Symbols of the Season

These are a few of my favorite things:

Old tiny brass hearts with crosses on their shoulders are one of my favorite symbols of the Season. I call them Holy Hearts as they once adorned a huge wooden heart that hung in an ancient Mexican monastery.

I was instantly drawn to the big red heart in a gallery in New Mexico a few years ago and brought it home to hang in the entry of my small Santa Fe casita.  I was told the hearts represented people who the nuns prayed for throughout the century the monastery existed. Its sacred presence greets me when I enter my old adobe.

Antique Mexican Angel

In the casita’s tiny family room there is an antique Mexican angel hanging over the fireplace. It reminds me of the holiness of this time of year especially when I listen to ancient hymns of angels singing.

Native American Cross

I was in Taos this fall and saw my long-time Native American friend Pam who lives on the Pueblo Indian Reservation. She showed me a unique handmade cross which she crafted from special clay found on the sacred Pueblo land where Taos Mountain stands. It now hangs in a special place near my altar.

Nature’s Beauty of the Season

On a walk in the country back in Northern California, I came across a glorious cluster of brilliant red berries that took my breath away. Like the brass hearts, carved angel and clay cross, nature imitates art and deserves our attention to stop and revere its beauty in this season of all things holy.

And speaking of nature, there are lush green bushes I see through the window this morning blooming in my front yard. I grabbed my old beat-up yellow nippers and carefully cut tiny branches of red flowers.

Old Saint Nick

I arranged them in two glass vases on either side of a vintage Santa complete with a reindeer and snowman. The three of them, the flowers and two whimsical chickens, are the Season’s centerpiece on my kitchen table – a festive gathering indeed!

A Christmas Dragon

And finally, my holiday home would not be complete without the red Christmas Dragon for Toby to snuggle with.  It was a gift several years ago from his Aunt Michele who loves him almost as much as I do. She volunteers at the Marin Humane Society and insists he is one-in-a-million. I couldn’t agree more!

Nature Imitating Art

I hope all of you enjoy your favorite things that represent this fabulous time of year in your home.  And don’t forget to look in your own back yard for nature’s vast array of beauty to embellish your rooms. You’ll be amazed what the presence of nature can add to the way your rooms look, feel and smell.

Blessings and Gratitude

I wish you all the happiest of Holidays!  Thank you so much for reading and commenting on my blogs plus taking Eye for Beauty and giving it as a gift!

I bow in gratitude to all of you and my associates Marshall, Jackie, Pat, Scott, Holly, Shawn and Laurie. I wish you love, peace and joy. Have a sparkling New Year and we’ll see you the second week of January!

Love and blessings,