Facts of Five...and Christmas Music~

Ahhh, we finally have our Christmas tree up; my son was convinced we were the last family on this planet to have adorned the house in its Christmas finest.  I certainly assured him we weren't~

So you see, being the Carolina Tar Heel fans we are, the tree is encased with yep, you got it; blue lights! More on that later, however it is time to share the next episode of Facts of Five!

If you are a new follower let me give details of Facts of Five. It was a model I used when I taught students with special needs in a self contained classroom. I presented a category such as ‘Five Cartoons’ or ‘Five flavors of Kool-aid’ and the students had to consider an idea that fit the group. It was fun and thought generating yet in the meantime, I was able to get to know what was important to my students.

So our category for today is ‘Five Favorite Christmas songs~ okay, I’ll begin…

1.) Silent Night- When I was young my three older brothers served in the military. While attending Christmas Eve. service it was customary to light candles at the end of the ceremony and sing this particular hymn. I was positioned next to my mom during this ritual and as I glanced at her face tears were streaming down her cheeks. I was moved to see my mother’s pain and worry that only a parent of children in war can feel. This song is sung by many, but I only see and think of my mom. The song sung by Andrea Bocelli is simply spine tingling but so is the one by Celtic Women... I’ll let you decide for yourself.

2.) Oh Holy Night- Any version will do but oh my gosh… that particular song sung by Johnny Mathis simply melts me into a puddle…have a listen by clicking on the title of the song. I remember my grandmother who always liked when I stood beside her in church because she told me what a great singing voice I had. She was probably just saying that to make me happy, but hey, it did! ...as well as any song sung by ol' Johnny! However, Celine Dion has a lovely rendition of this as well.

3.) Mary did you Know? - is another favorite. It centers on Mary giving birth to Jesus who releases us from all the inequities of the Earth and really isn’t that the essence of this Christmas season? As with all Christmas music, there are a dozen artists who sing a given song, but personally I enjoy Kenny Rogers’ performance which is a duet along with Wyonna Judd. His deep burly voice warms my insides…

4.) Joy to the World- Again, countless presentations but the single from Amy Grant just liberates my heart. Amy Grant is a favorite singer of mine anyway, but the orchestra is magnificent and her voice angelic. I enjoy all of her music as well. But then again, Mannheim Streamroller also conducts a nice version of this particular song...ummm~

5.) White Christmas- by Bing Crosby which may be last but certainly not least. When I hear that smooth voice, goodness gracious turns me into putty. The movie by the same title is also my husband and my favorite movie. We wait until our son is in bed; he goes to bed early Christmas Eve. so Santa won’t find him awake, then we cuddle with popcorn and watch the movie. This is one of our traditions of the holiday season.

While I had a very difficult time pinning down my top five, I’d have to say with confidence; well I think it’s with confidence. I do like Christmas Cannon by Trans Siberian Orchestra, and yeah, I like Jingle Bell Rock by Brenda Lee and oh, I can’t forget God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Bare Naked Ladies…Oh Shoot, I forgot I also like I'll be Home for Chirstmas by Karen Carpenter and Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano...wait a minute, perhaps one of my favorite is Michael W. Smith's What Child is This...

Goodness Gracious, perhaps I can’t decide…regardless, I love Christmas music!
So now, could YOU name your top 5?

This Too Shall Pass....

My first week back to school from track-out has been frantic and I could speak that is an understatement. It was overflowing with early mornings and late nights, writing IEP’s and reports for children, meetings, contacting parents to set up those conferences and oh yeah, by the way, I’m suppose to teach? And be a mom? And be a wife?


That type of day/week aggravates and disturbs me; I’m not one who typically likes the rapid chaotic pace of life. My idea of a joyous day is waking up in the early hours to expend quiet time with ‘me’ partaking in reading and writing, casually preparing for my day sharing moments with my boys, actively engaged with my children at school then returning to the sanctuary of my home and being fully occupied in family.

That, my friends has certainly been distant from this week’s undertakings, and I can sincerely utter next week as well with more meetings, progress reports, blah, blah, blah….those sorts of days or weeks do not suit my soul.

Which brings me to this little guy:

…a Precious Moments’ figurine with the inscription “This Too Shall Pass”. Those words are my personal mantra for difficult times. I sing them, repeat them, yell them to the top of the world, really I don’t, but often feel like it. My point being, I try to remind myself that tough moments don’t last nevertheless resilient fighting spirits carry on.

I don’t have this figurine, although I use to. He was given to me when I was encountering horrendous moments in my life that lasted months into years. I clung to Him like a child with a security blanket. As those tumultuous moments faded into a life of recovery I passed Him on to a friend or colleague who was suffering and hurting. My single direction was when this individual no longer believed it crucial to cling to Him in that desperate manner, then he/she would pass the figurine on to one another person in need.

Years later when obstacles bombarded my door yet again He was returned to me, then I in turned passed him to one more; like I said, his whereabouts today are a mystery to me although I know He’s providing comfort and solace to a hurting soul.

This week, His image came to mind and while he is not in my possession, He is in my heart. I intend to carry Him and His message bravely into the next week so chaotic moments become quiet ones and frenzied flashes befall calm.

This Too Shall Pass…

How are YOU Challenged?

The free glider, the eagle

swooshing down swiftly,

soaring like a jet

pretending now to be a branch,

now dead leaves, then a kite.

While its wings lift with the wind,

the eagle coasts and flow above the injured sparrow;

its eyes glitter with the savage thought of attack.

Then suddenly it turns away from its prey,

as serenely as a brook.

It floats smoothly across the tree tops,

a sense of freedom on its wings,

the eagle flies high while it searches for prey

more competitive.

I wrote this poem in high school although I couldn't tell you the specific age; at least thirty three years ago. I also couldn’t identify the challenge presented to me or the significance of these words, yet I can speculate.

However, these words came to mind this morning upon receiving an e-mail from a cherished college friend whose life has taken on noteworthy challenges. She is unemployed and like millions of Americans her benefits have shriveled and died. She is in a controlling emotionally abusive relationship as well as in school for acceptance into a program to unlock future job choices. Ultimately difficult challenges await her.

Which brings me to the question I present to you; how you do confront adversity? Do you pay little to no attention to the seemingly insignificant obstacles like that of the eagle and the inauspicious sparrow?

Are the challenges you face on a physical plane or more of a psychological/emotional level? When the situation is critical are you more apt to wait for boredom to strike and explore competition?

…just curious~

 
(this photo was taken off an aol website...)

Just a reminder...

Brrr...it's so very cold here today for the south. We reached a high of 38 degrees so I thought I'd post a photo of these lovely tiger lillies to remind us of the warmer temps and the gifts of beauty and aroma that a flower can bring.

While I'm at it, another mention was brought about by a good friend who sent the following to me in an e-mail and I thought of all of you, my readers and followers. And to be honest, it was a good remembrance for me as well.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore..

I've even earned the right to be wrong.So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

And a special shout out to my friend Kathie who specifically wrote about the topic of aging in her blog: http://ramblingdandelions.blogspot.com/2010/12/time.html  Give her a read~

On this day....

Yesterday nature displayed the first snowfall of the season dressing the outdoors with the beautiful delicacy that only snow can impart. What is strange about this occurrence is I live in North Carolina; therefore snow in NC in early December just doesn’t equivocate.


Nonetheless my eyes flitted from one entity to the next in an attempt to recharge my dehydration of the beauty in my world…there is nothing more exquisite than the pure unique flecks that gently descend and disguise the terrain. My child-like perception of the snowfall maintains it is God’s intention to quiet the busy-ness of the world by limiting travel and demanding we stop and take notice of the superb loveliness. At times, the inconvenience provides spontaneous time with family and time with self.

In light of this happening and the current pursuit for the elusive Christmas spirit, I was presented with a delightful surprise upon awakening to read my message from God that I receive daily via Face Book: On this day, God wants you to know that the voice of God is best heard in silence. All too often loud events and daily busyness cloud your vision of God. Take some time to slow down; let there be silence, let there be peace. Calm your mind and let your inner voice re-emerge from the silence. Allow yourself to see visions, allow yourself to dream dreams; and you may hear the voice of God reaching out to you.

While I don’t actively share in these messages on a day to day basis, the meaning today was welcomed and clear; busy lives mandate quiet and often we don’t provide or afford it for ourselves or for our family. Perhaps in my quest to find that mysterious gaily mood of the season the snow was my invitation.

To commence this inspiration, I will become sparing in allotting my time to insignificant things and activities. I will ignite the fire and calm my mind, allow my inner voice to re-emerge from the silence.

Today my family is attending a Christmas concert of the Trans Siberian Orchestra; something my eleven year old son has been requesting since early November. Our initial hesitancy was to dismiss this opportunity because of finances; in light of the economy, do we really need to spend the money? However, in honor of the season, we are attending; a gift we as a family desire and not because we ‘have’ to but because we ‘want’ to. A blessed Sunday to all…

Do you have the Holiday Spirit?

It is with enormous sadness that I momentary look out my window at all the merriment displayed; strands of evergreen and wreaths draped on doorways and windows, illumination glistening on eaves, trees and roof tops and music serenading in stores as a steady reminder of the upcoming Christmas season.


It is a time when I recognize and am reminded what a particularly difficult time of year this is for countless individuals in our world. People are unemployed, money is sparse as benefits have run dry; compounding the decision of whether to buy gifts or groceries. There is a remarkable sadness that has blanketed the world as individuals are grieving for lost loved ones, fatal illness have been diagnosed and tragedies have abounded.

Yet, we struggle with who is on our shopping list, how much shall we spend on each individual and is it enough? Do I have an abundance of decorations? Who will attend my party? We frantically search for the illusive gift with the purpose to make that special someone content and pleased. We attempt to out-shine our neighbors with lights, glitter and glitz packaging with it insurmountable stress.

Is this what the Lord, our God had in mind with the birth of Jesus Christ? It is during these hectic frantic times that I am reminded that the season is more than the gaily decorated gifts, or the amount of presents under the tree. It is more beautiful than that of the elucidation of our decorations dressing our homes and the sweet smells of cookies baking.

I personally rummage around for the Christmas spirit each season only to fall short, so while I continue to try to find the false delight I pray for the fortitude to seek it only within my heart.

And in closing, where do you find yours and does it go missing in action this time of year?

Ode to Today....

Ode to today; temperatures are dropping like acorns from an oak, the wind is blustery, and the last bit of foliage is hanging on for dear life! And I, my friends must return to work; CRAP!


I know such despicable and ineffective words coming from a writer’s mouth. However, I must delve into the world of lesson plans, IEP’s, calm the fears of parents, ready children for those useless tests ‘they’ insist we give, love, nurture, mother… after two and a half weeks off I do declare I am not ready! Excuse me for opening the day so grouchy and cantankerous! It’s typically not my nature, but it is today!

However, to switch gears I thought I’d post a story from my book that is contracted to be published: My Life as a Dog...resting on its shoulders the entry will not only to add a brightness to my day but it will also give a flavor to several of you who have asked what the book is about. The stories and excerpts are written on the everyday, mundane world of our golden retriever’s life.

 

My Life as a Dog….and the 12 Step Program~

Okay, I’m a lost and broken dog. I have a terrible confession: I have a sock fetish which according to the dictionary means an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment with an object.

But there, I said it and often heard that the first step in overcoming an addiction is to admit I have a problem. It is a terrible problem. I can’t get enough socks which is even more of a problem because they aren’t my socks! Well, they eventually become my socks because I chew and tear so many holes in them that no one can wear the foot coverings by time I’m done with them, but that’s beside the point. You see, they are my family’s socks. I can’t help myself and I am so ashamed of myself. Whenever I see a sock in the laundry basket I have to go grab it, stretch it until I hear that priceless sound ripping; AAHHHH, a sound of satisfaction! Tear it, shred it, and grate it; that is when they are at their best!

I like to get into Big Daddy’s running shoes and even though he has tucked them deep into the toe of the shoe, I stick my nose in until I can reach just a teensy-weensy thread and pull it out. Yeah, I know, the smell is pretty unpleasant and you’d think that would deter me, but I guess that tells you how desperate my dilemma is.

I’ve even been known to chase Little Daddy around the house when he’s taking his shoes off so I can grab a sliver of the cloth and help in pulling it off his foot. If I do that, then at least the taste is in my mouth and there’s a better chance I can keep it since I put the entire sock in my jawbone and slobber all over it. They don’t like to touch it when it is coated with dribble. Then, I dash into my favorite upstairs hiding place; under the bed. I know, I know, I’m a big dog but I can still fit under the bed and no one comes in after me. The beauty of that is they know I have the upper hand so they go to the cabinet in the bathroom and get a biscuit to entice me to come out. When I hear that box, I immediately go to my bed, the heck with the sock!…a quest for a later time and date. Besides, I have the best of both worlds; a biscuit AND the sock!

Yes, it is true. I go to great lengths to feed my addiction; I follow Nee Nee up the stairs biting at her heals until she gives them up, or until I trip her. Sorry, Nee Nee! Or, I stand on my hind legs at the washer and dryer searching for strays, and I park myself politely at the dryer while clothes are being folded to quickly grab one that may fall on the floor. I’m getting’ pretty good at ‘Snatch-and-Go’s’.

So while I’ve admitted my compulsion I’m not ready to follow Step 6 OR Step 7; were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character and humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings …ummm, should I? …NAAAHHHHH, I like socks too much and how else can I keep my family entertained by my antics?

I love this life…