My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Wow, this is Christmas week! I must admit I’ve not had much of a Christmas spirit so far this season but that shifted some on Saturday evening. My good friend , Joan, and I made a visit to the Garden of Lights which is put on by the Gardens at Spring Creek. It is a wonderful way to excite all of us children at heart. Joan and I enjoyed walking along with a smile as we listened to the children “ooh” and “aah” or their excitement when they saw Santa or the reindeer. The Gardens had Christmas carolers and a magician. The young girls in the above image are enthralled as they get a look into Santa’s workshop. I think all of us kids had a good time. I know Joan and I did. In fact it lifted my spirits a bit. Have a great week!
I went to Old Town this past week to see Don Thurn play and sing at the Walnut Creek Gallery. I picked up a friend who went with me and found this Christmas Lighted truck and Santa parked on her street. Had to have a photo.
Rene on the ukulele and Don assisting with vocals
A friend of Don’s showed up and played her ukulele while Don assisted with vocals. Snacks were aplenty for those into grazing and even had drinks for those old enough. It’s one of those stores that requires a four hour visit because there is so much to shop for.
We are heading home today, back to the colder temperatures. I have enjoyed the family time except for all the food I was forced to eat. I have also enjoyed the wonderful weather they have here in Phoenix. Tomorrow will be my pre-op appointment, blood draws and more explanation on what to expect with the surgery on the 5th. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving !
I remember the cold winter mornings I would cut a slice mom’s homemade bread, toasting it in this exact toaster and smothering it in “real” butter. Well, mom made her homemade bread before we arrived for Thanksgiving. As expected I cut a slice about as thick as it would fit in the toaster and drowned it in butter. I mentioned how impressed I was that the toaster was still working. Dad then informed it was one of their wedding gifts which makes is almost 68 years old. I made toast every morning I was there. 🙂
On my walk into Od Gahanna the other evening I came across this Italian restaurant. It has an open patio with a fireplace in the center. Needless to say, with temperatures just below freezing, no one was on the patio but they sure had the fire roaring. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve, enjoying your time with family and friends.
I found a surprise after buying my meager supplies of groceries. When I opened the bag this box of Queen Anne’s cherry cordials were in the bottom of the bag. And, dark chocolate to boot! Now, how did they get in there? I think its a sign that the holiday season has started. Many stores already have Christmas stuff out for a week or so.  So I suggest you check your shopping cart before going to the register, the holiday candy can appear out of nowhere. 🙂
While making my latte this morning I grabbed one of my favorite cups and thought of my friend Beth. I smiled. Since then she has come to mind throughout the day. I remember our talks, the trip to NYC when her daughter sang at Carnegie Hall, the carriage ride through Central Park, seeing the Phantom of the Opera, sharing a bottle of wine and the time we watched the fireworks from the top of her moms house. What a gift those experiences are to me. But what really has touched me today is her simple gift of the four coffee mugs. I’ve had them for 5-6 years now. I like them and use them almost everyday. When I’m in a mindful place while making my latte, I think of her and lift up prayers or positive thoughts for her. And, of course I smile!
I am aware of how family and friends are gifts. They have been there for me and helped me when I needed them. They let me cry with them. They helped me get back on my feet when I was down. They encouraged and supported me. What a gift that is! Yet, today I am thankful for the material gifts they have given me? Those gifts make me smile.
We are moving into the season of giving and receiving gifts. I know a giving a simple gift to family and friends, such as a card, a letter, a phone call or a mug, will help them in times when we are not able to be there with them. Family and friends can touch our lives even while we are separated by 100’s of miles. What simple gifts will we receive this Christmas season? And, what gifts will we give? It can make someone smile!
Thanks, Beth, for the mugs and thanks for all the gifts you have given me! 🙂
