Life's Lessons ~ Under The Tuscan Sun

Under The Tuscan Sun starring Diane Lane, is one of my favourite movies! Not only for the fabulous Tuscan setting, but also for the subtle lessons it teaches us about surviving Life Transitions. Sure we may not have the budget to jump on a plane and escape to Italy or have friends with a trip ticket they aren't able to use. The movie follows Lane's character as she creates her life after an unexpected divorce.

Though  Life Transition and it's challenges are faced not only by people going through a divorce, it applies to anyone who finds the person they are is no longer familiar or the life they are living no longer fits.

If you have never seen Under The Tuscan Sun, I encourage you to add it to your must see list.

With a fresh new year upon us waiting to write yet another chapter in our life!  is the perfect time to to start taking steps towards making that life transition you have been dreaming of, a reality.

The first step towards your new life, is deciding that you are going to leave behind the past, no matter how good or bad it may be/have been. It no longer fits and you know no amount of alterations is going to make it fit you or you to fit it, again. 

 " What may appear to be the end is a wonderful new beginning waiting to start"

Yes.... 

the unknown can be scary. 

And you may stumble along the way. 

But knowing on the highway of creating your new life, you will come to the exit you have been seeking.....

Is worth a broken heel or two....

Good-bye Ms. Christmas Teapot

Welcome to the first Afternoon Tea of 2012 ... I'm so happy that you have clicked over for a visit.

During the busy time of the holidays, I combined my ATTEATUDE and Chocolate tea posts here at HHL. It was just going to be for the holiday season as I was getting very overwhelmed with keeping up with posting; But not only did I realize it was much easier writing/posting on one blog; Readers of HHL emailed to say they were really enjoying these posts, so for the next few months, I will continue to incorporate the two blogs here at HHL.

So...here we go,....

Now that all the holiday rushing around and entertaining, has come to a halt, it's time to start putting away the Christmas decor. Including this lovely Christmas teapot. So, while lounging the day away New Year's Day, Mr. G. and I used our Christmas teapot for the final time, until Christmas returns, 12 months from now.

Things sweet Christmas mugs will also be saying till next Christmas too!, after this tea.The sturdy mugs are by 222 Fifth and the pattern is Paisley Ornaments. The colours are much more vibrant than the photo shows.

To accompany our tea we indulged in some homemade white chocolate chip cookies, Angel P's nieces and nephew baked for us.

This is a better photo, you can see the white chocolate chunks! We were each given our own little bag, with accompanying gift tag.

I love this teapot, it really reflects the season with the snow covered pine-cones, and it's red, green, and white colour. The ceramic teapot is made in China by CR -Christmas Collection and is called "Old Saint Nick"

Of course the Red Cardinal, is a reminder that the  garden and it's feathery friends are staying warm and out of sight.

The handle of the teapot is finished off with a grande bow!

Mr. G loves these Christmas mugs for their generous handle. 

And this little guy is saying ... Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Thanking for visiting and taking the time to comment.

Sharing tea with these wonderful Hostesses!!
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi 

Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish

Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Lady Katherine

Martha's & Terri's Tea Time Tuesday

Table Top Tuesday

Tuesday Tea for Two ...3

Teacup Thursdays

Back to Basics ~ handwritten letters

Whenever I receive a letter, cards or postcards from people my day seems to brighten just a little more. I am able to hold something in my hand that someone took the time to write to me; not cut and paste after typing it on a keyboard and emailing or texting to others. I know that the person actually thought about me as they personalized a little note, placed the card in an envelope and took it to the post office ~ instead of just being part of an email group receiving a generic card via email or text.

Yes, technology enables us to send communication at lightening speeds, while a mailed envelope can take a week or more to arrive, depending where you live. But there is something technology can not give...you will never see the beautiful penmanship which only a handwritten letter can show, or the struggle which only through handwriting you can feel by seeing the scribbled words on paper, of an elderly or ill loved one {who despite the difficulty - cared enough to out pen to paper just for YOU}. From a child, handwritten letters and notes will let you feel the excitement they are experiencing by the way their writing becomes large in certain places.

To me there is just something warm about a letter, its really like receiving a hug.

How many times have you heard of someone regretting an email or text they sent in the heat of the moment.
Well, if they had handwritten it, they would certainly have calmed down by the time they wrote it; placed it in an envelope; addressed it and mailed it. Perhaps allowing them the time needed to decide NOT to send, what they just wrote.

One of the greatest things about writing a letter the old fashion way...

No internet connection is required!

And you can write it anywhere!!!

When was the last time you wrote a letter?

Why not surprise someone today and let them know you are thinking of them, with a card or handwritten letter, mailed at a post office...

How about joining BLOGLAND Pen Pals ...
you will be matched with someone who also is looking to exchange handwritten letters, cards and postcards mailed via post office (not email, msn, texting etc.). Not only will you be contributing to keeping the Art of Letter Writing alive, you will make a new friend and possibly learn about the way of life in another part of the world! To learn more about BlogLand Pen Pal CLICK HERE.

There are no costs for joining or being matched!!

And for the cost of a stamp, the smile you will bring to someone's day PRICELESS!!!