Notice I wrote, "a few of my favorite things." There are many others that I don't have photos of and a few that prefer not to appear in public. Just had to throw in that disclaimer so as not to offend any of my other favorite things or people.
Took this photo and the next one while playing hooky with my husband from the Spanish service a couple of weeks ago. I didn't have to translate, so we went on a brief date while the kids learned faithfully about their faith. Being the ancient married couple that we are, he read the newspaper and I read a book most of the time that we were there. I looked up long enough to capture a photo... of my coffee, pound cake, and book. And then I went outside to take photos of some of the ornaments on the tree on their patio.
But I only have eyes for my own Christmas tree. We have had this artificial tree for almost ten years, and I think I love it more each year. I sit for hours in the living room each Christmas and just stare at it. With visions of sugar plums, sugar cookies, Christmases past and Christmases yet to come dancing through my mind. I have been know to simply sit there at weep at how beautiful it is to me.
Last Saturday, Kristiana participated in a Christmas recital at a local mall. Yes, the children were sent to entertain the harried shoppers. They did a great job. I was quite the proud Mommy. So here I am with one of my absolute favorite people in the world at the Concord Mills mall.
In the window at Nordstrom's. Simply stated. Elegantly displayed.
In that marketing meeting, I would have suggested that they write:
"Joy, peace, love, grace, mercy, strength, courage, and cookies for all,"
but somehow I don't think it would have fit.
So I'll say it here:
JOY, PEACE, LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, STRENGTH, COURAGE AND COOKIES FOR ALL!!!
10 comments:
I'd like to do Christmas at your house! It all looks so warm and inviting.
Wondeful glimpses of your life! Thanks for sharing :-)
And I love that you played hooky! Here's to St. Starbucks, Bedside Baptist, Our Lady of the Mattress, and all other holy sanctuaries of life.
Dear Gail, thanks so much for your kind words that you left on my blog. You have no idea how much I enjoy reading about you and yours! I check your blog about three times a week and am blessed every time I read it. I wish we lived closer. I would love to meet you in person. I so appreciate and value our "friendship" through the blogs. You and I have much in common. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Visit my blog whenever you can - you are always welcome.Hope you don't see this more than posted once. (We are having an ice storm and the internet connection isn't good)
"Notes Left Behind" is a book you just have to read. Take along a whole box of Kleenex and read it in a place where you don't care who watches you cry. Heart warming story of a six year old with brain cancer. If you like art and journaling this is an awesome book, Gail.
I love that window! The pic of you and Kritiana makes me smile and be grateful.
You love cookies, don't you, Gail?!
Gail,
That comment from "Melissa" is from me! I acidentally used her account, as I'm here in TX.
amy
Yes, Amy, I do love cookies and mirrors and windows and smiles and hugs.
Laurie, I will look for that book you mentioned. Thanks for the recommendation. And thanks for your support here at my blog.
Lisa, I look forward to finding more holy sanctuaries in many other places in my life. Thanks for the reminder that wherever we are is holy ground!
Jena, you are welcome in my house at any time. Any day, any time at all.
Thank you for writing your blog. This post in particular was written with much thought and eloquence. I always enjoy hearing your view on upcoming events and holidays. I have nothing but respect for you and your family although I do not know you personally and do not always agree with your opinions. Your hope and optimism is much appreciated in a time where people only talk about war and economic depression, however, I only wish you would recognize the other side of the story. Without war there cannot be peace. Without hate there is no love. Without skeptics there are no believers. Without those who feel alienated and alone around the holidays you would not be able to fully appreciate your family. Only with mourners hanging wreaths on their fathers' graves, can we be grateful for life. Understand that, though it may not be your fault, many people still have an extreme amount of pain in their hearts.
-A.K
Catching up on your blog. What thoughful pieces. I'm always wishing you the best.
Your heart shines like sun.Your blog inspires me, especially this Christmas.
Merry Christmas friend and great photo. Love it.
Love,
Ella
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