The Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.

Truman Capote
1924-1984

Peace, Be Still

The Oakland Temple in California is near and dear to my heart as it was the first temple I ever went to.  Not only that, but I went to pagents there and other events so that it holds a special place in my memories.

I have come to realize how much my faith steadies me, anchors and defines me.  I don't know how I would be without it.  But I do know that with it I am whole.

This afternoon my friend Tara and I are going to the temple in Denver.  I am so looking forward to being there, to partake of the peace therein.  To be still and know that He is.  What better time of the year to have such an experience than this time?

The Lap of Luxury

It's all how you look at it.  Sometimes I see these ads for things in the paper or on television that I cannot afford and think how hard it is to have such a tight budget.  But then I sit back and look at what I really have and I have to admit, I am living the good life.

My pantry and fridge are full.  On my counter are all the things I need to start my holiday baking: nuts, sugars, flour, dried fruit, chocolate (CHOCOLATE!!!) and a Kitchen Aid mixer.  Pretty luxurious.

Last night I was upstairs in my room and I thought how I really had it made.  I have an easy chair with an ottoman and a side table with a reading lamp.  My home is warm in the midst of a really frigid spell here, and I had my pink fuzzy slippers, my pink giant hoody sweatshirt that's my robe, a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and an amazing book to read with Christmas carols playing on the stereo.  And there I sat, my feet up, and relaxing the night away, the sounds of my sons downstairs laughing at some silly movie they were watching sounding so good.  Tell me, could Oprah have it better?  I don't think so.

So, yeah, I may drive an eleven year old mini-van instead of a jaguar, live in a 2000 sq ft home instead of 25000 sq ft one, but how much room do I need to sit and relax with my hot chocolate and book? 

Yep.  I'm living in the lap of luxury and I'm lovin' it!

I like this .....

It’s in every one of us
To be wise
Find your heart
Open up both your eyes
We can all know everything
Without ever knowing why
It’s in every one of us
By and by

Lyrics by David Pomeranz

A New Story

Please check out a new short story I have posted on my writing site http://www.plottingitout.blogspot.com/.  Based on a true story that happened to my maternal grandfather, I hope you'll give it a read and let me know what you think.  And maybe it'll help promote a good Christmas feeling as well .....

Thanks!

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

I believe in the elaborate taking care of others.  And we live in a culture where "I'm not my brother's keeper," "That's your responsibility," "Get a life" have become bywords, code phrases, anthems for elaborate indifference, selfishness, greediiness, and the failure of empathetic acceptance.  In the same way that we need to repair the economy, we need to repair the effects of an economy of selfishness.

Michael Silverblatt, NPR

1952 -

Breast Cancer Awareness

Workers at a hospital in Oregon made this video to promote breast cancer awareness.  They are all wearing pink gloves that help pay for mammograms for women who can't afford it.  I thought it was a fun, uplifting and happy video.  Go down to my music list and turn it off so you can hear and enjoy as these men and women dance to help women.

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.

Oprah Winfrey

1954 -

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown