Upon A Country Knoll

Is This What Christmas Has Become???

"Shoppers at a Walmart store knocked down and trampled a worker to death when he opened the doors for shoppers to come in. If that is not disgusting enough, other workers were trampled when they tried to aid him and other shoppers including a woman who was 8 months pregnant were also injured."    

   I was shocked and horrified when I read this caption on another forum that I belong too. This is horrible, inexcuseable and down right disgusting!  People acting like maniacs and so filled with greed that they would trample another human being just to save a few dollars on some material thing all in the name of "Christmas"!  Every year there is less and less of the Christmas spirit to the holidays and this year is no exception.  It disgusts me the way these people acted.  If you go to yahoo.com or do a search for the news story you can read the entire disgusting event.  I learned from the news story that "when shoppers were asked to leave the store they complained and tried to continue to shop?"  What???  Is this what we want children to learn that it's okay for adults to fight, shove and treat others like this all because it's "Black Friday" and the cause is acceptable being it's for Christmas?  I can't believe society has stooped so low, yes it's hard economic times for many but does that give us a right to do whatever is necessary to the point of hurting others all to make sure little Bobby or cutie Susie have what their hearts desire under the tree come Christmas morning? 

  If this is what Christmas has become than count me out! I refuse to buy into the hype of retailers and greed.  It's all greed, look around...does anyone really express "good will" to others anymore?  The person cutting you off to claim a parking place and showing you their sentiments with the wave of one finger sure doesn't show any feelings of good will towards others, nor does the customer who pushes his/her way around grabbing anything and everything they can and then come up behind you while you wait at the registrer and ram their overloaded cart into your heel, hip or "behind" in a rushed attempt to cash out so they can head to the next store for even more "stuff"!  

  The Friday after Thanksgiving is one of leisure for us, we're not ones to get up at 4am to drive to a store in the pitch black of night to save a few dollars on some "thing" that later won't be of much importance, anyway.  So, while others rush around for bargains we are happy to spend the day relaxing at home, dining on left overs, watching TV or working on projects.  Christmas shopping- like most things these days has become much too stressful.  I much rather go shopping during the week when stores and traffic are less crowded.  There's no hurry to get from one store to another in time for early bird specials and while we may end up paying slightly more for an item it's well worth it to keep our sanity and the spirit of the shopping season enjoyable. 

   The news story both saddens and sickens me, there is no excuse for what was done to the store employee or the other customers.  If buying presents is all about personal greed and trying to save a few dollars while risking other's well being then where is the joy of the season?  Let's stop and remember the real meaning of Christmas....the most humble and yet glorious event that began on the very first Christmas morning with the Babe laying in the manger.  The wishes of "Good will to all", "joy" and "peace" that surrounded that Blessed birth that began in a lowly stable long ago in Bethlehem.  Love truly is the greatest gift of all!  Please pause a moment sometime today to say a prayer for the man who lost his life in the stampede of greed, for his family who now has to endure heartache and sadness this holiday season and for the other employees and shoppers who were injured.  My thoughts and prayers are with them.       

Peacefully,  Sher  

Early Morning Crafting....

  Good Morning!  I started the morning with some crafting on this lil' snowman.  He's made from burlap and isn't just a regular guy he's supposed to be a primitive snowman! LOL 

Measuring in at about 4" tall he'll find a place either displayed on the tree, a wreath or sitting nestled amongst some rusty bells and pinecones in a small basket.  I haven't decided which option will be his display but wherever he is I hope brings a smile! I think he needs a tiny cardinal sitting on his twig hand or something to add even more character.  Any ideas? Also, perhaps a bit more tea staining since the burlap I used was cream color and while it took the color of the tea stain it didn't blotch it for aging...maybe a spray of walnut crystal mixture will be in the works for this lil' guy!  Oh well, I thought he was finished but I guess it's back to the crafting table he goes!  

Thanks for visiting, have a joyful & creative day!

Peace, Sher

The Joy Of Anticipation!

   It's been very cold here in the northeast with temps and windchills in the  lower teens and dipping into the single digits at times! Brr!!!!  While we're used to having cold temps and some snow we're not used to having it this cold nor as much snow as has been falling in mid November in our neck of the woods!  Some areas have been hit hard with a whopping 2 feet of snow or more at one time with the recent lake effect snow bands sweeping through!  It's hard to not want to get the Christmas decorations up with the weather adding to the holiday feeling but we'll wait it out until after Thanksgiving as we always do.  Half the fun of most things in life is looking forward to them and so we'll enjoy these days of anticipation and remain patient a bit longer knowing the delight will be felt even more when the time finally arrives.  

    I often think that half the stress of life these days (besides these hard economic times, of course) is that most folks fall into the trap of instant gratification.  Somewhere along the way we've forgotten the fun of anticipation.   When the stores decided to be rid of free lay-away plans many (ourselves included) stopped saving and planning for purchases and out came the credit cards!  It was easier to justify buying something on credit because it seemed the thing to do, no one, not even retailers promoted the idea of waiting for purchases any longer. The stores ended layaway and started to jump the seasons and holidays, it's no laughing matter that Christmas decorations are out and available in October and yet come two weeks before Christmas and you're needing a new set of lights or tree topper it's harder to find those items because everything is picked over.  While the bargains may be great I don't like the way the stores look right after Christmas, merchandise strewn here and there, everything has lost it's shimmer and shine and what we may be okay with paying big money for something before Christmas now doesn't warrant even a second look even with a clearance price!  And why, you may ask? Well, I believe it's because there is not much to make the item worthy of buying, the anticipation is over and with it the fun of making the purchase. How many times have we all bought something for someone we care about just for the simple joy of watching them open it and squeal with delight on Christmas morning!  At the time the price wasn't as important as the fun of anticipation we experienced in the giving of the gift. 

   So, while Christmas songs blare on the radio, holiday shows air on TV and we're bombarded with gift giving ideas in glossy newspaper ads, store signs and seemingly unending strings of commercials, let's remember it's still only November.  Thanksgiving has yet to arrive,  although we are eagerly counting down the days and anticipating a blessed and thankful day shared with family as we feast and have fun together!  On our road, we're proberly one of only a few houses that is still displaying a harvest decor of cornstalks, pumpkins, pilgrims and turkeys!  Most have given in to the Christmas decorating spirit (some as early as the end of October!) and seemed to have forgotten all about Thanksgiving.  The cold temps and snow do make it easier to want to push ahead towards the next holiday but for us, we'll wait it out and relish in the added joy of  anticipation!   Wasn't it Little House's -Ma Ingall's that told her girls "half the fun of something is looking forward to it!" and ya know I have to agree with that statement, many times I've found it to be true! 

  Peace, Sher

A Cold, Windy Sunday

  The day started off cold but atleast the heavy rains from yesterday had eased up.  While the winds blew strong and flurries danced on the wind it was a good day to stay at home and work on projects  which is what we did! I got the notion to redo our homemade Nativity stable the other day and after taking it apart I was begining to regret my idea to do so.  Hubby and I went into the woods last Friday while the weather was unusually warm and dry to collect tree bark, branches and naturals to adorn the stable, when we first made it several years ago we had used scrap wood and made a basic shape of a stable.  The roof we used little shingles which were curved on the end but really, once it was completed it looked more like a gingerbread roof or something and not at all rustic like a stable needs to be (atleast to my way of thinking).  So, yesterday we started to rebuild the stable but it wasn't long before frustration set in and I no longer could envision the look I wanted for the stable.  Today, I went into the basement and just started playing around with bark pieces and bits of moss, soon it was begining to actually look less like a gingerbread house and more like a stable.  Here's a pic, although it doesn't really do it justice since it's hard to get the 3-D effect of the stable.  

Hubby removed all the small roof shingles and placed large pieces of tree bark in their place, the lines on the back of the stable are slits that were cut into the plywood to give the resemblance of wood plank walls.  It was a good project and we're sure it will showcase our special Nativity set just beautifully!  I'll post another pic when it's all set up but that won't be until sometime after December 1st since we don't decorate before then. 

Once the stable was finished to our satisfaction I went back to work on the crochet towel toppers,

I'm happy to report that all 9 are completed and I have made the matching yarn buttons and have them attached as well! Whew! It actually was a fun project and I may be making a few more after the holidays by using regular dishtowels for year round use! 

Well, guess that's about it from our country knoll for today. It's time to move along and settle in for the night.  Thanks for stopping for a visit!

Peace, Sher   

The Christmas Challenge!

  As posted on several blogs..."Old Crow Farm- by Sher/Keith" and "Kitty's Korner" a challenge has gone out to all who care to share the joy of giving to others who may be in need of some Christmas cheer! 

  We, (hubby and I) have decided to buy for needy children this year.  Each year Wal-Mart has a tree near the entrance with tags with gift ideas and sizes for a child who otherwise may not have a Christmas.  As with most folks, money is very tight for us as well but we will be purchasing the items in the name of a family member or friend who we normally buy for but who doesn't need or want any more "stuff".  It's like double gifting only so much more rewarding! LOL 

  Also, I would ask that those who have a fondness for our furry friends on this earth will remember them as well through donations for the animal shelters.  Most shelters have a list of things that they are always in need of and of course the gift of cash is most welcome.  We specify what our donation may go to so that we are assured the money goes towards the animals care first and foremost and administrative needs secondly. 

   Our church usually has what is called "The Giving Tree", set out each year and it's branches are loaded down with gifts of new hats, gloves, mittens, socks, etc., well before Christmas and used by agencies to distribute to those most in need of such items.

   So many times there are elderly or those confined to home day after day.  How nice it would be for them to receive a warm greeting of Christmas cheer through a simple Christmas card, a home baked goodie or perhaps even just a phone call to let them know that they are remembered and not forgotten amongst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 

  This year will be difficult for many (ourselves included) but I believe we can and will have one of the most wonderous of Christmas holidays in spite of and perhaps because of, these hard economic times.  Maybe this is the year that the Spirit of Christmas will shine through the glitz and shimmer of shiny baubles and gailey wrapped gifts.  A candle in the window to light the way, an evergreen wreath with pretty red bow to welcome others into our homes, a simple tree adorned with treasured ornaments passed down through the years, and a place of honor where all may stop and reflect on the humble stable that awaits the arrival of our newborn Savior and the joy and hope that His birth has brought into our lives.  

   Thanks to dear hearts like Kitty, Sher (of Old Crow Farm) and those who join in their Christmas Challenge we can brighten the lives of many who may not otherwise know the joy of this holiday season.  May the true meaning of the holiday shine brightly in all our hearts and homes this year! 

   Peace,  Sher

   *Quick side note- please don't forget to enjoy the blessings and gratitude of Thanksgiving...so many times it is overlooked and forgotten and to some (like me!), this day is much to special a tradition to be skipped.  Just my humble opinion of course!  

Resting, Reflecting & Redirecting....

  I've had a few days to rest, reflect and now I'm ready to redirect my paths.  It's amazing what a break can do for one's spirits and attitude!  Truly, it was a much needed and enjoyed distance and diversion from the little things that were getting on my nerves.  Without such mini breaks we can easily become overwhelmed and filled with frustrations and I felt that was what had happened to me.  I let the little things bother me and after having time to reflect back I realize that those issues that were irritating my nerves were truly of no consequence to me.  In other otherwords, they were just stupid irritations based on erronous thinking, there how's that for some psych talk 101! LOL 

 Since the short time away our family has increased and we are overjoyed to welcome a new baby girl into our hearts.  Her parents are my nephew and his wife and it's their first child!  She came into the world weighing just over 10lbs, a big girl from such a tiny mother but thankfully both Mommy and Baby are doing fine!  The little family will be coming home next weekend for an early Thanksgiving and we're excited to see this precious baby girl in person!

  Also, while away, I was able to complete several more crocheted dish towel toppers and once they are all done I have some sewing waiting on me!  'Tis the time of year for crafting holiday gifts and like others I too will have my days filled with creativity for the next few weeks!  I enjoy crafting all year and at this time of year I usually get special requests from family to complete some projects for them that they intend to give as gifts.  It's a busy time and I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment with each completed project! Here's a pic of the toppers I have done, just need to sew on a button on each tab.

      I have atleast six more toppers to crochet and my Christmas craft for family and friends will be finished! It's been a good project to use up some of yarn stash that I've collected and minimal cost since the towels were purchased for only $1.00 a piece! 

    Well, I best be heading back to the kitchen, it's a cold night and so hubby will be wanting something warm for supper.  It's been nice visiting with ya'll and I look forward to being back again soon! 

    Peace & Joy,  Sher