Christmas Letters

Vintage Christmas Card

It is that time of year and I am writing my Christmas letter. I send a lot of cards, but haven't enclosed a letter in the past few years. I enjoy reading the newsletters I get from friends and family and catching up on the latest news. One of my former neighbors, who now lives in Virginia, is very creative and includes photos of her family with cute little captions in her Christmas newsletter. I did this one year, with my daughter's help, as I am not that tech-savvy. So this year I'm writing a simple Christmas letter on pretty stationary.

I have lots of news to share and many blessings to be thankful for. It has been a year of travel, to the Florida beaches and the Smoky Mountains. It has been a year of reunions and celebrations. I reunited with an old childhood friend in October and we celebrated my mother-in-law's 90th birthday in November. For my grandchildren, it has been a year of beginnings. My youngest grandchild turned one and is quickly catching up with her older siblings; my grandson started pre-school and my second granddaughter started Kindergarten. Small things, but big events to the little ones.

Still, amidst my blessings, I want to remember those friends and family members struggling with grief and loss, health problems and other serious issues. I just hope that Christmas brings a sense of peace and hope and shines a light on them.

90 Years Young

 

I was fortunate to travel to Mississippi this past weekend and help celebrate

my mother-in-law's 90th birthday. It was supposed to be a

surprise, but word leaked out. She was a good sport and enjoyed all the

cards and gifts and having family come from as far away as

Minnesota. My mother-in-law has lived every minute of her 90 years.

Her favorite gift? A hockey jersey signed by the entire

local hockey team. After the party, she put the jersey on and headed

down to the stadium to watch the game. She had heard that her

name and picture would appear during the game.

Happy Birthday Mom!

 

It was a quick trip to the gulf coast, but we drove along the beach

to take in the sun and scenery. It was a little chilly walking on the pier!

My daughter and grandson hurried back to the car.

 

 

Making Dreams Come True

My husband and I in Paris, 1978

Some people have a knack for making their dreams come true. Perhaps it's more than a "knack." Its determination and not losing sight of your dreams.

Like my former co-worker, Dawn (not her real name). She quit her job last year to devote all of her time to her organic farm, renovated a 100 year old barn, hosting small events in her rustic setting with southern charm. She also teaches schoolchildren the importance of gardening and believes in bringing them back to the rural values that she grew up with.

Like a former neighbor who published a book about a mascot dog from her husband's alma mater. Her sister-in-law did the illustrations. She didn't become rich or famous, but it was her dream to become a published author.

Like the daughter of a friend of mine who hiked the Appalachian trail last year. Once a shy young child in my pre-school Sunday School class, she has grown up to be an adventurous, confident young woman. She recently worked at a bear camp in Alaska.

Like my oldest daughter who started her bucket list while still in her 20's when she went skydiving on her 23rd birthday. Another one of her dreams came true when she visited New York over the New Year holidays. She and two college friends appeared on the Today show and talked to Willard Scott. A producer on the show recognized one of her friends (who is blind) from college and invited the young women into the green room, where they sipped hot chocolate with guests from the show.

Like a couple that I know who used to manage a herd of reindeer (really) and made special appearances around the holidays. One of their highlights each year was to take the herd out west to appear at a famous pop star's holiday gathering.

Like a local woman, Christy Jordan, who has published a cookbook, and has been featured in Southern Living. Her southern charm and recipes have made her a household name here in the South. I haven't personally met Christy, but I am a big fan of her blog, here.

There are many others that I am leaving off of my list, but it is amazing how many people actually follow their dreams and find success.

Never give up on your dreams.

Old Photos

I've been going through old photos, some of which have been damaged from being stored in boxes over time. I tried to save the ones I could.

The canals of Amsterdam. We took a boat ride on the "John F. Kennedy."

This is the famous Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany. Pretzels and beer...we skipped the beer because our (then) two-year daughter was with us.

Most of my photos from Paris are damaged, such as this one. But the color gives it a strange, vintage look.



London Bridge

London...it was rainy and foggy during most of our stay. I loved London! Gorgeous gardens, magnificent history, and plays every night.