Back to Colors - Simply Orange Today

During Elizabethian times people who could wear orange were dicatated by English Law - called the Sumptuary Laws.  Social standing and wealth as well as religious, biblical and Christian symbolism was reflected in this color which we call Orange.  Orange is considered a symbol of courage.   I love burnt orange, orange peel, peach, persimmon, phoenix rising, and orange essential oil.  There are several types of orange essential oil and they all smell different from one another.  Orange is the national colour of the NEtherlands.  Orange Sun designates good weather on the Queen's Birthday which is coming up April 30th.  Perhaps you've heard of William of ORange, the protestant English kind (1689-1702)  who was the great-grandson of William the Silent (now isn't that an interesting title!).  Orange is a sacred colour of Hinduism.  We think of Orange and Brown when decorating for Thanksgiving.  Orange is a favorite color around here and the orange hand above is our new logo (designed by Mariah, my daughter) for our line of exquisite Shea Body Butter.  

Hope. . . .for Spring

Hope. . . .If winter comes can spring be far behind?

One of my favorite quotes and spring is here in Idaho!  I loved smelling the spring hyacinths on my hands and knees as a little girl.  I still love to smell them this same way - now I just make sure none of the neighbors are looking in my direction first. . . .I'm not as dainty as I used to be!  I'm getting the garden seeds ready to plant also, starting a favorite black plum tomato variety and several kinds of hot and sweet peppers that you only get to enjoy if you start the plants yourself.

Thanks to all who wrote and took part in the blog contest honoring my Dad.  A few wrote me privately about taking in dinner to a neighbor in need and other kind gestures.  I agree with one comment that we should live each day doing nice things for others that take us to that higher level of living.  I still believe in 'random acts of kindness' and 'paying it forward' when we either make an opportunity to give or take advantage of a situation we see as we are about our week.  I put those names in a jar who either wrote on the blog or emailed me privately and the winner is. . . . .JoAnn of Des Moines.  She wrote:  "Our quilt guild is currently making quilts for the veterans at the Des Moines IA Facility.  I was not personally acquainted with anyone there but I did have a good friend, Vernon Spinner, at the Marshalltown facility who passed away recently.  His roommate, Henry Williams, came to the funeral bringing a letter he wished to have put in the casket.  It stated:  "Vernon Spinner was the world's best roommate."  He also felt that Vernon was a gift from God.  So in makng the quilt of red, white, blue and gold, I quilted "in appreciation for service to our country" and also included his other comments down the side.  Yes, Henry and I both had tears in our eyes when I gave him the quilt last week."

I have JoAnn's Address since she wrote me an email privately  and I will be sending out the Silk 'n Colors to her!  Congratulations on being the winner of the contest. JoAnn.  I imagine my Dad is smiling a big smile right now! 

Keep stitching & giving.

Until later,

Cece   

I Wish You Enough

I Wish You Enough. . . .

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess

I wish you enough "hello's " to get you through the final "Good-bye"

We just buried a great man yesterday. The military honors were very touching. I had the great priviledge of having Gale Armond Allen as my Dad for nearly 56 years! He was 95 years old when he died. He was a 'pay it forward' kind of guy. Always generous, dependable, honest and always giving of his time and wordly goods to better someone else's life. In his honor I am giving away $95 (retail value) of Silk 'n Colors. However, the contest involves some 'pay it forward' on your part. Do some random act of kindness over the next couple of weeks and then return and share it on this post. I'll put those names who share their experiences in a jar and we'll do a random drawing. Spread some kindness in your small corner of our world.

Until Later,

Cece