Reader, writer, music lover, library nerd, mother and wife. I have big dreams with little time and no funds to pull them off. Join me as I try to dream my way through adulthood.
'Get busy living or get busy dying' Stephen King
This time of year kind of gets hijacked by children (and adults) with a severe case of the 'I wants' and that always kind of makes me sad!
Aside from the obvious issues I have with families that are struggling and countries where people struggle for food never mind the latest electronic gadget. The main reason I get sad is because I don't like to put too much weight behind the receiving, I prefer to give.
In recent years I have drifted into the mind set of 'what do you want?' and buying something the person wants, something practical. These kinds of gifts are well received, they are never a surprise and are usually put to one side as quickly as they are opened. It's a time thing, kids come along and your time is zapped, add in work and the easy option becomes the only one you go for out of necessity.
This year a dear friend has come into my life and reminded me what it is like to put thought, time and energy into the gifts we give. To think about the person you are giving the gift to, what you want the gift to say and what will make that special person smile when they open their gift.
She is the reason I gave at least one special present from my heart this year and why it is my mission for 2013 to get to know her much better so by this time next year she will have a gift to light up her life.
As a thank you and because I know you need something to smile about today here is one thing to look forward to, one thing to ogle and one thing to enjoy now ;-)
and finally
(why does Ben Whishaw always look like he is up to something O_o)
Honestly, I intended to write something for you today. I have been sat here in my PJ's all day so I have had the time, but do you know what I got distracted. Distracted by Cluedo and Twister and fillet steak over candle light. So now I am off to bed having had a really lovely Christmas it is back to reality tomorrow!!
In the mean time I will leave you with a little classic Cranberries.
How was your Christmas? Did Santa bring you every thing you wanted?
Yet another Christmassy treat for you. Festive lights and Bryan Adams, what more do you need??
We are nearly there now!! 3 more sleeps :-D
Oh and seeing as I exceeded 5,000 page views today I thought I would celebrate with an extra song. I love this song and it is pretty spot on for how I feel today too, even if it isn't really Christmassy!
So technically not a fairy tale, however this is my all time favourite story at Christmas, and I love Christmas stories therefore you get to share it with me. I love nothing more on Christmas Eve than to curl up in bed with the munchkins and read this story before the go to bed!
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863)
Twas the night before
Christmas, when all through the
houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings
were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be
there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions
of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my
cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on
the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was
the matter. Away to the window
I flew like a flash, Tore open
the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the
new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to
my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny
reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a
moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they
came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now
Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on
Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now
dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild
hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they
flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in
a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little
hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St
Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to
his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle
of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening
his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His
cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was
drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the
snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it
encircled his head like a
wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he
laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly
old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! A wink of his
eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to
dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled
all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of
his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his
sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a
thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy
Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
"Yes, she has her own lines to say. She is going to be a star"
"Really"
"What part does Johnny have?"
"Oh, he's a mouse"
"Right! And Alfie?
"A donkey"
"I'm sure they'll be just lovely"
You can just see conversations like this happening up and down the country. Mothers competing over who's child is the biggest star in the nativity. I must point out that I am not of this school of thought. I think all the kids in the gorgeously cute performances shine in their own right. However, having attended a number of nativities in the past few years I have always found it to be the donkey that steals the show (aside from my munchkin who is obviously a bigger star in my eyes regardless of the part they play!)
Who would not instantly fall in love with the donkey? With lies like:
"Well have ya seen the size of her?" (when talking about carrying Mary and being tired)
Oh and the standard 'Eee Ahh" whilst jumping around the stage.
The donkey in this years nativity was no exception and had the whole audience in fits of laughter!
Today's Christmas song, especially for the other half is Dominick the Donkey:
We are just about getting through this last mad week before Christmas. How are you doing? Are you all organised?
I don't know who this guy is. All I know is he made me smile when the day was threatening to turn stressful. I mean who wouldn't smile at a Christmas Pud hat, and his voice was enchanting. So if anyone happens to know this guy and can tell me his name I would appreciate it!!
Shortly after the above experience, a sausage and a hot chocolate we came across this...
I have thoroughly enjoyed Christmas shopping this year :-)
As requested by Kate at Nested here is her pick of the seasonal tunes.
And here is a Brucie Bonus just because the dude playing the cello looks like he is enjoying the tune as much as Kate likes it ;-)
As for me the Christmas panic has set in there is so much I have left to do....but after listening to this I am feeling a little more chilled, thanks Kate.
Sparkling glitter sprinkled over night
Crunching leaves and grass
Giggles and smile and smoking breath
Then a final twinkle in the darkness
As a side note, a friend has posted the most gorgeous and intriguing picture on his blog this week. Take a look here and before you read any of the post or comments answer this question....What do you see? Let me know here because it has really captured my imagination!
The first of Decmeber, it's official I can talk about Christmas. The glitter came out, a tree has been bought and Christmas songs are officially allowed :-D
Bring on the bubble!!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
So Christmas songs every Saturday in December, what is your favourite Christmas song?
Wow what a busy month; Christmas shopping, Christmas plays, Christmas parties. I have officially survived the madness and am now left with my contribution as Santa's little helper - the wrapping!!!
I love this time of year usually, it has taken me a little while to feel the Christmas spirit this year but I am getting there! With the house now decorated, the memories of each bauble purchased and the smile that it brings, I am finally feeling very festive.
It is around this time of year that the conversations start with children that are old enough to question; 'is Santa real Mummy?' My answer 'He is real if you believe he is'! The spirit of Saint Nicholas lives on in all of us, in the spirit of giving and the joy of that it brings.
On that note, as Santa won't wait any longer for his help (he is on a tight schedule!) I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and that Santa graces your house with all that you wish for. I look forward to all the inspiration that 2012 will bring.
Well we are certainly in the run up to Christmas now. The time of year when there is so much to do and so little time!!
I visited Lee's exhibition last week, stunning work as usual, some shots I hadn't seen before and the atmosphere of the exhibition in such a beautiful setting was amazing. I was certainly inspired by some of the shots, now all I need is the time to write! I will have to squeeze it in between putting up the Christmas decorations and playing Santa! I love this time of year; the magic, the giving, the family time and the pretty sparkliness everywhere. This time of year has really come to life since I became a parent, it is full of sneaky elves who spy for Santa and faires who put up the decorations everywhere. The hard thing is remembering all the rules from year to year!! The wonder on their faces when the presents appear overnight, it makes all the effort worth it!!
So for now I had better get my self organised...let the magic begin.
