Do You Have the Giddies Yet?

 Now there's a title for you.

As of writing this, there are 27 days until Christmas.

I always enjoy Christmas,

but I am a bit more ready for it this year for some reason.

I know that sounds silly.

Well, maybe it is.

I am not one to deck the place out in lights

in Graceland fashion.

I am more a "let's add some greens over here" sorta decorator.

It's really about the feeling of the season.

Folks are generally kinder.

Although I've seen far fewer shoppers this year so far,

there is still a sweetness to the season.

We have had temperatures in the 20s and low 30s,

but Thursday, the possibility bureau is predicting a chance of snow.

I wanted to build a snow lantern last year, 

but I had to work the one time when we had the right kind of snow.

Yes for you southerners,

there are different kinds of snow.

Also, if you don't know what a snow lantern is,

here let me show you.

Doesn't it look simply magical?

There is still an autumn wreath hanging on our front door.

This weekend, the transformation will take place

and the Christmas sign will be hung.

I've already had my hand in the jar of candy-canes.

Oops!

I wasn't supposed to admit that (heehee).

I realize all this seems silly,

but the reason we celebrate is for All Knowing Love.

If we can share some joy and glad tidings,

shouldn't we do so?

Now, I ask you . . . 

Are you giddy yet?

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Look Both Ways

You might not believe this,

but yesterday I heard a little news

discussing Christmas.

Christmas!

Can you believe it?

I am still in the garden and the kitchen.

Everything is a full three weeks late this year

so I am finally getting tomatoes and green beans.

(Source)

For some reason, it really struck me.

More of a "Wait, what's today?  When is Christmas?"

sorta striking.

It did get me to thinking though.

I realize I'm odd in my thinking,

but when I hear things like this, 

it's often later that I really offer much consideration to the topic.

So as I was pondering Christmas,

a feeling of Christmas past, if you will,

came over me.

I reflected on some merry times, both from my youth and that of my children's, then up through the years.

My heart kinda smiled.

Then I thought of Christmases even further back in time,

those I've read about but wasn't alive to encounter.

I thought of the contrast.

The joy of some Christmas candy or small token

and the exhaustion of the mountains of presents to open

and then filter through and deal with.

Of course those of you who know me

know I appreciate the simple things and history.

Then I reflected upon the report I heard

discussing the upcoming Christmas

and the forecast for the next few Christmases.

 I was a little saddened.

I fear many older children and younger adults

might not like what's ahead. 

They've been spoiled with volume.

One woman actually said if she gave her son a gift of socks,

and needful items that he would probably throw it away.

I was appalled, but my first thought was that it was the mom's fault

for setting expectations and not teaching him 

the real meaning of Christmas.

What I am about to say is not to open a political conversation,

but to encourage you and hopefully help prepare you.

We are in a recession and headed full force towards a depression.

I am saying this based on observation

instead of what any news source is/isn't broadcasting.

Businesses are closing and reducing hours.

There are pan-handlers begging right out in front of businesses

with "help wanted" signs.

The prices at the grocery store keep going up 

and the size of the packages becomes smaller. 

In order to prepare our own hearts,

I would ask what we expect - each of us,

not just for Christmas, but every day.

Have we set our selves up like that mom has her son?

Do we expect so much that we would be disappointed

if we didn't get some glorious gift or lifestyle?

What happens when we don't get what we want?

That's actually a pretty deep question, I know.

I don't expect anybody to answer out loud,

but if you think later like I do

and think your loved ones are headed towards disappointment,

there might be time.

As I type this, the calendar tells me there are 74 days until

Christmas.

Our family came to grips quite a few years ago.

None of us had tons of money.

Nor did we need or actually want more "stuff."

We all came to an agreement of one small gift each.

We changed our focus from "I still have to buy. . ."

to "What can I bring or do?"

We enjoy our time as a family and a "feast."

We count our blessings instead of presents.

And you know what?

It's usually a joyous day.

As you look forward,

if you do think your loved ones are revving up for a let down,

now might be a great time to "bring it on home" as I like to say.

Have the conversation.

Set the expectations appropriately.

Share love rather than things.

Perhaps some still want to go all out but as belts tighten,

knowing one has love and acceptance and

understanding someone else knows the struggle

can be a comfort and make things not only more barrable,

but even merry.

I love Christmas and the Reason we celebrate,

but for the time being

I'm still in the garden.

Of Tea & Labels

Okay dear friends.

Time for something pleasant.

I know coffee gets all the glory,

but tea really is a lovely drink.

It seems I'm always trying new teas.

My favorite tea was "lemon blossom" 

which was discontinued several years ago now.

Since then, I've stuck with mint tea but have searched

for a new favorite tea that I actually really enjoy and look forward to.

There are some pretty spendy teas out there!

Many of them don't taste like they should be spendy at all.

Well, I finally found not just a tea, but several

that I really savor.

Each one I've tried, I've loved!

Where?  

Hummingbird Tea

I think I've tried six or seven of their teas and

have purchased six of them so far. . . 

and there's another I want to try - citrus chill.

I am not connected with them and I don't get any payment from them

for saying these things.

I just really like their teas and appreciate finding them.

Of all their teas I've tried, I would describe them

as "whole flavors."

So often it seems like there is something missing (like flavor).

These taste complete.

So like I said, I've ended up with half dozen different teas.

I've had these bailor jars for ages.

I purchased them at a dollar store long ago,

and they've come in handy.

I decided they would be good for the teas.

I think they are as pleasing to look at as to drink - 

well, almost.

Many of you might have figured out by now 

that I'm more about function than about fashion.

I like things to look nice,

but when it comes down to it, it has to function

and be as usable as ever.

Weeeeellll. . . . story time 

Some time back, I purchased some attractive

reusable labels to give as a gift.

They were actually for my mom who loves lavender.

The labels are good quality and very pretty.

My mom loved them.

Where did I get these great labels?

I knew you'd ask.

Mistress of the House

(Again not affiliated)

But wait, that's not the end of the story.

So Jes has a way of making things beautiful.

She takes those extra steps and it shows.

When I received the labels for my mom,

there were also a few extras in the form of samples.

Those teas above in the bailor jars needed labels

and they were handy so I wrote 

the name of the tea and put them on the jars.

I used a fine point permanent marker.

If I ever want to change them,

a quick spritz with hairspray wipes it clean.

Hairspray also works for getting permanent marker out of jeans.

Don't ask me how I know that.

Anyways, those little samples worked!

I like that they are a nice quality unlike the little paper stickers.

End story: I ordered some for me and some more for Christmas gifts.

My family is to the point in life that we really don't need "things."

So we try to give smaller things that can be used or consumed.

These are perfect!

I am having so much fun using them.

They are both functional and beautiful.

Pantry stocking this time of year can be wearing.

I am still working on the tail end of tomatoes

and will be dehydrating greens and cidering some apples

within the next week.

It's pretty easy, for me at least, to just get the stuff canned

or jarred and not label it (for shame!)

I know - that's bad.

These are certainly handy and if I'm sipping tea

while I'm canning or prepping foods,

it makes for a much nicer time.

I've been on the go quite a bit lately,

but I wanted to post something nice.

These are the items that came to mind first.

They are things I am grateful for~

I hope you enjoy them.

 

In This Mountain Home~ All is Calm

I was off work early today which was a surprise from my boss.

It's a wonderful treat, because

this is what I drove home in.

It's kinda funny really,
my mom is stressed to where she was almost in tears the other day.
I of course eased her mind and lightened the mood by telling her
it was okay not to clean the bathroom.
That drain monster is a family pet.
The slime in the shower proves you have a "green" home.
And the toilet water only goes down so it doesn't count.
She had certain projects to finish, 3 batches of cookies to make,
and regular house cleaning to do.
What actually makes this funny is that Christmas is at our house this year.
They will have no company etc.
Silly Mom.
Meanwhile up the mountain~
at our house where people will actually be visiting,
there is laundry on the couch,
a wicker love-seat in the kitchen/dining area (yes, like on the porch- long story)
plastic totes from decorations are still near the front door
(but the tree is decorated!)
our family pet drain monster is alive and well in our bathroom,
the floors are coated with debris from boots and firewood,
the table has a partially finished craft project on it,
and I'm not worried.
I still have two days ~ plenty of time.
I remembered to take the turkey out of the freezer so all is well.
We never seem to have a shortage of food.
The snow is absolutely beautiful and creates a hush in the forest.
It's kinda like Someone is whispering,
 "Shhh, pay attention.  You won't want to miss this."
And for that, I am so grateful.

As our family comes together and reunites beneath the snowy sky,
near a cozy fire, and around a crowded table (especially if I don't get the love-seat out of there!) let's remember why we've gathered.

From our home to yours a very blessed and merry Christmas to you.