks for visiting.  Wishing you and yours a most beautiful December !

 

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

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