December 31, 2008

'May peace fill all of the empty spaces around you and in you,
may contentment answer all of your wishes.
May comfort be yours, warm and soft like a sigh.
And may the coming year show you that every day is really a first day,
a New Year.
Let abundance be your constant companion, so that you have much to share.
May mirth be near you always, like a lamp shining brightly on the many paths you travel.
May YOU be true love.'
author unknown

WooHOOOO!

In the midst of the city, where you least expect it in your day-to- day rushing around, if you're very lucky, you'll come across Puppetbike and see a show. Make CERTAIN to show your appreciation by leaving a donation.

Ramana Maharshi

'There is no help in changing your environment.
The obstacle is in the mind,
Which must be overcome,
Whether at home or in the forest.
If you can do it in the forest,
Why not in the home?
Therefore, why change the environment?'

And to you.....

The Menorah Project

In 1987, a Menorah was placed atop the Statue of Liberty.
This particular Menorah was an early Baum Family project.
Nice work guys!

Chanukah, Hanukah, Hanukkah Sale of the Century

no matter how it's spelled, you've MISSED the biggest bargain of the year. Just look at the reductions at CVS. WOW!

Ohhhhh, Dreidel!

Dreidel, or 'sevivon' in Hebrew means 'to turn around.' Dreidels have 4 letters on them and they stand for the saying 'Nes Gadol Haya Sham' which means 'a great miracle occurred there.' In this spinning game, Nun means 'nothing', Gimmel means 'everything',
Hey means 'half', and Shin means 'put in or pay.'

This is my one year 'blog-o-versary'...thanks to everyone who visits and comments, it means gimmel to me.

Much appreciated!

Silent Night, Holy Night

Nearing sundown, in this frozen, snowy tundra, the Lubavitch Rabbi will steady his special green ladder for his helper to light the 4th candle on the giant Menorah... while way up in the frozen, snowy North Pole, Santa's helper will harness this year's 9 reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Sid, Zelda, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, while Santa steadies his special sleigh. What a magical time!

Menorah

Thirty six candles are lit during Chanukah, not counting the 'Shamash'.
(The candle that stands out is called the 'Shamash' in Hebrew or 'Shamus' in Yiddish).

Star of David

These antique stars are made of iron and are from Argentina.

Happy Chanukah

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy and celebration during the darkest part of the year. Every winter we celebrate the miracle of the Maccabees and marvel at the small amount of oil that somehow burned for 8 long days. In daily recognition of this miracle, each night we light an additional candle, lit by the shamus or helper candle. As we approach the final night of the holiday, the Menorah is aglow with the light of 8 candles, and the loyal shamus stands proudly aside, reviewing its work.

Recession?

the economy was alive and well at the recent Renegade Craft Holiday Fair...in about a gazilliion rooms just like this one. Can't wait til next year!

Safe Flight!

Painting outside an artist's studio....

right near his semi public bathroom

Soup!

this was my first attempt at cream of corn soup, chock full of roasted parsnips and onions, cut-off-the-cob corn kernels, potatoes, red pepper, fresh chives, roasted turkey breast, fresh carrots, cream and chicken broth. My soup repertoire has expanded after all of these years.

Something's Fishy, but in a good way

If you head over to http://a-fishy-requisite.blogspot.com/, and send in a fish image in any format or media,(mailing details on that blog) in return, you will get a fish postcard and see your image posted on that site. I believe I got a Spectacular Sunny Smile Fish by Adamandia Kapsalis...a fresh water fish that smiles because she knows she's inedble. And I couldn't be more pleased.

Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?

One of mine is Rabbi Snowman

'Jesus Saves.........

Moses invests....'

Grafitti

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Totally!

I saw the Moon and the Moon saw me...

Friday night's moon was the biggest of the year...and just 221,560 miles away.

oh, don't be upset if you 'missed' it...it'll happen again on 11/14/2016...and, I'm betting it'll look beautiful tonight as well.

The Diagnosis?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D.