Last night as I watched the ball in Times Square, NYC start to ascend up the tower, I thought the ball seemed brighter this year. Granted this is my mind’s eye, but it was different. As the ball disappeared saying goodbye to 2019 and welcoming 2020 in lights, the world had an epiphany moment. The beginning of a new decade as well as a new year. I wondered if many had the same feelings as myself of new restored hope and faith for the present and future days.

Do you keep a daily journal, (back in the days it was known as a diary)? I admit I try to keep one for each year. There are many days in each journal that were missing. I have kept both biblical and personal journals. Anyway, I pulled a few out last night to reflect and remember the journey I have been following for the past ten years. As I perused, I read documentation of my written prayers, business decisions, and the highs and lows of life. Glaringly, realization came to light that I didn’t record the days of even travel. You know, the days we consider uneventful. Are they? Are they uneventful? Or am I just not taking the few moments to reflect over the entire day and see that small snapshot of a moment. Maybe it was a smile from a stranger, a child or grandchild having a first time experience or maybe it’s a small growth experience. That small little blessing to bring joy, strength, or increase in hope and faith. How many have I overlooked? Too many for sure.

I’m really not sure where this blog is going. Just have thoughts of reflection rolling around with no definitive landing. What I do know, is my new year resolution will be keeping a daily journal “daily”. Each day I am going to commit to silent my mind, reflect and at minimum write a sentence. I really believe this is doable for me. “January 1, 2020. Dear Diary… “

What will your reachable resolution be for 2020 and the years to come? It will definitely be filled with new experiences in your journey of life. Wouldn’t it be fun to write them down?

Happy New Year, Happy New Decade! May the roaring 20’s be filled with blessings of good health, prosperity and a bright future for you and yours. ~ Robin

It’s Cyber Monday and Nesting By Robin is participating. If you’re looking for Christmas decorations or Christmas gift ideas, take a peek and see!

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NestingByRobin

Do you recall your first pet?  Was it a dog, cat, frog, goldfish, tadpoles, or hamster?  When I think back, our parent’s home had one or more of these pets during our childhood.  There was a time when Mom really wasn’t appreciative when I brought home a snake.  That’s another story to share later…  However my very first pet and one of my fondest was a dachshund, Jasper.

Jasper was a full size dachshund.  He was completely black accept for his brown eyebrows and paws.  Through my toddler eyes, he was big and solid.  I loved him!  Jasper would let me roll all over him, tug his ears and tail, all the while laying patiently as I played with him.  A child’s dream dog.

Yes, Jasper was a great family dog.  However, he was the greatest escape artist.  When Mom would let him out in the evening, Jasper always was able escape from the fenced in backyard.  I can remember being put in the car and Mom driving through the neighborhood streets to find him.  Sometimes, we would be lucky and find him.  Other times, he would be gone for two to three days and then return home.  There was a joke between my parents that Jasper had a girlfriend.  This escapade went on for a few years until the last great escape when Jasper never returned home.  I was heart broken.  But, as I stated before we had other pets growing up including a beagle/springer spaniel mix named Spot, (we’ll save the stories of Spot for another time).   Jasper will always have a special place in my heart.

Why the story?  I found this adorable sign at #biglots of a black dachshund dressed in plaid for Christmas.  This find  immediately sent my thoughts to Jasper.  So of course I had to purchase it!  Then I found these adorable dachshund ornaments.  Yep, purchased them, brought my treasures home and began to design a Dachshund Christmas Wreath honoring my first pet, Jasper.  I’m loving it!

I’m still tweaking, but here is a picture.  I’m thinking I need bones, what do you think?

If you’re interested in having this adorable wreath as part of your Christmas decor, here is the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/739105298/rustic-christmas-dog-wreath-for-front?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

Nesting By Robin’s Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/NestingByRobin

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nestingbyrobin

Wreaths…during Holidays and Special Occasions we think about wreaths for our front and back doors, as wall decor and even as centerpieces.   There are large wreaths, small wreaths, and different shapes yet they are beautiful and add so much to your home decor.

But, have you ever wondered the history of wreaths?  This history takes us back to the ancient culture of the Persian Empire.  Wreaths were actually called diadems, meaning “a thing bound around”.  They would use a band of fabric worn around the brow of a royal bonnet, symbolizing royalty.

The next era in history was the Greek Empire.  During the Greek Olympics wreaths made of various leaves were used as prizes.  They were typically made from olive or laurel leaves.  The meaning of the wreath became the symbol of peace.

Diadems and wreaths didn’t go unnoticed by the rest of the world’s elite.  Soon the upper classes of their countries were designing headdresses of their own.  They made them with precious metals and jewels from which they became very ornate.

In time, all social classes wore wreaths to celebrate special occasions and to honor religious holidays.  As history continued the wreath transitioned from “wreaths as a head ornament” to “wreaths as a wall or door decoration”.  The transition may have started with someone loving their festival headdress and placed it on their wall or door to be on display as a memory.  I can imagine that clearly, can you?

Today, we don’t have to be among the upper classes or elite to display a beautiful wreath.  Now, the wreath is a symbol of “Welcome” to our neighbors and friends.  It also continues to be an important symbol of holiday decorating.

There are other places in your home where a wreath can add that very special touch with your perfect door wreath!  You can add a small wreath in a bathroom or bedroom designed with small dainty flowers and a cute bird perched on her nest will add beauty, color and texture on a wall or mirror.  A festive wreath over the fireplace plus adding matching garland and candles will be a beautiful focal point during the Christmas holiday season, (don’t forget your tree!)  This, too adds color and texture to your room.  Dining rooms and kitchens are no exception.  A decorative wreath surrounding candles makes a great centerpiece arrangement on your buffet or dining table.  Small kitchen themed wreaths adds character to your kitchen decor.

There are many places in your home where wreaths are pretty, appropriate, and draw the eye of friends and guests…just tap into your creativity! ~ Robin

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Looking for the perfect wreath, shop Nesting By Robin’s Etsy Shop.                                      https://www.etsy.com/shop/NestingByRobin

Can you believe it’s Labor Day Weekend?! How many of you have plans for a cook out with family and friends? I know our family has plans. To be honest I can guarantee the ladies attending will be sitting around enjoying the barbecue and shopping online. They will be sharing and discussing all the great finds from the Labor Day Weekend Sales. What can I say, they love to eat and shop.

If your family is like ours, be sure to check out Nesting By Robin’s Labor Day Weekend Sale. I am offering great prices and guaranteed free shipping!

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Every week on Nesting By Robin’s Facebook page, I go live for Create and Chat Tuesday, (C & C Tuesday). Join me in the craft nest at 1:15 PM EDT. https://www.facebook.com/NestingByRobin

If you’re interested in additional products I have in my Etsy Shop,  visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/NestingByRobin

Do you have a talent or skill set that has been dormant?  You’ve discovered a new talent and have been so focused you haven’t thought about it in months or years?   A new project came to mind for me to create and I needed to do a little dusting off.

Sitting in the corner of the craft nest was my sewing machine.  An old friend that my mother bought for me when I was a eleven years old.  Next to it was a portable sewing machine that I bought shortly after I married.  Both have not been used in years.  I was so inspired with my new project I picked up the portable, set it on the craft nest and opened it.  I carefully cleaned it and checked the machine over.  It was in great condition!  Ready to go to work!

I carefully designed my patterns, something I haven’t done in a while.  Just like learning the skill to ride a bike, it all came back.  Before long I was sewing together a Halloween fabric pumpkin.  A joy came over me while continuing to put together eight more of various sizes.

While sewing the granddaughters came in to see what I was doing.  They never seen me sew and they were intrigued.  They began to ask questions and wanted to learn.  It was so much fun watching them feel the power of the sewing machine.  Seeing the joy on their faces when they accomplished each small task.  Even stuffing the pumpkins, lol!  They were so inspired they were coming up with their own creative ideas.  Thank goodness I have two sewing machines for them to create, if you know what I mean!

In short, it was a great dusting off day!  Below are pictures of what we had created!

Aren’t they cute!  They are available in my Etsy Shop!  Free Domestic Shipping

URL to the listings are below the pictures for your convenience.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/717372748/halloween-fabric-pumpkins-fall-pumpkins?ref=shop_home_active_3&frs=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/731237955/halloween-fabric-pumpkins-fall-pumpkins?ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/731242567/halloween-fabric-pumpkins-fall-pumpkins?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1  (crochet ghost not included)

Be sure to sign up your email for future notifications regarding my blog, new products and sales!

Every week on Nesting By Robin’s Facebook page, I go live for Create and Chat Tuesday, (C & C Tuesday). Join me in the craft nest at 1:15 PM EDT. https://www.facebook.com/NestingByRobin

If you’re interested in additional products I have in my Etsy Shop,  visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/NestingByRobin