Can you hear my heart breaking?

The news came over the radio this evening. Heath Ledger, actor, age 28, found dead.



I first discovered him on the short-lived tv series Roar. (Think Xena Warrior Princess but replace macho dark-haired, dark-eyed woman with sweet 17-year old blonde, deep-voiced boy).


The show was awful, just awful. But there was something totally riveting about the young star. He had a velvet voice and a smile a mile wide, and he ate the lens of the camera.


After the show ended he began to pop up in a variety of movies - some fun, some entertaining, and then it all broke wide open (pun not intended) with that little movie - Brokeback Mountain.


Today, that life and talent ended with a young man, found naked in bed, surrounded by pills, in an apartment in SoHo. I'm making no assumptions, no judgments, no second guesses.

I'm just sad this sweet boy is gone.

On My Own...The Story of Eponine

One of my favorite Broadway hits is the musical adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel, Les Miserables. Who would have thought that you could set a revolution to music and find it entertaining?

Last night I had the most vivid dream that I arrived backstage at a broadway theater thinking I had a small chorus role to play. I didn't even know what show it was. Suddenly, I'm thrust into a costume and given a cocky little hat and some rags to wear, my hair is lengthened by extensions and made all raggedy, and my face is rubbed with more grime than makeup.

The role? Eponine - the sympathetic waif daughter of the Thenardiers.

Suddenly I'm on stage belting out "On My Own" - Eponine's signature song - and astonished to hear the sounds coming from my mouth.

I awoke this morning with the song reverberating around my brain and haven't been able to get it out of my head. If anyone has any ideas on what this dream means let me know. I am not a singer, never dreamed of starring on Broadway, didn't even participate in drama club in high school...so this one has me puzzled.

Regardless - it was a good dream. Think I'll play the soundtrack tonight when I get home.

Don't Worry Be Happy

Yesterday we braved the mall. I hate the mall. Essentially I hate people who crowd the mall. So a mall on a Saturday. Not. My. Scene. But we wanted to see a movie and it was the convenient location, so off we went.

When we left the movie, I was traumatized by the aftereffects of the plot. ("I Am Legend" is not for the faint of heart my friends. ) Also, the crowds had increased tenfold. I guess Saturday night the mall is the place to be. For. Everyone. But. Me.

Then. We hit the parking lot.








And found our car had been spray-painted with a smiley face. We stared at one another astonished. The universe was obviously sending us a message. Don't worry. Be happy.

We giggled most of the way home.

I mean, what can you do, right? I can't hate the mall any more than I already did. And all we could think of was some wacko vandals giggling their way around the parking lot spraying their cheerful paint on car windows.

And luckily - it came off easily today.


Although I was almost sad to see it go.

Feeling Reflective...and 41.

Today I am 41. (Say it proud)


I'm not big on celebrating my birthday. It's not that I'm depressed. I got over that at age 29. It's that it's yet another day where the world expects you (pressures you?) to celebrate and party. I like to party when I FEEL like partying, not because it is a specific date on the calendar. And to be truthful, I'm never quite comfortable being the center of attention. I much prefer partying at someone else's birthday party.


So, in the spirit of facing my anxiety on this and making myself the center of attention in my own way, I decided to dig up some of the responses from friends to a recent email questionnaire... about me!


Where Did We Meet?


Natalie: At my job interview with you.

Laura: Bradford Mews Apartments

Eileen: {Company}

Cin: In the neighborhood

{Note to self: I love that I have people that I have known from 15-35 years who responded}


What Was Your First Impression of Me When We Met?


Natalie: I imagine I was terrified - since I was interviewing. And awed. Still am!

Laura: Wow, she is tall like me!!!!

Eileen: Do you think I can remember 15 years ago???? Helpful?

Cin: {No answer...can't blame her - it was 35 years ago!}

{Note to self: Can I really AWE someone? How cool is that?}



Do You Remember One of the First Things I Said to You?

Natalie: I remember one of the funniest (and maybe first because it was early on) things you ever said to me was that your name should be "Hey Wendy" because I always burst into your office and addressed you that way.


Laura: no clue.


Eileen: Probably “shut-up”

Cin: Do you want to play? (yup - met Cin when I was 6!)

{Note to self: Give Natalie and Eileen props for funniest answers, give Cin extra points for a sweet answer that made me think of pigtails, jump-ropes, roller skates, and slumber parties, make a greater impression on Laura!}

What is the Best Feature About Me?

Natalie: You have always been an incredibly supportive person - at work, with your friends, and I know with your family. You were one of the best managers I ever worked for. Oh, and you have a kickbutt sense of humor and wit.


Laura: Your friendship.


Eileen: Caring, loving, supportive, full of advice- all wrapped up into one great person!

Cin: Your smile!

{Note to self - When you need an ego boost, read this!}


Am I shy or outgoing?

Natalie: More outgoing than shy. I don't think you ever liked things like public speaking, but got really good at it with practice.


Laura: You are not really shy, but just hate SFP.


Eileen: You think you are shy, but really are very outgoing. Why else would I be friends with you?

Cin: Outgoing

{Note to self: I have these girls so FOOLED!
People terrify me. I just act like I can handle it
.... AFTER I pop my Prilosec}

Am I a Rebel or Do I Follow the Rules?

Natalie: Rules

Laura: Rule follower

Eileen: RULES

Cin: Follow rules

{Note to self...is it time to start bending some rules? or accept that I'm not a rebel?}

What's your favorite memory of me?

Natalie: I always thought I was a determined person, but I will never forget this one night where we were all working on a client proposal, and I was ready to throw in the towel, but you just wouldn't give up on it and did such amazing, creative, work. You showed the most incredible leadership in the trenches. I was always inspired to learn and achieve more by your example.

Laura: Lots of times. Especially at the cape or Hilton head.


Eileen: There are so many but I will have to say our weekend in Nantucket.

Cin: Camping at Woodstream, Summers in the screened in garage, Sharing my boyfriend/husband, Seeing the little girl stars in your eyes when you saw my brother, Sharing our weddings

{Note to self: When you need nostalgia prompt read this!}

Any special talents?

Natalie: WRITING - you are an amazing writer.

Laura: Great writer. I can't wait to read your book.

Eileen: Hidden interior decorating talents.

Cin: Playing piano, doing laps in your “Kayak” pool and the best under water tea party host, being a forever friend

{Note to self: Start outlining that book, while drapery shopping, and get a tea set for the pool}

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be?

Natalie: Powerhouse? I think you can do anything you set your mind to.

Eileen: {No answer - I think because it might be unprintable nasty words}

Laura: Wenderina

Cin: Mouse

{Note to self: I've had many nicknames, and they each seem to be tied to the person who gave them to me...not one for all occasions. They include: Wenderina, Bean, Green Eyes, Ween, Nylednew, etc.}

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?

Natalie: Books, but add a good bottle of wine and there you have paradise (yes, I know that's two things).

Laura: A good book or DVD.

Eileen: Hostess snack cake. (okay probably a tv)

Cin: A big book.

{Note to self: Yup, yup, and yup.}

--------------------

POST SCRIPT:

I asked my hubby to answer it too, just to see what he would say.

Can I hear a big "awwwwww"?? with his answers?



Where did we meet?

Nassau Hall, SUNY Geneseo



Take a stab at my middle name.

SUE


How long have you known me?

7651 Days


Do I smoke: Never! Never! Never!



What was your first impression of me upon meeting?

Is she flirting with me??? She is way too cool to be flirting with me.


Color of my eyes: Green



Do I have any siblings: Yes



What's one of my favorite things to do:

Garden... Kidding! Bowling.... Still Kidding!..... Reading



Do you remember one of the first things I said to you: Hey! What is my room-mate doing on your lap?



What's my favorite type of music: varied.... Much better than when i met you.



What is the best feature about me: How you take care of all the people around you



Am I shy or outgoing: Shy



Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules: You are a "rules" girl



What's your favorite memory of me: Just about any time we spend together.

Any special talents: You make a mean meatloaf



Would you consider me a friend: My Best Friend!



If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be: Sweetie



If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring: books


-------------


I recommend this quiz/exercise for your next birthday. It reminded me of some great memories, reinforced how great the people who surround me are, and gave me a sense that if I accomplish nothing else in this world...I've made some amazing friends and married an amazing guy.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Six Hours I Will NEVER Get Back

Yesterday was one of the most wasteful days of my life. Not a good wasteful day - you know, those lovely days where you lounge and do nothing? But one where some SFPs decided it was their job, nay their mission, to waste my time.

Wanna hear all about it? Of course you do.

I'm all for the Green movement these days. I'm recycling better than ever, turning off the water when I brush my teeth, trying to keep the lights to a minimum, etc. etc. etc. But some of the people I work with have a "Green Team" and they are like eco-terrorists. They attacked my boss for (gasp) printing a brochure to mail to our client list. One brochure per year, mind you. And they did it after I encouraged her to send a message out to staff about the greener printing and distribution we did this year. Obviously, the only GREEN they understand is the total removal of all paper, ink, postage, and mailtrucks from our client communication process.

Imagine my delight, then, when their campaign to supply every person in the company with a mug so we can get rid of those pesky disposable coffee cups backfired in a big way. The mugs were made in China. Being that we are an environmental consulting firm and that we live in America where Mattel has been in the news daily since summer guess what everyone thought?

That's right. And one industrious person hopped right on out to their local grocery store and picked up the handy dandy test kit and swabbed the mug.

Surprisingly the mug (made in China) was just fine. The imprint of our company logo (did I mention we are an environmental consulting firm?) however - came up positive for lead. Now this handy dandy little $6 kit does not tell you how much lead, just that it is present. In fact, the FDA allows a certain amount of lead in the process stating in small amounts it is not harmful to human health - but the people I work with...yeah, they're not gonna go for that.

My delight quickly turned to dread however, since in typical manner - hysteria arose - and since my boss was away in a meeting, and the head of the GREEN ECO TERRORISTS was also out, somehow I got the lovely job of communicating this error to all staff and heading up the "Great Mug Recall of 2008".

Fast forward 6 hours, 22 phone calls, 4 conference calls, umpteen drafts and reviews, making the VP of HR get out of her sick bed to approve, and one stellar career-making and memorable moment when I told our firm's VP/General Counsel to "bite me" (yes, I really did) and you get an idea of the great day I had.

The first draft? was 3 concise but well-spun paragraphs (if I do say so myself) that took about 10 minutes to write and had the input and approval of the rest of our communications group.

At the end of the 6 hours, 22 phone calls, 4 conference calls, umpteen drafts and reviews, VP of HR and General Counsel fiasco -- the final version? was 4 sentences long.

"Last week we announced the distribution of mugs from the Green Team that would help us reduce waste of paper cup products. Partial shipments have begun to arrive and we have discovered some quality issues with the imprinting on the mugs. We are returning the mugs to the manufacturer as unsatisfactory to {Company}.

If you have a mug at your desk or see one in your office, please return it to a central collection point in your office so it can be returned to the vendor."

On a scale of 1 to 10 this day was a minus 1,434,526.

Politically Incorrect

This is always the time when I grow weary of the politics that come with our lovely democracy. It's not the candidates, or even the rhetoric (although that can be wearing), it's the media.

The media coverage yesterday (let me clarify it was mostly TV and Radio- Print media as always seems much more balanced) of Hillary Clinton's "emotional breakdown" was just unbearable. I have no party affiliation, nor will I discuss my leanings toward or against any candidate here. I'm just not up for the political upheaval on my private blog space. This is my commentary PURELY about the election period media.

Why, oh why must the spin always be so damned dramatic? And why, I wonder, do they make the choices they do? Since Clinton has been described as wooden, hard-nosed, overly analytical, etc. why is is a sign of a potential breakdown that she shows a moment of emotion? Is it the Female-hormone thing? Is it just the desire of the media to always tear things down? Why can't this moment be described as a "passionate speech where Clinton demonstrated her total personal and professional commitment to pursuing a better America"?

And even if you buy-in to the idea that a breakdown and exhaustion is playing into this, why was the next story in CBS Radio today about popularity contests? I listened to the story in absolute astonishment when the commentator actually criticized Hillary Clinton for being "the valedictorian who cried because she lost the election for class president to the quarterback of the football team."

Um...hello...I would personally prefer a high school valedictorian (or better yet a Yale Law Graduate?) over the high school football quarterback any day. I mean haven't we seen enough of the dumb jock syndrome for the last 8 years? Since when is it a bad idea for the smartest person in the room to be the one elected president? When did dumb and popular become what we want in a president? (I know there have been a lot of them, but please...can't we raise the expectation?)

So, Hillary - whether or not you are the right person for the job...and whether or not you convince me to vote for you...stay passionate and keep pushing us to look at ALL of the candidates for their smarts, their experience, their records, their ideas, and their passion for the job.

And for those of you out there - like me - who were not engaged in the process and didn't vote (my first vote was cast in the last presidential election at the age of 36), please re-think that position. Yes, I know it is often the choice of the lesser of two evils, rather than the greater of two virtues, but the greater of the two evils seems to be getting much much worse. So let's make sure the best choice takes us through the next 4 years. Get out and vote!

Celebrity Look-Alike

I decided to try that Celebrity Look-Alike face recognition software out since it's free and I'm easily amused. Plus, I had school this weekend, and my brain is fried with boring strategic business communications and cold medicine.

Results Photo 1:


Results Photo 2:


Results Photo 3:


Results Photo 4:


I think the photos of me all look very similar - although they've been taken over a 3 year period. Yet there are very few overlaps in lookalikes. All I can say is I hope that the DHS is using more sophisticated face recognition software than this.

I Admit It, I've Been Cheating on You

Don't get excited. I just mean that I've been posting to another blog.

I joined a community blog called Winter Reading Challenge. Anyone who has spent time on my blog knows my love of books. They are my constant companion, my partners in the crime of procrastination, my refuge from life, my imagination sparkers. Hubby and I are often found curled at opposite ends of the couch, legs entwined, with a book each on our laps, interrupting one another now and again to share an amusing or thought provoking passage.

During the winter, when darkness falls early, and cold weather drives us indoors, we enjoy a good book and a good fire in the fireplace. During the summer, we enjoy our patio and yard and are often found outside on a lounge chair or a hammock with more books!

So if you are a book lover like us, you can join the Winter Reading Challenge too! Just send an email to dalmatica@yahoo.ca if you are interested.

If you don't want to join, you can still visit the site and get some great book recommendations! Here are my two reviews posted to date:

The New & (Not) Improved Harry Potter
(Review of The Hound of Rowan)

Shame, Shame, Pride

(Review of Bet Me, First Lady, and Listening is An Act of Love)

A Face Made for Radio

When Channel 12 launched a news station focused on our immediate tri-county area (normally we only get NYC news), we were thrilled. Their slogan - "as local as local gets". They cover high school sports, regional colleges, community activities, small town crime, and all news of interest you can't usually get when NYC crowds out all but the biggest stories in the area.

I'm also all for people being hired for their qualifications rather than their appearance. But I guess I'm so conditioned to seeing t.v. journalists who are...well...attractive...that these people were really shocking to my system.


I do, however, want the name and phone number of their portrait photographer (or touch up artist) who made each of them look SO good on their website portraits.

New Years at "Home"

After returning from a great new years at home with Little Man A and his family...

(ain't he the cutest?)

(I'm thinking it's the genes from his pretty Mom)

(Okay, Dad's not so bad either.)

...where we enjoyed some treats...

(compliments of our favorite brother-in-law/A's Grandad!)

....and played some games...

(I was getting a little out of focus by this hand...)

(So we moved on to a rowdier game where both hands could be free to drink)

...and spent quality time with family...



...we spent today de-christmasing our home.

Once again the mantle is just simple white with a few candles. The sofa table no longer hosts the town of Bedford Falls but just a few friendly faces from picture frames. The living room corner is empty of our holiday pine and I can see my favorite watercolor study again. The stockings are emptied and stored; the holly and pine boughs are composting.

The bay window is free of my little lit blue and white tree and the plants can once again steal some sun during the short winter days. The wrapping and extra boxes are back in their storage. And all of the various statues, ornaments, lights, and snow globes have returned to their resting place. Even the snow has melted.


But don't despair. Revel in the changing of the seasons. Spring will soon be here...


...And, don't forget, there's only 354 shopping days until Christmas. Cheers!

The Final Sighs of 2007

Why the change of the year should bring more partying, more reflection, more promises/resolutions than any other date is a puzzlement, but it seems to be hard wired into all of us. 

Because of the change of one little number being written into our checkbooks, the gyms will all be more crowded this week, Weight Watchers will see a surge in business, some people will try again to quit smoking or maybe drinking, others will try to force out some bad habits and force in some good.  

I think it is a positive step to always attempt to look at our lives and look for honest and realistic ways to improve them.  So in that spirit, my 2008 resolution is singular in focus.  

To try a little harder.  Just a little harder.  

To do what I already know is right.  To be kinder.  To be more generous.  To use my time better.  To love a little more and hate a little less.  To be more tolerant.  To be more patient. To be more positive.  To eat a little better.  To exercise a little more.  To consider the environment a little more. To be a little less quick to anger.  To make better decisions.  

Essentially, to pause before instinct or habit takes over and consider whatever I'm doing. 

This singular resolution is both big in its scope and minute in its application.

Wish me luck.  I wish you all luck with your resolutions.

Officer...Can You Define Irony?

My sister has a complicated life. I love her and her life...but it is...complicated. This past week, after she arrived at our home (as a stopover on the way from Rochester NY to Woodbridge VA) with her husband and oldest son, there were...um...complications.


Jude Complication #1: They had jammed three grown adults, luggage, and christmas paraphernalia into a Toyota Scion sportscar for the 6 hour drive to us, and then the 5 hour drive beyond us to Woodbridge.


Needless to say, there were sore muscles, sore joints, sore kneecaps, and sore moods as they peeled themselves out of the car.


She immediately jumped onto the computer hoping against hope she could get a great (priceline) deal on a rental car big enough for them to continue on their journey.


Jude Complication #2: Did I mention that they also had to add their youngest son (6 foot 2 inch tall) and his luggage and christmas load to the vehicle as well?


Of course, being that it was Christmas weekend and this is the tri-state area, there were no deals, and probably no cars either. Hubby came to the rescue though and figured out we could loan them one of our cars and we could use one of my in-laws cars since it is rarely driven these days and they would be flying off to California this week anyway.


Jude Complication #3: The 6-foot kid (ok, so he's like 26) is working the day/evening they are here and can't get the last train out of NYC to meet them.


And, well, he's a kid and can't face the idea of getting up at 5AM to catch the first train out, so my sister kindly (sucker!) gets up at 5AM and drives in to Brooklyn (opposite direction from VA) and picks him up.


Okay - complications are now over and my sister (in my car) and my brother-in-law (in the Scion) departed, each with one son in tow, and made it to a lovely christmas at A's house.


BUT

I think the complications are catching.



Wenderina Complication #1: I got lost (again).


Well not really, but in my typical can't find my way out of my driveway mode, I headed west on Route 17 instead of east (after dropping off hubby to pick up my mother-in-law's car) and went about 4 exits before I caught my mistake. This made me late for a conference call, but otherwise didn't complicate my life too greatly. But it was a portent....and omen...(as hubby likes to say)

Wenderina Complication #2: In riding home in my husband's car I noted that the inspection was due to run out at the end of this month - yeah right in the middle of the holiday rush.


We considered our options and decided we should get it inspected tomorrow - the 29th of the month - and cross our fingers that nothing would stop it from earning a pass. With 120k miles and a failing exhaust system, you never know. But the last thing we wanted was to get partway home from Woodbridge VA on Jan 2nd (you know to pick up our OTHER car...oh...and celebrate New Years with our favorite sister, niece, and family) and get stopped for inspection violation.


The Final Complication (we hope)...
and the Punchline to My Story (you hope)...

Hubby got out early from work (miracle) specifically to get the car inspected one day earlier than planned. This was a lovely surprise as it would allow us to start out earlier on Saturday for Woodbridge. On the way home (in mother in law car) he came upon a routine cop stop (where they set up a place on well-travelled road to ticket cars out of compliance).


You guessed it.


He was pulled over.


Officer: Sir, do you know why I pulled you over?


Hubby: No clue, actually.


Officer: Your inspection sticker expired in July of 2007.


Hubby: Officer...can you define irony?


----------------------


Postscript: MIL car has been successfully inspected and we have the paperwork to get out of the ticket. Hubby has just departed with the other car - fingers crossed - this is the last of our complications this week.

Cape House FOUND!

While all of you were NO HELP whatsoever in my search for the perfect beach house...I found it...yes I did! This is where we are going in August...aren't you jealous????

Yup...these lounge chairs with a beach view are just waiting for me and my book.

And speaking of books...I don't even have to bring my own!

Ocean view bedroom anyone? Oh...and access to a sundeck...no problem!

Cool summer evening? Cozy up to the lovely fireplace!

Last, but not least..."You must be ON the Ocean, dahling"! or else, why bother?

I'm sure the mice and the ants (and the smells) will miss us...but me...not so much.

Whoring My Gifts

At a request from That Chick Over There, I'm here to "Whore My Gifts". I actually prefer to give gifts than to receive them nowadays - I must be getting old - but it is always lovely to get gifts that are really special because of (a) who gave them, (b) the thought they put in to it, regardless of what they spent, and (c) let's be honest, how great the gift is!


I'd also like to remind everyone this is a great time of year for giving back to the less fortunate. Listing all the wonderful things I received was great, but I also enjoy the fact that as usual, my hubby and I picked a couple of charities to share our good fortune.

That being said, on with the Whoring!

My top 10 gifts for this year:

1. Diamond earrings from my hubby. Very delicate and pretty - I love them.
   
   


2. A fleece wrap/cape. This came from my in laws. She thought of my extensive travel and thought it was perfect for those cold flights...I love it!
   


3. Books - lovely books, and more books! Some used, some new, all full of wonderful new stories for me to read. People who give me books are my favorites in the world! My mom and my aunt added to our leatherbound collection and found us Robinson Crusoe and Wuthering Heights. They look so elegant on a bookshelf and I love to read (or re-read) the classics.
   

4. CDs. My hubby sometimes despairs at my "uncool" music collection, which has included such diverse and uncool artists as George Michael, Barry Manilow, the Commidores, and N'Sync. He continues my musical education with Janis Joplin's greatest hits but he also allowed me my little guilty pleasure of some pop music with the Five for Fighting live album.
   


5. Broadway! My sister and brother-in-law spent way too much and got us a gift certificate from http://www.broadway.com/ for 2 tickets to a show. As if that wasn't enough, it came in a basket with gourmet chocolates, a book on home brewing (for hubby), and two bottles of wine too! Spamalot here we come!
   


6. Digital Photo Frame. This also came from the in-laws - something we've been eyeing for a while, and now we're hooked up!


7. Candles and Giftware. I love scented and pretty candles/candleholders and got a couple of these. We also received a pressed wine bottle cheese tray, some ornaments, and pretty photo frames. All of these things continue to enhance (and my hubby says crowd) our little cottage home. I love them.
   



8. A Fossil Watch. I am notorious about cheating myself in the watch area -- I cheap out and get the $7 watches at Target all the time. My staff thought I deserved something special so they got me a lovely Fossil watch from Macy's. The gift was appreciated even more because they all got together to pick it out. Sweet!
   


9. Greeting Cards (with Photos!). One of my favorite things to receive are greeting cards with family and kid photos included. It allows me to see the smiling faces of so many people I love. More than anything, I enjoy hearing from (and seeing!) my favorite people at this time of year.
   


10. The Christmas Bonus! Each year I count my blessings that I work for a company that still gives out bonuses each year. As a manager I get a percentage in December and the remainder after the books are closed in April. This is never something I take for granted and is always much appreciated. {Photo representational only - don't think this was the actual amount!}

That's about it - hope you all received as many lovely things as I did this year.

A Favorite Christmas Moment - Bowie Meets Crosby

Attitude Adjustment

I am typically that really grouchy lady at the grocery store who rolls her eyes at slowpokes, gets irritated that the store has moved her needed item to the "special display" area that she cannot find, and is clearly angry when someone dares to take 12 items into the express lane.

But yesterday, I decided to go to the grocery store with a new attitude. I slowly cruised the parking lot, not worrying that I had to park 50 spots away from the door. I didn't even blink when I got the cart missing the lower rack and with the one wheel that keeps spinning around. I patiently waited for the little old man who stood in the middle of the produce aisle eating his free starbucks giveaway, and I leisurely strolled the aisles smiling at everyone and laughing over mishaps with carts and merging in the aisles. When I got to the front of the store, and saw the mob scene at the registers, I selected a nearby line without even trying to calculate which one might be the shortest, and did not even blink when the woman in front of me had to review at least 50 coupons before she was done. In fact, while in the line, someone passed me with a ton of items precariousy balanced in her arms and when she dropped one, I immediately stepped up to grab the item before she bent over and lost more. She was so grateful you would think I'd given her $100 for a shopping spree.

When I left the store, I reflected on why this trip to the store had taken longer than usual, and yet I wasn't impatient or irritated, or put in a foul mood. People around me had been much the same, but by adjusting my attitude, it was just a little more pleasant overall.

I thought about all the people I had smiled at in the store and wondered if they left with a little better attitude as well. I hope so. Whether it was any kind of little Christmas Spirit, or just a needed attitude adjustment, I'm going to try this in more aspects of my life.

A Proud Purple Stork Customer

After seeing positive comments from That Chick and A's Mom about Purple Stork, I became a proud customer today as well. This was the easiest transaction with a design/print house I have ever experienced!

After struggling with my annual holiday newsletter - I realized it was SOOOOO BOOORRRRIIINNNGGGG! So I sent a desperate note to Purple Stork and less than 24 hours later I had 4 designs to choose from.



These were the two finalists...I picked #2, but I liked them both.






I highly recommend this company for all your greeting card needs!

Seeking That Christmas Spirit

I'm notorious for being out of sync with the Christmas spirit. I usually get in the mood for Christmas in...um...February. It seems I've been in a battle with the calendar for most of my life. I hate prescribed days of celebration. I want to celebrate, when I WANT to celebrate. Not because some president declared it a national holiday, or because someone decided that Jesus was born on December 25 (highly doubtful FYI), or a Hallmark exec wanted a reason to sell cards and stupid candy gifts on February 14. I even hate my birthday - although I do allow my mom to celebrate it cuz, hey, she went through the labor and all that.

So this year, for the first time in several, I gathered up my energy, heaved a deep sigh, and dug out the christmas decorations. We even bought a tree (which by the way, was an environmental battle in my head, but since the damn trees are already cut down it's not like I could save it or anything). Sorry Al (Gore), but you know, since your mansion is still burning the fuel oil etc., I guess you can give me a pass on the Christmas tree.

Although my photos cannot rival the extraordinary beauty of those on 60 piggies (really you have to stop right now and go see some of her recent photos!) this is the result of my dogged determination to get some Christmas spirit BEFORE December 24/25.

A little winter wonderland on my windowsill.

Some fresh greens and holly branches on my mantle.
(note to self, when trimming greens and lights are in place,
don't cut the wire with the branch...can result in small electrical surge...)

O Christmas Tree...O Christmas Tree...You're A Little Short This Year
(but better than years where we went a little too tall!)

A pretty ornament...or 2 or 3....

My Aunt made this one for me - from an actual chicken egg!

Another Aunt gave us this crafty thing last year...I actually love it. Brings a little Cape Cod to our home in the Hudson Valley.

Hubby's favorite decoration is our snow globe (other than his "Herbie the Dentist" ornament)

C.K. Dexter Haven enjoying my "Wonderful Life" village scene and looking for Jimmy Stewart.

This litle figure was one of the few decorations my Nana was able to keep in her little room at the adult care facility. I gave it to her years ago. Something in my non-Christmas spirit, non-religious soul was always touched by the scene of Santa visiting the baby in the manger. When she passed away, I took it from her room and I do enjoy seeing it every few years when I get the notion to decorate.

So for all of you, like me, who are looking for the Christmas spirit - hope this put you in the mood. For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas...hopefully these pretty pictures brighten up the shortest day of the year and give you a good winter solstice.