Monday, December 27, 2010

Sights, smells and sounds of this Christmas...


A gift of Christmassy baby booties, from my beloved friend Lynn, (which baby didn't arrive in time for)!


None the less, with my abject disbelief in rushing these things before their God given timing, I waited (sometimes patiently) and still smiled all Christmas long!


{photo duo by Emma} 


Plenty of caroling went on, with Emma at the piano, giving singing lessons to all of the children!


It was a very calm and peaceful Christmas for me, I spent much time cuddling with my babes with my swollen feet up! 


Argyle was dressed and decorated in festive flair!  My guests were thrilled with it's Christmassy touches!


On Christmas eve, Jamie and I lined up the stockings, and laid gifts under the tree for our four small people - and were overcome by how much we love them - Christmas surrounded by children, makes everything feel sweeter...



Christmas morning was wonderful.  


We try to strike a healthy balance between the generosity of Christ, exampled by the figure of Santa - to show the love we have for one another, through the exchanging of gifts, in honour of Jesus, whose birthday and perfect love, is the inspiration everyday, to be better and better.


I pray you too, got everything you hoped for from the season.

Shell xx

Thursday, December 23, 2010

a Song for Christmas...

I recorded this last christmas, (right now I'm not able to reach the piano keys so easily)!

But with this song, I wanted to say to you from my heart, that I wish all such a Merry Christmas - where ever in the world you be, whatever in the world you do - do it with such a joy for living, and in whichever way, remember to take a moment to thank our God, for this beautiful life.



Merry Christmas blogging friends,

I love you.

And I can think of nothing more exciting (even on consideration of my Mother-In-Law's Christmas dinner!) than sharing another year, sharing posts and comments, with you.

God Bless,

Shell xx

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Fourteen Years...


...and counting.

I love you my husband, thank you for a wonderful anniversary.

{Photo taken in 1995, when we were kids}.

Shell xx

Friday, December 10, 2010

Five Hundred Reasons...

I started this blog because I was inspired to share my life, though my music - my newest album at the time called Twelve Short Stories - my camera lens and my family.

This post is number 500 in the saga - 
and I feel I am just hitting my stride baby..!

I never could have anticipated the dearest friends I would make, the encouraging comments I would receive, and the vastness of where in the world my words, and my songs would travel...  

In short, it has been so much more than I planned for - so much more than Twelve Short Stories.

I love this place, here with you.  

I almost always well up with tears while writing & reading posts, I always try to share what is on and in my heart.  I come to you when I'm inspired, excited, enraptured, disheartened, empty or fulfilled.  

...I come to you from where ever I am.


And today I am here!  


Yikes!  and yes, this is as big as it looks!
(And twice as heavy)!

Shall we drink (something non alcoholic please!) to 500 more?
Posts, not babies!

; )

Shell xx

Saturday, December 4, 2010

a Beautiful Storm...


It has barely rained in my part of the world for nearly fifteen years.  But this week, a week of solid rain has enveloped us.  It is so beautiful.  So cool and wet, storms have been wild, which always remind me of the power of this world, and this life.


And at the same time I am facing a beautiful storm...


I can tell you my mind and my heart are both ready.  My body too, is telling me it is nearly time to give someone I know so well, and have not yet met, their birth.

Wish me luck.

Shell xx