Twenty. Simply Sunday

Source:  Artist Unknown

I was a little girl when I first heard the moving carol O Holy Night. I wouldn't doubt from that first note I loved the music -- I remember feeling something sweet swell up on the inside in response to those voices soaring over such wondrous notes. I would never forget it.

Recently I'd asked my brother, David, if he'd share a meditation guest post here on my blog. He didn't have the time to work on something but he did offer to share a link to a moving Advent meditation he wrote for another publication; the piece is called Echos of Immanuel. When I went to read the online article, there was an accompanying illustration of the Mother and Child done by Megan Peters that is quite beautiful -- it included a phrase from this carol that I can't get out of my head or my heart now.

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  "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices..."

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Some days we almost fall beneath the weight of the world's woes, the sorrows of people near and far, our own personal burdens. Yet there comes this timely reminder for me that God is with us in the midst of these hard places. We don't have to carry these burdens ourselves. When we ask, God, where are you in all this? there comes the thrill of hope as He sweetly reminds us that one of the names given him, according to ancient texts, is Immanuel "God with us". Oh yes, I don't have to do this alone anymore.

On this last Sunday of Advent, I offer my brother's thoughtful article along with that lovely illustration as my little present to you. Click here to find it. I hope if you are one who follows Him, you will know your own thrill of hope. To be able to shuck off the weariness and let Joy be your strength.

For we have a Party to celebrate in just a few more sleeps. In the legend, Santa Claus comes once a year and goes back to the North Pole, but Immanuel came to stay. God with Us. I feel a thrill of hope.

 

And, if you have time, here's a lovely short video with Josh Groban singing O Holy Night. If you like this carol, you'll probably love this rendition of it.

Here's wishing you a beautiful Sunday...

With love,

Brenda

xox

Nineteenth Day. O Christmas Tree

As seen on Pinterest, Avanti Christmas Cards, 'City Christmas'

We went out into the snowy, blowy afternoon to get our Christmas tree. A real tree. The first real tree we've had in years. When Rick and I got married 17 years ago, we bought a pretty tree that we could pack into a box at the end of each season. Mostly because I liked putting up the tree early in the season -- December 1st if possible. A real one would never have lasted that long without shedding every last needle before Christmas Eve.

That's not to say we didn't miss having a real tree, for my childhood is filled with magical memories of the Christmas tree. How it looked and smelled, and how its presence made us all feel so happy.

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Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,

 and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit,

 become a child again at Christmas-time.

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

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On this frosty, wind-whipping day, we were glad not to be tromping through forests or stomping our feet around a local Christmas tree farm. Our first stop was one of our favourite greenhouses, but they were already sold out. We then stopped at our local grocer's, and though their stock was dwindling, we found a lovely shaped fir that we wrestled into the back of the vehicle -- not sporting quite the same magical ambiance as observed in that too-romantic Christmas card above.

 

Yet, it only took a few seconds for the earthy, evergreen fragrance to completely fill the car. And on the inside of me, I could feel the giggle of happiness starting to stir. Just like when I was a girl.

 

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“...freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin
- inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night...”
~ John Geddes, A Familiar Rain
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Soon the tree was scenting the whole house and we delighted in this gift of nature all evening. Making sure it had lots of water to drink as it acclimatized to our house. I'm grateful for its gift to us this Christmas -- something that will delight my mom and all my family when they come next week.

 

That was yesterday. Today we adorn it. Already I know in my heart that I don't want to deck this natural beauty in the usual way; perhaps something simpler. Lights, of course. And, for sure the vintage ornaments. Nothing too bling-bling. Something softer. We shall see ... will take photos and show the results.

 

 

Source

 

A question for you:  Do you have tree-trimming parties? I know it sounds like fun, but I just can't imagine having all kinds of people with all their own ideas gathered in one place to decorate my tree. I prefer decorating the tree on my own. Being happy with my own thoughts and musings as I pull out boxes and open lids, deciding which ornaments to use and where to hang them.

 

Now, if I had kids or grandkids around me, then that would make it an entirely different story. Family around the tree is absolutely necessary. Some of my best memories of Christmas is trimming the tree with my parents and siblings. When I asked the question, I was thinking of when people invite hosts of friends in for tree trimming parties.  Just asking for fun.  

I hope it's a beautiful day for you, one filled with glimpses of heaven in all sorts of unexpected places. It's just a few more sleeps now.

Hugs,
Brenda
xox

Eighteen. Two Favourite Christmas Novels and A Hopeful

 Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon

There are some books of which I never tire, and Shepherds Abiding is one such story. In just the same way that those of us who eagerly pull from the storage our treasured tree ornaments and decorations every December, so too I pull from my book shelves this book, along with a few other favourites.

Shepherds Abiding was published in 2003 -- the same year my dear dad passed away just days before Christmas. My husband knew how much I loved Jan Karon's writing, and so it was no surprise when I found this beautifully written novel under the tree that Christmas. Little did he or anyone know how much this gentle, hopeful story would bring comfort to a grieving daughter's heart. It grounded me during a time when everything as we knew it felt torn from our lives.

To this day, I love reading this book some time during the Advent season. Making preparations both in my home and my heart for this wonderful time of year, I let the slow build up of the story create my own sense of quiet, but eager anticipation.

You see, I can totally relate to Father Tim's own grappling with the overwhelming sense of urgency to rush through and get his gift for Cynthia finished quickly versus the desire to live in the moment and savour the whole experience. For if you don't know the story, he's undertaken to repaint and refurbish a derelict, antique nativity set and the rush is on to get it completed in time for Christmas Eve. I did share something of this in a post last December -- you can find the post here.

  

 

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher, 2000

I've probably read this wonderful novel a half dozen times or more -- always around this time of year when Christmas and winter solstice draws near. If you've never read it, I highly recommend it -- it's one of my top forever favourite books. Here is the short review I wrote for our local newspaper last year:

Winter Solstice promises cozy reading for these dark winter evenings. This delightful story gently draws us into the lives of its characters. First Elfrida, retired actress from London, moves with her "Heinz 57" canine companion to a southern English village. She happily adjusts to her new life, but while on holiday, tragedy strikes in the village. Its ripple effect eventually brings her – and others – to a house deep in the hills of snowy Scotland.

The author takes the story threads and weaves them like tweed in a Scottish woolen mill. Thread by thread, chapter by chapter, we meet Oscar, Lucy, Carrie and Sam. We watch them grapple with their individual disappointments and heartaches. We cheer when hope glimmers and they begin to see that “beyond the pain, life continues to be sweet.”

This heart-warming novel culminates Rosamunde Pilcher’s successful writing career. She is now in her 90's and lives in Dundee, Scotland.

Christmas at Claridge's by Karen Swan, 2013

I've told you about two favourites; now here's the hopeful novel which I had plans to read over the holiday season. I placed a hold for this library book a few weeks ago based solely on the title.

You see, Hubby and I are planning a trip to England next year -- some things are booked already -- and after watching an interesting program on TV about the beautiful London hotel, Claridge's, we both thought it would be a grand experience to have Tea there one afternoon.

What could be better than Tea at Claridge's? Perhaps a book called Christmas at Claridge's? So when I picked up the book this afternoon, I was happy to note the front cover had a festive feeling with its dusky, wintry picture. Would that indicate a lovely, gentler kind of story, that would maybe be similar in some ways to Winter Solstice? Not having read anything by author Karen Swan, I really didn't know what to expect. Which is why I went in search of some information about the story and what some of the reviews might indicate.

That was interesting -- the reviews were all over the place. Some people loved the book and gave it five stars; others said it was awful, gave it one star, and threw it in the trash without finishing it. Suddenly I wasn't feeling quite so 'hopeful'. From the comments given by several, maybe it wasn't going to be that nice, cozy Christmas read by the fireplace. Some say it's not set at Claridge's except for some small part. And it's not really about Christmas either. And the main character, Clem, isn't anyone they could relate to. Oooooo...

Then I found a review that seemed to settle it for me that I would at least give it a good chance before deciding one way or the other. This reviewer had her reservations when she first started reading, but in the end she was glad she finished it as she found the book a gem. You can find her review here.

Will I like the book? I don't know. Here are the opening lines: "She awoke with a start. Her dream had been greedy, sucking her into a deep, motionless sleep, and her heart pounded heavily within her chest at the sudden fright. Above her head, the thin blue paisley curtain fluttered wildly like a trapped bird at the open window, the room falling into sporadic darkness as battle-fresh storm clouds surged across the sky... ."

With such an introduction, it puts me in mind of Daphne du Maurier's novel, Rebecca. A fine, wonderful read, but I'd never think to read it for Christmas, would you? Which means I might save Claridge's for after Christmas -- some good hunkering down January reading. Any of you read it?

Enough about books, can you believe it's December 18th already? Even though it's flying faster than Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve, we're excited to be this close!

In a couple days Mom will be here for Christmas. Woohoo! And, today Rick and I are going out to get a real tree -- it's been decades since we put up a real tree. I'm looking forward to the scent of evergreen in the house, not to mention the trail of needles across the newly shampoo'd carpets (hehe). I don't mind, honest. After the holidays, we'll set it outside in the backyard for the birds to use as shelter on January's cold days. But first, we have to decorate and then turn off the big lights so we can sit in the cozy glow of the tree lights. And think cozy, happy thoughts.

Sending you cinnamon-scented joy and cranberry red wishes for a beautiful day!

Hugs,

Brenda

xox

 

Seventeen. Assorted Favourites

Trisha Romance, Artist

Source: GIF

People are so creative especially this time of year. My goodness, the wonder and beauty that is going around out there in cyberspace for all to see and enjoy. It's a treasure trove! So many lovely photos and paintings are being turned into GIFs this year with that lovely snow falling. Isn't it just so cozy -- it certainly adds that Christmas feeling, don't you think?

 

 Source: Simply Feminine Facebook

And while some folks are creating lovely snowy GIFs, there are some among us who are sharing their artistic endeavours from the kitchen. Looking at this toothsome concoction above, it would make Julia Child smile -- for it would certainly turn any casual meeting into a Party!

This cakes should be saved for Something Really Special ... to celebrate Someone Really Special. Turn down the big lights and carry this lovely cake into your celebrations on Christmas Eve. Watch eyes light up.

Source: Heavenly Handbags on Facebook

And, this one ... well, it's just plain fun, wouldn't you agree? Who would have thought that rolled sheet music would create such a lovely bodice. And those boughs such a sassy skirt. Love it!

 

Source: GIF

Well, dear beautiful friends, these are a few of my favourite beauties this week -- I hope they delight you today as they have me. On that note, I'm wishing you a beautiful day, liberally sprinkled with joy, and with a welcoming light when you get home today. Don't forget to laugh. Smile. Hug. Hold hands.

Hugs and blisses,

Brenda

xox

Sixteen. Treats in Grandma's Apron

 Grandma, Grandpa, Little Sis, and Me (the one with the really short bangs)

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A house needs a grandma in it.
~ Louisa May Alcott

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Going to Grandma J.'s house was a treat anytime of year, but during the Christmas season it was extra special with that trembling kind of delightful anticipation. Because somewhere during our visit she would lay down her crocheting, get up from her chair and quietly disappear into her tiny bedroom down the hall. Closing the door behind her with gentle, but firm instructions not to peek or follow her in. We were sure to obey. But we'd grin to ourselves ... we knew something was afoot.

And, sure enough, moments later the door would open and out she'd come with her big apron held at the corners filled with Christmas treats. Sweet smelling mandarin oranges wrapped in green tissue, fragrant B.C. Red Delicious apples, not to mention yummy chocolates with their surprise centers, and the hard ribbon candy in brightly assorted colours and flavours. I was always on the lookout for the ones that tasted like cloves -- a favourite to this day.

We'd eat our Christmas orange -- that's what we called them -- carefully removing the soft peel. I wonder if it was Grandma who showed us how to peel it in such a way as to create a long trunk and two elephant ears all in one piece. And we'd watch mesmerized as she'd take a paring knife and peel the apple round and round in one long, curly piece. Cutting the apple into slices and sharing them with us.

Thinking about that now, I realize it wasn't just about eating chocolates or oranges or apples, but the whole experience was the treat. There was the feeling of sharing something of mutual enjoyment. A quiet contentment as we savoured and relished the sweet treats together. No gulping and no rushing. Just being in the moment. No wonder those memories stuck. They fed more than tiny tummies. They left hearts feeling loved, included, cherished.

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"Sometimes you will never know

the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."

~ Dr. Suess

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It's quite a Christmas gift when you think of it that way. Today, I say a little prayer of thanks for this wonderful gift of a grandmother's love and her presence in my life when I was a little girl. And, dear Lord, I'm especially grateful for all those sweet and scrumptious Christmas treats.

The anticipation is building...

Sending you hugs and kisses,

Brenda

♥ ♥ ♥