martes, 16 de diciembre de 2008

The beauty of a rose

There is an old English Proverb that goes like this a friend in need is a friend indeed. How true! Having a special friend you can turn to in good times and in bad is a beautiful and splendiferous thing. Leo F. Buscaglia said: "A single rose can be my garden...a single friend my world, “To illustrate this point, let me tell you a story about friendship.

The Beauty of a Rose

I was walking through the forest and through the bushes I heard weeping .I followed the sound of the soft cry until I arrived at a woman sitting upon the snow .Her eyes were filled with tears and her heart heavy from life. I sat upon the cold snow with her and I offered her my shoulder and my ears.

“What is your name”, she asked”. I smiled at her and I said, “My name is Faith, my middle name is hope and my last name is compassion. I saw a faint smile come upon her face as I asked her “what is your name? “ “My name is flower child and “I had given up on hope, faith was something I was loosing site of and I have no more compassion to give. “

I asked her if I may read her a poem and through the poem I showed her self-worth .That it was more important for her to have self worth for when she loved herself others would love her to. I showed her reality, that you can not save the world if people don’t or won’t listen. I spoke of how important it was to have a compassion for others.

I showed her praise, I praised her for staying strong when she had given up on faith. I showed her patience as this was something not easy for any of us. Things take time I told her. Sometimes people just don’t want to accept what is in front of them. I told her to please hang on that someday they may learn respect. I then said to her this you see flower child this is hope

We sat and talked awhile and I saw a smile come back through flower Childs eyes. I picked up a wild Rose that was laying there in the snow. I placed the rose it in her hand. It wasn't everyday you had roses in winter. This is friendship the most important of all things in our life. It is truly as rare as this rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it and don't ever let it die.

Then I smiled, I handed her a piece of paper with my number on it and I walked away. She called me the next day and I heard join in her soft voice. She told me that she had thought of me and I truly lived up to my name. I think she found her faith, her hope and her compassion. She said she found it in me but I think she had it in her all along. But what she did not have was the friendship of a Rose or an earth angel to help guide her along

We all need someone in life to say I believe in you. Friendship is as rare as a rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it don't let it ever die. Life is too short not to cherish those who show us compassion. Don’t let silly things stand in our way. For friendship is the beauty of a rose.


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THE BEAUTY OF A PORCH

What is one feature that you can add to your home that will definitely increase its value not only monetarily? There is the ingredient of a “special place” to relax, to dream about tomorrow, and to slowly sip a cool, smooth drink on a hot, sticky day. Also, this is a great place to chat with the neighbors or visiting relatives, to admire the seasons, nature and its abundance of color and change, and to take a catnap when the need calls for one.

All of the above relate to something as simple as a porch. Whether it is on the back of the house, across the front of the home, or even to the side - there is so much value in having a porch. It can even do duty as a breakfast room where you start your day and anticipate what the day will bring over a cup of coffee.

It can be an elaborate structure with pillars and graceful archways or it can be as simple as a screen enclosure where you step out from the kitchen to the delight of the sunshine, the sweet smell of morning, and the sounds of the birds. Taking into consideration the type of home you have, you can then plan with size, material, and style. Whatever the final outcome is, the real statement will be the comfort and enjoyment a porch can bring. And if you add a porch swing - then you do have the makings of a wonderful place just outside of your home. If a porch swing is not in the plans, then a padded rocking chair, a few tables, assorted chairs, and plants will do the trick.

Porches are fun to decorate but they should never become just another convenient storage shed. They should be uncluttered, colorful and comfortable. There should be easy access to the home so that food and drink can be easily brought it and out. Porches can be three-season or year-round with a few extras added.

Whatever your budget allows, inspiration and imagination in decorating your porch take precedence. Wicker, wood, or other natural features are the most soothing and relaxing.
Bright, beautiful colors and a lot of windows or screens, if enclosed, to bring in the sight, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors. Accessories can be anything that helps provide a relaxing, comforting atmosphere.

There is one drawback to having a porch. The neighbors will take notice and start stopping by as they take a stroll in the evening breezes, and relatives will stay just a little bit longer. A porch is a great place for children to play and to entertain their friends.
Small tables so that games, puzzles, or other activities can be set up and a storage box for toys provides a lot of fun and entertainment, and mom is just a step away.

Whatever your budget or home style, a porch can be added that will delight and give you hours of pleasure. The size of the porch is not important, as long as there is space to stretch out and wile away the hours sipping that cool drink, dreaming, planning, or just taking in the beauty of your garden, your flowers, or the trees that line your street.

A porch opens up the world just a little more, and allows everyone to have the opportunity to stop, chat, and share the latest. It is a gathering place of great friends, conversation, and relaxation. It is well worth the time and effort because it will bring back more in home value, and personal value. It adds charm, comfort, and inspiration. It will become that special place where family and fun can be relished and cherished in a relaxed and soothing atmosphere.

Hope there’s a porch in your future!
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June 1

About the Author

Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, how-to books, cookbooks, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving

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The Beauty and Simplicity of Life

I just returned from a wonderful weekend with a French family. I realized while I was there that their son seemed so happy,
and so well-adjusted, and that the family was very close.


There were a few things I noticed that they did that were different than many of the families I know, and I think these differences
had much to do with the warm connection I felt with that family.

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The Beauty and Meaning of Birthstones

Birthstones have been around since ancient times, and in those days were believed to possess some magical force that could protect the owner or wearer of the stone. These birthstones were traditionally linked to the Zodiac.

However, modern birthstones are linked to calendar months, and each month has its own unique birthstone, with its own fabled properties. Many people love to wear jewellery set with their birthstone, as the ancient meanings and associations with these stones still intrigue them.

You can get many types of jewellery containing birthstones, such as birthstone rings, a birthstone pendant and birthstone earrings. Giving someone an item of jewellery set with their birthstone is a touching and wonderful gift, and whether you give them a birthstone ring, a birthstone pendant or a birthstone brooch, it is something that they are likely to treasure forever because it has real meaning and significance.

Below you will find a listing of each of the birthstones used today.

January

The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.

Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter what item of jewellery it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to suit every taste for this month.

February

The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore attached to this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquillity, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to!

The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and can be a pale lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you can also get deep violet amethysts, which means that you can enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as rich as you like. This birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and durability will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.

March

This month's birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in colour and has a rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine birthstones in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can also get this stone in varying shades of green-blue.

April

One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the birthstone for this month, and these stones are linked to love, eternity and strength. This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of all time when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.

Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect birthstone to wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different cuts of this stone, and the fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by diamonds is positively captivating.

May

This month's birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.

These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found in a variety of shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this stone makes it the perfect gem for birthstone jewellery, and is something that the wearer can show off and take pride in for a long time.

June

The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and this gem has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages.

These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours, and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a perfect gift.

July

The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.

Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery appearance that would delight anyone.

August

The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.

Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off its own unique energy, and is strong and durable.

September

Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September, and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.

These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery, especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in other colours as well as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last for years to come, and can be passed down to future generations.

October

The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.

This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look and beauty, making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite appearance.

November

The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale green, pink and red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both beauty and strength.

December

The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a very distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.

Summary

Giving a birthstone to someone special as a gift means giving so much more than just a piece of jewellery. The ancient meanings associated with each of these birthstones make them extra-special, giving them a quality that is impossible to achieve with any other gem.

Whether you decide to give a birthstone ring, necklace earrings or any other piece of jewellery, you will always find stunning pieces where the precious metal and the birthstone complement one another perfectly. Birthstone jewellery makes a unique, beautiful, and affordable gift with real sentiment behind it.

About the Author

Antigone Arthur is an award-winning author and freelance writer providing consumer information on such topics as birthstones and gemstones, promise rings, and celtic wedding rings.


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The Beautiful Bride To Be – Beauty Tips For The Big Day

It goes without saying that we all want to look our best for the big day. So preparation is the key. Take care of your skin, hair and body in the months leading up to the wedding and you will have a good base to start from.

Starting with body, you want to look slim and happy in your wedding gown not bloated and insecure so watch what you eat in the months coming up to the wedding and exercise regularly. A good tip to prevent bloating as sworn by Hollywood stars before the Oscars are to cut down on carb's the last few weeks before the big day. This should eliminate any unwanted bumps and bulges.

To give your skin that healthy glow desired by all, you need to drink plenty of water, at least 2 liters per day, dehydrated skin looks dull, dry and unattractive. The essential fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, nuts and seeds are essential for beautiful skin and hair, try to eat as much of these as possible. Jennifer Lopez swears by this, she is so well known for her glowing, perfect skin that her perfume was called Glow in reference to her glowing complexion.

Keep your skin in shape with a daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. It’s very important that you are using the right products for your skin type. You can get advice from your local beauty sales counters on the best products out there for you. Remember to exfoliate your skin weekly, this will eliminate old dull skin cells and reveal new fresh skin beneath.

You should have an exfoliating routine for your back, arms and chest or any other part of your skin that will be on show in your dress. This will give a lovely healthy shine to your body. Remember to lash on loads of body cream after you exfoliate to sooth and moisten the skin.

If you are unlucky enough to have dry frizzy hair or you use color and harsh styling products regularly, you need to give your hair regular hair masks to bring the life and shine back to your tresses. Most salons provide hair treatments with lovely essential oil and vitamin products, which are great for your hair and scalp as a lovely weekly or biweekly treat. The price can range from $30 to $80 depending on the salon.

If you are more of a DIY girl why don’t you purchase your own intensive moisturizing hair conditioner and do your own treatment. When you have put the treatment in the hair apply heat to using a hairdryer, then wrap your hair in cling film to keep in the heat, leaving as long as you desire this will prove a more intense treatment allowing the moisture to penetrate the hair cuticle.

Your hair will be shining with health and smelling yummy on the big day.

Now for the real magic “make up” of course. Now that you are all glowing and beautiful nature sometimes needs a little help to give us that Hollywood beauty we all desire. The next step is your make up application. If you are going to get your make up done professionally you should shop around, just be cause they are “professionals” doesn’t mean they are talented.

Make sure you have an idea of what you want to look like on the day, bring bridal photos with make up styles you like and ideas on what hair style you will have also helps.

A clean fresh look always works with definition on the eyes. Make up that looks good in person is usually too little for photographs; the last thing you want is your eye disappearing in the photos. A good idea is to bring an instant camera with you and take photos of the various make up looks you have tried out, between you discuss what you like and don’t like. Remember a photograph is less forgiving than a mirror.

Finally your hair, the range of styles are endless. Do not try out any new hair colors or cuts in the months leading up to the wedding, You don’t want to try something different and trendy and then hate it leaving you no time to grow it out. Stick to what you know suits you. Also going for the most up to date styles isn’t recommended you don’t want to look back on your photos in ten years time explaining to your kids how it was fashonable at the time.

The first decision up or down? Wearing your hair up shows off your neckline and bone structure, always flattering in photographs. On the other hand more people are going for the sexy wavy tresses look that is being sported by Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston on her wedding day, very bohemian chic.

Your wedding gown will ultimately dictate your hairstyle. The rule of thumb is usually sexy wavy tresses equals’ plain simple dress. The simple up style will flatter the more elaborate dress. Either way what you feel comfortable with and the prettiest with is the style for you, a happy comfortable bride is a pretty bride.

About The Author

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice on purchasing a variety of Wedding Dresses which includes Wedding gowns, Designer wedding gowns, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your wedding interests. http://www.no1-in-wedding-dresses.com.

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