It's hard to believe that it'll be Christmas in less than a month.  I'm usually done shopping by now, but this year my hubby decided he wanted to participate.  That's cool.  He usually watches me wrap gifts and asks "who is that for?"  I've really struggled to find that special gift for everyone on my list.  I love finding fun little things that people don't think of but usually get a kick out of.  It's not that easy with my kids, however, they have very specific tastes.  That's okay, too, I just have trouble knowing what they would enjoy the most. 

I seem to recall when I was a teen and into my early twenties that the crocheted kleenex box covers and toilet paper roll dolls were not well appreciated and seldom displayed.  I know a little more about the time and effort it took to make them now and would appreciate the thought, but probably still wouldn't display them in my home.  I'm just not into that sort of thing.

It's sad how this generation has changed.  We used to hang out at our parent's house on Sunday, have dinner, play cards, watch a movie, nap and it was good.  Now days the kids have really full schedules with work, school, home repair and upkeep, grand kid events, and seldom find time for themselves.  As grandparents we keep pretty busy, too, but I would so enjoy just hanging out with the family once in awhile, like we used to. 

It seems to take a holiday or event (wedding or funeral) to get us all together.  That's okay, but it would be nice to just hang out once in awhile.  I miss it.  Worse than that, my grand sons are missing it.  There were some great stories told around the pitch table or during an impromptu dinner. I must be feeling my mortality, but I think there is more to life than schedules and deadlines  - there's living and enjoying the pile of leaves in the yard, or making a teddy bear snow man, or just reading stories to ourselves and each other. Life really is too short.

Enjoy the journey.

BD

With 2007 quickly coming to a close there is much we can be thankful for and reflect upon.  A writing buddy of mine sent a note and poems to celebrate Thanksgiving.  We are at war, but our nation is steeped in abundance, while many go hungry or homeless.  Though our world is troubled it is ours and we must make sense of things the best we can.  I'd like to share part of Jan Phillips message with you.

"...the only way I can create the kinds of conversations I want to have with people is to GO FIRST and share something personal and meaningful about my own life...then actually inquire into the life of the one I'm with, ask a question that really takes us somewhere.  Think of a few questions you wish people might ask you and ask those questions." 

This is very good advice for those of us who may be tested by siblings or family members that don't agree with our philosophy or still treat us like we're a child, or a befuddled elder.  So much of who we are is based on who we've loved and lived with over the years.  Be more reflective than reactive when your buttons are pushed.  Be grounded.  Be reasonable.  Be grateful for the many blessings we've been given in our lives. 

Have a wonderful holiday season.

BD

11/18 I just found out that this is a hoax and the Walter Reed Hospital will not take any "annonymous" mail for our soldiers to protect them from those that would harm them.  It just makes me sick that this kind of things goes on and prays upon those that would like to help.  The American Red Cross is accepting gifts and will distribute them, so go to http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp for information. 

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address.  If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

          A Recovering American Soldier
          c/o Walter Reed Army Medical  Center
          6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
          Washington,D.C.  20307-5001

Blessings to you all.
BD

 A couple of my writing buddies are participating in NaNoWriMo this month and I have to say I'm very excited for them.  I wasn't ready to take it on just yet.  I'm in the middle of a mss for the KWA Competition that is due the end of the month.  I'm only half way done, so I figured I'd better not get side tracked with Nano. 

Someone told me that Water for Elephants was written during Nano last year.  THAT is way cool!  Who would've thought it would become such a phenom?  I bought the book last year and have to admit the concept is brilliant.  Maybe next year.

For those of you out there typing your little fingers to the bone I salute you.
Write on,

BD

A couple of years ago a friend of mine sent me a wonderful quote by William Faulkner.  It's on my tack board above my computer.

"Sometimes we forget that we have this talent.  It sits bottle-necked while we run to the store, wash clothes, and hit a few balls at the golf course.  But to experience those AHA! moments where the work surprises even you, you have to write thousands of words regularly, daily, frequently.

When your subconscious cranks out words better than your conscious mind can imagine, magic happens.  And that only occurs with a habit and an addiction to putting the words on the paper."

I think that about covers it.
Write on, my friends.
BD