I'm sensing that a lot of us are feeling a bit down. And not surprising when so many are scared to leave their home and too many are basically locked down, unable to even visit neighbors. Well, I say let's put fear and anger aside and do something positive. Most all of us are familiar with Advent calendars. Here's a little twist to think about. Advent calendars give the recipient a little treat every day. Let's have an adult Advent Calendar where we do something nice for ourselves every day. It may be a phone call to someone special or Facetime or whatever you use. It may be watching a favorite movie and splurge and have popcorn. It may be making something for someone . Whatever it is that will make you smile. So let's banish the bad feelings and grab onto joy. And let's face it, Christmas is all about the joy of a very special birth of a very special baby. So what nice thing will you do for yourself today? My gift to myself today is to work on turning a hand embroidered lap quilt into a finished project for a friend. I can't help but smile thinking of her face when I give it to her. So hope you all have a joy filled day today.

God Bless You Karen . This should be the most wonderful time of the year, yet it's sad for a lot because of the pandemic. I love your ways of making it better. Doing something for someone else and for yourself is uplifting and when your spirit is lifted then those who can be around you are happier.

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by 02kar 10 Dec 2020

I so agree with you Lillian. And I feel I am very very blessed. A smile from someone always lifts my heart. And of course, this is a most uplifting season because it celebrates the birth of Jesus. No matter what, that always makes me feel better.

Today is a special day for us. While others may be sad, at the loss of a loved one and burial today, we as Christians, can rejoice. Our son-in-law's dad was an inspiration to many, in the walk that he took with Christ. Truly God is well pleased with Conrad's faithful service. Surely he will be missed, but we are comforted knowing Conrad is among those faithful believers that have gone on before. Such a loving, caring man we were so blessed to know. (he did not have covid, his health was in decline a year or more) Here Conrad is with our little Nora.

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

What a sweet sweet picture. It is so wonderful to know it is not a good bye but a see you in Heaven soon. It sounds like Conrad was one of the very special Believers who make our lives on earth so rich. I am truly sorry for the loss of a beloved family member but take joy in knowing that there will be a special reunion in Heaven one day.

by kustomkuddle 10 Dec 2020

How truly blessed we are that we do not need to say goodbye to our loved ones that have gone on to their eternal reward ahead of us. It can still be difficult having that missing part of our lives. Blessings and prayers for you family Toogie.

Today my joy is sending a Christmas card with a FSL Angel enclosed to a 5 year old girl, fighting cancer. I know she will have a big smile when she receives my card. She lives in Tennessee. I do not know the girl but the story on Facebook was heart breaking. If you want more information private message me.

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

That is so sweet! What a lovely happy thing to do. I love giving out FSL angels and bookmarks.

I cannot think of a better way to honour the Lord than to give joy and happiness to one another. As an Australian enjoying a much safer environment and the opportunity at long last to go out with friends and get together with my sewing groups (maintaining social distancing) my heart goes out to you all and pray that with your vaccine underway it won't be too long until you too are back to enjoying these things we have taken for granted for so long. God Bless and wishing you all a blessed and safe Christmas. Lynne in OZ

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

I am very fortunate to be in an area of the USA where we have had and continue to have very low numbers. The county I live in is almost completely open. But my family live in one of the states that are in an almost lockdown situation. I have no idea if or when I will be able to see them again.

great idea, we all can use some positivity !! Than k you for your post

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

I agree. I refuse to give in to fear so try to look for happy things.

What a welcome post. Thank you Karen.
My daughter and family arrived yesterday. Have not seen them since last December. All very emotional. Today we took our little dog and the twins joined us for a long walk on the beach. Terrible weather so no one around. Couldn’t have asked for a better gift to myself.

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

I can see why it was so special for you. It's nice to hear that you are able to spend time with your daughter and family.

What an awesome idea Karen. Thank you for sharing this idea. I also love reading what others are doing. It makes more of a connection and we don't seem to be so alone. Mine was seeing my Mom. She is in quarantine at the retirement village she lives in do to so many other residents having COVID. I had gotten special permission to actually go in her room to put her Christmas tree and decorations up. She was extremely pleased. The rest of the day will be spent working on Christmas presents.

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

You've made me smile. What a special gift for you to see Mom. I hope tomorrow will bring another special gift to you.

Your words mean so much!! Today, I'll be wrapping our 8 year old Granddaughter's gifts - she is such a sweetheart - this will definitely put a smile on my face knowing what fun she will have opening up her gifts - we will Facetime on Christmas!! Hugs to you and your handsome husband! Laura

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

Oh, that is so nice to be able to Facetime. That is definitely something to look forward to.

I love your encouraging words. Treat to myself is making time to be creative with crafts. Actually not much change from the rest of the year. I think today I will wrap the gifts for my great grands. The family is not meeting for Christmas, so I will drop them off and wave from a save distance. Can not wait till next year

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by 02kar 10 Dec 2020

I have hope that 2021 will be better. Hope springs eternal in my heart. And I can't help but feel better emotional when creating. BTW, how is Coco doing?

by crafter2243 10 Dec 2020

Coco is getting shots twice a week and is on pain medication. Hope is to keep her pain free and happy till she is 1 1/2 year old at what point we can look at the options available to deal with her hip dysplasia

What sweet encouragement, May God bless us all at this time of the year, I always feel better after I have done something nice for someone. especially if they do not sew so or have an embroidery machine or the experience to do it them selves.

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by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

I agree. I love seeing people smile. That is the best thank you for me.

Karen what a brilliant idea. My treat today is I’m about to join the small group of quilters who meet 2x a month. PS will we see a picture of your quilt?

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by jenne 09 Dec 2020

Yes please.

by 02kar 09 Dec 2020

I will try. My computer skills are minimal to say the least. I will try to corral my handsome hubby into helping me to post a picture.

by Mleodore 10 Dec 2020

As long as people are validated by others they will never be free to enjoy life as they see fit