Sunday, December 19, 2010

SNOWFLAKE CANDLE MEMORIES

Snowflake Candles

Snowflake Candles

Last Christmas, our little town had over 22 inches of snow on Christmas week. This is a time I treasure each year because so many wonderful things seem to happen so fast. I was snowed in alone for the first time in my life and felt very nostalgic as I wrote my blog post. People have told me all year that it was their favorite of mine and have asked me to repost. I’ve always loved this phrase, and now I get to use it... “Back by popular demand,” I am reposting my Snowflake Candles. Hope you like it.



This is the first time in my entire life that I have been snowed in alone. It’s quite remarkable really, considering that I spent many years living in the snow belt of Lake Erie and Warren Ohio. Oh yes, we were snowed in quite often there, but there were always children then and lots of family. Now, my children are grown and live in their own homes. In many ways, the snowstorm has allowed me to experience calm and peace. How can anyone ask me to go anywhere or do anything for them now? I am trapped. I am snowed in, with no hope of emerging for many days. Oh, so sad..tee hee.

Our Virginia Department of Transportation is working overtime trying to clear Interstate 81. Travelers are trapped in their cars. Until the trucks that frequent this highway that were abandoned for lack of gas and heat, are towed, the crews cannot clear our city and county roads much less Interstate 81.

In many ways I feel fortunate. Other storms in the past, have caused power outages here at Woodloft. My lights flickered only once this time so far, in a teasing way. Being alone with heat and lights makes it all so bearable. But…the quiet…it is so quiet…so surreal.



Candles displayed in the snow



Another display in the snow

When I first stated that I was going to post my Magical Christmas week, I had no idea what was ahead. Sometimes it’s best to take things as they come. I am now in tune to creating a beautiful Woodloft Christmas, even if I may not have the food or the gifts I had hoped to purchase. One way or another, Christmas will happen at some point but, I never would have guessed that I might be having my own “Merry Little Christmas.” Me? The person who loves to entertain and loves a crowd, especially family?

My friend Kyle offered me a bottle of water a few weeks ago on the Farmer’s Market. She and her husband Dave have a booth next to mine. I was amazed at the beautiful bottle in which the water was held. It had dazzling snowflakes all over the surface. Kyle and Dave create kiln fired glass bottles shaped to become cheese trays. Kyle told me where she had purchased them. She said she hoped I’d give her the bottles after I drank the water. She wanted to “smoosh” them. That is the way she and Dave describe the process they use to kiln fire the bottles.


I took Kyle’s advice and bought many of the Evian bottles of water. I knew I wanted to do something unique with them but was not sure what at the time. I thought about putting water inside and adding a single rose or other flowers. Then the idea came to me to use a simple white candle in each bottle.

I had to drink a lot of the water over the last few days but here they are, serene and delicate looking, just like snowflakes.

Aren’t they beautiful in the snow? I’ll move them inside soon but for now, I am luxuriating in their splendor.



Single tapered candle


Sometimes, the simple things we do in life can have a profound effect. I love this candelabra and it cost me only the price of the bottles of water and inexpensive white candles. I am so glad I shopped for the white candles for the bottles last week, otherwise, I might be showing you plain bottles in the snow.


Tomorrow I will tell you how our family devised a new way to celebrate Christmas by spending very, very little cash for presents. We call our Christmas game, “Naughty Santa.” Wait till you see how much fun it can be. But until then, I will sit at my computer, perhaps work in the studio for awhile or maybe I'll just gaze out of my windows as I take my nostagic winter journey inward with glorious memories of Christmas past.



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24 comments:

  1. I'm soooo happy you brought this beautiful post back for an encore, Cheryl! Come to think of it -- I've never been "snowed in" alone either!!! Candles in the snow . . . how romantic, enchanting and wonderful! Holiday Hugs, Terri xoxo

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  2. I'm glad you posted again Cheryl ....... I didn't 'know' you last year so this is the first time for me. It sounds as though you had a big dose of ME time ...... what a luxury. :D

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  3. So glad you shared this again, I hadn't found you yet at this time last year. What a lovely post and really magical in its own way.
    I Love how quiet it gets when were surrounded by snow.Now I want to hear about Naughty Santa! LOL

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  4. Twenty-two inches is a lot of snow. Your photos are beautiful. Love the candles. I used to save the Amazon bottles as candle holders because some of them were so beautiful that I couldn't part with them, but that was back in the day. I don't think they go for beauty anymore.
    Mary

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  5. Cheryl I love your writings, so much there to ponder on.......pure white candles in the pure white snow and so peaceful. I loved your bottles. Your blog always brings me such joy, thank you for sharing. Hugs Annette x

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  6. I hope the snow melts so you can xmas with the family. The candle holders are all so beautiful

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  7. 22 inches, wow! Those bottles and candles are simply gorgeous! They look amazing in the snow! Thanks so much for sharing this post and all its splendor.

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  8. What a peaceful story. You can 'feel' how quiet and soundless your surroundings are; It makes you still more a philosopher.
    i started to read your book but my goodness Cheryl it's quiet heavy stuff. Your life has not been easy!!!!!!!!

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  9. I love this, and am so glad that you re-posted it as I didn't know you this time last year! Such a peaceful and beautiful story- I love the photo with the one candle glowing amidst the snow.....to me, it represents your shining spirit alone in the snow yet so rich and blessed in your solitude. Alone, yes, lonely no.
    Merry Christmas

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  10. Beautiful, Cheryl...the whole thing. xox

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  11. I wish you a very happy Holiday season this year, and I know you'll make it as special as this post.

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  12. Thank you Cheryl, for posting this again. I missed it the first time around since I had not yet discovered your blog last year.

    Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

    Inga

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  13. Oh I see why your readers loved this post. It was really so very calming and peaceful and beautiful...Like walking in the woods on a winter night. May you have a blessed Christmas dear Cheryl surrounded by those you love. For me, the Nutcracker craziness has past (oh for one more performance...sigh) and now I have to finish my Christmas cards and decorating the tree.....

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  14. Oooo, I can see why you were requested to "play it again!" It never ceases to amaze me how we can learn so much from the quiet. It is in these inward looking moments when we are touched with clarity. These are indeed gifted moments.

    Cheryl, those bottles are to die for!! One never stumbles across those treasure in our small town store!! Ah, the advantages of big city living! ;)

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  15. AAH, how superb, how superb! and i love your smiling eyes on the sidebar over there. merry CHRISTMAS to you with love, wanda.

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  16. Finally I'm back on line. Cheryl, these are so lovely. It makes me hanker for the day I will have a nice home to decorate, but for now I can share yours - thank you!xxx

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  17. After looking and reading this post again, all Trish can say is: I loved it the first time and I love it again this time. And I will love it each and every time I see and read it. Your blog is so wonderful! XOXOXOXOX

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  18. It's a great idea to share lovely posts again - a bit like getting old favourite Christmas decorations out every year. First time read of this one for me anyway. Makes me want to go out and light candles in the snow!

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  19. Very beautiful Cheryl, wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
    Anni

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  20. Beautiful post Cheryl, all your posts are written from the heart that's one of the things I like about you, and am so blessed to have met you this year.
    I love the snowflake candles too, love them!
    Now have a wonderful Holiday Season and enjoy that snow you have, we don't have any and I so hope we get some soon.

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  21. Ohh don't you just love 'back by popular demand'!

    Thanks so much for your wonderful comment!
    I have just posted for the day...it's called...

    THE SYMBOLIC ROSE
    come on by!

    oh...it has been such a pleasure getting to know you this past year as well Cheryl! From one artist to another....

    have a creative day!

    Ciao bella!

    Creative Carmelina

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  22. Hi Cheryl...sending you love & a beautiful Happy Healthy Hiliday season & New year filled with only the best of everything you so deserve!
    xoxooLaura

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  23. A beautiful post Cheryl( new to me) what gorgeous candles- so ethereal they create a delicate and spiritual essence for sure. I am so glad I found your blog this year , your art and meaningful words are great inspiration and I feel a kindred spirit with you. May the New Year bring you health, happiness and creativity from your soul- I look forward to your new endeavors!
    Hugs,
    Lori

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  24. Those candles in the snow are beautiful. You are really buried! Have a wonderful new year. all the best to you!

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