The Week Between Christmas and New Years

      The decorations are packed up, and the lights are out, the holiday is over. Yet all my people are still home!
      We are all caught in the week between.
      The canvas of the house, has changed, its clean and uncluttered. We all look around, to see what is missing, or what is there to do. It is an empty feeling, I need a gift to unwrap!!
       Of course that is a joke, I want for nothing. I just have a burst of energy and everything has been done.
     January is coming, with nothing to speak of.
     A few last football games, a sympathy card to write, painting to start and finish, a wedding to plan for, visit to Boston. My days are full, its just this crazy weird week.
    My people, whom are home, look to me for food and entertainment.
    They often forget, I too am on holiday.
    Wheat thins are a good lunch food, and we do not have to go to a movie, daily.
    I went to the gym early this morning, just to shake off some of the funk.
    I think New Years should happen, December 27, this pause between holidays, is not good.
    Its like a lull in the story, we need to turn the page.
    2015 has a nice sound to it. The year sounds strong, 2015! Just say it a few times, its strong!
    I think and hope it holds beautiful things for all.
    Health, happiness, few heartaches, spring and summer soon, good music and wonderful travels, I wish for these all for mine and yours.
     I think we may still be in the month of December?
     I may just keep typing until January is here, this week between, has got to go.
     Happy New Year, in my world!!! Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy, 2015 is here, I feel so much better.
     ( Is it still December? Don't tell me?)
     

Surround Yourself With The Best

  This few days before Christmas day, can sink the unsinkable.
  Especially if your heart is not in repair.
  AND when the weather is hung over in haze.
  Sweet lord, I need to count my blessings.

  My Christmas trees have not caused me to have tree claustrophobia. Christmas decorations can take up space and energy. This time of year, I need air to breathe. My trees, are delightful. This is huge, I may leave them up until the day after Christmas!!! They have surrounded me in light, and memories, so precious.

 My dinner ( maybe it was brunch??) with "The Girls" was a reminder of how lucky I have been, my entire life, to be surrounded by smart, funny, loving women. In school, in work, in different states and neighborhoods, I have the best group of girls, that have made me into the woman I am today.  From my mother and aunties, cousins and coworkers, I salute you. I can not begin to find the words to express, the power of good women in your life.

 When my babies were growing up, I would tell them, who you hang with is HUGE! Be particular, who you share your stories with, and hold on to the good ones. My mom would say, " If you lay with dogs.....you get fleas!" same meaning I guess, different time.

Friends, men and women, so important. If you are reading my blog, most probably, I love you, for being a part of my stories. You never know who or how you touch another.

Last for this page, I feel so blessed to love music, all kinds. Queen Emma had on praise music this morn, she was still wrapping a few gifts. Of course I knew all the songs, being from the south, bible-belt, snake preaching, praise songs!! ( well, maybe not in the Episcopal church but.....) I did go to VBS and Jesus camp! Thank you Mr. Cripp and Mrs Yell Dell, for having me in choir, this tone deaf young girl.

While making up my bed, and puttering, I like to turn on MTV, VH1, whatever music videos are on at the time, it is good to stay current! ( another life lesson!) Today I was so thrilled to hear Ed Sheeran's new song and video! I shouted " Merry Christmas to me!" so beautiful, young , sexy and a voice from angels!!! I did not even feel the need to meditate, or pray for I had been to the altar of good music. Then we had Housiers, ( I think that is how you spell it!) Take Me To Church,( I think its Hozier!!) anyhow, you are welcome! go check out these tunes, and surround yourself with all the things that make you happy.

Now Bill is coming to wrap, my space is closing up, so I will leave you with these almost Christmas thoughts.
People, music and Christmas Trees, I am surrounded by the best.
          THANK YOU

Note: The last picture is of a stranger, but she was so cute, and had a nice haircut and we wanted to be her friend. We spoke to her on their way out of the restaurant, and explained why we ( OK, me) took her picture, because she was so beautiful!! She was thrilled beyond measure. Share the love!

Details, Details, Details

    After much reflection on my lack of wrapping skills, (truthfully minimal reflection) I have decided that I love to receive a package, that is also lovely to look at on the outside!!( dear god, a long sentence)
    Just this week something was delivered to me ( love packages coming UPS!) in a brown box. No frills or bows, just to me, from Felix Doolittle ! I held it to my chest, thanking the stars above for this man.
    I hope you, the reader, are aware of his talents. I know that in the past seven or eight years of my blog, you know that I love this man. But most of all, I love his attention to details, and how he wraps the package.
    First he is a watercolor artist, who designs paper. Mailing labels, personal stationery, paper weights, the list is not long, it is just long enough.
     A pretty penny will be spent, its art, for heavens sake! Maybe twice a year, I have to order something.
     AND you know my style, one for you, one for me. His work is always a gift to myself. He soothes my heart. When you open your simple writing paper, it comes in its on personal box, as if you were Hemingway.

   This year, I ordered some small note cards with the very long gone typewriter on the cover. I also wrote a note, ( I always do!!) thanking Felix, and his store for making me so happy.

                                        

   This is the note, I found, when I opened my box.. This company is my favorite for so many reasons.

  These are my precious note cards, perfect and wrapped to perfection. ( do you now how hard it is to do watercolor this small?) ( go on his website, and scan all his choices, its like walking in a museum)
 I ordered something else, and it came wrapped! How did they know, I was so bad at wrapping, and that it was a gift?

They did not know, the attention to detail, comes with each item. Its as if, the gift was going to a king or queen. How did they know, it was! We are all royalty in some manner. Loved, respected, honored by many, so your gift should reflect that thought. AND..the lesson to me, is maybe I had better learn to wrap a present with some more love involved. OR.....pay my, number one, daughter to do it for me! Love sometimes comes with a price, I took her on a mommy/daughter date after she wrapped my gifts with perfection ( a little anal folding and matching stripes!) I bought things with love, had the good sense to find someone who wraps well, and rewarded her for being talented in this area.
   Thank you Mr. Felix Doolittle and company, for paying attention, being particular, and intricate. It means much to the person on the giving and receiving end. AND..if you are ever looking for a good employee, my number one daughter, has the talent!
Note...to daughter in law, queen Emily, please take me to see his shop in January!!
Merry Christmas almost.

Christmas Gifts, Not Wrapped

  My mother use to make her own bows. I think she may have made the wrapping paper? It would not surprise me. I do remember her making beautiful ice candles, and tulle trees, and so much more.(Note it was all done with no wine!) ( But the cigs were burning in every ashtray!) I think bragging about your mom is great, but to follow in those footsteps not so easy. So I gave up that ghost, about twelve, maybe earlier!!
   I would prefer to give you, your gift in the bag it came in. No bows, no paper, just the thought. The perfect wrapped present, skipped to my Lou, over me. AND I feel no shame.
  I give great gifts, I spend time and research on all my people. I have an artists eye, and an amazing memory. If you even mention something that you like, I will probably make it for you, or find it and buy it in any month. So often, I will say, "Oh this looks like___________! just add your name)
  Will it be wrapped nice, never! It annoys me, to cut and fold, and tape.
  I love a good bag, and lots of tissue. I can stuff a bag!
  There is never any ribbon in my house, no bows to be made.
  I will not make any ice candles, or tulle trees ( but I would like to have one mom!)
  I love to decorate in my style, and its very different. Unique would be an appropriate word. I have a basket with glasses, that look like Christmas to me. That works!
 I take cards and prints that I have found throughout the year, and frame them. Some for me, and some for you! I frame everything, its so much fun.
  Also if I really like something, I will probably buy two. I like the gifts I give! Most likely you will see me with that very bracelet that you are receiving! That sheet music that I play on the piano, you may have it framed one day! Especially if you ever told me, you love "Moon River" as much as I do. I take many photos and if you want them painted, one day you will get that very painting. I love to share, sounds like a quote from the Elf movie!!!
  I love to share my gift giving talents, and let you know my weakness, gift wrapping! Lack of wrapping, is more like it.
  I will also not be making cut out cookies, that is just a fact!! I hung all of mom's old cookie cutters on my tree, better use of them. I remember biting into those silver balls, and most of the sprinkles came off on the floor. My memories are of mom working too hard, to be perfect. I think she enjoyed some of it, I hope so. I just was not going to have any part of perfect. I would ask the kids, "Do you want cookies, what kind!" and they would say "Chocolate chips, or Jeannine's fudge!" OK, "done." no silver balls, and if you want sprinkles, just put some in a spoon and eat it! Use it to make a picture, that's it ! " Lets draw and color!"
 We are all so different, and learn so much from each other, and its all right!
 My mom makes the best of many things, and so do I, that is what Christmas is about.
 Loving the pretty bows, and the not so beautiful package.
 Learning from each other, and laughing about it.
 And listening to my children laugh, " We know which presents you wrapped mom!"
 Merry Almost Christmas, I need to go wrap a few gifts! I bought back to back tape, so things are already not looking so good!! or they are!! Perception, HO, HO, HO!

Baby It's Cold Outside

     Honestly its not that cold, but it feels cold, and that my dear is all that matters.
  

                                           
   Plus its so dark, and that makes me feel colder, I think I feel a flake!!!!
   Winter is trying to get me, but I am prepared.
   Being prepared and particular, are two "Ps" that I hold high.
   I have made sure that I walk somewhere, sometime, even in this blizzard of thoughts.
   I keep at least seven books on my Kindle at all times, charged and warm to the touch!
   Reading Yes Please by Amy Poehler, and hooting with laughter, on this winter week.

  You have to feed your curiosity, during these bleak days. Its a job, like any other. You get up, dress up and show up. Daily I find so much to leap for joy about, even with this frozen breath beating down on me.

  Today the antique store, was filled with Christmas delight, and the man taking the money, was oh so talkative. He starts by saying, " I know I have told you this before, but I love your purse!" ( I have only been in this store twice) Its Christmas so, I spoke through my singing of carols, " Thanks, I do too, its one of my favorites."  Then "the man" ( I don't what to call him) ( An antique Elf) said, " In fact I like all that you have on, well I just like you!" Honestly, it was just a Christmas miracle of some weird adoration, and I said, " Thank you so much........." then he interrupted me....man talking, " Did I tell you I lost my wallet over Thanksgiving break!!"  OK Lord, hear we go, " Oh that is horrible, sorry ...." man talking...." My Neiman Marcus card, I have got to get a new one, Oh and I hope you have a Merry Christmas, I love your purse!"
( Please older women, wrapping each of my little red glasses that I found, hurry)
 I left with a smile, and worn out, this cold weather and too much conversation, I needed a nap.

 Second wonderful thing, NAPS! In the winter I can take a good nap, with the animals. In the summer, its too nice to waste time on a nap. Winter naps, with the Christmas tree on, the dog and the cat with me, phone turned off, a quiet house, what a perfect piece of time.

I have a minute of me time, right now, after supper to write, and my family considers it work! Because I have taught them well! So they are in there on little spots.

I think this cold night in December, is not so bad.

I feel a certain calmness, I do hope its not the cold, slowing down my heart rate!
No I think it is a peace, that only winter can bring.
Baby Its Cold Outside, and I feel warm.

( Please note, I have on many layers!!)
( Read Amy P's book, what a jewel)

Six Boxes Of Christmas Cards

   And pictures, address labels, stamps galore, are waiting for me.
   An old address book, that Jane Anders made me one Christmas, and if you closely Debbie C. you were living in New Jersey. Pieces of the past, present and future. The old Rolodex file stills comes out for the holidays, a relative folder, and teacher folder, neighbors near and far. Doctors that I have worked for and doctors that I have seen. ( Bill thinks that sending old shrinks of mine a card, is a tad off!) ( and he wonders why I had to see the shrink?) ( one precious doctor, said he would pay me to come to his office!, he loved my stories! so I left that day and gave him my bill!) Dr. B still sends me, semi naked pictures of he and his wife, with a poinsettia placed correctly from the islands. I have a lot of friends around the world, and they are the most interesting people.
  I never tire of hearing from people, and in this age of knowing each others business, I have so many other ways to visit.

  I do still enjoy snail mail, and a signature, so Christmas cards are still coming from my house.
  My table is strewn with all my gear, and I decided to write a blog. ( Sometimes things overwhelm me, and I have to push the pause button) ( another reason for Season Greetings to my doctor friends!) Clicking away on the keyboard, and putting my thoughts down, help center me. Then I will return, do five cards, and fly away to something else. Do another five or ten, and in a couple of weeks, they will be on their way.
 I think I enjoy the whole process, of touching them, writing personal letters, picking out who gets my crazy Bill Murray pictures! Murray Christmas, again! love him.

  I buy new pens to write with, and think about each person, how they have touched my life in a special way.
  This year is a little different because, my Hart is getting married and I have to make an address list for the bride to be. She needs to be able to read my writing, and that is a horror story. So I have written all of them down, for my Bill to type, for her. For the"save the date" cards, and invitations. So this year, it is a bigger project, but a happy one.
  (my neck is starting to twitch just thinking about things!)
 So I think I will leave you with your thoughts, and go tend to mine.
Please send me your address via this site, or message me, or email me, or text me. Would love to send cards to everyone.
 Tis the Season, Murray Christmas!