My Grandma

Everyday people talk about great influences in their lives, special songs, movies, famous actors, or talk show hosts. They say these people affected them, inspired or encouraged them. Well, I may not have a favorite talk show host, or endearing song, but I do have a truly wonderful Grandmother. It is my Grandmother who has filled my life and others with endless amounts of love, inspiration and encouragement. She is my idle, my famous lady.

Growing up she surrounded us kids with magic, the magic of the setting sun, the arrival of a new flower, the song of a hummingbird.
Her home was a treasure in each new hidden discovery, from flowering violets to filled candy jars. The moment she opened the door her arms opened wide with a loving embrace an endless smile and cheerful manner. We loved visiting her, and we knew she loved having us visit.

As I grew older and stuggled with trouble in my teenage years, my Grandmother never faultered. Her arms still open wide, her love still overflowing upon my arrival. It didn't matter if my jeans were torn, my make-up too dark,or my boyfriend was a hippie. She welcomed us all, and noticed no flaws. If I arrived in despair, she would lift my spirits, if I arrived in good cheer she would lift them even higher, this was her magic.

I was not the only one whom felt her magic, felt her love. Soon after Grandmother moved to town, other friends, teenagers, children, and neighbors would fill her home, and upon leaving would carry a special glow.

Grandmother has not been feeling well lately, and I hope to see her soon. Though in the meantime, I just wanted to let everyone know my favorite famous lady. And I am so very proud to say this lady is my Grandmother.

Thanks for the lists of your favorite things this time of year.
With that there are always a few stresses that also come with the holidays. Here are a few of mine:
1. Crowded shopping malls.
2. Blizzard driving
3. Weight gain.
4. All night Christmas eve wrapping.
5. T.V. commercials for toys.
6. The running.
7. Pine tree sap.
8. Dry skin.
9. Lost mittens.
10.Snow higher than my boots.

And your?

The Twelve Things of Christmas

Today I would just like to list twelve things I enjoy this time of year.

1. Children's Christmas Concerts
2. Old Fashion Christmas Music (The Little Drummer Boy)
3. Almond Rocca
4. Christmas Lights at Night
5. Flannel P.J's I can wear all day.
6. Outdoor Skating (ponds, rinks)
7. Day After Turkey, onion, and mayo on a bun.
8. My Mom's stuffing.
9. A good game of late night cards.
10. Homemade pumpkin pie.
11. Sunny winter days.
12. Being Lazy the day after.

Let me know a few of your favorite things?

Christmas in The freezer

The turkey all plump sat tucked in the freezer next to the ham and shortbread cookies.
Across the way the peas and carrots lied still and meek next to the dressing sausage meat.
All awaiting the day of Christmas. Meanwhile the breadcrumbs and cranberry sauce sat in the pantry, below them the potatoes, onions and yams carried on their own conversation about their role to play out for dinner.
The turkey all puffed up in his arrogance, boasted about his star role in the feast. He went on and on describing all his special prepping, the thawing, the stuffing, the long lovely hours of basting. The Ham listened quietly, as in his mind he knew the truth, his day if not next to the turkey on center stage would certainly be New Years Day. With the turkey long gone the ham relished in this idea. The cookies and sausage meat listened and rolled their eyes at the self-centered turkey both knowing full well that they we’re well liked and enjoyed in their own roles.
Though it was the peas and carrots that cried meekly as many years if not forgotten on the stove or in the microwave they would easily be passed over, as plates seemed too full for their small touch. Children would turn up their noses and after supper they were often tossed upon the garbage heap in an ungrateful manner.
Meanwhile the potatoes eyed their counter parts, laughing hurtfully at the humanitarian yam. As the potatoes came to be a large part of all the action, from dressing, to being smothered with rich brown gravy they truly felt above the rest. The cranberry sauce although little knew he was secure every year in his position, just like the breadcrumbs.
The yam said very little, but did take a moment to remind them all of the purpose to the holiday. “This is a time of year, where we celebrate in the joy of one another, is it not,” stated the Yam. As they talked through the night soon the sun arose with the chatter and clanging of pots and pans. It was the day.
Each item was pulled out of the freezer, and pantry one by one. Soon they had all been prepped, glazed, and prepared accordingly. They we’re set upon center stage with human eyes looking down on them with admiration.
The turkey still puffed up from his ego, the potatoes, dressing, and cranberry sauce all piled on plates close together. The yam sat alone, aloof, waiting for the odd one whom enjoyed his flavor. As the peas and carrots could be heard sobbing terribly in the kitchen still on the stove. Soon the silence of eating was broken. As a young child spoke up, “Mom, where’s the peas and carrots? As this is not a true Christmas dinner without a little of everything, That’s what makes Christmas Dinner Special!”
Soon the peas and carrots where placed amongst the other food, and the wise Yam spoke for the last time. “ Here ye all you self-centered dished, you over done turkey, this is a meal of sharing, we all play important roles at this table, like the child spoke, no one is above the other, “ And so the food is realization of their pettiness tasted all the better, and all was devoured in glory of Christmas Day.

Santa on Drugs

Christmas for many of us is a joyful time of year, and the thought of us as parents being Santa, well that is a job in itself.

Not all families live the holidays with the thought of others and their children so dear to their hearts. In fact one third of the population has a drug or alcohol problem, many we don’t even know about. What happens in these homes during the holidays.

The fact that Christmas time is a time for celebration causes these families to spend even more of their income on drugs and alcohol, for the soul purpose of feeling better, enjoying the season. As a result, the fridge is emptier this time of year, the child neglect is increased to the point that winter health ills such as flu’s, chest colds and infections are also left untreated. The selfishness of the parent, soon to be Santa, leaves their children under nourished, unloved and heartbroken.

I have witnessed a father on drugs, coming home the night before Christmas with a shopping bag from SevenEleven filled with candy bars, a cap gun, and caps to wrap for his three year old daughter. No wrapping included. My heart broke at the foolishness, as the extra money was spent on his drugs and alcohol. During the season the girl was rushed to the doctor with a terrible chest infection, only to hear the father say he had no money for her medication. As he grabbed his jacket to leave a twenty dollar bill fell to the floor in front of the doctor, out of shame he purchased the medication.

Santa’s anonymous is for these situations, the problem is you need to apply to receive help and gifts from them. The sad part is many of these parents are too selfish to even take the time to apply.

The daughter in the story, did receive wrapped gifts from other members of her family, as well, the fridge was stocked with my intervention. In time the girl probably forgot about the wayward Santa, but I have not.

So remember Christmas is a time for sharing, not only does a donated gift or groceries help others, but apply for the help for those you know may not take the time to do so themselves. So that Santa may leave a sad home into a beautiful one.

Sometimes you just have nothing to say.
So today I listen, and you talk.