Christmas Kleenex Classics

I've started my vacation, so I'm ready to enjoy many of the wonderful movies of the season. I'm a sap for the season's film fare, so I'm all ready with an endless supply of kleenex. There are many movies I will watch this Christmas, on the Hallmark Channel, GMCTV, Turner Movie Classics and AMC for the most part, many which I've never seen but also ones I look for to watch every year.

I'm hoping to add to seeing White Christmas with Crosby and Kaye, the precursor film Holiday Inn with Crosby and Astaire. Have you seen their storylines - they have in common, yes, the beloved song 'White Christmas', introduced in the latter. Story has it that the song 'White Christmas' "was originally about a New Yorker stranded in sunny California during Christmas". The movie Holiday Inn covers a spectrum of holidays (similar to Sleepless in Seattle's Christmas to Valentine's Day) being a venue that was only open on holidays--I understand that the reknown Holiday Inn hotel chain took its name from this movie.

Connecticut, the locale for Holiday Inn, also boasts the movie Christmas in Connecticut, a rare classic with Stanwyck. If you're into rare Christmas classics, I hear that her Remember the Night is a jewel, another one is The Bells of Saint Mary, another Crosby favorite.

My most favoritest Christmas movies are:

• Best of all is the Nativity - you can climb into biblical times and experience the depth of the experience of Christ's birth, Joseph's challenge and commitment, Mary's demise and courage ~and  their risks--live Christmas Day and bring it home to your heart with real understanding. 
• Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol - I've watched it since a child and know every song. My daughter and I can quickly break out into 'where are two shoes that click to my clack'.  Check for other wonderful Carol movies and Christmas recommendations.
• It's a Wonderful Life - Marlo Thomas did a made-for-TV version not available.  It the version I love best, but I never tire of the original - that opportunity to remember even my life means something, touches people; every life does.
• Miracle on 34st Street is wonderful in any version.
• a dear, dear favorite - The Gift of the Magi
• The Bishop's Wife and The Preacher's Wife
• This Christmas
• The Grinch
• I like watching too, in a somewhat different vein, the Die Hard series. But then that would be a different blog post; one that doesn't require kleenex! :-)

May all your Christmas movies be a bright part of your holidays!

Ketchup

I don't like ketchup - only on meatloaf; it is really good on meatloaf.

And I don't like playing catch up - the stress!

But here I am in January, looking at December.

I had a birthday, so maybe it's age. ;-). I have a new camera - an upgrade from my TZ3 to a FZ28. Wow! I'm really enjoying it and I still like my little one with so much capability. It fits in my pocket or purse - so I'm never without a camera. But the new one is light years more intriguing. I take some solitary walks to get some shots as well - a combo of physical, spiritual and artistic exercise. I'm enjoying this new avenue of pursuit. I take shots where ever I see them.The first day of my vacation it snowed over night. I captured this shot doing morning errands.

The husband and I go on shoots. He also goes with our yenta who also is into photography. New Year's, he came over with his lady and shared a morning with us - more photos LOL. We're plannning a getaway shoot - should be fun; I'm looking forward to it. The youngest has accompanied us on a nature shoot.

I also received Vanessa William's Christmas CD and a great workbook 'Sacred Romance'; going to get the book today so I can begin the journey.

Spent Christmas with kids in and out. We were blessed to see the Giant's wife over the holidays who came bearing the gift of kewl watch. Too we were blessed as the next oldest came down from northern California. We had 5 for dinner, and it was a very nice to have the help cleaning up. We missed the one studying in France, and the Texans, but were also blessed by all of the rest.

I usually use this time to do some cleaning and re-arranging some furniture. I made the effort this year to change our living/dining room in to what I call the conservatoire (a reading/music room of sorts) - same stuff, just slightly different look to contrast with our 'theatre' room we already have. I have much, much, much more cleaning to do.

Other than groceries, I didn't really do any shopping, even though I have a few gift cards to spend. Eventually! Eventually! Went to the office parties of my and the husband's job. New Year's we've developed of having of finger foods and sparkling beverage with whomever graces our home as we wait in the New Year. That was nice. We were watching, as we had been throughout the holidays, episodes of the last dvd season of Smallville. We paused for the midnight celebration!

So now as I look back I see I've had a difficult time in getting back into school; but I haven't given up. I'm trying to manage the workload and make way for that opportunity, as well as continue in ministry and of course having a meaningful family life. Jer 29:11 reminds me God has a plan. I'll be trying to be on His page.

Meanwhile I look to the hubbi's upcoming birthday - a weekend which we will celebrate the gift of him, Martin Luther King Jr., and 44. Hoping to make the most of what will be a 5-day weekend for me.

Ketchup/Catch Up is what you make it - done well it can as enjoyable as this has been.

May God's (not the World's) prosperity bless you all this New Year.

"to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect (Hiphil) to look at or upon, have insight to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent to have insight, have comprehension 1b insight, comprehension (subst) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b the teachers, the wise to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely to prosper, have success to cause to prosper"

TX trippin' two-step

You know you're on vacation when you have nary a worry. The husband and I are relaxed and loving it; we walked into town to Blockbuster and used his Christmas coupon to buy 4/$20 DVDs - we got The Last Mimsy, Facing the Giants, plus two others. We racked up 10,000 steps in that trip. We saw two snowmen, a horse grazing, a voting area surrounded by democratic candidate signs - mostly Barak, and one republican one with mostly McCain. Here, the caucuses were called the 'Texas Two-Step! At the end of the day, HRC won TX, OH, not Vermont but also RI (the difference between them remains about the same) and McCain clinched his party's nomination. And the battles rage on.



The husband and I familiarized ourselves more with Catan, but the eldest and SIM gave Canaan to the youngest for his February birthday. We played that today - it has nuances that are quite enjoyable, but that version can end rather quickly. I received the Jane Austen collection and an ornament that identifies the eldest as my favorite! She's been holding our gifts hostage until we got here ;-)

She and I went over to Mardel Christian - a very comprehensive and inexpensive store. I spent $11 on 4 books. The husband barbequed ribs and chicken at the end of the day; now every one has retired (except me) in preparation for tomorrow's trek to Lackland AFB in San Antonio to visit the giant. He probably won't have time for us until Friday evening - so, there'll be sights to see. Although it was a nice sunny day; tomorrow is expected to threaten snow once again. Since we are traveling south, I am not sure what we will encounter. But God is in charge and we are excited. We have reservations for the Travelodge Suites with a kitchenette. The eldest has made spaghetti and we have snacks for the road - can you say Roadtrip!

She's been playing Scrabulous on Facebook. I haven't looked at Scrabble online in ages; I was immediately re-hooked. Signed myself up outside of Facebook so I can enjoy in the future. This vacation 4 days in has been filled with fullness of family and fun = what a blessing. Going to get some shut-eye myself. C'ya!

The Nativity Story - new Christmas family film night tradition

Ever wonder how Mary, Joseph felt - we had one of our family movie nights - the girls were with us - and we watched The Nativity, very worthwhile and profound. To be unexplicably pregnant with only natural conclusions for people to assume. To be betrothed to such a woman. In the Stoning Age. The story brings to you the wonderment of 3 wisemen, these two, and a journey, giving us a reflection on the parents of John the Baptist as well - but touching mostly upon the relationship of Mary and John's mom, her cousin. You are stuck plumb in the history of the event to realize what people God had chosen and prepared for such a time as this!

I recognize Elizabeth's portrayer from "24", X-Men: The Last Stand, and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Shohreh Aghdashloo plays moms often -i.e. The Lake House, House of Sand and Fog; I like seeing the native of Tehran do well.

Precious lines from the movie between Mary and Joseph:

People will not look at you the same. They will not look at us the same.
You are my wife. I am your husband. That is all anyone need know.

It was an enjoyable family film night.

Mulling with Cider - Goodbye 2007; Happy 2008!

Goodbye 2007; Happy 2008!

Was going to Palm Springs - but as things go the high there will be about 66; not that much different than here and rain is imminent. So I am taking care of a few things and sitting down (looking 'round for a spider) with some cider to mull over the last few days :-)

The vacation time is waning away and I will return to work on the 8th. Have a few things to lock in school (yes, I picked one - will talk about that another time) - but have to write a 500 word paper among other things.

A wonderful animal story for children is Andre, the seal - if you like that genre I recommend it for renting. Today I watched the Miracle Dogs - and that is cute as well. I discovered that there is Miracle Dogs Too,

Watched Will Smith's I am Legend. That was intense. It talks about listening for God; here's an interesting review. While I didn't recall the whole story line, I vividly remember one Christmas going to see its predecessor, Charleton Heston's The Omega Man, with my father years ago. Richard Matheson's novel was also made as The Last Man on Earth.

Watched Louis Gossett Jr., a darling little girl, Penny Bae Bridges (she's related to Todd Bridges of Different Strokes fame), and the incomparable Gena Rowlands in a movie, The Color of Love: Jacey's Story, about mixed relations in the south. The youngest, watching it with me,was able to see what hatred does to people.

A site recommended couples watching and discussing relationship movies together and provided a list. Meanwhile, I happened across a Story of Us movie with Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfieffer about a couple entertaining ending their marriage - it was a scary concept and I could see familiar personality traits in it.

I have yet to watch Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, but I will. Dicken's Christmas Carol is the most remade Christmas movie ever. I saw one yesterday with lovely multi-talented Vanessa Williams playing a witchy diva who comes to her senses.

Our interim pastor, whose term is soon coming to an end as they begin a new pastorate in Wisconsin, and family is in Iowa attending a funeral for his wife's brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and the family. Church had a watch service this year - a good way to harken the new year. The veggie tale pirates break open a new movie so we are going to see a preview at Family Christian Store. On the tail end of a season of fasting and praying (try that during the holidays *L), the ladies have a brunch that Saturday as well. The annual superbowl fellowship is coming up too. There also is a couples Valentine retreat in the works down the road.

Had hoped to get out to see the Giant before the end of my vacation, but now plan to make that visit within the next 7 weeks while he's there; hoping to see my brother before vacation end too. Will be previewing a card graphic from the son-in-law - telling him we should do greeting cards together.

Did You Miss it?

That was the title of the sermon today - there were some guys on the road who missed the essence of what had just taken place. Jesus comes up beside them and breaks it down - Moses to then present-day-prophets - the Bible as it were, then.

The point of the sermon was, being on the other side of the events, Christmas - did you miss it? There are those out there who completely missed it, wrapped up in the hoopla of the times. We can reveal to them the true essence of what it was about. Kewl, huh? The husband delivered a good word today. Help those out there to understand by the Christ in you. Blessings to you.

Hits of the Season ...

Christmas on Division Street was initial tissue fare - a good movie with Fred Savage looking at sides of life that matter; aired today

Today, saw the black and white of It's a Wonderful Life showing how a life matters, again. The wife, Donna Reed, in this version reminds me (look at their eyes) of Kirstin Davis who I just saw in the entertaining film, Deck the Halls about getting caught in sides of life that don't matter with Danny De Vito, Matthew Broderick, and the lady with a lovely voice - Kristen Chenoweth - she's filming a Christmas movie coming out next year called 'Four Christmases'

Jane Seymour, who I love most from Somewhere in Time did a review I enjoyed of Christmas films over the years - A Hollywood Christmas

The husband and youngest were at the keyboard singing christmas carols - priceless! We put our lights out today, a lovely nativity scene, and dressed our tree yesterday evening, the first time in my adult years not having natural tree. The youngest assisted the husband with the lights and me with the tree. He went to bed early in anticipation of tomorrow's events

The giant is a navy seaman. He graduates Friday in Chicago and on the same day is bound for San Antonio. Am hoping to see him there, the Lord willing. Two kids - eldest and giant - in Texas ...

Yesterday the children sang for christmas in our worship service, and the night before we gathered for a fellowship of caroling. The Ace sang a moving 'Mary Did You Know', and I was able to accompany her singing 'O Holy Night'. Worshiping the Lord in song in celebration of His birth - precious!

I was able to get the husband a gift he never suspected and would love! Time after time he has been there for me - lifted me up, been my strength, my safety blanket, my as it is described in one of Madea's movies representation of God's love. He loves the wind up clocks that chime the hour. Not long ago, his was over-wound. Come to find out they are expensive to fix or buy. But I found a deal. I hope chime after chime, it reminds him how much I love him.

Merry Christmas every one!

Praise the Lord! Jesus Christ was born! Go tell it!

merry malaise molasses

my taste in Christmas music is indicative of my celebration. Along with the traditional carols which I really enjoy singing and playing (whether I'm really good at either ;-)), these are some songs I I truly love too:

• "Where Are You, Christmas?" How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• "Christmas Don't Be Late" A Chipmunk Christmas
  
• "Christmas Time Is Here" A Charlie Brown Christmas

nearly all of the selections from Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol including:

• "The Lord's Bright Blessing"

but I especially love the one my sister (and later the eldest) and I used to sing all the time

• "When You're Alone"

If you listen to most of them, you know the music is a tangent from the usual Christmas sounds. I know it doesn't make any sense but, along with the Reason, I love the bittersweet, happy endings, hope of the Season. Silly sappy me!

rainy days and decembers ...

It's my favorite time of year - celebrating the advent of Christ. I'm moved by movies, and sentiments, and watching people. And there are birthdays in this month - 2 daughters, 1 brother in law, 1 son in law, and many dear friends, and I became 50.

Two years ago my mom died - it was my birthday. I was going to wake her for church - the husband was giving the message. I found later, after the firemen came and the paramedics lined the front of the house and the stairway, after I encouraged my husband to do what he does so I would have the comfort of knowing all was well with that part of the world, after holding her and wondering what diabetic crisis I had caused in my ineptitude, talking her back to this world with no avail, after alerting the brother and sister we had a situation with mom, later after following over to the hospital - she was having cerebral hemorrhage. She left us two days later.

The season has been this way for me for some time though, before the husband who has done wonderful things to make this season for me, I used to spend the holidays with the sisters family and still struggled. She has her season of difficulty, but Christmas is mine. This year the job is ambivalent, the church has a interim pastor and its in its own state, all the college kids are gone and our house is having quieter days, the giant graduates from boot camp at the end of the month in Chicago and I can't get there between weather and fares. But, life is not just some piece of cake. It's not just going to go my way.

Regardless, I love the season. I love my family. I love my friends. I love this time of year. Christ came and He is coming again! I don't know about rainy days and decembers, but the reason for the season IS!

e're we drove out of sight ...

Merry Christmas to all! To all, a Good Night!

The husband's company knows how to put on a party - this year, it was at Paramount Studios which was all dressed in holiday lights for the season. There was a casino theme with gift raffles, a delicious meal and truly decadent desert. I'm not much for bread pudding - but this chocolate sensation with was it wild turkey sauce was sumptuous. The dinner fare was tri-tip roast, turkey and salmon with an assortment of appropriate accompaniments, as the beverages flowed. Once again, the floral candlelight centerpieces were oh so utterly beautiful. The holiday music was irresistibly toe-tapping. My hats off to the planners. I had a lovely time.

I played blackjack and the husband, dashingly dapper and blithely debonair, mingled and photographed. It was great to see Anna again, Stella, and Susan, and very nice to see Jillian and Debra. I miss the Jarvis' this year; we had such a good time with them the last. All around, though, remembering the harbor cruise when we almost missed the boat (thank you for the lifesaver Susan), and the Dodger Clubhouse, I chalk it up to yet another wonderful holiday season celebration! Thank you!


Was that too fast for you - peruse the album. Looking ahead, my office will have the usual Christmas lunch next Friday. The memories of this night will linger on with the anticipation for the next event.

Oh and we were a raffle prize winner. WooHoo!

Inside Kinkade's Christmas Cottage

The husband loves to collect churches and christmas cottages. We have a few around the house, especially during the holidays. Ever want to climb inside a Kinkade picture? Take a look!

Thomas Kinkade, the artist, is involved in a different holiday portrayal - the film variety: Home for Christmas starring Edward Asner, Peter O’Toole, Marcia Gay Harden and Jared Padalecki in a nostalgic, funny, and heartwarming story. It's releasing the 30th.

So why haven't I talked about Why Did I Get Married?

Well as much as I've wanted to and am eager to support this, I haven't seen it yet. Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?, I fully expect to be as rewarding as all of Perry's work I've seen. If you check out his site, you'll see he has more work coming down the road - looks like next year Madea is going to jail!

The New York Times review says “Why Did I Get Married?” follows four couples who meet each year for a therapeutic vacation. Friends since college, they converge to discuss their relationships and address marital difficulties. This being a Tyler Perry film, there is much to discuss; we also know there will be secrets revealed, sermons delivered and forgiveness sought. Sounds like it would be a worthy couple's study's endeavor. I'll see it soon - and to be sure, you'll hear from me.

Meanwhile look what I came across - This Christmas! Moviefone says of the film, the Whitfied siblings have come home for the first time in years and they've brought plenty of baggage with them....secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. As their lives converge, they join together and help each other discover the true meaning of family - in an all-star cast including some of my favorites -Loretta Devine, Idris Elba (remember him from Daddy's Little Girls), Regina King, Delroy Lindo, Mekhi Phifer.

and now, cheers of the day ...

On the tailcoat of a wonderful Christmas Eve praise and worship where the children sang 'Happy Birthday Jesus' sounding like little angels, on Christmas Day I slept in and even the little one slept in because he tried so hard and managed to stay up late. When I arose the husband had been up as is his way. We had morning coffee flavored with cinnamon or caramel. In times past, there would be a decorated tree under which were an abundance of presents; but we didn't get that far this year - no tree, no lights, etc. We did manage to display the paper decoration that the little one had made, a huge ornament with snowflakes and such streaming from it; it adorned our front door. The usual nativities (we've collected a few sets) were adorning tabletops. The dining table had an array of gifts upon it and Christmas cards. I didn't get around to sending this year either, but next year I think we'll be more on track with our usual holiday celebratory activities.

All of us lazed around through the morning listening to carols, watching festive television programming and chit chatting and however kids laze. We had everyone around except for the girls with the exception of the middle one; all of the boys were present. The eldest and her husband spent their first Christmas in their new home. The other daughters were with their perspective other parent enjoying family there. When the little one opened his presents, he spent time on each one, overjoyed every time - talked about 'bonicles' and such and went from one to the next putting them together and seeing what joys they beheld. But before opening his, he took the present to his dad.

The husband wasn't wanting or expecting anything - we have had such a bountiful year, but I always try to find something he has wanted and this year the little one got him a pair of very nice tennis shoes for a very 'husband' cost (he aims the spend the least possible for for the most of anything, which has served us well). The Giant's girlfriend was able to get them where she works for a 'steal'! It's always a pleasure to see him get what he is not expecting, as generally he is not expecting, and be pleased. He liked the shoes. The children this year all received VISA gift cards, which really delighted the one's in their teens, and the older ones all struggling with their various goals and endeavors were greatly please with the financial enhancement. For the little one who had been going on and on and on 'till the break of dawn' about new games, it was a dream made possible.

In the afternoon, keeping the agreement, I went about preparing the Christmas dinner - ribeye roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn, with rolls. I have to pat myself on the back, it was delicious. I guess one of the keys for me is to keep it simple. I experimented with making a rub - I combined a couple of packages of marinade - I'll call chipotle peppercorn - some garlic pepper, a special hot sauce, smoke seasoning, a splash of wine and olive oil into a warmed gritty liquid paste and rubbed it into and all over the roast, then let it sit in the refrigerator for 2 hours (a marinade instead was recommended to take a couple of days - no time for that!)l. We cooked it in our new countertop oven which is full of options and quite tidy. The gravy I prepared on the stove with the makings of a package of Lawry's au jus seasoning and with the browning of flour - the taste was wonderful.

I rather enjoyed making dinner this year. The table was festive with the Christmas dinnerware. There was apple pie for those whose stomachs eventually made room for dessert. We, at the middle daughter's suggestion, went around the table revealing our goals for the oncoming year. It is a time too for reflecting on our blessings and where the Lord would have us in the new year. May yours be blessed and prosperous.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS

Written by Donald Arey, Sr.

I had a birthday party, most everybody came.
They danced and ate and had a ball
But no one spoke My name.
They gave each other presents, as nice as they could be.
People came from far and near, But no one mentioned Me.
The stores were filled with shoppers,
The restaurants crowded out,
But no one seemed to really know what the party was about.
They talked about a reindeer. I think Rudolph was his name.
Then someone mentioned "Jesus"
And they hung their heads in shame.
You see, it was My birthday. They didn't even know.
That is why from heaven My heart is grieving so.
I came to earth from heaven on that first Christmas day--
Born in a lowly manger From sin to show the way.
I died one day on Calvary, on a cruel Roman cross
To save a world of sinners From a life of awful loss.
When you next have a party, with presents, friends and tree,
Remember Me, your Savior Whose birth has set you free.

-- Jesus

PS: I am coming again soon.

Maybe seemingly not so, but we were at the party in heart and mind, being less Martha than Mary. It was a lovely day. Never neglect to come to the Lord's banquet.

Happy Birthday Jesus; we love you!

remains of the day ...

I was doing my usual 'keeping in touch' by reading blogs of friends of mine, when I recognized that I haven't been as cheery (even when some were in the midst of pieces of sadness) as most, even waxed a bit morbid. That's not really fair to the reason for the season. And so ... my 'remains of the day'.

There are those that deal with holiday blahs in some way or another. I deal with it to some degree at Christmas time and I have a sibling that struggles with the New Years celebration. Compound that with losing a loved one around that time of year, and things get a little harder. My mother went on to heaven last December. Too I spent some 16 years single parenting - the husband saved me from all that, bless his heart. The holidays then, though, represented loneliness and some sort of effort in futility in trying to create something for your children that seemed to be all over the floor, torn up in pieces of wrapping paper of unwrapped gifts. Still, while not the best parent in the world, those were precious years of 'mom'hood. They're just easier now and the husband has made the holidays easier too.

Here's one person's presentation of this phenomena:

THE HOLIDAY BLAHS !

Copyright: 12/29/92:

Thomas K. Hyland, Jr.


Well, each year the season seems to set upon us sooner.
Once upon a time, "Black Friday" was the official onset,
when all the shopping "zealots" of the world,
would descend upon the malls, in a great, gargantuan array.

But now, as the Halloween decorations are removed from the shelves,
their Christmas counterparts rapidly replace them ---
on All Saints' Day !

Every year, we're gon'na get a head start, right? Ho! Ho!
But, there's always that "last-minute project" at home,
rearing its ugly head, you know:
--- like: stripping the old wallpaper from the walls and ceiling,
or spackling and painting with nimble-fingered feeling,
or something equally laborious and unappealing.


Well, somehow you manage to perform a balancing act:
a lot'ta work on the "project,"
a little Christmas shopping, a lot'ta choir rehearsal,
an occasional "break" of shooting pool, and "tilting" a brew or two,
interspersed amidst a smidgen of familial chagrin,
all the while with a growing "knot" of stress within.

Then, finally: the "project" is finished,
the shopping is almost done, the gift-wrapping near completion,
the tree is up and trimmed, the candles are in the windows,
the house, cleaned and appropriately adorned,
and two out of four concerts have been performed,
what, pray tell, could possibly be next ?

Then, Bingo! The next thing you know, it's Christmas Eve!
The stockings are all hung by the chimney with care,
the grand, gorgeous glazed ham is baking in the oven,
the carols are playing on the old Panasonic,
the mood is quite warm, perhaps even harmonic,
but --- oops! The clock is still ticking off the minutes.

One-half-hour to: shower, shave, dress,
and get to the Church on time!
The Handbells are ringing the Prelude at six o'clock Mass.
Whew ! Made it ! Five minutes to spare!
"Regal Celebration" was quite good, tho' the rush was a mite unruly,
with a few "dings" and "dongs" transposed by --- Yours Truly.

Then it's into the van, and back to the house.
All the creatures are stirring, really in a tizzy,
now, baste the ham, stuff the stockings,
wrap the "last minute" gift for Aunt Lizzie.
Aah ! Time to relax and kick off your shoes,
have an "Irish coffee", to warm up your tummy,
un-uumm ! Was that yummy!

Oops ! Where did the time go?
Got'ta be back at the Cathedral by ten-thirty!
Rehearsal, Carol Service, Midnight Mass,
then, back home again, quick as a wink.
The clock chimes twice, as your baggy, bloodshot eyes
beg for blissful slumber, as they blink.

You open a few gifts, savor the flavor of the ham, and as
you gulp another Gaelic libation, the gong strikes three.
That's all folks! The Holiday "Blahs" have dimmed your light,

--- Merry Christmas to All ---

-- and to All --

a Good Night !

Somewhere in all this is a deep sense, at least for me, of the magnitude of this season and the need not to take it nonchalantly. In my little world that was at sometimes lonely, sometimes disappointed, sometimes reaching, reaching reaching ... there has always been a light that was created by the Lord in His love and His salvation in that He came down upon this earth and suffered so much, so much more than I, and is not simply the reason for the season, but the reason for everything - the very life that I have; and that everlasting. That is what I hold on to. Every year I can say Merry Christmas to All!

Lexmas

Just like everyone has their shows, I have mine. We tend to buy ours by the season. We are going through Smallville, and have 24. We also watch Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, and Atlantis - most somewhat sci-fi with the exception of 24, but practically in all something is getting saved.

Today, watched several episodes of Smallville including a timely Lexmas - kind of a 'Wonderful Life/Scrooge' with a different effect; but on the viewer the effect is the same - causes one to look at their life, their decisions, and think about what they want and where they are going, are they spending their time in the best manner possible. I liked it a lot. Funny that we got to that episode today, amidst the carol listening, gift openings, football and basketball (yah Miami!) games, family dinner and such.

But, as we contemplate the new year, it should be in like manner. For the choices you make today will be a path unto your future. And don't make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons. Personally, if not already the case, I recommend the choice for salvation; there's no time like the present. Blessings to you.

christmas gems

I may have been down this road already, but if so, I find myself here again.

One of the Christmas programs I once enjoyed was a remake of It's a Wonderful Life with Marlo Thomas, It happened One Christmas; she's the Jimmy Stewart (Orson Welles, Wayne Rogers). It was a long time ago, but I still remember the enjoyment. Here's an interesting take on the 'Wonderful Life' movies. Another one I thought was special is 'The Gift of the Magi', a story by O'Henry, which if I remember correctly is about a poor newly married couple and what they choose to give each other for Christmas. Very touching. The Gift of Love is a version with Marie Osmond and Timothy Bottoms.

Always endearing is the story of appreciating a sorry little Christmas tree in A Charlie Brown Christmas. Christmas Time is Here from that movie is unique and one of my favorite songs of the season, just above Alvin and the Chipmunks'. And just because I read everything Louisa May Alcott growing up, I love Little Women with Winona Ryder. They represent everything family.

A good story about our Christmas shopping nature is "Jingle All the Way" (our governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sinbad). Another film, that of life's ironies, set at Christmas time is Trading Places (Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott) - the wiki summary says "the basic plot is very similar to the Three Stooges 1935 short film Hoi Polloi. Like the Stooges' film, Trading Places was one of many adaptations of Mark Twain's 1882 story of The Prince and the Pauper, a tale of two 16th century boys who share a striking resemblance but inhabit very different stations in society".

A very nice oldie is "The Bishop's Wife" (Cary Grant, Loretta Young - my mom used to watch her television show every weekday at 4pm; hers and "The Mike Douglas Show" - and David Niven), the precursor to The Preacher's Wife (Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines, Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine). Finally, while I am not a supporter of the fantasy, a memorable one in true Christmas tradition is "Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus" (Richard Thomas, Edward Asner, Charles Bronson.

Here's a wiki list of Christmas movies well worth reviewing; you might have some of these in your library. Here's a take on several Christmas movies.

May your holiday be full of memories and movie reminiscing. May the reason for the season shine bright in all you do. May God's peace and love be warmly around you. Be blessed. Merry Christmas!

to the dogs ...

I admire canine, equine, and cetacea. While it is difficult to hang around cetacea, and equine don't seem to return my admiration (a story in and of itself), my favorite of these animals is the dog family as they are such friends and less expensive too! In my youth I read of Flipper, horses such as Black Beauty, and Jack London books and those on other dogs like the Lassies, Sounder, The Incredible Journey, Old Yeller, etc. As an aside, the eldest told me these animals didn't possess the ability to have the thought patterns portrayed in these stories - what is wrong with her? How did I not raise her right?

Wonderful true stories of the canines saving people often occur and I heard one today on CNN Headline News - Kaloipe, the black labrador rose to the occasion in Fresno (I wonder if she is acquainted with the husband's Ziporrah). Kaliope, trained to help her own owner, insisted upon taking her owner to a neighbor who was in need of help, thus saving their life.

These brave furry friends often exhibit such valor, even just recently

• in China a man's dog saves him from the gas engulfing his home by waking him.
• Bangor, a labrador setter wakes a man in his tailer where a fire started.
• in Boston, a terrier mix saves a 91-year old by him from the danger of a malfunctioning furnace.

When not bred to be otherwise, dogs are such selfless companions. Now, while my staffordshire beagle Chloe, and the husband's black lab have failed to exhibit such ultra redeeming valor, they are delightful, entertaining, lovable, companionable family members - as if we didn't have enough in residence here.

My commuter co-pilot shared that her Sam sniffed out his own Christmas present and was well in the process of enjoying it, leaving the other gifts undisturbed, when she got home. That might not be selfless, but gets high ratings for cute!

Here's to our canine companions!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the writer of the song "Mary Did You Know" was a comedian?

I read it yesterday. He, also a singer - Mark Lowry - contemplated what might have been on her mind and wrote some of the questions down. Someone else, Buddy Green a harmonica player, later put music to it. It's a beautiful contemplative and revealing song. It is one of the songs for our Christmas Eve Sunday service.

Think about it, Mary was a young - in her teens - woman of faith. She was faced with a change in her life that was going to bring her under condemnation and her explanation was beyond reason. Yet she embraced the challenge and considered herself blessed as, in truth, she was.

In today's society to suddenly find yourself pregnant through no sin of your own would seem unbearable - abortion might even be considered or suggested, and the decision to keep the child be thought incredulous. She had her betrothed to explain to as well - how would he handle it. I don't know if she expected it, but it was by the grace of God. He moved upon the heart and mind of Joseph that he would stand by her and even continue to embrace her as his own, despite the circumstances.

What circumstances are in your life? God's plan for them, do you know?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered,
Will soon deliver you!

Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Will give sight to the blind man?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Would calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know, that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod
And when you kiss your little baby,
You've kissed the face of God?
Oh, Mary did you know?
Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again,
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
Praises of the Lamb?

Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know, that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know, that your baby boy
Was Heaven's perfect Lamb?
And this sleeping Child you're holding
Is the Great I AM

~ Words by Mark Lowry ~
~ Music by Buddy Greene ~

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. _{Luke 2:19}

peace & mental pieces

It used to be that with Christmas around the corner, the work days became slower. But that isn't the case this year. Meanwhile activities on the homefront are at their height as well. Top that off with a child that is having trouble focusing in class, and peace and good will toward men is hard to find. But it must be made a priority, especially these days. Isn't it odd, that one has to fight for their peace this time of year - that it is an actual battle - which is an irony in and of itself. I've had to cancel plans and postpone others to not get carried away by the intensity of the season's activities. Have a joyous and peaceful Merry Christmas!

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Saw WTC (World Trade Center) with Nicolas Cage this weekend - I was expecting a different type of story more along the line of a disaster film - this had similarities to Ladder 49 or maybe that type of flavor, and yet still different. While what actually occurred is beyond imagination, the event in this movie although bold and glaring, seemed not quite capturing the outright extent of appalling horror in this tragedy (as I recollect it being reported); not that I can conceive of how to achieve it. The movie is good, however, keeping your attention throughout. It's worth seeing and using to not forget this day in the history of the United States. I suppose December 7th's Pearl Harbor is the only thing we know comparable, and that movie (Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and more) is a good, dramatized, portrayal of that day.

One thing these movies touch upon is man's response in times such as these. Do we predominantly rise to the occasion or fall to the basest of natures? What would we, ourselves, do in like circumstances? Will I save my own neck, give up in despair or fear, or risk helping another? There will be a time on earth where those realities will be faced by all upon it. It bears some thought.

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I have new toys for computing - I have to tear myself away at times. I don't have to use my desktop upstairs, but can wireless connect from my notebook, and its fully loaded with all the software I prefer. It makes it easier to blog, to quickly access online activities, and even divert myself with music, movies, or games. And being portable, I can even take it on the road. The husband made Christmas come early by extending his Thanksgiving; God bless him.

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Spent the weekend remembering birthdays - mine and the Ace's Ace (her husband). We enjoyed a dinner at Black Angus. It was nice to relax with good friends and chill with a delicious meal. At the end, instead of singing happy birthday, we received a beautiful dish of ice cream and chocolate brownie with carmel and happy birthday written in chocolate syrup decor. It was yummy! I sure need to post some pictures up in here.

I discovered a great way to enhance my birthday - join birthday clubs! Doing so I have coupons for free meals/desserts at Black Angus, Friday's, Red Robin, Red Lobster , Tony Roma's; free ice cream at Cold Stone and Baskin Robbins, free smoothie at Juice it Up. Happy Birthday Me! Yes, my birthday was last week, but I'm still celebrating!

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Well tomorrow's another workday; goodnight. Three days to vacation after that - woohoo!

Marriage During Christmas Movies

About.com has Top 10 Marriage During Christmas Movies.

I would have Surviving Christmas with Ben Affleck and The Family Man with Nicolas Cage included on ones I would make mention of. If you have the opportunity, enjoy them. I'm sure I'll think of even more. If you want your holiday viewing to be full of Christmas , Hallmark Channel also carries a lot of Christmas fare to enjoy. Here is some programming on ABC.

Fare well :-)