We enter a new year soon!

Day by day…

Night to night…

It is our revolving door to our present.

There is no future without embracing this time and space.

Day by Day…

Night to Night…

In each passing moment there is life to live…

wonderfully proactive, affirming decisions to make…

timeless choices to embrace…

endless thoughts to process.

In this now space…we engage….we choose…

To contaminate or contribute…

To honor our unique gifts or to throw them away…

To use trust as our life preserver….or to clothe ourselves in cynical negativity and doubt.

To participate or to hold back…squandering our heart’s desire.

It is our choice….

To love anyway in spite of events or circumstances…..

or to resent those who cannot receive or reciprocate.

To share, anyway…..to hope, anyway….to give, anyway..

Day by day…

Night to night….

The sun comes up..

The moon sets.

The sun sets.

The moon rises.

We are here for our own purpose...

To be all that we can be....

Day and Night!

Quote for the day....

"The years teach much which the days never knew". ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy New Year! Oh, so fine in 2009!

Quote of the Day.....

"Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." ~Robert Byrne

Afterglow!

Quieting down the season of Christmas was a reluctant result of the weather……snow, freezing rain and then more snow. We three kings of orient…..became we three females of Frances Street, staying in our warm jammies on Christmas morning, drinking coffee and mimosas…looking out the front window at the growing icicles.

The tree was up, the outdoor lights were embedded in the icicles hanging from the eaves, the nativity entourage was on the fireplace hearth, the wreath was on the door, the quiche came out of the oven and Christmas began….not what we planned….but Christmas none-the-less. Family traditions are strong…..so without the opening stocking with grandkids, the shower of exchanged gifts, a dessert buffet filled with goodies after a huge meal, and relatives in every corner, the quiet was unnerving. But then, a peaceful wave of relief came over me. I wasn’t worried about who might not like their present……we had already decided to give to the local food bank instead of exchanging gifts. I didn’t spend myself into months of debt. The weather provided the imposed relief from braving horrible roads and driving with the tension that only black ice can give you. The roads were impassible. Nor, did I worry about gaining extra pounds from Mom’s irresistible fudge and countless cookies. The carrot sticks, broccoli and green beans that accompanied our sweet potatoes and ham dinner was perfect. Then, I realized, we don’t have to be held hostage by one date on the calendar….there is Christmas wherever there is love, whenever you choose to share it with whomever you are with. What a Christmas gift this lesson is….one to carry into a Happy New Year.

Quote for the day.......

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness." ~Seneca

The Day After!

In retrospect that came quickly, this is the year to really walk the talk. Being snowed in, no presents under the tree, my Christmas ornaments packed away and stored in my sister's shed.....Christmas this year was a lesson in truth. Face to face with change, heart to heart with reality, the blessings of human kinship come alive. What do people do without family....without resources.....without a safety net? I called Mom.....the noise at her house was deafening....my brother and his family were all there opening gifts, laughing, celebrating and with a unified shout out wished me, "Merry Christmas Joye". I wanted to be there. My son called.....they were on their way to three celebrations.....breakfast, lunch and dinner with various friends and family. I wanted to be there too.

I watched the icicles dripping off the eaves.....the Christmas lights were embedded in them and produced a magical light show. Still in my flannel Christmas jammies, I pulled a sausage quiche out of the oven and poured mimosas for my sister, her partner and myself. The rich warm breakfast cheered me up assisted by the champagne. Ahhhhh.....Christmas is coming along here. And big surprise, on the glass coffee table was a circle of angels I had not noticed on this Christmas morning. Some angels wrote a script, some sang, some had a pizza or burger in their sacred little glass hands. Lori, had hand blown angels for everyone.....and the angel with the paint brush and little easel was mine. Just for good measure, the one with the garden rake and trowel was mine too. It brought tears to my eyes....Christmas was here.....angels were attending.

Friends called and E-mailed.....the late afternoon ham dinner was delicious, I wrote a poem, it snowed a little bit more, we watched movies, the dogs got a bath, the cats snuggled under the tree in the front window and Christmas was over. So Christmas this year was wonderful....quiet, reflective, very, very different and a lesson in contrast. I was here....present...finding the joy in what is instead of what I had planned. Wonderful, Counselor, The Prince Of Peace......the hallelujah chorus rang in my ears. And so it is!

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas!

Quote of the Day!

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Matthew 5:14

A Christmas poem for you!

It’s not about presents stacked under the tree,
Or the twinkle of lights as far as you see.
Tisn’t bout hustling to catch plane or bus,
But Love in a manger that came down to us.

And, if you are short of cash for the season,
Thank God for the blessings and for every reason
That gives you the joy and the hope that is there,
The friends and the loved ones that always will care.

So when you feel sad and wearing a frown,
The rush of the season is getting you down.
Tis’ the season of love, tis’ the season of joy.
Give a smile to greet each girl and each boy.

Say a prayer for the hungry and homeless instead,
Of fretting and worrying as you get out of bed.
Change the focus to count all the things you have got,
Rather than counting the things you have not.

Make your joy list of dreams and desired plan,
Deep things in your heart with love for each man.
Remember the joy that you once tucked away,
The joy that really won’t come on a sleigh.

For Christmas is really the story of sharing,
Bout’ dreaming of loving and everyone caring.
So give all you can from the depths of your heart.
An angel will greet you as you step apart.

From the worry and scurry of dark saddened thought,
The presents and favors you couldn’t have bought.
Change focus to memories of how it would be.
If peace and good cheer were under the tree.

For changing the focus from shadow to light
Will change the vibration, make everything bright.
Let lights that are twinkling remind you of this.
To make your heart lighter by writing your list.

Of the things you desire, the things that you want,
The dreams of your heart as gently you jaunt.
On life’s wondrous journey….it’s quite a stroll.
Get ready to rock…..and get ready to roll.

At Christmas this year remember the noise,
Of angels that fly in harmonious poise.
They herald the coming of Love and of peace.
The ending of sadness and wars that will cease.

They whisper to us with the flapping of wing,
Dance while you’re here…remember to sing.
For the children that cry and can’t hear the song,
Need your voice to be bold, your heart to be strong.

For the tired and hungry that need a love lift.
Hear voices of joy ….. so just let it drift.
From hilltop to valley and each corner street.
Shout joy from your heart to each one you meet.

You’ll find it’s contagious and catches on fast,
The words that are healing will come and will last.
For it starts in your heart and comes out with voice.
The thoughts of today are simply your choice.

Be of good cheer and remember what’s true.
The voice of this season is all up to you.
The message of peace that was born long ago.
Is the gift of the heavens, the reason to show,

Love to each other, and hope for us all,
An engraved invitation to the peacemaker’s ball.
Such joy and such promise is ours don’t you see,
The truth of this Christmas for you and for me.

Have you been naughty or nice?

Merry Christmas Eve!

Last evening was the BIG GAME....and although Boise State University played a great game.....a failed field goal and two interceptions lost the game to TCU. The big thrill of the game, the TCU quarterback looked a little bit like nephew Chad. So after the pizza and nachos and an evening spent watching the Poinsettia Bowl, we are still snowed in for Christmas Eve. Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Finally, a book about God that really says it all!

Or her, as the case may be!

I picked up this book at Costco.....and cuddled up by the fireplace intending to make it last until the snow melts. Ha! Couldn't put it down and found myself nodding my head, talking out loud to the dogs, finding the Kleenex box and keeping it next to me.....and coming away with an AHA about relationships. Good stuff, even to my wary mind.

Quote for the day.......

"Football is, after all, a wonderful way to get rid of your aggressions without going to jail for it." ~Heywood Hale Brown

Go Boise State University Broncos!

Today is the day that Boise State University play TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego! Let's do it smurf turfers! ESPN....5:00 pm Pacific Time 8:00 p.m. ET

Quote of the Day.....

"No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a picture of their grandkids our of their wallet." Author unknown.....

Happy 16th Birthday Wyatt!

Happy Winter Solstice!

In every wintry, bare-branched season we lay our heads

On a silver pillow of feathered seams….

Waiting for the dormant season to change.

We, in winter’s chill, sow cataloged seeds into the

Earthly furrows of our buried dreams.

And, in quiet, frosted solitude…….

Welcome the frozen snow

As our snuggly blanket of comfort…

Resting in faithful trust….

Knowing

That spring

Comes.

Always!

Quote for the day.......

It's a treasure hunt people!!!!! Cheers!

"Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find." William Wordsworth, 1805

You Go Girls!

Giggles from a snowbound blogger!

Little know facts about reindeer:

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost!!

How to make your own candle luminarias:
1) Turn down the top 1" of brown or white paper lunch bags to make a sturdy rim.
2) Place about 1" of sand or cat litter in the bottom of the bag.
3) Place a votive candle in the center of the bag.
4) Place luminarias on sidewalk and light candles.

The history of luminarias.

One of my favorite things is the lighted walkways, the path of luminarias to the front door on Christmas Eve.

Although many people associate “luminarias” with the holiday lighting of candles placed in small, brown, sand-filled bags, luminarias first appear historically around the 16th century, as a Spanish tradition of lighting bonfires along the roads and churchyards to guide people to Midnight Mass on the final night of Las Posadas.

The night of Las Posadas (Spanish word meaning lodging or inn) is a festive celebration that was first introduced to the indigenous people of Mexico by European missionaries, and is a reenactment of the story of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem. The tradition continued into modern times—with the decoration of rooftops, walls, sidewalks and driveways of individual homes—as a way of guiding travelers to their destination.

The candlelit brown paper bags are also called "farolitos," the Spanish word for little lanterns. In the early 19th century, U.S. settlers on the Santa Fe trail brought Chinese paper lanterns to hang from their portals and light their entranceways. They were beautiful but expensive, and eventually, the paper bag version became the tradition.

Today, luminarias and farolitos have become an American holiday tradition and a southwestern tradition of welcome. As well as the traditional paper bags with candles, modern day versions also include the electric luminarias or farolitos.

Some people in the Southwest call the paper bag lanterns luminarias, while others insist the correct term is farolitos since "luminarias" were the bonfires lining the roads. Whatever you choose to call them, honor the history of luminarias by setting some out this Christmas and adding a new tradition to your holidays regardless of where you live.

Quote for the day..even Scrooge finally gets it!

"'I don't know what to do!' cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath; and making a perfect Laocoön of himself with his stockings. 'I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!'

Charles Dickens....from a Christmas Carol

Trying to escape the Denver winter!

My neighbors from Denver, packed up, lock, stock and barrel and went to live on their boat, The Happy Camper in Puget Sound....now anchoed in Vancouver. Wellllllllll.....it's snowing there too! Thanks Kelli and Scott for the pictures and update. Merry White Christmas!

Some holiday warnings about feasting!

Took this photo in Richland Washington, just after eating breakfast in this restaurant.

Quote for the day.......

" For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home. " ~W.J. Ronald Tucker

Cranberry salsa!

This sweet/tart/hot salsa is fun for holiday parties.



2 cans whole cranberry sauce
4 green onions
2 jalapenos
6 serrano peppers (these are hot)
1 small white onion
3 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
1/4 tsp. cumin
juice of 2 limes
2 blocks of cream cheese

Directions:

If you have a food processor chop up the onions and peppers in there. Move this mixture to a large bowl. Add the cranberry sauce and stir it all up. Once everything is combined really well squeeze the two limes over it and stir again. Youll want to refrigerate this for at least an hour before serving. Its much tastier cold.

If you don't have a food processor, be careful chopping the jalapenos. The oils from this pepper sting a lot if they get onto your face or even worse, into your eyes. Just wash your hands often and you should be ok.

Serve with your favorite cream cheese and crackers. I like to spread the cream cheese onto my cracker then top it with salsa. Some people like to dump the salsa over the cream cheese on the plate. Thats up to you.

Serves: a ton!

Preparation time: 20 min

Let It Snow! Thanks for the pictures Amy!

Billie'sSnow Day....No School in Seattle!

This day in history!

• Mayflower passengers come ashore in Massachusetts, 1620.
  

• 1777: During the American Revolution, the Continental Army establishes a camp at Valley Forge, PA.

• The legal end to slavery was in December of 1865 when the 13th Amendment was ratified.

Quote of the Day

" There is a remarkable breakdown of taste and intelligence at Christmastime. Mature, responsible grown men wear neckties made of holly leaves and drink alcoholic beverages with raw egg yolks and cottage cheese in them. " ~P.J. O'Rourke

History of eggnogg....who thought of that!

Many believe that eggnog is a tradition that was brought to America from Europe. Eggnog is related to various milk and wine punches that had been concocted long ago in the "Old World". However, in America a new twist was put on the theme. Rum was used in the place of wine. In Colonial America, rum was commonly called "grog", so the name eggnog is likely derived from the very descriptive term for this drink, "egg-and-grog", which corrupted to egg'n'grog and soon to eggnog. At least this is one version...

Other experts would have it that the "nog" of eggnog comes from the word "noggin". A noggin was a small, wooden, carved mug. It was used to serve drinks at table in taverns (while drinks beside the fire were served in tankards). It is thought that eggnog started out as a mixture of Spanish "Sherry" and milk. It is very easy to see how an egg drink in a noggin could become eggnog.

The true story might be a mixture of the two and eggnog was originally called "egg and grog in a noggin". This was a term that required shortening if ever there was one.

With it's European roots and the availability of the ingredients, eggnog soon became a popular wintertime drink throughout Colonial America. It had much to recomend it; it was rich, spicy, and alcoholic.

Quote of the Day.....

" A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! " ~Author Unknown

Friends from Colorado....they have snow too!

Lisa and Stella Wolf.......and dog Henry......playing in the white stuff. I would imagine Daddy Craig if behind the camera.

Gift giving from the kitchen!

INGREDIENTS For Hot Chocolate Mix.....

• 6 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 (5 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix
• 1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine powdered milk, chocolate pudding mix, chocolate drink mix powder, creamer, confectioners' sugar, and cocoa. Divide the mixture between two 1 quart jars. Seal, and decorate as desired. These can be stored in a dry area for up to 3 months.
2. Attach a tag with the following instructions: Hot Cocoa: Dissolve 1/3 cup cocoa mix in 1 cup boiling water.

Another Hot Chocolate Day!

Snow! Snow! Snow! Definitely White Christmas scenario......so get out the cocoa, mix with a little sugar, warm up the milk and make yourself a big cuppa hot chocolate. Sitr with a cinnamon stick, add a little whipped cream on top with a little shaved chocolate. Add a little Peppermint Schnapps if you're legal age.

Snow is plentiful in Portland.....great marketing idea!