Gratitude

Vintage Christmas Decorations

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.6K views

In June we received a nicely wrapped gift bag from our oldest neighbor across the street, who stopped by to help us cut down the Pine Tree in our backyard. We had so much going on at the time that I grabbed the bag and set it somewhere in the garage. A couple of weeks later I opened it to see its contents and found a gorgeous set of Vintage Snoring Santa and a matching Vintage Santa Door Hanger, both battery operated (uses three “AA”). Also in the gift bag was a Water Globe Box with interchangeable top.

The first is the Santa Claus Wall/Door Hanger and plays ‘Jingle Bells’ when the sensor detects a presence and wishes a Merry Christmas to the Guest at the end of the song. It has a loop on the back for hanging and requires two “AA” batteries to operate.

Vintage Santa Door Hanger.
Vintage Musical Santa Face Door Hanger.

The second is Santa sound asleep in his bed. He snores and his belly moved up and down for approximately 20 seconds.

1993 Gemmy Snoring Santa.
1993 Gemmy Snoring Santa.

The third is the Kirkland Signature Water Globe Box. I love its interchangeable top which allows me to pick one of the two options. You can choose to either display Santa in the Globe or the Bird by the Chimney Flue.

Kirkland Signature Water Globe Box.
Kirkland Signature Water Globe Box.

Mrs. Santa Claus is made of felt with styrofoam head, plastic boots, felt clothing and cloth apron.

Vintage Mrs Santa Claus.
Vintage Mrs Santa Claus.

A couple of weeks ago I found the gorgeous Vintage Jewelbrite Star Angel Unbreakable Christmas Tree Topper at the Estate Liquidators. It will look lovely at the top of our White Christmas Tree.

Vintage Angel Tree Topper.
Vintage Angel Tree Topper.

Happy Christmas Decorating everyone!

Celebrating Thanksgiving

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read626 views

I love Thanksgiving as it is one of my favorite holidays. I love the joyful gatherings, food preparation, sweet sounds of laughter echoing throughout the House, listening to everyone take turns expressing their gratitude and even the clean up after the party. Thanksgiving is usually the time I reunite with people I haven’t seen in a long time, since most of us gather once a year, either during Thanksgiving or Christmas because we are many miles across the country from each other. I cherish the memories of Thanksgiving and carry them throughout the year.

Like every single day of my life, there is so much to be Thankful for: Life – Health – Peace – Joy – Family – Friends – Love and so much more. One more thing I wish for this year is having my Mother, whom I love so much, here with me. I want to see her and not just talk to her on a daily basis as we have become accustomed to. The same goes for my beloved Father. I want to express my gratitude for all she has done and sacrificed for me. I want to take care of her, celebrate her life and give back anyway I possibly can.

Seasoned Turkey.
Seasoned Turkey (Herbs and Spices).
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey.
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey.

This year, my husband will be roasting a Turkey and I am sure it will be as delicious as the one he did the previous year. My husband will be off for four days and my Son will be having a whole week off. We could even travel somewhere if time permits; sightseeing, exploring, visiting family and friends. Maybe we could forget about sightseeing and volunteer somewhere; brighten someone’s day and give to the less fortunate.

I am thankful for fond memories. Nothing is perfect in the World, but what I have is sufficient for me to thrive and give back. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and which I have carried with me on my way through Life. My prayers go out to the families of those who have lost so much, that they may find peace, comfort and strength in God’s faithfulness. I pray they may also find compassion and kindness in mankind.

“Be present at our table, Lord. Be here and everywhere adored. Thy creatures bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with Thee.” – John Cennick

Wishing you all a safe and blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones wherever you are.

Moment of Clarity

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read462 views

I awoke this morning for the first time (in what seems to be a very long time) feeling light.
After dropping my son to school and returned home to a daughter and husband still asleep, I decided to go to the backyard, check on my plants and have a moment. I didn’t try to understand or analyze the dream I had last night. I was free. I was set free. I felt free. I could feel the positive energy radiate around and within me.

At some point I felt like I was being watched. As I turned around, I saw a White Homing Pigeon or Dove perhaps staring back at me. The bird was on top of the roof of the backyard workshop and garage. For the next twenty minutes, I took pictures and a video. The bird stood still watching me watching it. I went back in, got my daughter ready for the day, called my Mom and went back out to find the bird on the same spot. As I began sharing my dream with my Mom and got towards the middle, I saw the bird coming towards me and then flying away.

White Homing Pigeon/Dove on the roof.
White Homing Pigeon/Dove on the roof.

I am so grateful for all the information I absorbed these past days and for the knowledge I acquired in the process. In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, I was blessed with a moment of clarity.

“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” – Vincent van Gogh

On The Road Again

EPEngineer By EPEngineer2 min read477 views

After sitting in my backyard car port for almost two years, I have my baby back. With two different motor jobs done on it and co-workers suggesting I should sell it and others encouraging me to “blow it” somewhere in my backyard (seriously guys?); I was determined to keep it. I have had my car for 13 years, I am the sole owner and I hope to pass it down to my son once he is ready to drive.

One night at work, I was talking to one of my co-workers and he mentioned that after going through a similar experience he was lucky enough to find a trustworthy shop who takes the time to listen to the customer’s problem and troubleshoot the cars while keeping the owner of the car updated every step of the way.
I contacted the shop the following week and was pleasantly surprised when the receptionist got the shop manager on the phone to listen to my problem. After giving him a brief summary of what I thought the issue with the car was as well as everything that was done to it; he gave me a couple of suggestions as how to proceed whether on my own or thru them. We pondered on our options and finally decided to take the car to them.

Car Being Towed.
2000 Acura Integra being towed to Dave’s Automotive Repair.

Within a couple of hours of them having my car in their possession, I got a phone call informing me of the steps taking so far and how they were planning to proceed. After almost two weeks and a couple of phone calls, I got the long-awaited phone call that the car was running and running strong. I have been driving it for a week now and it still feels strong. I can’t imagine myself parting with it.

In summary, if you are looking for professionalism and a trustworthy shop, I highly recommend Dave’s Automotive Repair located in Hesperia, CA. They specialize in a wide variety of Automotive repair as you can see on their website. They are straightforward, explain their findings and inform the customer of the potential cost before proceeding (with your consent, of course).

Dave’s Automotive Repair 

Address Location:
15940 Walnut St, Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: 1 (760) 244-0212
E-mail: davesautorpair@aol.com
Website: Dave’s Automotive Repair Or here.
Hours of Operations:

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Hesperia, CA 92345

Giving to Heal & Comfort

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read452 views

While beautiful, the month of September has been quite rough with tension rising and emotions running wild. Somethings have been out of place and we are working hard at getting them right back on track. Hopefully the month will end just as beautifully has it started and we will all move forward to better things.

I learned just a few days ago of the death of a friend’s Mother. I would have received it sooner had I reminded my Middle and High School mates of my change of e-mail address. I am so thankful at how swiftly some of us react when it comes to assisting one another in times of need. A team on site with the collaboration of those of us who can’t be there, is getting everything ready to physically, emotionally and financially support the grieving family as they deal with their loss. I love giving and I am honored to be part of such a positive group.

Image Source: Trans4Mind.com.
Image Source: JustMotivated.com.

Why should you give? For one it’s the right thing to do and it doesn’t cost you much. Give because it will make a difference and because giving is the start of a positive chain of action. What can you give?

  • Your Money. There are so many good charities out there in need of financial support.
  • Your Time. Donate your time to the less fortunate, offer to help feed the needy, help rebuild a home, be there for someone in need. Make a difference by volunteering.
  • Your Material. Donate things you no longer need as long as they’ve been gently used and non-perishable.
  • Yourself. Donate blood (American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers, Blood Banker). Donate your hair to provide hair replacements/wigs for people who have lost their hair from cancer due to chemotherapy (Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Wigs for Kids, Children with Hair Loss). Think about the possibilities of becoming an organ donor.

“That’s what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.” ― Simone De Beauvoir