It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… just a bit early

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… just a bit early

November 26, 2022 / No Comments

Our neighbors across the street have this lovely house that looks a bit like a log cabin. The front features several big windows and a porch the length of the building where the owners stack the fuel for their fireplace. During the winter months, I love stepping outside at night to feel the cold air on my face, spy the smoke coming out of their chimney and smell that wonderful burning wood scent.

Last week, the neighbors decided to ignore the calendar entirely and put up their artificial Christmas tree. My first thought was, “Surely, it’s too soon. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!” Then, I reprimanded myself. So what if it’s early? Perhaps they need a little holiday cheer in their lives right now.

The best part is… I get to enjoy their tree, too. When I’m sitting at my desk and working, I can peer out the window and see the colored lights of that tree shining brightly into the quiet of the night.
The delayed satisfaction of gift certificates

January 9, 2022 / No Comments

My friends and family know that I love buying, borrowing, reading, sharing and discussing books yet they rarely purchase them for me. Since I read so much and so widely, they’re never sure if the book they’re considering for a gift is one I’ve already consumed. And so, in defeat, they often buy me gift certificates and apologize for doing so.

But I’m here to say that there’s no need to be sorry at all! Gift certificates are a boon. Why, there are few things I enjoy more than allowing myself to go wild in a bookstore, either online or in person. Which is why as soon as the holidays ended, I hopped online and indulged in the delayed satisfaction of post-birthday and Christmas receiving.

As a way to support small businesses, my employer gave each worker a $100 gift certificate. Although we could use it at one of several dozen stores, I opted to spend mine at Bookshop.org, a site that allows bibliophiles to shop online while also supporting local bookstores.

I picked up:

* “The Bookshop Hotel” by A.K. Klemm

* “Oddball, 4: A Sarah’s Scribbles Collection” by Sarah Andersen

* “Deliciously Foxtrot” by Bill Amend

* “You Are an Artist: Assignments to Spark Creation” by Sarah Urist Green

* “Bake with Anna Olson: More Than 125 Simple, Scrumptious and Sensational Recipes to Make You a Better Baker”

Total cost — including delivery — after the gift certificate? A whopping 67 cents. Best of all, I have hours of reading, laughter, creative pursuits and baking ahead of me.

That’s what I call a true gift.
Dreaming of a white Christmas

July 13, 2021 / No Comments

It’s that time of year — Christmas in July — and I’ve got mistletoe on my mind.

The maples and elms are full of leaves, but I’m already thinking of snow-covered pines, silver tinsel and golden garland. The fireworks have barely stopped echoing in the sky and I’m dreaming about taking our annual trek to the tree farms to find the perfect evergreen and driving around town to look at all the beautiful displays of light.

I want to plan my Christmas menu, combining traditional favorites with soon-to-be future classics. Or smell freshly-baked cookies that must be eaten warm with a large glass of milk. I’d like to trade in this tumbler of sweet tea for a massive mug of hot cocoa tinged with cool peppermint.

I long to sit on the couch, snuggled under blankets and cats, while black and white holiday movies play on the television. I’d much rather light a fire while a wintery wind howls outside than turn on the air conditioner once again.

If I concentrate, I can almost hear the silver bells that ring when the front door opens. The scratch of pens on paper writing pleas to Santa Claus or sending good cheer to family and friends. I yearn to listen to the carols of old while decorating the house in Currier and Ives fashion or wrapping presents in tartan paper and shiny bows.

But since it is Summer, I shall have to settle for placing the order for our annual ornament, knowing that in a few short months, it will be added to our family’s collection.

I can’t wait!
My natal day and Yule looms

November 19, 2019 / No Comments

I’ve received several requests from friends and readers about what I want for my birthday and Christmas. Cards are lovely. Letters are even better (snail mail address available upon request). And I’m never one to turn down presents.

But, if you really want to make my year, sign up to become an organ donor. Although 113,000+ men, women and children are on the national transplant waiting list, a shortage of organs means more than 20 people die every day waiting for a transplant.

One donor can save up to eight lives. Sign up now and one day, you could be a hero.
How I Costco

November 18, 2019 / 1 Comment

Park in the very last row because it’s Saturday and, of course, the entire lot is full.

Walk into the bustling superstore with a list. Fully intend to buy mostly meat, baking supplies and paper goods.

Spot the holiday decorations aisle near the entrance and make a beeline for all that joy.

Fill my entire cart with Christmas decorations. Agree — reluctantly — to leave the giant sled and reindeer I’ve been wanting for four years because it won’t fit in the cart, the car or the shed.

Purchase everything else and cram it into my Prius.

Take cart back into the store and buy the stuff I actually planned to get in the first place.

Walk out feeling accomplished, excited for the holidays and a little wistful about that sled/reindeer.