I’ve always loved Christmas. But that hasn’t always prevented the whirlwind surrounding it from robbing me of the best part – the joyful anticipation leading up to it. More years than I’d like to admit the holiday spirit hasn’t taken hold until the big day itself, and then it’s over so quickly I’ve ended up feeling totally cheated. But not this year; this holiday season my heart has been full of Christmas cheer for weeks.
Of course having more free time to embrace the season has contributed to my bliss. Decorating, connecting with friends, dropping off gifts in those big blue barrels around town, watching dozens upon dozens of Hallmark Christmas movies . . . wait, what? Yep, you heard it right. This year I’m hooked on those all too sappy tales with over-the-top holiday settings and the expected happy endings. If you’ve wondered why I haven’t blogged lately, it’s simple: I’ve been glued to the Hallmark channel.
Continue reading “May Your Days be Merry and Bright…”
Happy Serendipity Day! Well, actually it’s tomorrow, August 18, but I’m posting early in case you want to wrap your head around it. The purpose of this whimsical holiday is quite simple; it encourages us to block out the distressing rhetoric swirling all around, and at least for one day, embrace the positive happenings right in front of us and celebrate the gifts of everyday life that we so often miss! Goodness knows we can all use a break from the non-stop negativity; so, count me in! 
“Hey, Mom. You got a minute?” That’s how most of our conversations started. Maybe it was incredibly good timing all those years, but I never remember her saying she’d have to call me back. I always had the same mental image of her topping off her coffee and settling in at the kitchen table as she replied, “Of course I do, honey. I’m glad you called.” I can remember her words so precisely, but sadly I can no longer hear the sound of her voice saying them. I’m not sure when it happened, but my vivid memories have become a silent film and I’d give anything to hear her answer that phone one more time. 
For more than sixty years, Peeps have made an appearance every Spring on store shelves taking their rightful place among all the other Easter candy. While they’ve started creeping into the other major holidays, this is most definitely their season. The original 1950’s yellow chick Peeps are the perennial best seller, but the menagerie has grown considerably over the years