Four-eyes

This puzzle by Jan van Haasteren was a gift from one family member to another for Christmas 2011. Last week we made a bit of family night of it--dinner and a puzzle. It's been a while since we've done anything like this. And I had a blast.  

As you can see, there's a lot going on here. As with any puzzle, sometimes you have to check the back of the pieces ... to be sure they fit. 

After mom fit these two together (and was proud of herself for making a match!) I just happened to look at what she'd connected. 

Um. A for effort, momma. {giggle} But not quite. {giggle} Try again. 

>~~<~~>~~<~~>~~<

It strikes me this is a good analogy for life. There's a lot going on. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if things fit. And, pieces that seem to fit may not create the right picture. Double-check. If necessary, get someone else to look, too. And take pictures! The best memories are made of simple moments.   :)

Well, hello 2012!

New Years Day toast. Courtesy of Martinellis.

Puzzle Perfect

It was my first “grown up” two-week vacation, and I was staying with my very best friend. In London. It was the first time my travel required a passport! My flight was scheduled for Sept 12, 2001, and for obvious reasons, my whole itinerary was pushed back two weeks. But I did go, and I wouldn’t trade that trip for anything. It was the first time I’d seen my sister-friend in a few years, and we made the most it. Proper English tea. A weekend in Paris. Cheese and wine in a French museum followed by the most amazing Monet. The first time I’ve been moved to tears by art. A beyond-words lovely day in Bath (no small thing for a Jane Austen fan). We had SUCH an adventure. So many new experiences. So much time together, celebrating the moment and imprinting the memories.

~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~

For several summers, I've been part of my friend's hot air balloon crew. This year, he started teaching me to fly. No one in this season of my life knows  I've wanted to fly since I was 6 years old. Growing up, I dreamed of being a Navy pilot. I wanted so badly to fly aircraft off carriers. My junior year of high school, I started gathering the requisite recommendations for Annapolis. That summer, several family circumstances shifted, and I readjusted my college/career plans. These many years later, to be learning to fly ... I’m not sure there are words.

 ~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~>~<~

I'm certain Andrea didn’t know why that holiday and hot air balloons are so meaningful to me when she picked out a seemingly innocent Christmas present. It's really not important. What matters is she listens between the words found a gift with meaning across several seasons of my life. She must have bribed the keeper of my sentimental bits. In any case, I couldn't have picked anything more perfect.

My heart is full. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year ...

Truly.  I love the Christmas season.

I love the twinkle of lights, the comforting smell of home made cookies, cinnamon and fresh-cut tree, and the tradition of cozy evenings tucked up with family, quoting our favorite Christmas movies like The Christmas Story, White Christmas, the Grinch, and all the other seasonal staples.

I love that shopping is sanctioned. But mostly, I love that giving, in whatever price range, is not viewed as gratuitous extravagance. Speaking of, I'm grateful for the ultimate gift Christ paid on the cross. A marvelous gift indeed.

On the flip side, patience, in the face of presents, is not a virtue. Giving, not getting.

I suck at waiting a specific day to give said gifts. Which is why Christmas lasts all December in my world. Not so friendly to my pocket book, but, that's why we work hard, right? I do my part to support the local economy.

Last weekend, my family and I went exploring (shopping trip with no particular destination), and found the Christmas Barn in Shedd. It's literally a barn--stuffed to the rafters with fun, creative decorations like those in the pictures.


Yes, I did purchase a few things. Yes, those gifts have already been given, loved, and are now on display for enjoyment this year.

One of my favorite pieces of decoration is in the photo to the left. A Styrofoam ball, covered with scraps of sheet music, in a classic sorbet dish. The dish was $5, but I'm sure you could find it less expensive elsewhere. A candy dish could do just as well. Styrofoam ball, what, $1? Old sheet music could be found at nearly any garage sale or flea market. Cheap (but not tacky!), easy (and glue is involved, how great is that?) done.

Where do you find holiday inspiration?

Family Bonding

My family has always bonded over manual labor. Not sure why, exactly; it's always been that way. It's something that just is... When I was little, it was never a question of "if" but rather "what" chore you were going to do. Although, I always had a choice. Did I want to clear the table or wipe the silverware? Did I want to dust or vacuum? Haul wood or ... well, you get the idea.

And a holiday weekend, with "daylight burning," is no exception.

Dripping

There are so many things worthy of mention on this, Thanksgiving Day.


Yet when I look out the window and see sunlit blue sky on a crisp, autumn day, it occurs to me the simple things are really the most important:
- Family that loves me without condition
- Close friends that support me, no matter the situation
- Four-leggeds that remind me there is joy and adventure in the most mundane tasks (even
taking out the trash)


I am thankful for God's provision and blessings. My cup truly runneth over.