happy new year...

wishing you

peace and love,

laughter and joy,

health and happiness,

and

the comfort of friendship

for 2010 and beyond

HAPPY NEW YEAR dear friends!

give thanks for all you do. one love.

just saying hi...

Just wondering how you all are doing? Hope you are having a delightful day.

Be back soon with the results of the *Gift of Jewels* giveaway. So, if you already haven't entered, you still have time to do so. Feel free to enter as many giveaways as you wish by January 6, 2010. The chosen few will be announced on January 7, 2010...along with another special surprise.

~ ~ ~

Special thanks to the *GIFT OF JEWELS* GIVEAWAY contributors. This project would not be possible without your generosity. You're the best friends anyone can ask for .

*please click on the blog name below to link the respective gift.

Tracy, Pink Purl

Gayle, Planet M Files

Beth, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken

Se'Lah, Necessary Room

Margie and Kath, Souers du Jour

Vchelle, Operation You

Christina, Soul Aperture

Marilyn, Delights of the Heart

Lala, My Castle in Spain

Tara, Paris Parfait

One Love.

Conscious Friday: blessings to one and all...

i feel their pain deep in my heart

at this moment i am remembering those

who suffer senseless atrocities worldwide

the sick, the feeble, the down on their luck

the poor, the hungry, those without shelter

children whose innocence has been stolen

elderly who remain neglected

victims of genocide and war

the families of victims

of violent crimes

i pray for

peace

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: paris parfait...

I am pleased to present you with our final BONUS *gift of jewels*. I cannot thank all of you enough for joining me again on this fun adventure. Each day, I am able to live vicariously through you and travel to faraway lands without leaving the comforts of my home. Wherever I wind up, I always feel completely veiled in love as you welcome me into your sacred spaces. (HUGS).

Today, I thought I'd venture on over to the City of Light to visit one of my favourite photographers/activists who've recently returned from a journey to Jordan. Tara of Paris Parfait has generously donated an antique French book to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. I close my eyes and try to imagine all those who've turned its worn pages and found joy in the words contained within. I do hope it will do likewise for you. Would you like to have it?

For your chance to win the vintage French book, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: my castle in spain...

From the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Granada comes this lovely handmade pink card, which was personally designed by Lala, author of My Castle in Spain. She donated it to the *gift of jewels* giveaway to spread a little bit of holiday cheer from her corner of the world. Many thanks to you Lala for performing this random act of kindness.

I remain utterly amazed to see so many giving selflessly of themselves in order to touch the life of another. I know just the person who would be delighted to receive this handmade jewel, even if it will arrive in their mailbox after christmas day...

Would you like to receive a holiday greeting card from Spain?

For your chance to win this greeting card, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see Lala's new holiday cards collection, click here.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

inspirational monday: scenes of today...

news of the incoming blizzard of 2009 sent people scurrying indoors. first thing this morning, my daughter peered out her bedroom window eager to check out the scene outdoors. before long, i was persuaded to leave the warm comfort of my pillow top bed and was outside chasing around an eight year old with a camera. how are you spending your day?

*have an inspirational monday

Inspirational Monday is hosted by Vchelle of Operation You.

Conscious Friday: the christmas spirit...

one of my favourite pastimes since childhood is listening to christmas carols. it is a tradition we still hold dear though my household has diversified since that time.

i ripped the plastic off of my new johnny cash: The Christmas Spirit CD and popped it in. i could hardly wait to hear the little drummer boy. my friend hermie and i would always listen to this song together. the thought of the poor boy was just too much to bear, but it was a reminder we needed to give ourselves as to how fortunate we really are. can never forget.

i sent hermie a text the moment it came on, "listening to johnny cash xmas album and thinking of u!" she quickly answered that she was running to find her copy so she could listen to it. i smiled and felt all warm inside because in that moment, she reminded me just why i loved her so much.

the next song, ringing the bells for jim, however is the one that really knocked me off keel. the words were so heavy, my arms buckled and i just couldn't hold on to them. uncontrollable emotions leaked from my soul. i wasn't expecting this. you see, it reminded me that at this very hour, my very dear sisterfriend BJ continues to live with an incurable form of cancer. i earnestly pray for her and all others who are touched by this sometimes unforgiving disease. i pray and pray and pray. won't you join me please?

*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

all shall be well...

when the load gets heavy,
and the road gets dark

there's a place overflowing
with peace and love

even whilst the strongest winds blow

the spirit of JAH shall live forIvamore

in I and I. oh yes my brethren,
all shall be well.

i pray for you on this leg of your journey.

be blessed ambassador. 'til shiloh we chant...

Selassie I. JAH RASTAFARI.

Ever living. Ever faithful. Ever sure.

*Buju Banton & Morgan Heritage: Psalms 23

*Buju Banton & Sizzla: All Shall Be Well

*Buju Banton: Mary

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: operation you...

I'm so excited to say that another jewel has been donated to the *gift of jewels* giveaway by my beautiful sisterfriend Vchelle of Operation You. Now that she has successfully completed her first semester of grad school, Vchelle has returned to play with us here in blogland. So glad to have her back. Thank you so much for sharing this beauty with us.
Vchelle commissioned this gorgeous 14" x 22" handmade poster from De'Mika, of De'Mika's Artwork a local artiste in Georgia. De'Mika specialises in bringing cartoon characters to life through her unique hand-drawn children posters. I can imagine the smile on the face of a little prince or princess when presented with this jewel.

For your chance to win this jewelled Princess Tiana poster, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more of De'Mika's creations, please visit De'Mika's Artwork, where she features some of her jewelled posters available for purchase.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

filled with love...

i love you

as much as the grains of sand
in all the beaches and the deserts

as hot as the sun and

as cold as the north pole
that's how much i love you

Inspirational Monday: the last flower...

i snagged the last flower of the season because

i just couldn't bear to watch it wither away

so i chose to give it a home filled with love.

don't you think it looks much happier now?

hope you have an inspirational monday

when you can't control the wind...

...adjust your sails!

*hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Conscious Friday: the giving spirit...

i must say this again. i am absolutely floored and emotionally touched by all the generosity that have been flowing around here as of late. so many loving souls have volunteered to donate even more items to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. can i just say i love you guys! i hope you all bear with me if i need to present more bonus gift offerings in the days to come. if you've got Lady Luck on your side, perhaps a featured gift may even show up on your doorstep. many, many thanks!!!

today, i'm going to share one of my favourite holiday songs of all times...of course you realise that BONO is in it! you think he knows how much i love him? i'm not a stalker or anything...just a little small obsession perhaps, but definitely not a stalker. And that hot, Tantric STING, he's in it too. oxygen please...but seriously, for me it's all about the true message contained therein...learning to celebrate and share the giving spirit each day I am blessed with.

*Band Aid: Do they know it's Christmas:

*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend my dear friends.

BONUS *Gift of Jewels*: delights of the heart...

I know I said we had the grand finale...but how could I neglect to mention the BONUS *gift of jewels*?

Ladies, break out the fine china because our wonderful tea connoisseur Marilyn of Delights of the Heart has donated this lovely gift set to our giveaway. Thanks so much for your kind generosity Marilyn!

The winner of this gift set will receive a 100% cotton teapot cozy lined with thermal lining, a sewing pattern, and a jar of jam that is sure to make your heart sing. The cozy is the last one in this particular print and is made of vintage fabric. And get this, if you would like your teapot cozy made of a different fabric, just check out Marilyn's website, Marmalady's Tea and specify your preference. The accompanying sewing pattern is for the teapot cozy but you could choose a different pattern or jar of jam if you so desire.

For your chance to win this teapot cozy gift set, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: soul aperture...

Isn't this simply breathtaking?

Today is the grand finale of the presentation of gifts for the *gift of jewels* giveaway. I remain eternally grateful to my wonderful friends who were kind enough to donate gifts. It was surely a pleasure for us to sprinkle a little love all over the world.

Some people come into your life and, without much effort, leave an indelible mark on you. Whether they challenge you to love a little more, give a little more, or be a better person, that is the gift and I am thankful. One of those people, I met right here in blogland. She is a beacon of hope and love, and by far one of the most talented persons I have crossed paths with in my lifetime. Her stunning photography and seamless words tickles the very depths of my soul and always leave me longing for more. oh yes, I simply adore you Empress Christina of Soul Aperture.

I dream of the day when we meet in person. I imagine us skipping barefoot along the sandy beaches of an island, pausing only to raise our lens towards the torquoise horizon or our arms towards the Caribbean sky. Or perhaps an easy stroll along the winding roads of nine miles on our pilgrimage to Father Bob's home. I can even envision a trip to da hills of Jamaica, sitting alongside the river, reasoning with some sons and dawtas of His Imperial Majesty. How good and pleasant it would be.

For your chance to win this dreamy photography, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

One Love.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: operation you...

Today I am pleased to present you with this handmade *world peace* poster, commissioned from a local artisan in Georgia. The winner of this shimmering jewel will also receive a set of similarly decorated floral postcards.

My real life sistahfriend Vchelle of Operation You temporarily suspended her respite from blogging in order to make this contribution to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. I've really missed the added dose of positivity she brings into my life through her written words. Her blog is definitely a space where peace and love abounds. I hope you get a moment to stop by and check out some of her insightful and uplifting posts. Love you with all my heart vchelle.

For your chance to win this jewelled poster and the accompanying postcards, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: souers du jour...

As I feel the crisp morning air blowing through my locks, I shiver and draw my coat a little closer to my neck. I am briskly reminded that winter is indeed on the way. I speed up my pace, wishing I had one of those oh so soft, lacy cowls to provide me with additional warmth. You know, like this one here, worn by my resident model. ;)

Margie and Kath, the souers du jour, are the sisters I never had...but now, we've found each other and they just can't get rid of me (LOL). My day is incomplete without a visit to my souers. I am fortunate to enjoy "sisterhood" with them even though we've never met and you will too when you visit their blog. Both are gifted photographers and wonderful friends. I love you souers!

They have generously donated this snuggly, hand knit cowl to the *gift of jewels* giveaway. Made of acrylic/wool blend, it's sure to warm your heart as well as your neck. Just be prepared to stand out from the crowd when you wear your new stylish cowl.

For your chance to win this handmade cowl, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To see more items in the *gift of jewels* giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: necessary room...

I would like to say thank you to all those who have supported, contributed to, or registered for the *gift of jewels* giveaway. To express my deepest gratitude, I would like to bestow upon one of you the secret *gift of jewels*. I'd love to tell you all about this jewel but it would ruin the surprise, so I'm going to ask you to trust me on this one. ;)

For your chance to win the secret *gift of jewels*, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be chosen on January 7, 2010.

tonight, I look up to the sky

gazing at the full moon

watching the clouds float by

and I wonder how many of you

are doing the same?

...my mind begins to wander. and I think to myself. there are so many more who, through circumstances beyond their control, cannot experience the free exchange of love that we are enjoying here today. I pray for them.

*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: be yourself, everyone else is taken...

If you have ever visited be yourself, everyone else is taken, you will certainly agree that Beth is a gifted photographer and artist. Even more than a creative soul, Beth is simply a genuine, loving, carefree spirit. At first glance, her sincere words and stunning snapshots captured my heart, and now I'm forever hooked. Love ya Beth! Can't thank you enough for all that you do.

The winner of today's giveaway will select one of these original canvas wall art, hand-painted and donated by our beloved Beth. Measuring 11" x 14", either of these acrylic paintings will enhance the personal charm of your interior space. Ooooh, I wonder which one you'll choose?

For your chance to win your choice of these two paintings, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.

*Gift of Jewels* Giveaway: planet m files...

I always thought that I had a pretty good understanding of the interconnectedness of humankind but through the *gift of jewels* project, I've come to learn so much more. I appreciate the fact that what we do can personally affect the lives of others. Even those we may not see in our everyday life.

So, for example. Say you take a small package, sprinkle it with love, put it in the mailbox and send it to a complete stranger, just because... Now, imagine if some of your friends decided to join in on the fun, just because... are you still with me?

Today, I'm joined by my beautiful and talented blogging friend, Gayle of Planet M Files. I absolutely adore her. Gayle warmly shares her heart, arts and crafts, photography, and sometimes, she even takes me wandering playfully through the streets of her imagination on her blog. i love that. Planet M Files is definitely one of my favourite spots to visit when I am in need of a dose of inspiration.

Pssssst. Hey Gayle. Just in case others are reading this, I'm going to write the next sentence in invisible ink so that they can't see it, okay... You're a phenomenal woman. ;)

Now, I would like to present one of you with this lovely handmade creation, generously donated by Gayle. Perfect for shopping at the local Farmers Market, this eco-friendly market bag is crocheted from 100% cotton yarn, and is machine washable! Wouldn't you just love to have it?

For your chance to win this market bag, please leave a comment on this post. Entries will remain open until January 6, 2010 and the randomly selected winner will be announced on January 7, 2010.

*To read more about the *Gift of Jewels* Giveaway, click here.