Slumdog Millionaire

Last night I went to a great movie: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. I went with my niece Noelle and we both give it four stars. A modern fairytale of an Indian boy rising from the slums to triumph over what seems like insurmountable odds and finds his long lost love.

In Utah this movie might be hard to find in a theatre, but if you can find it, you won't be disappointed. Jamal the main character is the hero of the film and you are cheering in your chair for him the entire film. There is a reason this movie has so much Oscar buzz.....

Failed to notice.

Or take seriously.
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Since the demolition of AR2, I haven't really posted a great deal of serious stuff, things like massacres and terrorist attacks and other assorted "little murders" - like dad coming over for Christmas dressed like Santa, killing the family and torching the in-laws house. (Yes, the holidays can be stressful.)
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It isn't that I failed to note these things, I just didn't know how to respond to them, one can become a bit numb to such events occurring in rapid succession, as they are wont to do lately. It is less a problem of apathy as it is shell-shock, at least in my case.
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For instance, I found it absolutely incredible, astonishing, shocking - what have you - that the world went into fits of horror over the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, yet said nary a word about the Hindu-extremist terrorist attacks on Christians elsewhere in India. Just so, the media ignores the recent massacre of Christians a day or two ago in the Congo. It seems the only black people media is interested in is the Obama family and Barry's abs, or Oprah who just can't manage to keep the weight off, God bless her generous little heart.
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Don't get me started on the Israeli war against Hamas. It is certainly being reported, but not as accurately as it could be, and some important players seem to be missing from the public eye while all of it has been unfolding: Bush and Obama. Obviously, the U.S. has no clear leader in this time of transition - so it could be an excellent moment for Russia to emerge as the new global power, what with their warships trawling around America's seas.
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But back to the Israelis and the Arabs - neither one of them give a damn about the Palestinian Christians - in fact, Hamas just re-instituted crucifixion for capital crimes - that kinda, sorta carries a message about Christendom, don't you agree? And don't forget they started the current conflict over Christmas - no significance in that, I'm sure. I'm not pretending to put forth any political analysis here, but it seems to me many people are not paying attention to what is going on - and they should be. Below is an excerpt from Caroline Glick's column, "The 'realist' fantasy" - a good read if you are interested in world peace and that kind of crap:
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Hamas's endorsement of nailing enemies of Islam to crosses came at the same time it renewed its jihad. Here, too, Hamas wanted to make sure that Christians didn't feel neglected as its fighters launched missiles at Jewish day care centers and schools. So on Wednesday, Hamas lobbed a mortar shell at the Erez crossing point into Israel just as a group of Gazan Christians were standing on line waiting to travel to Bethlehem for Christmas. - Jerusalem Post
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Oh. Happy New Year.

Nicely put.

What painters do...

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I’m not an abstractionist. I’m not interested in the relationship of color or form or anything else. I’m interested only in expressing basic human emotions: tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on. - Mark Rothko

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And something I do as well...

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Whether I'm painting or not, I have this overweening interest in humanity. Even if I'm not working, I'm still analyzing people. - Alice Neel

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So my point is...

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I simply attempt to document what I see and experience, and if I am lucky, someone may call it art. - Terrance J. Nelson

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Image: Mark Rothko

Charity

Telling the truth.

What really happened to Abbey-Roads2.

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I was dropped - cut off - eliminated - kicked out. All because of the following post:

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I’ve had it!

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I’m switching back to Blogger - this site is far too much trouble. Please visit Abbey-Roads and add it to your blogroll if you like what I write. I was going to wait until after Christmas - but I can’t even post on this site any longer. I try to publish what I write and lose half the text. I’m outta here… nothing works here! (Wow! - Maybe this is what they wanted?!)

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Whatever - I’ll leave the site up for awhile - at least until my Neo-Counter account expires.

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Truth be told, the administrator of stblogs.com was offended by that post - which I thoughtlessly wrote out of frustration because of the problems I was experiencing. He was especially insulted with my last line: "I own the banner here, as well as the content - so watch out." He took it as a legal threat - it wasn't.

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The very sad thing about all of this is that I lost my work. That said, I realize it was my own fault. At least I learned a very important lesson, I do not own anything, so no one needs to watch out.

Off to California

Hey everyone -- we are off to California for the New Year to visit my sister Tina and her family. We'll be up to lots of trouble and of course watching the Utes play on National Television. Whoot! Whoot!

Tony Blair, Syncretist

"Faith is vital to understand the Middle East."

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Ah. Tony Blair.

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"I regularly read the Koran, practically every day," Blair told an interviewer. He said the Prophet Mohammed had been "an enormously civilizing force." - Source

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I just love British comedy, although Basil Faulty remains my favorite character.

Fourth Day of Christmas: Inaccuracies

The Twelve Days of Christmas.

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Liturgically the whole concept of the 12 days has been screwed up, pretty much because Epiphany is kept on the second Sunday after Christmas. Today is the 4th day in my calculations, although others would say it is the 3rd. I calculate from Christmas Day to January 5th, which I observe as 12th Night - January 6th being Epiphany. I'm probably wrong.

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Anyway. The Twelve Days of Christmas is one Christmas carol I do not like. There happens to be some debate concerning the origins of the song as well as its meaning. Some people say it was used as a way to catechize during the English Reformation, when Catholics were persecuted. As if the Protestants couldn't hear the singing, much less understand the meaning of the song - since they kept the same fundamentals of the faith.

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No, I think the song developed as a means to remind Catholics, and sympathetic members of the Church of England, that Christmas is not just a day, but lasts for twelve days. Liturgically there always has been the Octave, the eight days following, while the 4 days leading up to Epiphany equalled the full twelve days. But I'm getting over my head here.

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My point is this. In Cromwell's England, Christmas was for the most part banned, and if it was celebrated at all, it was done so privately, and it would probably not go beyond the day itself - just like modern times. Therefore, I believe the song was composed to encourage people to continue the tradition of celebrating Christmas for the full 12 days - even if everyone was saying the day after Christmas, "Whew! I'm glad that is over!"

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Ho, ho, ho!

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For more information on the Twelve Days of Christmas, click here.

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Did Oliver Cromwell personally ban Christmass in England? Click here to find out.

BU - 8

The last part is the best.

Third day of Christmas. Christmas cards and greetings.

Happy Holidays.

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I still have cards to send - I usually send to the very, very Catholic after Christmas, as well as to those I hope would be Catholic. A card "after it's all over" can be a good reminder it is not. In addition, I'm picking out my cards for next year, it is always a good idea to buy the cards for next year when they are marked down from this year - that is, if you care to send the very best without spending a great deal. I'm one of those who consider Christmas cards a little gift.

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Seasons Greetings.

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I also enjoy ruffling the feathers of the very, very pious when it comes to Christmas greetings. If one sends a card, as I will do, with the printed greeting that doesn't mention Christmas, yet happens to be wonderful Christmas art - or not - what prevents the sender from writing, "Merry Christmas" with a little note and their signature? Just so, when a person wishes you a friendly, "Happy Holidays", why on earth would you shout back for all to hear, "Merry Christmas!" Or, "I celebrate Christmas!" How rude is that. Someone was kind enough to greet you and wish you well, and yet your ego has to assert itself and call attention to your wonderful Christmas spirit. A quiet smile, and a sincere "Merry Christmas" would be the kindest response.

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Happy Hanukkah.

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This morning I read on another blog the writer's boast how, after making the declaration of "Merry Christmas" for all to hear in response to a "Happy Holidays" greeting, the obviously very young man turned to wish the Jewish woman behind him, "Happy Hanukkah" after she informed him she doesn't celebrate Christmas. Thus after he wished her "HH" she responded, "And what do you know about Hanukkah?". Rising to the challenge, the very well-educated, albeit very young man, made it clear to the woman that he knew everything about it from his Catholic bible. (Many Jews are not even religious, nor do they actually celebrate Hanukkah.)

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Isn't that special. I'll bet everyone in hearing distance was dying to convert to Roman Catholicism and were filled with the infectious Christmas spirit that the very rude, very young man exhibited.

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Yeah, so Happy Kwanza while you're at it.

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LOL!

An Angelic Nativity

About the middle of the month, we started receiving little packages every night on our door. The first one had three wise men and a scripture, the second night was the a shepard with a sheep and a scripture, the third night...you get the idea. It was so fun. The boys absolutely loved and looked forward to each present until the whole nativity was compete.

We have an absolutely amazing nativity sets from Adam's Mom which I threaten the kids to even touch with an inch of their lives. (She wouldn't be to happy if she knew that.) But it is a prize possession. So, this nativity is great, because Thomas and Jack have loved looking at the pieces and resetting up the nativity about a 100 times.

The scriptures have been great - not just the standard scriptures but really great thought provoking scriptures about each member of the nativity. At the end we were a little sad, our very thougthful friends never revealed themselves....it will remain a mystery. But a greatful
thank you all the same. Thank you!

Ripped jeans and Fr. Corapi.

This really isn't Corapi - but it sort of looks like him - what he'd look like if he remained in Hollywood maybe...
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Image from the Sartorialist - who got it out of GQ. The Sartorialist has a great new format - much larger photos.

It was bound to happen.

The Rabbit's Christmas party has begun.

Seriously. I have so much food outside in the garden, everyone is eating; the voles, the mice, the squirrels, and of course the birds, and Mrs. Rabbit is out there now.

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As for me, I will actually be visiting my sister's house this weekend to see my brother Tim who is here from Germany. It promises to be very fun. I haven't seen any of them in years.

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Update: I guess I was just pretending.

The Second Day of Christmas

The Feast of Stephen.

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For most non-Catholics, I expect the feast of Stephen is only a line from a Christmas carol, "Good King Wenceslaus", yet for Roman Catholics, it is much more than that. Immediately after the joyful birth of Christ, the feast of the holy proto-martyr Stephen is celebrated. The deacon St. Stephen was put to death by stoning, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Though the heavens were opened and St. Stephen was consoled and strengthened by the vision of Christ in glory, the martyr's passion and death has much to teach us.

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While the Christian is taken up in the joy and glory associated with the commemoration of the birth of Jesus, one may be assured one will also experience many of the same woes the rest of men encounter, which happen to be the effects of original sin. What is more, the Christian, trained in the way of penance and mortification, will not be surprised as they see fulfilled in their lifetime these words; "You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved." - Matthew 10:22

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Art: St. Stephen Martyr, from Sub Tuum, the monastery blog by Br. Stephen. Please visit his site to read about his clothing in the monastic habit, and to get a glimpse of Christmas in a monastery.

Christ Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul

Details.

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Fr. Adams was the celebrant for the Mass at mid-day. He is one of the finest young priests I have ever met. Really. He is awesome.

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The Rector, Fr. Joseph Johnson is too. The Cathedral has taken on a new aura... there seems to be an 'odor of sanctity' unlike ever before. I'm not exaggerating.

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I arrived early for Mass, entering the Cathedral by the side door. I looked towards the back and noticed hundreds of lights draping Our Lady of Victory Chapel. As I moved closer, the display became more intriguing. Finally, standing in front of St. Joseph's chapel, I looked across, the impression was heavenly, it reminded me of Christmas in Rome, or Naples. The entire chapel was draped and festooned with antique gold and white sheer fabric. Magnificent runs of what appeared to be silk illusion, with lights sprinkled through the cascades. (I apologize that I do not have any photos yet.)

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The crowds of families obstructed my view of the actual creche. Finally I got near enough to sneak into the side of the chapel, hidden behind the great columns and lighted birch tree branches the size of trees. The roof of the creche was laden with a large cascade of white and red Peruvian roses falling from the gable down each side. The same roses were arranged in huge bouquets on either side of the creche. In the background loomed the beautiful marble statue of Our Lady of Victory, and above her crown was the star of Bethlehem, while the extravagantly tented fabric streamed down to enclose the entire tableaux.

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I do not even do it justice trying to describe it here - it must be seen in person. If you live in the Twin City area, you should make the pilgrimage to venerate the Holy Infant in this sumptuous setting which so glorifies the Incarnation. It is the finest Nativity I have ever seen in this region.

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A visit to the St. Joseph chapel is rewarded with lovely displays of flowers and roses - designed and donated by the same person who donated her time, money, and talent to construct the beautiful presepe for Our Lady's chapel... the very talented designer, Anne Marie Hanson. God reward her for such a lovely Christmas gift to the Cathedral. By her generosity, those who visit the chapel get a little glimpse of heaven in these dark days, while her art lifts the poor in spirit above the worries and cares of the world.

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The sanctuary itself is magnificently decorated as well, all in red, with more lights adding sparkle to the festal processional banners. Yet there is another detail, perhaps taken for granted by many. The Father Rector has taken care that all of the altars throughout the immense Cathedral are properly covered in altar cloths, and for Christmas, every altar is illuminated with candles, three on either side of the tabernacle, glowing and warming a pilgrim's heart.

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I have never experienced the Cathedral in such a manner before... It is such a holy place. That's all I really wanted to say.

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Visit the Cathedral website: http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/

Merry Christmas

Did anyone watch the Holy Father's Midnight Mass?

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As the Pope processed to the Nativity after Mass, a man in red jumped the barricade and rushed the Pope. Security was able to restrain him, it appeared the man was knocked to the floor. The Holy Father looked startled for a brief moment, standing back a bit. (Story here.) A spokesman for the Vatican said the man appeared to pose no danger and was probably overly enthusiastic in his efforts to greet the Holy Father. I wonder.
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Praying for the Holy Father.

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God bless all of you, and thanks for your friendship and support. Wishing all of you a wonderful twelve days of Christmas.

Ninth Day of Preparation: The Vigil of Christmas

The Perfect Joy.
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O Divine Infant Jesus, our Saviour, your love for St. Joseph could not have been greater, and yet you did not remedy his inability to provide comfortable lodging for Our Lady Mary to give birth. Neither did you shield your holy parents from the indifference and contempt shown by those who refused them. Though an upright and just man, we recognize in St. Joseph an aspect of our own poverty and failed attempts to do the good we desire. Sadly, some of us may even lack all virtue and feel ourselves steeped in sin, and therefore deserving of contempt and rejection, leading us to behave no better than the beasts.
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However, it is the patient example of St. Joseph, and Our Lady Mary who gave birth to you amongst the beasts in stable, that you teach us O Little Lord the perfect joy of Christmas.
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You gently remind us that the price of your friendship is frequently the pain of your apparent rebuff. And while it is true that on account of our sins we may deserve to be cast out and excluded, each Christmas recalls to us that you are always there to meet us, even in the most culpable desolation. For this we thank you Little Lamb. In this is the perfect joy of Christmas, that you meet us even in our basest misery, our powerlessness, pouring out your mercy and love to the soul who hungers for you - Love Incarnate.
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Merry Christmas!
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[This would have been posted on Abbey2 if it had remained.]

Our Tree!

I was so pleased with how our Christmas Tree turned out this year. We even made a homemade star. The boys loved putting that one together. I started making a few ornaments that never made it on the tree, maybe next year. Santa better hurry and get here we have no presents under our tree!

Christmas came early this year and we have had some great happy endings to report beginning with a NEW CAMERA! Yeah for us and getting a Cannon Powershot! We love it. My husband spent yesterday afternoon finding out all about it and snapping away. Adam took all these fabulous photos! In the picture below, you can see Adam in the silver ball taking the photo!

Even better, Adam was offered a new job! Monavie is where he will call (work) home starting January 5th. We couldn't be more thrilled, excited, relieved and just plain exhausted. Thank you everyone for your support.

Finally, to all our family and friends we are the luckiest people in the world. We are so thankful for everyone who has been there for us for...well for always. We love each and everyone of you. It's like you are all our guardian angels.

What happened?

My blogs.

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Late last night Abbey Roads2 was deleted a bit prematurely... I'm not the swiftest when it comes to understanding web stuff, and I complain and curse when things don't go my way and sometimes act rashly. Anyway, after AR2 vanished, I started fiddling around with the settings on this blog and went to bed not realizing I had made it invitation only. Obviously I changed that this morning... But AR2 I can't change, it's gone. So I will be blogging here and will adjust my blogroll accordingly to include many of the links I had on AR2.

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Other than that - nothing to blog about today. Happy Christmas to all.

The Cathedral of St. Paul at Christmas.

I think I may go to Christmas Mass here. I can be lost in the crowd that way.

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I have to go out and shovel snow now.

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Click here for the Cathedral's website: http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/

Christmas Festivities

When we moved into our newest house we started a Christmas Breakfast Tradition. We invited over some close friends and neighbors and had an aebleskiver breakfast on Christmas Eve. The first year was such fun, it is now a much anticipated tradition. For me I get to see all my closest friends as close to Christmas as possible and it really kick starts the Christmas festivities.

I love aebelskivers! Puffy sweet pancakes with lots of hot yummy syrup yes, the syrup has to be hot!

The recipe I have for aebelskivers is easy... the hard part is the pan. I borrow my mom's because it is deep, well seasoned and they cook up perfect. She found hers in a thrift shop, you can purchase them NEW at most kitchen stores.

Here is my recipe:

9 eggs

3 cups Buttermilk

4 cups Bisquick

4 tablespoons oil

1 long skewer

In a large bowl combine buttermilk, bisquick, oil and all 9 yolks - whisk together. Take the separated 9 egg whites and beat until white and fluffy. Add to batter and allow to sit a few minutes. Heat pan on high with a drop of oil in each hole. Once pan is very hot (hot enough that the oil bubbles) drop a large spoonful of batter into the hole. Turning the aebelskiver can get a little tricky. Take your skewer and as the batter cooks make little half turns until the batter cooks making a complete circle. The aebelskiver should be somewhat hallow inside. All the aebelskivers should be done about the same time. Remove from heat, and enjoy! I love to add any and all my favorite toppings: jam, syrup, powdered sugar, butter, fruit, whipping cream etc.

A shorter Christmas Carol

Part One: Remembering Christmas past.

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My desk in the garden room has a glass top supported by two stainless steel sawhorses. As I was meditating this morning, I noticed the trees outside reflected in the glass. The trunks were laden with snow, on one side only, while the other side seemed to be outlined with a faint frost. The sight reminded me of one of my first jobs in the art department of Dayton's, a local department store that is now Macy's. I started in Downtown St. Paul, considered a "Downtown" store equal to the Minneapolis flagship store, although Minneapolis was the only store referred to as "Downtown". In addition, all display people were considered Downtown, or Minneapolis employees. It all sounds rather trivial today, but it was an important status thing back then - which display people took very seriously, thus educating me on how to be a snob before my time I'm afraid.

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It was the store's design department, not the display dept. that was responsible for the auditorium Christmas display and Santa-fantasy-land, as well as the animated window displays. Department differentiation and titles were very important in those days. Len Shimota was the man responsible for design, and he hired Tommie Rowland (sp?), an artist specializing in animated figures from Staten Island, to do the art and backgrounds. She earned her reputation with her windows created for Saks, Lord and Taylor, Bergdorf's and other stores in Manhattan. She was very little and rather craggy looking from chain smoking, and while working, she looked down right elfin, her bed-hair standing up in a little peak. She scared me to death. She seemed coarse and a bit shady to me, unaccustomed as I was to what seemed an abrasive New York accent and Keith Richard's style laugh. Although when she was dressed up, she was a tad more lovely, always wearing stiletto heels to increase her height.

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Anyway, my first job involved painting the background for the auditorium. As I said, in the late 1960's Dayton's had two downtown stores, each with their own auditorium, and these were turned into a Santa-land-fantasy-land. That year the theme was Dickens village. I painted the snow-laden trees, taught by another expert, Bobbie Mackin. Bobbie was a set designer turned display woman. Now deceased, she was an extraordinary talent and very kind to me, a naive high school kid working amidst the other rather earthy art majors from the University, who were hired to paint the free-standing buildings for the display. Bobbie started me off, demonstrating how to paint a snow laden tree, and to my surprise, I finished the entire background by myself. Bobbie liked my work so much she took me to Gorden Display in Roseville, and taught me how to do touch up work on the figures and actual sets. That is where I met Tommie and got to know the University students.

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After installation, I was kept on to work in the display department. I was part-watchman, part grunt man. The animated windows needed to be checked regularly until 10PM - when the lights went off - because the constantly running motors sometimes stalled and presented a fire danger. In between window checks, I covered felt panels for spring displays, and made props such as painted hangers with women's faces - copies of similar things seen in London's Carnaby St. boutiques. If there was nothing at all to do, I smoked in the display offices, pouring over News and Reviews, a display weekly, studying details of the window displays from NYC. I also studied the home and fashion magazines, educating myself in interior design and fashion. For a senior in high school, I thought I had hit the big time. I was the envy of all my friends, especially my classmates from studio arts. That was 1966, I wish I knew then what I know now; status, sophistication, snobism, - it is nothing but an illusion - a fleeting fantasy.

Rocky Road for Christmas!

This year My Family is doing a Progressive Dinner. Appetizers at Jill's, Main course at Mom's and Dessert at my house. I am also in charge of the Christmas Program and I have some great ideas up my sleeve. I am going to try and share some of them over the next couple days.

Since I am in charge of Dessert! and with lots yummy treats on the menu, I thought I would share my favorite treat of all: Van Duyns Rocky Road. I love Rocky Road- gooey marshmallows, crunchy walnuts and chocolate. Van Duyns is a local chocolate shop in Portland, Oregon. So I have my rocky road sent to me via my parents. Thanks Mom and Dad!

The Animal's Nativity.

Painting.
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I'm back to painting in my typical style. I'm painting The Animal's Nativity. I set out to do an illumination type painting, then I inserted a dog, a cat, soon a rabbit, and mouses... The dog is bigger than Our Lady, and Joseph is holding the Bambino. It will be a pazzo Nativity - not at all like the masterpiece above - but the cats will like it very much. Xena-Celine sits on a little rug atop my painting table as I work. I doubt I'll finish it by Christmas - although it ought to be done by Twelfth Night - but I'm not concerned about completing it.
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Making up your own traditions.
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It occurred to me that if one is alone, or one half of a couple, or even with a small family - it could be fun to try and make things for Christmas - even "on" Christmas, or to "do" things around the home. What if you decorated the tree closer to Christmas or on Christmas Eve - it doesn't have to be done all at once - but could be stretched over a few days, only to be completed Christmas Eve. It should be an enjoyable task, and not a drudgery. So often we work very hard to complete things, to get things done, only to be disappointed and let down after everything is "perfect" - although it is never perfect.
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Christmas is very much about the imperfect. Imperfect trees, imperfect dinners, imperfect wines, imperfect gifts, imperfect relatives and friends, imperfect me. You get the picture.
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And don't forget, Christmas is a season that only begins on Christmas Eve. And if you have to visit many people, remember the Three Kings never made it to Bethlehem until 12th Night.
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Works for me.

More Christmas legends and lore...

Mistletoe.

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The use of mistletoe dates back to pagan times of course, just as the Christmas tree, advent wreaths, and the use of other greenery does. It is actually a hemiparasite plant that grows upon tree trunks. It was once considered an aphrodisiac by the ancients and associated with fertility by the ancient Celts and Germans. The idea of kissing under the mistletoe originated with Saturnalia, the ancient pagan feast, and later extended into pagan marriage rites.

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The custom of kissing under the mistletoe continues into modern times, although some have taken advantage of the practice and landed in jail.

Poor Christmas: Great expectations.

Foxes and rabbits have holes, birds have nests... Being content with a sufficiency.

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I love to watch the rabbits and mice and voles in my garden. I see their tracks in the snow and I'm consoled to think some of them live in the foundation of my garage, although it is not heated in there, it may be a bit warmer than the outdoors. I often wonder how the little critters endure the snow and below zero temperatures, although an abundance of snow, as well as their winter coats, and fur-woven-with-twigs-and-mulch nests would provide much needed warmth.

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I began to think how in our times, we Americans have the luxury of unprecedented comfort. We have homes that have no comparison with any other period of domesticity in history, what with our heating and air-conditioning, air purifiers and filters, lighting, refrigerators along with all sorts of appliances, and so on. Our cars are heated, and if one can afford it, even the seats are heated, and the kids can watch TV in the back seat. We all know this, and take it for granted, often complaining when we are deprived of something or other, as when the power goes out. God forbid one's connection to the Internet is interrupted.

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Yet like the rabbits, human beings once lived in badly heated homes without any modern conveniences at all. Even royalty had a tough time of it in those huge stone castles. I shiver just thinking about it. For thousands and thousands of years man led a rather deprived existence - compared to our modern standards - and survived quite well. They wanted for much less than we do, simply because they never had a great deal to begin with. Only the very few lived in any sort of luxury - although it never equalled what we take for granted today.

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It is very difficult for those who have just lost their jobs, or their home, or their life savings to understand that it is not the end of the world, that people need much less to get by than they ever imagined.

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The rabbits remind me of such things. Indeed, I sometimes recall how, while on my pilgrimage to Compostella, I looked for lodging in a heavy rainstorm. I had hardly any money at all and it was late at night. I prayed St. Joseph to find me a dry place to sleep, reminding him how he found a place for the Virgin in Bethlehem. As I turned the corner in the little village I was passing through near the Spanish frontier, I saw a vegetable cart, with a canvas tarp. I quickly crawled in and slept the night, grateful St. Joseph provided me with the shelter. The next morning I knew better than to complain that my night had been quite uncomfortable with damp and cold, considering how the Saint provided similar conditions for Our Lady. In both situations, the accommodations were quite adequate, albeit not the least luxurious. The next night I found lodging in a garden shed filled with hay.

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Very often, we require a lot fewer things than we imagine - while in reality, we are 'entitled' to even less.

Christmas is a week from today.

Pretending.

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I can't remember exactly when I began pretending - telling stories about how my family celebrated Christmas, with all of the lovely old world customs and so on. It may have started when I was in 5th grade - a pivotal year for me in so many ways. I remember pretending to my classmates how I had received everything I asked for that Christmas, and described Christmas Eve as being full of magic, decorating the freshly cut tree, loaded with lights and ornaments, delicious food, and so on. I never realized I had been lying, reasoning I was "just pretending" - to avoid either being made fun of, or worse, the object of pity.

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I later employed the same tactic for people I worked with, as well as my family after I had moved away. I told coworkers who were worried I would be alone on Christmas, that I was going home; my excuse to my family was that I would be with friends instead.

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Anyway, after I was firmly on my own and began working in display, my Christmas memories became rather grand, a little like Hans Brinker's. I charmed people with stories of visits from St. Nicholas, absolutely incredible Christmas trees and creches, and of course the Italian Christmases with my friends. Although my Italian Christmases were not exaggerations - completely - except for the occasional inclusion of a few details I employed to embellish my own experiences at home. I learned how to perfect the art of pretense from a wonderful woman named "J", an Audrey Hepburn look-a-like, act-a-like, talk-a-like, dress-a-like, who happened to be one of the nicest phonies in the world - and one of the most believable at that. Her stories were absolute royalty. It took decades for me to shake off that influence.

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"J" was so charming. Many times she insulted me to my face during the course of a "teddy-bear" lunch or coffee, and I never even realized it until years later.

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Anyway. Don't worry, I stopped pretending about my Christmases many years ago when I realized I could make them as magical as I wanted all on my own; the traditions I pretended my family observed, I began to observe myself - often doing for others what I wanted for myself. Thus Christmas was no longer pretend. Now days, it is even more real, albeit much more simple. (Correction - I continued to fabricate stories for concerned coworkers as to the where and with whom I celebrated Christmas - I don't have to do that any longer. I know, I'm a liar.)

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I'm invited to my relatives next week. Ah. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Except I do not lie any more - I just say I can't make it.

Christmas Calendar

Adam and I's trip to Disneyworld last february!

Summer Hike!

Taking a nap in Island Park

Last Day of Kindergarten

Exhausted from playing!

Jet Skiing in Lake Tahoe

Every year since my oldest was about 2 years old we make a Christmas Calendar for the Grandparents. I add a few photos and the kids do awesome art work. Although I know the pre-made calendars you can create on the web are easy and nifty - it just isn't the same for us. Besides we love to really get our hands dirty while making it. Here are some of the photo selected to grace this year's calendar.

Sagrada Familia

Magnificent.
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Detail of the Catalan Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926). The official title of the church is "Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia". Construction began in 1882 and is scheduled to be completed in 2026. Construction was interupted during the Spanish Civil War. Antoni Gaudi is also a candidate for sainthood in the Catholic Church. For more information and additional photos on the Cathedral, go here.
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Links:
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Official Site

Nutcracker

Jack had his last performance in the Nutcracker yesterday, and I know I am a biased parent, but he was so fantastic. He was so great! I was the proudest Mama in the auditorium. He and Drosselmeyer stole the show. The Utah Regional Ballet has a professional photographer come and take all the kids photos -- when I get those back I will post one!
He is going this weekend with his Papa to see the show and watch his good friend, Dax be the nephew. He is excited to see the whole performance and watch someone else play his role.

A White Christmas

It snowed last night! About two feet where we live. Maybe this year we will have a White Christmas. Speaking of White Christmas.....

That is my favorite Christmas Show. When I was about 10 I feel in love with it... and it is not a kid's show. I loved the two sister in the show, Betty and Judy, I think that was the first time I tried to pretend to be a character from a movie. My sister and I actually got feathers and re-choreographed the sister's skit on Christmas Eve.

More on Christmas cards.

When you care enough to send the very best.

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I just ran across a blog that advises one should only send Christmas cards with a Christian image and greeting, in order to let the manufacturers know what sells. I doubt I even have to say what I think of that nonsense.

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Capturing the charm of that "hand-made" look.

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The image above is an example of a type of humorous Christmas card I like to send to friends who either are not religious, or simply like a good laugh. When one opens the card, which appears to be home-made, the verse looks as if it had been typed on an old fashioned type-writer. In this case, the verse reads:

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"the kids? out back playing with their new empty boxes. season's greetings."

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How lovely and thoughtful. Now who wouldn't know this is a Christmas card? This card would be perfect to send to a family on welfare, or even those newly weds with children, who live in a house they can't afford.

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Suitable for framing.

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I like to refer to this type of card as; "dysfunctional greetings". Yet the producers of the greeting card line describe their product as; "greetings that push buttons, poke fun, and provoke something." Whatever, it is all in fun. Send it to the right people and you may never have to bother with sending another card to them again.

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This line of cards has been around for several years now, and I never tire of them. The company is MikWright, Ltd. The cards retail at about $3.50 each. MikWright also produces cocktail napkins. The napkins use the same photo format with captions that poke fun at, ridicule, and shame alcoholics back into drinking. They are great for AA meetings and get togethers.

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Tim and Phyllis have a website too: www.mikwright.com

Cheers!

Poor Christmas: Staging it back a bit.

Gaudete Sunday (Gaudete means rejoice - it is the 3rd Sunday in Advent.)

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As everyone knows, many people are losing their jobs, not to mention their houses as we sink deeper into recession. People die at this time of year just as they do all year long. Recently a woman was knocked down in a store parking lot and was killed when the drunk driver ran over her head. Horrible crime! People's houses burn down, as did a teacher's from my parish school last week.

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Another woman I deeply respect and admire is going in for surgery this coming Wednesday - she has stage 4 ovarian cancer - please keep her in your prayers. Another man I know, like many others this time of year, is going through severe mental and emotional trials. At this time of year, a time of inordinate expectations for happiness and joy on the natural level, the drama misfortune occasions is often heightened and can be too much to bear for some.

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It is good to pull it back a bit at times. To be temperate without being too sober. To have fun and to plan fun without being too demanding or obnoxious. To be kind and considerate without being patronizing or condescending. To cry if you need too, without being full of self-pity - or God forbid - self-loathing.

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And never forget we are all in this together, so if nothing else, we need to pray for one another.

Cappa Magna

The above photo shows what is known as the cappa magna, a variation on trains usually worn by royalty. It remains a cermonial train worn by Cardinals, who happen to be princes of the Church. It is only worn at liturgical functions and posing for photographs. Few people realize that the modern term "drag" was inspired by such garments.

Xmas eticutt.

It's important.
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Yes it is people. So you better shape up for Christmas. I thought I would post some do's and don't's - bare bones advice.
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Always RSVP. Neither be too early or too late in your arrival - try to hit it on the dot - the host will always be prepared for the time indicated on the invitation. If it is open house, that is a different matter entirely - just don't show up too close to the end time.
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Stay at least an hour if it is a casual or cocktail type get together. If it is dinner, stay at least half an hour after dinner is over and dessert has been served. If you are enjoying yourself and the host seems to be enjoying you, stay as long as he or she wants - or until you have to use the bathroom, try not to do that at the host's house if it is a BM, especially if you have IBS. (In that case, I'd prefer you didn't come at all.)

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Do dress accordingly, or at least better than you would for church. (Cathy will get this one. LOL!)

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Do not wear a heavy scent - many hostesses use scented candles, incense, and/or those awful plug-in things - the addition of a heavy perfume or cologne just makes everyone want to throw up. Few people realize that the mixture of too many scents takes on the odor of diarrhea.
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Do acknowledge gifts or parties hosted by acquaintances or business associates, by sending a little thank you note. Never send thank you notes for cards - that is just pathetic.
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Do bring a hostess gift, good wine, expensive candy, out of season flowers, a Christmas tree covered in old world glass ornaments, or just anything you want to re-gift.
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Do not criticize other parties you have been to, what they served, or wore, or what the house was like, or how drunk they were, or who their friends are - this is a dead give-away that you will bitch about your present host after you leave.
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Don't criticize the host or other guests you are in the presence of, the food or entertainment, the favors or gifts, the host's decor and dress, while at the party - unless you go out for a smoke and your host and the others you are trashing can't hear you.
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Don't drink to excess... stage your drinks. I try to stay to one cocktail every 10 minutes. And never ask for the host's left-over-from-previous-surgery pain pills or Valium.
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Do not ask other guests who happen to be professionals, such as interior designers, hair stylists, cosmetic-surgeons, or psychologists, for serious advice or discounts while at the party. Ask for their business card and call for an appointment later. And never criticize their work if the subject comes up. I once asked a psychologist how he could help anyone when he's so nuts himself. People can be very touchy during the holidays.
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If uncomfortable subjects or questions arise at the dinner table, even if brought up by the host or hostess, give your warmest smile and say, "Oh, oh, I'm much too ill-informed to speak to that - at least that is what I always tell the curious ones." Laugh gaily and drink your wine. If asked again, just repeat your answer, over and over until they stop asking you.
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Do not ask questions you wouldn't answer yourself.
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Do not turn the plates over to see a manufacturer's stamp, and never ask the cost of anything, from table cloths to centerpieces to the cost of the house - you can get all that information on line after the visit.
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Never ask fat women if they are pregnant - or, in cases of single women whom you had heard were pregnant - but no longer are, never ask things like, "I heard you were pregnant, how is the baby?" I learned this the hard way!
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Never mention wigs - once, I attended a former co-worker's party. While we worked together, he had always cut his hair very short. When we met again, it appeared he had let it grow out. Just to tease him I said, "Nice wig." Shut my mouth - it was a hair weave.
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Carry on about their pets - no matter what the critters do - play with them, let them jump up on you, pretend you like them if you don't. Many people are offended if you say, "I don't like animals." or "Could you please make your dog stop that?" Pets are other people's kids. Oh, that reminds me - be nice to their human kids if they have any. And if you have kids, and the host does not, don't talk about your kids unless asked, and keep it short. Many childless people are childless for a reason, and they are not interested... Just like people without pets.
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I will try to add more helpful etiquette hints as we near Christmas and New Years, we will cover kisses and hugs and sexual advances.

So you don't believe in Santa?

Sinter Claes

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Luther tried to get rid of him - but I found this on a German website - I think it is on a public building or an apartment building - not a church. I'll present more proofs as time goes on. In the meantime... you better watch out.

Nutcracker - A Christmas Favorite

Jack is performing in the Nutcracker this Christmas. We have some good friends who run the Utah Regional Ballet and asked if Jack would like to participate this year as Clara's Nephew. With a hip hip hooray, we gladly said yes.
Jack has loved being in the Nutcracker. He has loved going to practice and learning his part. He really looks up to the boy playing Fritz and wants to know when he gets to play his part. He is performing this weekend and I have to admit I can't wait! Although Jack has told me alot, they are very strict on parents "hovering and waiting in the wings", so I don't quite know what to expect.
Jack has been so cute. When he first started practicing he told everyone at school and he is absolutely thrilled his 1st grade teacher is coming to a performance. He smiled when I told him he had to wear stage makeup and he loves his costume - a little tux!
If anyone wants more information or tickets visit http://www.coveycenter.org/

Family Tree Quilt #8

Just a few more photos to show of the quilt. This is the bro -in-laws block. Cathy subtly informed me that I really needed to give them some props. I agree!

Gabe belongs to Cathy

Eddie belongs to Jill]

Clint belongs to Candi

Rob belongs to Tina

Adam belongs to me.

Cathy picked out the fabric for the back of the quilt. She thought the quilt needed more strawberries. Who could agrue with that!

Herberger's

Local people in Minnesota and environs: Boycott Herberger's! (I am just kidding!)
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I am really kidding, but what would compel me to even say such a thing? Why? What is so bad about Herberger's? To be honest, I really don't know what the store is like - never shopped there. My complaint - which I have communicated to them, has to do with the fact that they have absolutely the worst and most annoying Christmas television ads - ever. The campaign is so hokum, it defies description. The company's jingle is: "Give more, give joy!" Over and over and over, the extremely irritatingly bad lyrics are repeated, as are the ads - they air every 10 minutes at news time - it represents the lowest form of in your face consumerism and materialism, not to mention unabashed corporate greed.

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The runner up for worst television Christmas ad is Old Navy's "I want candy" - Why? Because once again corporate greed exploits a certain demographic of American youth who suffer from an ailment known as "gimme syndrome" - which if not for the recession, threatens to reach epidemic proportions. The ad sucks big time. These companies give commercial Christmas a bad name.

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It's a depression alright.

Advatages of growing up poor.

I've been kicked out of better places than this.

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Not long ago a very nice blogger-lady asked me how I could have gone to so many schools, or lived in so many neighborhoods in St. Paul. I answered, "We moved a lot." Truth be told, we were either kicked out because my parents fought too much, got blood on the stairs, smashed holes in the walls, made too much noise smashing whiskey bottles - don't ask, or they couldn't pay the rent, and things like that. LOL! I only mention this as a lead to my story: "I've been kicked out of better places than this."

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I'm used to it.

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I have discovered, quite by accident mind you, that I have been deleted from a few blogrolls. One very sweet lady informed me by email that she could no longer link to me because of the links in my sidebar and because I allow comments by known homosexuals and liberal minded Catholics (Gerald no longer blogs now days - he's not gay of course, just a dissenter.) Anyway, the lady said I was a scandal, as did one or two other bloggers. In fact, they delete my comments whenever I leave them on their blog-posts. Funny thing however, if I search their blog for my name, earlier posts they wrote with links to me, pop-up.

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Well, pray for me then - please! As one most in need of God's mercy. I realize how easily one's reputation can be tainted by the company one keeps, especially when one is in a certain profession, or a religious, or just climbing the ladder of success and trying to earn a reputation. Yet most assuredly I am not trying to promote sinful lifestyles, erroneous or heretical beliefs, much less dissent on either of my blogs, though I candidly deal with these issues as they appear frequently - even daily - in the news; and yes, I permit polite dissenting comments.

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Without trying to sound pious, or give the impression I am seeking approval, I want you to know I have been going to confession with greater frequency as well - last week twice, this week only once so far. So yeah, I'm trying really, really hard to be good and to please God. But trying to please people is just something I have never been much good at. My apologies.

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Season's greetings!