Make some difference

Lloyd Newell is my favorite inspirational writer I listen to him each week on Music and the spoken word
Todays --- "MAKE SOME DIFFERENCE"

   Anytime is a good time to think about the purpose of our life, to assess where we are and where we're going. But we definitely seem to do more of that at the beginning of a new year, as we make resolutions or set goals to do things differently. In the process we might consider this counsel from American writere leo Rosten" "the purpose of life is not to be happy...It is to be useful, to be honorable. It is to be compassionate. It is to matter, to have it make some difference that you lived."

   USEFUL, HONORABLE, COMPASSIONATE.

These are not just lofty words---they are keys to living well. Put into action, they build character, shape a positive outlook, and bless the lives of others as well as our own.

   Consider the efforts of Don Schoendorfer, an engineer who, during a visit to Morocco saw a disabled beggar woman drag herself across the street, almost like a snake, because she had lost the use of her legs. He never forgot her plight and finally decided to do something about it. Fot the next several years, he spent his free time, usually early in the morning before work, in his garage tinkering on the design of a cost-efficient wheelchair.

   He presented his creation, made from a common plastic lawn chair and inexpensive bike tires, to an 11 year old in India. The young boy's mother said through a translator "Bless you for this chariot".
Today, more than 500,000 wheelchairs have been delivered to those desperately in need in 77 developing nations. Don can speak from personal experience about being compassionate, about making a difference.

   As we make our plans for the future, may we choose to be useful, honorable, and compassionate. We will then find that our life has indeed mattered, that it has made some difference that we have lived.

We've begun the Season of ROMANCE...

Our Romantic Vignettes are coming together

Pure white ceramic Keys to Our hearts will charm you

all BECAUSE I love you Paperie tags

Always a vintage flair at Just a Bed of Roses

Love of German glass glitter forever and always

Romance your home with lavendar mercury glass

and gifts for those on your love list

LOVINGLY HANDMADE Wristlet by Joni

and our jewelry designers have been busy for this new season

 

The Season of Romance welcomes you

Remember our 20% off of most everything sale is now thru Jan 17th!

Christmas and purses 1/2 off among other things.

A GIANT THANK YOU

for your participation so far

WE LOVE YOU!

UNDERSTAND...my word of the year

Margie R. Aslett pops into the shop every now and then,  she is a creative paper designer and when I want to see what she is up to I check out her blog: http://www.margieromney-aslett.typepad.com/
She choses a WORD each year and many of her Peeps join in...it got me thinking that I need a WORD TOO for 2011  
  Pretend the drum roll here....
            UNDERSTAND...is my WORD OF THE YEAR.

Events of last year may have been helpful in chosing why this word really spoke out to me.
Yes I know... we put to rest last year and start a new.
Still this IS the word with last year gone and a better person for it.

Something I need to always be mindful of...to UNDERSTAND.
Ways I can be thoughtful...UNDERSTAND ing.
Many times for reasons unknown I don't know how to UNDERSTAND.
Lots of times I really get it...I UNDERSTAND!

I UNDERSTAND lots of reasons I do things and then sometimes I don't.
I try to UNDERSTAND my husband and children, sometimes confusing?
My uncle who died suddenly last year which I thought so unreasonable...but I will find ways to UNDERSTAND it while his family makes some grueling changes.
I must UNDERSTAND that trials can make me grow.
I LOVE what I do each day, this I understand to a large degree.
UNDERSTAND...To grasp the meaning of.
To not UNDERSTAND AT ALL and it's still okay.
To grasp the reasonableness of his/her behavior is sometimes hard to UNDERSTAND.

To show a sympathetic or tolerant attitude toward something...like aging parents.
I don't UNDERSTAND how this is suppose to work.
You should read the book to UNDERSTAND what is going on.

In my business it's a word that is always there.
Think about it in YOUR life.

I know that this year I will try to be more aware of this word in my daily experiences and maybe
it will help build my character.

How about you, do you have a Word?
What word would you chose?

How SWEET IS THIS...20% off your entire purchase!

I know...it's SWEET to have a CLEARANCE SALE in January!

Sale of 20% off YOUR entire PURCHASE
 (excluding large furniture and a few select items ).

Antiques. gifts. jewelry. decor and more will  be 20% off beginning  Friday Jan. 7th
thru  Jan 17th- Monday Martin Luther Kings day which we will be open
9 days to save $, even new arrivals will be 20% off.

No, we are NOT going out of business...we are just getting the shop ready
for a spectacular  2011 we have planned for you.

Our purses & Christmas clearance table items are 50% off with other odds and ends!
We've just completed inventory...can you imagine!

If you don't mind..can you tell your friends/family and co-workers for us and I'm sure
we'll see you more than once!
Much appreciation.

Happy  SWEET  January!

hours: mon-saturday  11-6
phone: 451-2556
15 E. state street
Farmington utah

How SWEET IT IS...Valentine handmade tags by Alex

Alex adorned us with some fun Valentines & tags today...must come see.

Things are a little torn apart this week...but turning out great for a change in scenery.

Too busy to take pictures...having sales...must partake!

How SWEET IT IS!

How sweet it IS...Sorting

It's always fun to start the New Year by SORTING, rearranging  and cleaning through our things...
that's what we will be doing at Just a Bed of Roses this week and marking things on SALE.

Just to start the process again of buying, tagging, displaying, selling and wrapping...just for you cause
that's what we love to do!

Inventory is nearly finished and Christmas is compiled on 2 tables now which is 1/2 off this week
AND NEXT...UH HUH! Our purses are 50% off original price this week!

I usually pack Christmas up by now...but lost my car keys for several working days, so my loss is your gain.

FORTUNATE FOR ME... today I found the car keys in the garbage can...so we both gain, right!
Isn't it hard to stay home for a whole day, it was like being  stranded on a desert island which  forced me to
work on yearly tax papers for the shop, having to use that business brain on a holiday, that deserves
Chocolate, lots of chocolate and is totally unfair!

Oh...I think this year, when there is time to shop... I may get new carpet...seems our little 4 year old granddaughter whom we babysat on new Years eve drew
a BIG circle or is a heart on the carpet in permanent marker...I showed Mr. Roses he started laughing.
I did too. He is thinking that HE is going to erase that problem...I am thinking NEW CARPET right!
Our theme the next 6 weeks: How sweet it IS...and WAS...will be SO FUN!

A note from SANTA CLAUS by Fanny 1945

Note: my little brother was afraid of strangers

We lived in a little log cabin
And down from the North somewhere
Santa rode in a sleigh, his reindeer--
team could travel on snow or air.

At Christmas he always found us,
and the chimney was never too small,
for the fat little cheeful old giver
to bring something good for us all.

One Christmas Eve just before bedtime,
little brother began to weep--
saying he didn't want Santa Claus
In our house while we were asleep.

"Could we hang our socks on the clothesline,"
He said, "It would be a much easier way,
Old Santa could drive up and fill them
Without even leaving his sleigh!

It would be so much cleaner and quicker,
with our dirt roof and chimney so small,'
and he said, "I have an idea, Santa Claus
Wouldn't mind at all."

So out on the clothesline the stockings
were hung, six of them all in a row,
and would you believe it, next morning
there were sleigh-runner tracks in the snow.

That Santa had scribbled and left there,
but in brother's sock was a note--
the stockings were bulging as always
and this is the message he wrote--

"I am the spirit of love little boy,
and I'd like to come into your house,
I'll promise you truly I'll do no harm,
And I'll be just as still as a mouse,--

"I can leave your things out on the clothesline
it would be just as easy for me--
But the spirit I bring should enter each home
boy all means at Christmas you see.

"So next Christmas Eve have your stockings inside
of me have no worry because--
my work little lad, is to make the world glad,
Merry Christmas, your friend Santa Claus.

by Fanny  1945

CHOCOLATE DROPS 1945 by FANNY

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON always takes me back down memories' lane.
To a little dirt-roofed cabin out on a sage brush plain,
I see our little stockings hanging in a row,
While wind howled 'round the cabin, piling up great drifts of snow.

I remember how I used to try to solve the mystery, Of that Old
Santa-man that entered through the chimney, Our parents understood it,
but I desired proof, That he could get into our house, through the stovepipe
in our roof!
But anyhow when morning came, those socks we'd hung at night,
would always be full to the top, with good things tucked in tight.
And of one thing we were sure, be the gifts, dolls, mugs or tops,
Old Santa always left us a hand-full of CHOCOLATE DROPS.

From one year to the next I would wait for that ONE treat,
and vow when I grew up, I would have all that I could eat.
My apple and my orange, delicacies rare,
I would trade off to the others, for a little of their share.
and when the CHOCOLATE DROPS were gone, the season lost its cheer.
And I'd settle down to wait for more, for another long, long year.

That's fifty years ago, and still, I search the stores and shops,
When I buy Christmas candy, to find some CHOCOLATE DROPS.
Occasionally I find some that look exactly like the ones that made
my Christmas when I was a little "tyke".
But the taste is just as different as two things could ever be!

Is the candy any different?
I wonder if it's me?

Fanny Gudmundsen Brunt
1945

CHRISTMAS NIGHT by Fanny

CHRISTMAS day is ended, and everywhere we look
We see a box of candy, house slippers, or a book,
neckties, sox, and handkerchiefs. Undies and perfumes
are scattered on the furniture, and clutter up the rooms.

As I take an inventory of our Christmas gifts today, I
feel a tinge of sadness I cannot brush away.

The gifts the children got this year are different as can be
from what they found a few years back, beneath the
Christmas tree.

Then, 'twas blocks and rattles, trains and tinker toys,
skates and carts and crying dolls, and things to make a noise.
Today there was a BB gun, and a little printing press;
Those two gifts end our shopping for Christmas toys I guess.

Their baby days are over, they've come and gone so quick!
They know as much as we do now
 about the old SAINT NICK.
We don't have any period when they're especially good.
So he'll be sure to bring them the things they think he should.

There's not a single hiding place from the basement to the roof.
That hasn't been explored by them in their eager search for proof.

And now the mystery is solved, Christmas lacks the joys
that it had a few years back when they were tiny girls and boys.
and Christmas night it gets so still, the hours drag so slow,
when the married ones have gone back home
and others to a show.

Their Dad and I sit all alone beside the Christmas tree.
That is just a glowing symbol of days that "use to be."

Fanny Gudmundsen Brunt
written 1945
Moods and memories book
Born in Lehi, raised in idaho, at 15 attended Ricks Academy and there
acquired "class poet" title.
She attended BYU one year and the married Joseph Brunt.
After the birth of her 6th child she began to write in verse the precious
memories of the sage brush days.

A blessed day

Wise men STILL seek Him.

Jesus Christ is born

What a blessing in my life to know that we are here for a reason and we will return to a loving & kind

Heavenly Father.

In his wisdom, has given us the greatest gift of life, FREE AGENCY, or the RIGHT to chose.

We knew of this agency before we came to earth

The firstborn in the spirit offered himself as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of ALL, thus making

it possible for our successful return to our Father.

With the RIGHT of choices comes the RESPONSIBILITY to choose.

The SPIRIT of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil.

When Alice in Wonderland comes to the crossroads with two paths before her, she asks

the cat which path to take?

The cat says "that depends where you want to go..

If you do not know where you want to go , it doesn't matter.

All of our choices have consequences, some of which have little or NOTHING to do with our eternal salvation and others which have EVERYTHING to do with it

Eternal life if an accumulation of wise choices, a constancy of purpose.  

I know he lives and has a plan for us and our loved ones.

It takes much courage to do what is right.

Have a beautiful peaceful CHRISTmas

is my wish for all of us.

December 24th...Muddle through somehow

May you have a very MERRY NORMAN ROCKWELL CHRISTMAS

and if it ISN'T...Muddle through somehow!

One of our favorite pictures at home!

May you get a box of Lifesavers in your stocking...always!

Just say'n...

WHIMSICAL designed purses with notepads/pens

little fun gifts and stocking stuffers

 

Elegant and striking Butterfly crystal paperweights

for that hard to buy for person?

come in and feel

Live,laugh, love

DREAM paperweight

who wouldn't love one?

Beyond stunning bird and rhinestone packages of

beautiful note paper

Pretty boxed 3 packs of inspirational notepads

elegant believe & love

Somerset LIFE just arrived

full of inpiration for your holiday

get someone you love 'addicted' to Somersets

Rich colored classy paisley, fleur de lei, designs

When notepads are taken out the box it becomes a stylish desk caddy.

all priced reasonably

Thursday open till 6:30

Christmas eve day: 10:30-3

After Christmas: mon-thursday 11:30-4:30

MAY be open new years eve day partially

check back.

Our Christmas is now 40% off thru New Years

and then IT'S OUT OF THE SHOP.

Wrappin' it up!

With our gift giving lists nearly crossed off it's time to Wrap it up...

May we suggest:

Who wouldn't love to own part of Betty's ANTIQUE BUTTON collections on tea dyed cards to tuck into a Christmas card. Newly arrived parcels.

 Christmas is now 30% off...lime green will still be "IN" for next year bigger and better,  load up on snowballs, Santa's, snowmen, glittered pink houses, cupcakes, pillows, ornaments... etc

Alex and Joni have out done themselves this year with clever packages of vintage and paperie. I love working in the shop giggling all day over what they have created.

Our fairies will also be on sale...super buy on them.
Pearl and rose pillows & linens always delight a  hard to buy for receiver.
Sock monkeys, pigs, bunnies and frogs with accessories 25% off
Purses ...what's left are 30% off
Maya's pieces of art jewelry...dwindling.
Jayna has made sure we are well supplied for your loved ones with altered art charm clusters/neclaces.
Kellys head warmers...sold.
Vintage/antique...ALWAYS a treasure coming in to be found out.

If you need to special order freshly made pretzels/popcorn  let us know Monday.

Now is the time to MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, it's the little things that count, right?

P.S. we have a 4 shutter 6' display piece  $75.00 and a big picket fence wall piece for sale $50.00
Blue vintage metal doll bed $35.00   good values  as we make room for our after Christmas make-overs.

Dashing through the DOUGH...

OH WHAT FUN!

Enough said.

Time to be silly

Numbered dishtowels

Your # 1 with me...get the picture ...for a gift?

Jaynas fill our sleigh with clusters of handmade altered art charms

Now  we're talking...real FUNNY

Do you love SKELETON KEY neclaces?

She has brought in some pretty clever pieces recently.

We wrap your pretty jewelry  purchase in chiffon tie bags for your gift giving.

For those having THEIR special day this month

Get the picture

Instead of stockings...mantle pockets of luxurious fabrics fringe & tassles.

Think of other places for pockets...the foot of bed, tops of cupboards, buffets,window sills.

Santa WILL fill them too

Bliss Victoria

Article on LACES...just arrived we have vintage NEW YORK clothing  LACES in

wider widths, some polyester/roses patterns.

quantities limited and some are tea dyed.

Christmas decor is 25% off thru Dec. 22nd.

CHRISTMAS...it can make you feel EMOTIONAL?

Family gatherings, shiny noses on Reindeer, jolly old st. Nick, the smell of Pine and Peppermint.

Trigger emotions.

Vintage santa music box... his nose turns and plays Santa Claus is Coming to town!

Tomorrow he will arrive in shop

Can I or can't I put a price on him and really sell?

Think he is from the 50's?

Remember the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES...Jed, granny and Ellie Mae.

Moments of OVERLOAD?

Won't touch this subject!

Again... we are behind the scenes planning our Jan/Feb displays

CLASSIC..mmmmm!

(with Easter buying tucked in here and there.)

Chrismas... a time to enjoy baking,making & BUYING treats.

 Like fresh caramel chocolate dipped

pretzels and a little Tom & Jerry.

PRETZELS make for a thoughtful $5.00 gift no matter what the age.

We have new pieces of  snow white milk glass.

Wrapping our gifts uniquely...let's be GIVERS this year okay.

There need not be any SCROOGES ...no matter what!

Come ENJOY SAVING on CHRISTMAS DECOR

25% off thru Christmas!

Hours: 10:30-7:00 p.m.

(note that it is NOT 8:00 p.m.)

IN THE AIR THERE'S A FEELING OF CHRISTMAS...

Shop from our Cupboards of Curiosities 25% off Sale

Shop from Our Cupboards of Curiosities

now until Christmas Eve

with 25% off Christmas Decor!

Our shop has a nice variety to fill that list of yours

Gifts of curiosities gathered for those who MUST receive VINTAGE

Can you see that little mixer inside!

Tags & more tags of many style to adorn your Gifts

We carry handmade gifts/jewelry as well.

Even embossed handmade silver tags to match your mercury glass collections

Now's the time to find us and check us out if you've just driven by and

ALWAYS wanted to stop in.

You can even shop from our chandeirs if you please

And from the chippy old door, yes we have Pretty spiders that don't bite

and snowballs for a snowball fight.

Fill your home with beautiful Christmas decor 25% off

Make angelic surroundings

Just look for the black bed frame, striped awning , polka dot trim

at 15 E. State street in Farmington

LOOK, no snow, green grass, warmer temps!

You'll see we ARE happily Merry and Bright this season and

you'll be happy you came in.

Christmas day will soon be here!

Come ENJOY the season with us at Just a bed of Roses

and SAVE MONEY

Lots of new christmas has just arrived.