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Let there be…

30966989-F009-458C-A820-7951995A564BAn enormous crowd … people from many nations were gathered…young and old…friends and families waiting in peaceful anticipation as- 015697A6-E8CC-494B-8D8E-34D6C8F599C9

A glorious display of fireworks began…intertwined with music and a chorus of voices singing…D498C228-B22F-4BD8-97CD-3D60E81A2CA1

‘Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me. 015697A6-E8CC-494B-8D8E-34D6C8F599C9

Let there be peace on Earth, The peace that was meant to be. 5095ADCF-32FC-42B2-B5DA-7AADDC256CDB

With God as our Father- Brothers all are we. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony! EA3E422F-91E4-4F4E-9E4F-F85651A32AC0

Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now. With every step I take, Let this be my solemn vow: To take each moment and live each moment- In peace eternally. 6969BF50-E9C9-4182-859B-F6BDF777E04C

Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me!’32B64D7B-4649-4CEC-8F28-9B2423FB4715

The night sky was filled with points of light- bright white fireworks, the crowd quietly exclaimed. Some, like me- shed a few tears… As the beautifully illuminated faces of children of all ages…

B165CDF6-D653-45C1-8651-CDE950B7BF28For one brief shining moment stood in perfect harmony. A perfect celebration of the Prince of Peace. And so, I wish you all, a Happy New Year, filled with Peace and Harmony.

Love y’all, CamelliaE1BBA3F9-ADA9-4E09-9F46-8992E872C73F

*Fireworks Display from the Holiday IllumiNations held at Epcot – Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida. The song, Let there be Peace on Earth, was written for the International Children’s Choir in 1955 by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller. Copyright rules may apply. Photographs obviously taken by me.67EFC5DB-5BDA-4FA4-A81B-55AA1875AE3A

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A Christmas Prayer…

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O Lord our God,

For many the holiday season brings an extra measure of darkness. Some wander quietly through catacombs recalling precious memories of loved ones now gone from this earth. For some hushed voices in dim hospital rooms bear dire diagnoses. Others are dogged with broken dreams, nagging problems and bear daily struggles…trudging through with hopelessness and despair.

For these we pray to the Light of the World, Who came to earth under cover of a dark womb; Who was born on a dark night, Whose Birth Announcement shone forth on darkened fields to shepherds guarding their flocks by night. How thankful we are that You chose to enter into the human experience of dark days.

Will You once again fling out the stars, bring hope and heavenly hosts bursting forth with songs only angels dare to sing? Will You give us clear direction on how to find the Babe wrapped not in Royal Robes, but in the warmth and security of earthbound swaddled clothes. Bring to us Wise Men bearing the richest gifts of all- that of worshipping the Truth, the Life, the Savior of Mankind.

May we become as the gentle stable creatures who offered quiet constant solace to others. Grant to us a new awareness of Your Abiding Love- which never ends, never forsakes in our darkest hours. Shine forth in all of Your Glory and bring Peace to troubled hearts.

May our own kindness and goodwill toward men continue well into the coming year ahead for troubles do not always end as the holiday season passed. In the midst of our human darkness, may angel songs shine forth. In the Name of Jesus, Who dared to come to earth as a Tiny Babe on a dark night, we make our Christmas Prayer.  Amen and Hallelujah!

With Warm Wishes for Abundant Blessings in the New Year and a very Merry Christmas!

Love y’all, Camellia

*This prayer has been edited from one written December 23, 2104; Wreath signifying His Evergreen Fragrant Love, was photographed at Camellia’s Cottage.

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Merry and Bright…

586E3884-4F57-4E51-88C5-75F3EC0E27A0The days are shorter, the holidays are upon us- it’s the Time to be Merry and Bright, right? Unfortunately, with a few days to go…some feel dreary and dull, weary and worn, overwhelmed. Good gatherings, the best parties should be an escape from the daily routine- the ones that take on a Childlike Joy, where the Unexpected, the Amusing and Heartwarming Set the Stage for a departure from Daily Cares. Why bring everyday concerns to a party?  Why would you want to mope and cope- when you could take part in light hearted flirting? Or laugh at an outrageous comment delivered with a deadpan look? Or there could be Music or Mingling and Moving about? A good party is a brief Vacation- a departure from the daily cares. 2189CBC5-F185-49B0-8546-8423A8B8BFF8

With just a few days to go… here’s a few Merry and Bright Ideas…

  • Keep the Food confined to What Folks really want to eat! Fried Chicken beats Caviar any day!
  • Guests really do want to know the answer to – ‘What can I bring?’ – let the answer be helpful to the hostess- ‘Bring a couple of bags of Ice’ or ‘Bring your favorite dip or side dish’. Guests really do like to help-
  • Why not assign someone the job of collecting coats? Another might stand at the doors with a tray of something to drink. Even glasses of ice water loosen folks up, and start conversation.
  • Have guests help unload cars, bring in offerings of food or drink. When you get everyone in on the act- there is a sort of being Merry and Bright that naturally occurs. 1A8FC01D-8570-418F-B632-DAAE37CE9154

A few days ahead, assign someone to plan a short program- ask them to send out a few emails to guests who are natural born leaders or entertainers- that say-

  • ‘Tell a funny Christmas story’ ‘Please do a short holiday reading- your choice’. ‘Plan to lead us in a Christmas Carol.’  Believe me, give them a conversation starter or an easy task and most folks will rise to the occasion!

One of my favorite things to do for a party is to add Merry and Bright Party Favors.. maybe a mix of homemade and purchased cookies- Cookies for Santa! With instructions to put them out on Christmas Eve for that Jolly Old Elf- the tags have sweet and goofy messages!  D35C52BD-7F3D-48F4-B22E-DF421E4C80FB

The best parties include guests of all ages. Old folks bring a wealth of wisdom which can easily be turned upside down by an earnest and charming child. Mixing age groups is the best way to ensure the party ends at a reasonable time. Speaking of time…it gets dark early…there’s no reason not to start the party early! Encourage guests to dress in simple, comfortable attire with a festive touch. Red lipstick, a Red ribbon in your hair, a Santa hat, Elf Slippers or Reindeer Antlers guarantee some fun! I know you can do it! 28F6D6B7-12AF-4DB7-8AC3-1B5C3D0C3990

As for home décor- Keep it simple…That old fashion adage- ‘Women who wear black lead colorful lives’ applies… Décor should be as simple as the little Black Dress- with just a touch of color. Here at the Cottage, the color scheme is neutral- Red seems to be a universal way to bring on the festivity- We keep it simple. Two red pillows and big Amaryllis blooms instantly brightened the room! Fresh Poinsettias are an easy inexpensive way to add color too! And a big red bow on a simple evergreen wreath at the door is good looking too. 99CD7039-C5CE-4851-834E-3C2772BD9D0E

In fact, Red is a universal color which goes with any décor! Simple décor keeps you sane and guests won’t  worry about messing things up or knocking things over. Don’t over-decorate. Keep it Simple. Your guests will bring their own lively shades of color, which is the best way to keep it Easy. Merry. And Bright…

Love y’all, Camellia

*all photographs are obviously mine. 2189CBC5-F185-49B0-8546-8423A8B8BFF8

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Holiday Orange Pecans…

97B89CB0-BBB6-46CB-826F-6BD881C257D4Any good Southern Hostess has a dish of Toasted Pecans ready at a moment’s notice to serve to drop in company or the finest occasions… In fact it is difficult to imagine any festive occasion all year round when Pecans aren’t welcome! Especially welcome during the Holidays!

Native to the American South, named by Native Americans, grown at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson- who helped his colleague George Washington, get his own pecan grove started at Mount Vernon…why, it’s your patriotic duty to appreciate Pecans!CC17559B-731A-40EC-9EB0-FB113928287F

Pecans and Sugar are a natural combination- everyone who’s ever tasted a Southern Pecan Pie knows this to be a fact. Yet, it might surprise you to learn that well before the Revolutionary War, before New Orleans was even part of our country, they were making Pralines! Let me stop right here… please pronounce Pralines.. Praw-leenes and even more important- don’t say Pee Can- it’s an insult to this magnificent Native Nut! Pronounce it Pah- cahn, please- Thank y’all.

Now, while pecans are grown extensively – the best and thinnest skinned Pecans are grown in the Coastal Southern States. In fact a very memorable vacation side trip may be taken along Scenic I-95 in lower Alabama- grove upon grove with very large growth trees are beautiful and there is a Pecan Factory – through glass windows you can witness the shelling and packaging by hairnet wearing workers- Big Boards with mounted pecans show the extensive hybrids grown in the region…okay, well I enjoyed it!

Anyway…what you may not know is that nut for nut- Pecans are extremely nutritious… those who have a stash of pecans…could be said to be Healthy Wealthy and Wise. Good for the skin, rich in minerals, antioxidants and fiber- even sweeter than any other tree grown nut- Pecans without sugar are a wonderful addition to any diet.Still. Around the holidays we do love our Pecans – toasted, sugared, baked, candied…it’s just not the Holidays without them! Pecans take well to sweet or savory Southern flavors- Sugar, Bourbon, even crushed in breading for Fresh Fish and naturally Citrus.

4E8153A4-4AB2-42A8-85DC-B812DDED2A65As an addition to Holiday Gatherings- these Holiday Orange Pecans can be made in less than an hour- packaged for Holiday Gifts, Hostess Gifts and even kept in the Freezer for…oh I don’t know…maybe New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day or Birthdays and Anniversaries.

One of the oldest recipes I have for Pecan Pralines has Orange Flavoring – these Holiday Orange Pecans have a Praline Coating that is easy to make and even easier to Eat! Here’s how you make them:

Camellia’s Holiday Orange Pecans

  • 3 cups of Pecan Halves
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 2/3 cups milk or half and half
  • 2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons of Salted Butter
  • Zest of one Large Orange
  • 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

Toast pecan halves in single layer on a large sheet pan in a 250 degree oven for approximately 10 minutes until they take on an even darker shade of brown- be careful- do not burn! In a large heavy bottomed Saucepan, cook sugar, milk and corn syrup to soft ball stage (234-238 on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat and add Salted Butter (if using unsalted- add a pinch or two of salt) , Orange Zest and Pure Vanilla Extract. Beat until creamy and thick. 768275B1-BBA5-4EEA-9A75-80782E20CB5A

Stir in Pecans and coat thoroughly. Pour out on a parchment lined sheet pan- separating into single layer or separating each pecan. (If desired, more orange zest can be sprinkled on top of pecans before they harden) Allow to cool. Store in airtight containers.  Freezes well.AD51E784-E21D-46D4-A2DA-E55024190169

Now, the truth is- Holiday Orange Pecans are easy to make, but they aren’t inexpensive or low calorie. Still. I think you’ll find the rich flavor goes a long way.  They’re well worth less than an hour of precious holiday time to make! If you prefer, you may leave out the Orange Zest, increase Vanilla and have the classic Praline Pecans. Wonderful on their own, delicious alongside a piece of Pound Cake, as a Topping for Fruit Salads, Ambrosia or even Ice Cream!  Packaged in small tins or  beribboned clear cellophane bags to be given as a gift? I do believe you will be most popular this Holiday Season!

Love y’all, Camellia

*all photographs are obviously mine.

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Away in a Manger…

‘Away in a Manger, 

No crib for a Bed-

The Little Lord Jesus lay down His Sweet Head.

The Stars in the Heavens look down where He lay-

The Little Lord Jesus Asleep on the Hay.’

83FFBA76-D5F9-4937-B981-1141A62DC83D*The lyrics of this beloved Children’s Christmas Carol have an obscure history.  Long thought to have been written by Martin Luther for his children in the late 1400’s- with variations of the first two stanzas being referred to most often in the late 1800’s. Since that time researchers haven’t found anything like it in Luther’s Writings and could have originated with the Lutheran Church instead- it remains a mystery to this day.  Apparently, numerous publications recorded the prose in the late 1800’s right here in America. The composers of the melody have not been fully established, but all agree ‘Away in a Manger’ is thoroughly American.

Luther’s Cradle Song, as it was called- is known to have been recited in Children’s Sunday School Classes  in Nashville Tennessee in 1893. Widely acclaimed thereafter, Away in a Manger was most likely set to music in the early 1900’s using only the first two verses. Starting in 1955, when Bing Crosby recorded ‘Away in a Manger’- many well known recording artists have performed this sweet song. The Christmas carol became very popular in the United States, Great Britain and Worldwide and remains so until this day.

Whenever and however the sweet song came into being… it epitomizes the humble Heavenly Miracle Birth of the Christ Child and continues to be one of the world’s most beloved Christmas Carols. I love this Divine Lullaby, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

Love y’all, Camellia

*read more about ‘Luther’s Cradle Song’  here-   *photograph is obviously mine.