Vivez Bien * Live Well

Sunday, January 5, 2014

"Undecorating"


I love a new year. I love that feeling of renewed hope, both for myself and the world in general. I have stopped making resolutions that I don't or can't keep, but I do feel that 2014 has the potential to be a fabulous year for all of us.

To quote Einstein " Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

To my readers all over the world, a heartfelt thank you for your continued support of my blog and wishing you a New Year filled with possibilities!



On to today's post.... as much as I love decorating for Christmas, I think I prefer the "undecorating" after the event.


You might find it hard to believe, but I think I might be a closet minimalist.


When all the decorations are down and packed away, my home looks very bare and uncluttered and I love it.


The furniture seems to have more room to breath without being adorned with accessories.....



The art on the walls doesn't have to compete for attention....


...the light fittings become more noticeable....


....the air flows through the rooms...


...and the few decorative items that are displayed make more of a statement.


But, alas, it doesn't last!


I like beautiful things...


....and I like displaying beautiful things....


 ....and I probably have too many beautiful things....


....so they slowly, but surely creep back out of the cupboards and onto a table here or a dresser there....


...and before I know it, the minimalist look is gone.



Do you suffer from the same malaise?



What I should do, is keep many of my things packed away....


....and when I want to take something out to display, force myself to remove something else...a sort of rotation basis...


I have a friend who is like that with her wardrobe....every time she buys a new item of clothing, she forces herself to throw an existing item out!


Sadly, I don't think I have that kind of discipline....


...and I am quite attached to many of my things....


So I just have to rely on Christmas coming every year (luckily, so far, its been very reliable)


...and then I can make a fresh start after the "undecorating".



Till next time
x Sharon


Image source: 1. Cote de Texas 2. Sweet Montana 3. Cote de Texas 4.  Decorare  13. Cote de Texas 18.  From Greenwich 19.  Rik Storms 20. Christophe Living.com 21.  Under Spanish Moss.  All other pictures from Tumblr and Pinterest



Monday, December 16, 2013

Peace on Earth


I was at an all girls high school and every year the whole school of about 600 girls would put on a Christmas Carol Service for the public to come and listen to.


We would practice for hours every day in the months leading up to this big event.
 
 
We all had to wear white knee length dresses and have our hair neatly tied back.
 
 
 Some of the carols were sung in other languages, and there were harmonies, descants and alto's.


It really was a beautiful occasion and to this day, many, many years later, I still remember the whole of Silent Night in German and Oh Come all ye Faithful in Latin.


A recording was made of the event and every year, when we decorate our Christmas tree, I play the CD of The Collegiate Carols and take a trip down memory lane. 
 

 
We ended the carol service with a very moving hymn called "Deep Peace"....


...and it is with these words that I would like to extend best wishes to you, my wonderful readers......



Deep peace of the running wave to you....
Deep peace of the flowing air to you....
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you....
Deep peace of the shining stars to you....
Amen





Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful year ahead.
 
Till next time
 
Sharon x



Image source: 1. Unknown, 2. Simplypix, 3-10.  Tumblr, 11. Zsa Zsa Bellagio 

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Nelson Mandela - A Shining Light

 
With every candle we light this festive season, we will remember your greatness, your humanity and your humility. May you rest in peace, Madiba.
 



















 
 







 


Till next time
 
Sharon x