Too many decisions

Have you felt like we have too many
 decisions to make these days.

Dona Anderson

Back in the Summer I took on the task of reducing some of the old Christmas Cards in the cabinet.

I was surprised that they went back over 20 years. The Box was full.

Each one was opened and read and 2 piles were made - one for keeping and the others were for leaving, though it was hard to make that second pile. 

It was nice to see some family names of ones no longer here and pictures given out for children that are now adults. I loved the art and drawings of the grandchildren along with the big letters when they were just learning to make the words.  

I also loved how beautiful many of the cards were and from the pile I only had 2 that were the same. 

Christmas cards have greatly reduced over the years due to the newer ways to communicate and each year we get fewer in our mailbox. But I still do love to get a few and think that we're remembered by others after many years apart.

  This is my Card box. 

  yes it's a special box I've kept that had tea in it from Oprah for  attending her live event in Seattle years ago.

 The Tea was Great and so was the event!

 So when I was doing this post I thought of the one I wrote  last  spring - 

Here's the link. post I wrote about boxes.  

What's in Your boxes?

PS. I had to share this photo from last year.

Timing really is important.

Our Westie Girl Kelsie has many beds and she loves this spare one for some reason so every once in a while if the door is open she'll go and snuggle with the pillow and at Christmas I put out these teddies for fun.

In the photo below that's her hiding with the Christmas Teddies.

It was so cute how she played innocent and looked the other way.  

Thankfully she stayed there long enough for me to get the camera.

                     Must Love Dogs in this house.!

That's it for today. 

New posts every Tuesday so please visit again and check out the Archives for over 700 past posts you to view, save & share - more decisions. 😊

Wellness  resources at the link above.

Have a great day and stay well and safe over the holidays. 

🎄

ebook available at this link 

Old Christmas Letter Found

what's in the letter?

what ... does it Say?

New posts every Tuesday connect us to Stories,

 Gratitude, Life, Happy Hearts and more.

Do you need any of this?

Dona Anderson

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Last Spring I found a few old Christmas Letters
in a binder when I was going through a cabinet.

They brought up so many memories for me in times less Busy. 

Simpler times, that we'll all have our own stories about.

As I read them over again I thought I'd share this one with you.

It's an old letter about even older Christmas memories and when reading it I immediately went back in time - it felt like watching an old Movie just missing the sleigh ride.

Here goes - wishing now it was shorter

it starts with

Good Tidings to You

Each year the holiday season is a special time that provides us with opportunities for creating memories, wonder, connection, reflection and if you let it, stillness.

Growing up on the Canadian prairies, the holidays offered moments to walk in the crisp new snow, bundle up with many layers of soft warm clothes, mittens and scarves, listen to the squeaky sounds of winter, and be able to see your breath so you knew it was right there with you.

I remember walking on a milder evening with a friend while beautiful snowflakes fell and talking for hours about nothing important but it felt the Best. 

I remember being able to walk over to relatives to drop off presents instead of mailing them and getting to see them thankfully placed under their tree, and then having a cup of warm cocoa and some homemade cookies.  I got to go along to the store to buy the big turkey, and help pick out the most beautiful Christmas tree to decorate. 

It was always the best when I got to place the angel on top, and then to feel the pause in the air when the tree lights were first turned on.  

And, there was nothing better than helping fill tins with freshly baked cookies and getting to eat the ones that were not quite perfect.

I remember anxiously waiting for family to return home for the holidays, and sitting at the long decorated dinner table for hours with our best china and silverware over second and third helpings, and then the finale - Mom's Christmas pudding for dessert!

Photo by S. Anderson

If it was possible, one of my wishes has always been to sit at Mom's Christmas table again but as an adult with all the same people instead of the young child I was.

I would like to be able to again listen to their stories so I could remember them, to see and hear what my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles other relatives and dearest family friends talked about then, how they all laughed and connected and most of all, to learn more about who they were.

As a child we often get little glimpses inside the people around us without the opportunity to really know them and their stories.  We think there will be lots of time later but unfortunately life and time always changes our world and those in it.  

Our daily lives are different from back then to now, but in so many ways the same.  

Even with all the changes and differences, I think the important things, the hope and the desserts of our life are the same, to love and to be loved, to laugh and smile, be happy and healthy and know that someone is there to notice, to see us and be part of our lives.

My wish list this season is to share and connect with others, to be part of their life and to let them be part of mine.

To make new memories and joy through our laughter and smiles, enjoy each bite of the food we eat together, and just sit and talk for awhile about nothing important but it will be the best.

And while the earth in this part of the world is preparing to rest now for the winter and we say bye to 2011 and welcome 2012, I will take some time to pause for awhile and celebrate with gratitude all that is in my present life, my hopes for the future, and I'll bring along other wonderful memories of the past to enjoy again!

And to you, a Happy New Year ...

now can I have some more pudding please!

Thank You for visiting today.

PS.

That was the last time I wrote a big Christmas letter  - later I just wrote little notes in the cards and sadly the cards and notes got less and less each year. 

Looking back now, I wonder if I should have continued a few years longer.(?)

Have You ever revisited some old letters you wrote - 
for me, it was a wonderful way to connect to who I
 was in that time of  my life.

Links for sharing below and comments welcomed.

Photo's added for this post.

Photo of Barn was taken by Sandra Anderson.

B&W copy is in Simply, One Breath At a Time

Feel part of a global community as

these posts are shared with others and 

travel the world.

cookies, I saw the word cookies somewhere - YUM.

what's your favorite kind of Cookie

Tis The Season

Time again to say Merry Christmas

Dona Anderson

My best thoughts and wishes go out to You for however you celebrate this time of year.

I know I've said this many times but the years do... go by too fast.

This photo is from last Christmas but that's Ok.

I use my own photos as you can probably tell and sometimes they may be from the previous year.  

Anyway last year I had this red geranium still from the summer and a planter on the front porch empty so I thought I'd put the 2 together.

A stormy windy day then left small branches on the road side to pick up and the little sign Tis the Season finished the Welcoming decoration.

The flower did a great job and lasted to the middle of February.  

I know you're busy so 
have a wonderful Day!

Don't miss a beautiful song video next week.

And, Yes, I'll be watching for
Santa Claus tonight.

Got Time.

Lots More related posts in

the archives from past years

What are some of your decorations?

Christmas List - Pet version

Lucy has her own Holiday Wish List

Dona Anderson
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She even has her own stocking for Santa.

Can't forget the rest of the family at this time of year.

We LOVE you sweet Scottie girl.

Here's what's on Her List

Hi, I'm Lucy

Resting ... by the fireplace ✅
Cuddling ... in the blankets ✅
Cookies ... maybe new ones to try out ✅
Walk ... need exercise  after cookies ✅ 
Treats ... leftovers from the fridge ✅
Gifts ... maybe a new stuffy ✅
Visitors ... more pats and kisses ✅
Supper ... loves a bit of turkey gravy  & even better with peas added to my dish ✅

Love it that we get to be
 part of all her wishes.

Last one - Play in the snow ... We can't help with this one Lucy but hoping you do get to play in the snow - it makes you so ... happy.  


She wants to know if you see her eye?

This post was Lucy approved!

New Years wish -
More of the same. 

Our Summer surprise - We have a new girl in the house, a beautiful 5 year old Westie (West Highland White Terrier) girl Kelsie. 

that's me, Kelsie

I hope she likes the Christmas holidays and we're looking forward to see what she likes about Winter.

We'll have fun making new memories, wish lists and taking pictures of them both for next year.

I do know that anything food related, tummy and back rubs, and Sunshine would be on her list. 

She loves going for a walks, and faces to kiss. 

*** Lucy says she already got the best gift this year - 

a new Sister. 

Thanks for your visit.

Please take care of you this busy time of year and keep the pets warm.

Christmas Combo

November Rose 2018

Christmas Combo

First time for Everything

Dona Anderson

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I often let my visitors know they can check out more Christmas/Holiday posts in the archives, but I'm not sure if they do or not.

So I decided to do a Combo for you with a few related posts for this time of year. 

 Here goes.

                                 

                           From 2018

Hope the Weather is not like this!

 My Photo Card

Christmas Decorating made Easy 

2017

A favorite song video

2015

One of my favorite decorations

2014

Another favorite song

Visit the archives → right side of page for lots more from November/December in past years. 

I really enjoyed seeing these posts again and it was hard picking just a few to share with you.

I hope you'll check out some of 

the others when you have time.

Take Care...

new post next week.

Please share what you like

with others - links below

Together we're sharing Wellness around the World.

💗 💗 💗

Connect to more on Facebook

If you're seeing this in the mobile version

you may want to go to the Web version to

access the archives.

Christmas IS ...

                   Happy Time
               Sad Time 
               Peaceful time 
               Lonely Time 
               Fun Time 
               Stressful Time

All of these ... and more

I hesitated writing this post as we always want to think about Christmas as a wonderful joyous time of year.

But for many
it's not. 

It's that time of year we're expected to be Happy and be surrounded by our loved ones,  but that's not always how it is. 

I remember years ago at work I'd hear others complain about all the fake smiles, greetings and wishes at this time of year. 

I heard people asking others about all their plans for the time off and who was coming to visit or have a party or supper.

You hear people in cafes and out shopping telling others all about their visitors and going here and there, as if everyone does it.

The stores are full of things
to buy for your list of people.

Then there's the other side. 

Unfortunately the Christmas season can be very lonely, sad, isolating, depressing, stressful, and financially limiting for many.

Yes, I do celebrate ... and I've experienced several of the ones mentioned above.

It can be a sad time for those who have lost loved ones recently or even years ago, are sick, old, in hospital, don't have anyone or family near by to spend the time with. 

There are those who can't afford to buy gifts, have no transportation or access to travel.  

For many, it's that time to put on the brave face, sit in front of the TV, eat lots of cookies and just wish it would hurry up and be over.

You get the idea.

Without taking anything away from your Celebrations - is there a way to help others a bit if you know their story or situation.

I know this isn't an easy task - do you ask questions or listen, do you visit, invite or not ... do you say this or that ... do you ...

We're learning more and more about how loneliness is becoming a health concern, and especially at this time of year.

We're also learning that depression is on the rise, and felt not only by older folks but also it's affecting the younger ages. 

Just putting this out there for 

us to think about.

Thanks & Take Care.

One thing I keep reminding myself is that fake smiles
can turn into real ones, it's ok to accept invitations 

or be the one who goes out to visit, and gratitude

helps open our heart and it's very good for the brain. 

Dona Anderson

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and stay connected in the New Year.

Painting on little bench in photo was done
by one of our best friends years ago.  I love
to show off her art when I can and feel lucky
to have bought lots - miss her.

Visit my Facebook page

It's time to Wake Up and Enjoy the Day

& the under the Stars Story

Dona Anderson

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This post is kind of a check in before the Summer of Music starts next week.

Do you have plans for the summer?

Here are a few lines from the Meditation - 

Wake Up and Enjoy the Day.

It starts with ...

The grass can wait

The dishes can wait

The laundry can wait

Listen to the sounds around you,

the birds, the passing breeze,

your breath.

The short excerpt above is from Meditation #45, page 112 in Moving Forward from the Heart. 

It mentions summer activities but this can be anytime, or another season that we do activities for that season in.

It just wants to make you the priority for some of your to do lists with an I get to do list. 

Ask yourself - What makes you happy and makes you smile.

What refreshes and nourishes your body & soul.

Later it ends with this last thought - If today is just for you, what will you do?

The summer goes by so fast that I always find it to be a more important time of year to notice and be present.

We need to rest and enjoy those warm days and nights - and remember to make a few lazy days and do nothing days to just breathe life in.

Even simple things like I love to watch the birds visit the yard, notice what changes from day to day in the garden, or just sit by myself for an hour or so and do nothing but nourish my soul.

Over the summer I hope you will exchange the Busy word for something like I'm having Fun or doing lots of reading on the porch, planning a BBQ, exploring the parks, going to the lake or on vacation, camping the the backyard, I'm growing lots of  fresh vegetables or ...

Story time - I have to tell you about one night years ago we got up around 2 am to watch the stars.  We had the blankets and pillows all ready to lay outside and hope for something special to happen.

The dogs came out with us and after cuddling awhile and wondering why we weren't in bed, they started to walk around and ended up they both had a big smelly poop close by.  

Well that wasn't the special thing we had 
hoped to happen that night. 

After getting up and a few laughs we went back to bed.  

Please Take Care of you, 

and enjoy this years 

Summer of Music starting next week.

Regular posts will return in September.

You can find me also on Facebook

Use the labels below and the archives to find more posts.

Thanks for sharing at the links below - together we're spreading Wellness around the world!

I said I'd bring this back. - get ready to Sing

A Favorite!!!

Sending You Peace Hope & Happiness on this Christmas Day

Dona Anderson

I posted this in my summer of music because I couldn't wait until the Christmas Season,

Just for YOU - Here it is again! 

I attended a concert of Michael Buble's a few years ago and Loved it.

Besides the singing, he really connects with the audience to make it all fun and entertaining.

Absolutely recommend it if you ever get the chance.

Blake Shelton is on the Bucket List.

Hope you're Singing along with me

Have a Wonderful DAY.

Check the archives for 2 Summers of Music, July and August 2017 & 2018.

Also, visit previous Christmas related posts past Decembers in the Archives.

My photo card to You & best wishes for the festivities you Celebrate

There are many Festivals & Holidays

 in December around the World.

Best wishes to you for whatever ones you celebrate. 

Dona Anderson

For mine we usually say, Merry Christmas. 

This time of year is full of thoughts about connecting and celebrating with family and friends.

And I can't forget the feasts of wonderful food, desserts and often some gift giving.

This post reaches out to also thank everyone for their kindness towards others at this time of year.  

There are many ways to assist others you know or don't know that may need a little help, time, goodwill, a visit or even just a friendly smile.

I found this Charlie Brown Christmas wish to share with you.

Dear Santa,

                            I already have everything I could possibly wish for this year.

                            Got my family, good friends and Love.

                            Please take care of those who need you.

                            Thank You.

Another quote I found was ... in a World where you can be anything, be Kind.

Let's all have a little bit of Santa in us.

Next weeks post will be on Christmas Day and  it's our last for 2018.

See you back here then.

Please Remember at this busy time of year to look after yourself, ask for help when you need it and BREATHE!

Thanks for your visit.

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I never thought of this before but if

we Ho Ho Ho and Smile like Santa

we get to do some Face Yoga!!

New Combo for YOU & Love this little hummingbird!

No, it's NOT Food - much Better

Dona Anderson

Keep in Touch when you,
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More posts below or in the archives.

It's been awhile since I made up a Combo.

This time instead of making them all similar I decided to be Wild and make them different.

A visitor to our yard.

Let's start with by linking to this - Great Love Song  Beautiful song about long lasting love thanks to Leonard Cohen.

Anyone's Anniversary

or Wedding coming up?

Link to this - My version of going Viral

The link this post talks about shows up everyday on my stats and travels the World. A few simple thoughts of Gratitude goes a long way to soften the world around us.

Link to this post - Almost Christmas

Maybe it was the title, Do You Enjoy doing Nothing that got the attention but I'm sure the relaxing thoughts and feelings softened many hearts. 

The busy Holiday season is here so make sure you take the time you need to breathe, relax and unwind.  Take Care of YOU.

After I put these 3 together, I noticed that while it isn't 
a combo of all the same type of thing it does have
 a common thread running throughout.

I'll let you discover that for yourself. 

Take Care and Enjoy.

From my Heart to yours this Holiday Season 

Thank You for sharing these articles, wellness moments and tools with your Family & Friends at the links below and in person so they continue to travel in your inner world and beyond.

We all have unique goals/dreams in life and mine for these past 8 years has been to share Wellness to help us feel better and pass on what we find to others and those who would be interested.

This Blog has been a sampling of things we can do and use to help build awareness and find resources that we can feel comfortable with.

My best work is in the books I made that continue to help the lives of its readers and listeners, and this Blog wouldn't exist without that first book that started it all.

Imagine if we could surround everyone in the world with
more everyday Happiness and Wellness.

Thank You 💗

Don't miss what's coming up in December!

Health = Wealth

It's time for a short Breath Break

Holiday stresses slowing you down...

Dona Anderson

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Breathe in - Breathe out.

All the decorations, gifts, food  and activities around the holiday season can leave us tired, stressed or maybe even lonely and anxious.

What happens when you're on Empty?

Please take Care of Yourself. 

Next week it will be all over so Breathe and do things to help you Relax and Feel better.

This has been a busy year for my Blog and I THANK YOU

 so much for your support.

Happy New Year!

Join the Family for a Fun Christmas Word Game

Fun Game to Share with your Friends & Family!

Dona Anderson

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Christmas Word Game ~ © Dona Anderson

I give a paper copy of this out at the couple of Christmas shows I go to and visitors love to get a few for their children or to do themselves just for fun.

It's like a mini Meditation to just sit and discover the words or sometimes one will have a special meaning that day to sit with for a few minutes.

Enjoy!

Here's a link to another word game, this one for the Heart.

Did you have Fun?

Links for emailing/sharing/commenting below.

The Dog made me do it

Getting the Decorations out ...

Pictured is Chloe's first Christmas in the mini sleigh 2003.

She was 11 months old when this picture was taken.


Dona Anderson
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Love our Chloe, West Highland White Terrier (Westie) 

She has been our bundle of JOY for

all these years. 

 Love her so much.

We're thankful for each day we have her.

She's almost 15 now and her sister Lucy our Scottie girl 3, is doing a good job looking after her when needed.  Although Lucy is getting a bit tired of Chloe often trying to eat her food.

I have other pictures I could have shared with you but this one grabbed my heart.

Our pets will have their stockings out for Santa too. They like to be included in the Sparkle and Magic of the holidays.

OK, to be honest it's the treats they really want. 

We'll be looking forward to the rest of the month as we sit by the fireplace or on the front porch when it's a sunny afternoon cuddled up in a blanket.  

Move over I need some of that blanket too!!!

Goodies are coming later.

Do you have pet stories to tell?

Love to hear about them.

Increase the GOOD FEELINGS in Your Day

Holiday Shopping Time

Dona Anderson
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Roots to Breath Wellness is getting ready for Christmas Shoppers

You Love wandering around the Craft Fairs looking for that Perfect Gift.

Great... this is where I'll be - Vancouver Island, BC.Canada.

Put out the do not disturb sign

Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire

Courtenay BC

November 10 -12

You can't come - that's OK

Visit my Shop Page anytime for 
online shopping 
and

direct from author information.

♡♡

Stress  impacts so many areas of our work and home lives.  

Take advantage of all the ways to help reduce stress and change unwanted thoughts into new opportunities for better health and happiness. 

Become part of the real moments in your life.

The Wellness Products shown in the photo above invite you to discover simple and easy ways to support yourself or to share with your family and others.

Find the messages that tug at and soothe you heart and soul. Experience Relaxations that provides treasures, gifts and journeys to support you moving towards your dreams.

Open up to new ways to live your best Life. 

And YES, you'll find Simple and Easy!

Gifts to last a lifetime

that deliver much more than expected. 

Special Holiday Places

Happy New Year

Dona Anderson

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I always love the week between Christmas and New Years

relaxing by the light of the Christmas tree, candles or the fireplace.

It is a Calm time.

A time to just Be.

A time to Reflect and Wonder.

3 Angels of Peace

Enjoy the soft Glow of your life as we begin again with a New Year.

 2017

Dreams   Hopes  Truth   New Beginnings 

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Love it when you share with others.
Links below.

Click here to get my eBook 

Time for Holiday Shopping

Two Vancouver Island Shows coming up!

Dona Anderson

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Roots to Breath Wellness

November is the time to get busy with that Holiday Shopping and I'll be at 2 shows to help you this month.

Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire
Courtenay
November 11-13

and 

Winterfest Craft Faire
 Qualicum Beach
November 25-27

Visit my Shop Page for 

Online Shopping and Direct from Author Information. 

Holiday Word Game

Lifetime Wellness Gifts on the Shop page!

Need a Fun Activity?

Dona Anderson

email it to yourself and make copies to

get the family and guests involved.

It's very easy and other than the word Christmas that's diagonal in red letters, it's all vertical and horizontal words. Most are Christmas related and a few others that got made from surrounding words.

Christmas Word Game, Dona Anderson

 

Have fun and Happy Holidays and New Year!

Thanks for your visit.

That's it for 2015 - I'll be back with you in the New Year!
 

What's your Favorite Christmas Decoration

What a hard Question!

My questions even make me have to think!

Dona Anderson
 

Wellness Gifts for You & to Share

I know for me I have had lots of favorite ones.  

Some years I seemed to notice one more than others or if it was in a different spot it got more or less attention.

When the kids were little and a few puppies in the house the decorations were mostly unbreakable and theme based.  

As we all grew older and no other family around due to moving a few times, we decorated but usually thought more about what activities we could do and making those must have goodies to eat.

It was fun to get out with friends to go skating, go to a concert, sleigh ride, caroling, cross country skiing, have fondues or do the occasional big trip to go visit family with presents and food in tow.

For a few years I collected Santa's and it didn't take very long before I had too many.

Later on with downsizing and not wanting so many decorations anymore I had to start giving Santa's and other things away.

When I'm reducing one of my goals is to give something I have treasured to someone else who will treasure it.

I feel better now with what I have left. I can get into the storage area (Empty Space!!) and someone else has new treasures to enjoy. 

 Meet my Will Work for Cookies Santa

I had to think a while to decide what my favorite decoration is that I still have and I picked this one as each year when I get it out ...

It makes me smile and feel good.  

This Santa sits in my kitchen window and reminds me of the dozens of cookies and other baking we did years ago when we were skinny but didn't know it.  It reminds me of  trips to the freezer to get the baking but only finding empty containers. 

It reminds me of all the wonderful meals we had and shared because they always tasted better when we could share with others.

And it reminds me of standing in the kitchen waiting to sample those first cookies to come out of the oven and trying to save some for another day! 

Now with just me, hubby, our current older puppies and no family close by it is again a quiet time of year. The decorations become less important each year which lets us enjoy what we do put out and it gives us more time for relaxing as we settle in for our cozy Winter nap.

I hope your thoughts are now about wonderful memories 

that make you smile and feel good!

Thanks for your continuing support!