Cutting myself some slack

I’m back after a brief breather.

And convinced that it’s impossible for me not to share ideas that I’m excited about.  I also know that I need to nix the daily grind in favor of enthusiastic, periodic, posts. 

With that in mind, here's one of several bits of information that I'd like to send your way with the hope that you, too, might derive a little delight.  And, perhaps, follow my lead in identifying/redefining what works best for you.  Taking action on that info. is never easy.  But it's sooooooo worth it.

So how are you at imagining “flickering?”  Good.  Because photos are so static, not nearly as magical as flickering, albeit fake, flames.  A big benefit?  I can pretty much guarantee that our house will still be standing if I forget to “extinguish” one.  A lesson lately learned the hard way when a Palo Alto family neglected to snuff out just one tiny candle.  So sad.

Assuming that Costco still has a good stash of programmable candles, you, too, can be among the happy flicker-friendly/fire-free folks.  Otherwise, Google online sources. 

And, yes, as Susan recently reminded me, setting out an abundance of counterfeit candles isn’t nearly as interesting or as realistic as inserting them in a lantern, colorful pitcher, vase or pot.  Think outside the box.  Then delight in the results. 

I found a tortoise shell style glass vase at Cost Plus.  Because there’s no flame, I inserted nuts and foliage into, on and around candles to light the way to our Thanksgiving table where Real Candles welcomed friends and family.  There was a scattering of phony votives inside glass (Cost Plus) turkeys.  As I said, let your imagination lead the way.

That's it for today.  Light up your house.  All will be well.  Breathe.  Enjoy the magic.  Hey, cut yourself some slack.  See how terrific it feels!

Update on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 3:53PM by Lois

Must clear up any confusion re: programmable candles.  You DO NOT need a degree in computer science to set the timers, folks.  It's a simple Off/On switch.  On for five hours/Off for nineteen/On again for five, etc.  EASY.  The best gift I gave at Christmas.  Will see if Costco restocked these or if it's simply seasonal.  They continue to light our lanterns on the initial set of batteries since before Christmas!!!

Below:  "Candles" lit our Thanksgiving table/here with a scattering of leaves inside hurricanes.  No fear of fire.