“Yet my heart loves December’s smile As much as July’s golden beam; Then let us sit and watch the while The blue ice curdling on the stream.” – Emily Bronte Can it really be December? While the calendar waits to recognize winter for a few weeks, already the landscape lies dormant. Animals and insects have prepared for the winter ahead and many are snuggled up in their homes. What about you? Are you prepared for the winter season? The highlight of winter is hands-down the celebration of Christmas. In fact, Christmas is a season unto itself. Since I have experienced many Decembers, I have learned to treasure these days leading up to Christmas in a quiet, reflective way. It's a beautiful season filled with hope. I had a conversation recently with Gina Schoenherr, a truly inspiring woman, whose story touched me so deeply, I was moved to include a snippet of it in the blog post below: “All Creation Waits. . . ” I hope you'll find a few minutes to read it. Advent is such a sweet time of year. I'll be writing a weekly blog post the next three weeks as we draw closer to Christmas, so you might see me popping into your inbox a little more than usual this month. I hope it's not annoying in any way, but that we can sit for a few minutes together and quietly reflect. |
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On a more energetic note, every nook and cranny of the shoppe is decked out! If you haven't had a chance to stop by yet, this Saturday, December 4, might be just the opportunity. We'll be open 10 am - 7 pm and once darkness falls, this old church will be magical with only the Christmas lights lit. We're serving mimosas in the morning, and wine in the afternoon/evening. During our Sip & Shop, ten percent of all sales will go to help those affected by the recent Waukesha parade tragedy. Our hearts go out to them and we hope you'll join us in a show of support. * New this month: We are opening an online shop where you can order fresh wreaths, Stone Owl candles, and gift cards for pickup or delivery! We are excited to offer this convenience for you! See below for details or head over to our website. www.bellabotanicaboutique.com Blessings to you in this special month of giving & sweet celebrations. May you be encouraged by the gift of hope, and share it with others. |
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All Creation Waits . . . As she gathered the fallen rotting apples into her skirt, she could feel the presence of danger. She stopped and looked up to see herself surrounded by ten doberman pinschers, staring her down, growling, frothing, ready to attack. She froze in fear and prayed, Lord, let it happen quickly. . . |
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It comes quietly. The soft snow slowly spirals down covering branch, leaf, and earth. The first snowfall is always a bit magical, gently signaling that winter is at the doorstep. How do you greet winter - with a sigh, a grumble, or quiet cheer? Though outside the landscape will lie dormant in shades of white, gray, and brown for the next few months, color and growth can be found inside our homes in our indoor gardens . . . |
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WINTER BOTANICAL WREATHS Order yours today! |
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Celebrate the winter season with a handcrafted, foraged wreath. We love mixing the locally-grown cedar and white pine with foraged juniper, holly, boxwood, and seed pods. Each wreath is protected with an anti-desiccant which will keep them green into February and possibly March. We can add a festive red, black, or green velvet ribbon to give a nod to the holidays. |
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Poinsettias were first introduced to the US by Joel Poinsett. He was an American scientist, horticulturist, and a missionary to Mexico. On one of his trips to Mexico, he discovered the beautiful brachts of the plant and brought it back with him. For many years, Poinsettias have been given as a gesture of good will and community spirit. The Aztecs called it ‘Star Flower’ and in religious circles, it is a reflection of the Star of Bethlehem. We are offering the four varieties pictured above: Red, Red Glitter, Viking Cinnamon, and White in 6 ½" pots. Order yours today, and pick up here at the shoppe on Friday, Dec. 17, Saturday, Dec. 18, or Sunday, Dec. 19. Orders must be in by Monday, December 13. |
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If you've met Gina, you know her smile, enthusiasm, and kind ways are contagious. Gina is an international mixed media artist specializing in miniatures - cards, bookmarks, small paintings and acrylic hand-painted rugs. No two are alike! Her art is in Canada, Sint Maarten, Canary Islands, throughout the United States and Europe, and now here at Bella Botanica. I had the opportunity to talk to Gina about her art and her journey as an artist. Listen in . . . |
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BELLA BOTANICA GIFT CARDS |
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A few Advent resources you may enjoy: All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss - books will be arriving soon here at the shoppe, but it's available on Audible and a delight to listen to. Advent wreaths are available here in the shoppe! |
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If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with a friend. Until next month, you can find me on Instagram @bellabotanicaboutique or if you are a fellow plant geek, follow along as I post plant pics @beautyseekr. Have a blessed month! |
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