The Goose is Getting Fat!

No, I'm not raising geese now. The last thing I need to accompany the rooster is a bunch of honkers!

But I'm singing, "Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat... please put a penny in the old man's hat." Does the calendar really say it's the 6th, or am I imagining things? I ventured into the mall Saturday and reality hit. I had fun moseying around but it hit me when I got home that I'd better get serious about my Christmas list.

I might be overdue in ordering my cards too... thankfully Shutterfly has always impressed me with their service and quality so I'm on this today. They're having a blog promotion for 50 free cards and that floats my boat!

I was debating about sending cards this year but I love getting them. And looking at last year's card from Shutterfly makes me smile. So I'm shopping HERE for cards and also think I'll order a calendar for Jim's mom. I've already ordered a photo book for his dad. I adore photo books! I've got my lovely Christmas music on from Pandora's peaceful holiday station and I'm feeling the Christmas cheer.

This is the design I'm leaning toward. And that's FIFTY DOLLARS in free cards if you jump on this Christmas deal. Hurry...the goose is getting fat!

Thank you, Lord, for online shopping.

I Smell Cookies

I love cookies. Especially fresh from the oven, gooey warm cookies. So Sara's Cookie Recipe Exchange is calling my name. I'm participating this Wednesday, Dec. 8th. Join the fun by posting your recipe with a photo on Dec. 8th and then link up at her place. I've been baking cookies this morning so I can't wait to share the deliciousness.

Finely Tuned

I found a tuning fork when I was hunting through a drawer looking for something this week. I got it from my dad's stuff when we were cleaning out after he died - in December twenty years ago to be exact. My memories of the pain he suffered have faded but my memories of the smiles, glances, wisdom and words are as fresh as the frost was this morning.

I wonder how many instruments he tuned by the tone produced from this tuning fork. He could not only tune any instrument, he could play almost every instrument. But that's not what made him unique. He dedicated his gift to bringing out the talent and gifts in his students.

My sister shared an email this week that a guy wrote her... he took the time to share that dad was someone who made a lasting impression on his life. He recalled dad giving him rides home with his cello in a car that was so rusted out that you could see the pavement whizzing by beneath your feet. He recalled his fascination with that, but more important, he remembers the kindness.

Dad was the king of the land of frugal and always said a car is meant to get you from point A to point B and style wasn't a part of the equation. As I teenager, I remember being embarrassed by his cars. I also remember how hard my sister and I laughed when the "hearse" that came as we dealt with his death was an older station wagon. Obscure, unobtrusive but effective. How perfect.

His life still resounds in my heart and provides the tuning fork for so many of my decisions. The tone is true. And is unchanged by the passing of time. His love endures - what a gift.

Full to the Brim and Spilling Over

What a week it was. I was “disconnected” for the most part because of the presence of those nearest and dearest to my heart. Here are some of the highlights, blinking through my mind like directional lights leading to supreme joy….

1) Rosebud is speaking in understandable sentences at 16 months, which totally floors and entertains me.

2) Uncommon Blonde gave me a blog book of all my 2009 posts for my birthday and that was a really neat gift that keeps on giving for several reasons. It gave me fresh inspiration to keep on blogging, no matter what. I also was encouraged by Builderman who very rarely looks at my blog as he read through pages and pages of posts and commented on how much he enjoyed it.

3) With three adult children living out of town with diverse schedules, we all managed to convene on Friday for the full Thanksgiving festivities. We just changed the day since Luke was on duty at the fire station on Thursday and it worked just great.

4) We got our Christmas tree up on Thursday (usually decorating happens on Friday) and it was super fun to see Rosebud’s delight all weekend.

5) We usually shop on Sat. morning but we pulled that off on Wednesday and discovered that all the Black Friday sales were already posted and we didn’t fight any crowds. Who knew??

6) Sesame Street is teaching and entertaining another generation of children. Addison loves it and I do too! Did you know Elmo gets email now? So funny.

7) My hands are shriveled up from all the dishwater they swam in. I only made one new recipe that bombed (Butterscotch Cashew bars were nothing like the ones I’d tasted) but we had so much food that was no big deal. Here’s the fact of the day: Heat makes objects expand. So there you have it, I haven't gained weight, I'm just overheated!

I have to be honest and say I cried tonight with missing my children and the sweet, sweet kisses of Addison who says, “Nana, I wu wou.” My heart is at least two sizes bigger.

More is Better but Less will Have to Do

Remember I mentioned I'm participating in NaBloPoMo over at my business blog? It's challenging and I'm glad I'm doing it but I'm positive that I won't keep it up after November. I can tell you that the more often you post, the more traffic you get. I know that's logical, but my statistics show traffic is up 62% this month over October. Is it worth the brain drain and extra writing? I'm not sure.

Obviously, I've had less time to Dance in the Daffodils. I appreciate friends who love me when I'm good and love me when I'm not so good. : )

In case you've been wondering what's on my mind, I like yesterday's post about the Rich Rewards of Respect, which should have been titled, "You Get What You Give".

A few random Friday thoughts.... did you know that there are statistics that reveal that you need at least 12 laughs a day to stay healthy? Yep, it's true.

And I'm covered x 2 today because Guess who's Coming to Dinner???
If you guessed this little girl you guessed it. I'll be in heaven for the next week. I plan to drop back in to say "Happy Thanksgiving", but I might be busy playing.


You all are treasures in my life. Have a terrific weekend!

My Prescription

It's been one of those days. If it wasn't one thing, it was another. Sigh. One of those days that just needs to be cancelled.

However, we have a no-fail prescription we keep on our refrigerator that works every time I need a pick-me-up.

There now, don't you feel better?

I definitely do. The icing on the cake is she's coming for a whole week at Thanksgiving.

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.~ Victor Hugo

Random Act of Culture

I have a "Hallelujah" for you on this beautiful Monday. This is so cool. Just 2 weeks ago, the Opera Company of Philadelphia burst into song at Macy's at noon. It's worth watching for lots of reasons, including the crowd's response at the end.