I remember. I was all a tither, dressed up in a fancy blue dress. My parents and I were sitting in the audience waiting for the ballet performance to begin. It was The Nutcracker. From the moment the curtain went up that night, I was enthralled. The Nutcracker ballet is about a young girl’s Christmas... Continue Reading →
“The Prayer”
I’m curled up cozily in my large russet leather chair by the lit Christmas tree, sipping my wine and nibbling on freshly baked gingerbread cookies. I listen to the “The Prayer” in the background as the peace of Christmas glides gently around the room and into my heart. I pray you'll be our eyes,... Continue Reading →
Gift of Gingerbread Cookies
The year my mother was gravely ill, I asked her to relinquish her hold on the exclusive Christmas gingerbread recipe. She acquiesced reluctantly. Her intestinal flora had succumbed to all the drugs she was taking. She could no longer eat half the ingredients in the dough. She was too weary to bake anymore. I amended... Continue Reading →
7 Delightful Christmas Traditions
We were standing in a circle, sipping wine at McPherson Theater during intermission. One lady asked if any of us had gone to the Sidney Sparkles Parade (aka Santa Parade) this year. We all shook our heads, mumbling excuses as to why not. She continued, “We always go to the Sidney parade; it’s just tradition... Continue Reading →
Tame Your Sleep-Deprived Zombie Look
Michelle really needs some sleep I thought as she walked into the office carrying a jumbo Starbucks with rumpled hair and mismatched shoes. “Another bad night?” I asked. “Yes,” she replied with a sheepish grin. “This cold season isn’t helping. We had one of the three kids up practically every hour on the hour.” “Will... Continue Reading →