When Eating Bamboo Sprouts…

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. - Chinese Proverb

Are you ‘living thankful,’ EVERY DAY, or are you concentrating on having a sumptuous meal one day a year? Do you list things/people/etc you’re ‘thankful for,’ or do you FEEL it at a gut level?

Nothing purchased can come close to the renewed sense of gratitude for having family and friends. Courtland Milloy

Thanksgiving – “Distressed-Turkey” by Charlene  Bodero

I ask you this because we are lucky enough to have and enjoy so much that it takes life smacking us in the face to get our attention: the loss of the job we were just griping about yesterday; the loss of a friend or relative you meant to send a letter to or call; the loss of security when you get a foreclosure notice; the loss of your feeling of immortality when suddenly your health is in serious jeopardy.

Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise… then you will discover the fullness of your life.  Brother David Steindl-Rast

Thanksgiving-Hand-Painted-Glass-Collection by Rebecca Kelman

It shouldn’t be this way, but we’re all too human, doing what we have to, or need to do each day, rushing around trying to finish an endless list of ‘shoulds,’ and trying to work in a couple of ‘want to’s.’

Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.  ~Robert Caspar Lintner

Fridge Magnet – Cross Stitch – “Thanksgiving” by Angela Kiefer

Most of us have had face-smacking moments that get our attention for awhile, but then may fade into the background as the day-to-day swallows us up again.

I’ve had several of these during my life, and lately it seems they’re happening more and more frequently, so my attention is more fully focused than it has been in the past.  I’ve made a promise to myself to really BE THANKFUL for all I have EVERY DAY, rather than be upset with the things that should have happened today, but didn’t.

Thanksgiving – “Copper Leaves” by Charlene Bodero

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.  ~William Arthur Ward

Two health scares in the past 5 years have made me thankful that what has happened is either ‘fixable’ or ‘handle-able.’  I’m really thankful that the pain or problems I have health-wise are minor enough I can gripe about them.

If you count all your assets, you always show a profit.  ~Robert Quillen

Since some of my close friends have lost their husbands recently, I’m thankful EVERY DAY for my husband. We spend a LOT of time together, laughing, trying to create things from stained glass and metal. Even though he irritates me from time to time, he’s definitely a ‘keeper’ who makes my life full.

 

Thank-You-Notes-Personalized-Floral-Set-of-5  by Linda Lewis

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.  ~W.J. Cameron

We're lucky enough to have paid off our home. We're retired. We have a comfortable lifestyle with lots of extras money can't buy - and we're very aware of how very lucky we are.
We're having something a little different this year for Thanksgiving. Instead of a turkey, we're having a swan. You get more stuffing. George Carlin

So, as we approach the official day of thanks-giving – I hope you can find a huge list of things for which you are truly thankful – and that you remember and appreciate EVERY SINGLE DAY!

The thing I’m most thankful for right now is elastic waistbands.  ~Author Unknown

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

Whoooooo-oooooooooo!

  
Fridge Magnet - Cross Stitch - "Halloween by Angela Kiefer



Halloween is such a fun holiday! I love its emphasis on dressing up, trick or treating, parties, good food and fun.
"A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween." Erma Bombeck.


Halloween - Trick-or-Treat-Bear by Debbie Garrett


It makes me feel ANCIENT that I trick-or-treated as a child with no adult supervision. A group of friends would gather and then head for the neighborhoods where the houses were close together, making for lots of good chances for wonderful treats.

“Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night.” Steve Almond

  Halloween – Basket- Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis

We ate half the candy we got while we were out! No adults with us or following us in cars. No indoor parties in lieu of trick-or-treating. No adults going through our goodies to be sure they were safe before we ate them.  It’s sad that the world has changed so much and that much of the fun of the holiday has had to be changed in order for our kids to be safe.

“When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, May luck be yours on Halloween.” Unknown

Hand-Painted-Glass-Halloween-Candy Glass by Rebecca Kelman

I’m delighted, though, that so many adults really put themselves out now to create a fun time for their kids. The holiday now can be just as much fun – just different. I also love to hear about the adults whose favorite holiday was always Halloween having big parties with their friends to add new memories to their cherished old ones. :0)

“We used to go around tipping outhouses over, or turning over corn shocks on Halloween. Anything to be mean.” Loretta Lynn

“Halloween”-Felted-Bowl by Sandi Myers

There is still time to order some wonderful things for your Halloween celebration, but you’ll need to hurry.

“Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.” Shakespeare ‘Macbeth’

 

Halloween – “Three-Triangles” by Charlene Bodero

Most of the products offered on Creative Artworks are made to order. This means that you need to allow creation time as well as shipping time. Other products are ordered from the manufacturer and require more time.

“From ghoulies and ghosties, And long-leggedy beasties, And things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us! Scottish Saying

   ”Harvest-Moon-Cat”-Embroidered-Hand-  Towel by Nancy Hearne

 

Please note the delivery times needed before you order to make sure you’ll have them in time for the holiday.  If there is any question, please email me at linda@creativeartworks.cc and I’ll contact the artist(s) involved to be sure.

“I’ll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.” Unknown

There are many things that are one-of-a-kind pieces. If you like something you see, snap it up while it’s still available!

“Eat, drink and be scary.” Unknown

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM CREATIVE ARTWORKS!