Wish No. 21...

“Throughout history by going to far places and seeing strange sights men have prodded their imagination. They have found amazement and delight and have reflected that life back home need not be what it has been. They have learned that…there is more than one way to skin a cat, that there are more things in heaven and earth than was dreamt of in their philosophy, that the possibilities of life are not exhausted on Main Street…Travel has been the universal catalyst. It has made men think faster, imagine larger, want more passionately.” ~Daniel Boorstin

I must admit that I am quite the homebody...there's nothing I love more than being at home with my family, my books and my computer. That said, I really do enjoy travelling! I haven't been to any state or any country that I haven't truly loved. California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Florida, New York, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Delaware, Idaho,Pennsylvania,Maine...loved them all. Outside of the states I've only been to Bermuda, Aruba, Turks & Caicos and St. Thomas...and I've loved them all too.

Seeing new places and meeting new people is just so much fun! The sights and the sounds and the smells of the different cities are wonderful. I'm hoping that "one day" I'll get to Europe and to Hawaii and to Alaska and to Australia. But no matter where I've been (or where I might go) there's still no place like home!

Wish No. 20...

“Make every thought, every fact, that comes into your mind pay you a profit. Make it work and produce for you. Think of things not as they are but as they might be. Don't merely dream...but create!" ~Robert Collier

"Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled; to concentrate; to accept conflict and tension; to be born everyday; to feel a sense of self." ~Eric Fromm

Create something new everyday...even if it's only something as simple as making a healthy meal for your family or taking a photograph of a sunset or planting a garden. Create an organized closet or a piece of artwork or a journal. The best thing I've ever created are my kids...and I like to think that I also help to create a happy home!

What are some things that you like to create?

Wish No. 19...

"Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can't even describe, aren't even aware of."
~ Ellen Goodman



"Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."
~ S. Lieberman

Here are some of our holiday traditions...they are a part of our history and a part of our future. No matter what is going on in the rest of the world...no matter what is going on in our lives...these traditions remain constant and we take comfort in them. Of course as the years go by the traditions will change somewhat (that's all a part of life too), but the memories of them will bring a smile to our faces and a warmth in our hearts.

* During December we always buy pomegranates to eat.

* The week before Christmas the kids and my mom make Christmas cookies together...either sugar cookies or gingerbread men. The best part (other than eating a little cookie dough) is the decorating!

*We have an advent calendar that has small drawers for each day. On December 24th there is
always a note that says to "look under the tree in the living room". Under the tree the kids find a small gift for each of them.

* We drive around town and look at the Christmas lights.

* We go to church on Christmas Eve with my sister, and then have dinner at her house.

* The kids have small Christmas trees in their bedrooms and on Christmas morning a present is left under their tree. Usually it's something that keeps them occupied (to lets Mom & Dad sleep in a little longer).

* Although we have 2 teenagers now, we still leave out cookies & milk for Santa.

* Part of our Christmas decorations include putting up the Snow Village in the dining room and the train set around the tree in the living room.

* On Christmas morning my mom makes cream chipped beef. We put it over toast and have sliced tomatoes & onions on the side.

* We have a pickle ornament that doesn't get put on the tree until Christmas morning...the first person to find it on the tree gets a small gift.


What are some of your holiday traditions? What about traditions for other holidays or birthdays?

Wish No. 18...

"For each new morning with its light...For rest and shelter of the night...For health and food, for love and friends...For everything Thy goodness sends."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson



Although I am thankful every day for my blessings, usually Thanksgiving is the special day set aside for giving thanks and expressing our gratitude. I think this week before Christmas is another good time to stop and say "thank you" for all the good things in our lives. I was worrying that I didn't have enough gifts for my family under the tree when I had to pause and remind myself of what gifts I did have. We have a nice home, my husband has a good job, I have 2 beautiful children, I have my Mom & my family to spend the holidays with, I have plenty of food to put on the table, I have my faith, I have wonderful friends...what else do we truly need?

There are people that will be spending the holidays alone, or this is their first Christmas after losing a loved one, or they have lost their homes in a fire, or have lost their jobs, or are suffering from an illness, or are struggling with other issues...take a moment and say a prayer to those less fortunate and say a silent thanks for all the blessings that you have in your life.

Wish No. 17...

"Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful" ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing" ~Mother Teresa


"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~Leo F. Buscaglia

Think happy thoughts...it's good for your body and therapy for your soul...spend time with people who make you laugh out loud...be more spontaneous and release your inhibitions...the sound of children's laughter is music to my ears...don't take yourself too seriously...choose to smile...having a postive attitude shifts your perspective...laughing really is contagious...have a sense of humor...laugh until you cry...wishing you smiles and laughter today and every day!

Wish No. 16...

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~John Burroughs


“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” ~ William Morris


Living simply means different things to different people. To me it means living without clutter and trying to be as organized as I can be (without making myself crazy in the process). It means being able to say "no" to doing something (and only saying "yes" to those things that mean the most to me)...which means I can spend more time with my family. It means cancelling magazine subscriptions and eliminating as many catalogs as I can. It also means that I take time for myself and do the things that are important to me (like yoga, reading and my photography). As silly as it sounds, it even means carrying as little as possible in my purse (I don't need everything but the kitchen sink in it). It also means taking the time every single day to be grateful. I find that when I focus on what is important and meaningful in my life it brings me peace.

Wish No. 15...

"A room without books is like a body without a soul." ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

"I cannot live without books." ~Thomas Jefferson

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~ Charles W. Eliot

"I have always imagined Paradise will be some kind of library." ~ Jorge Luis Borges

In case you haven't guessed by now, I love to read. I have always loved to read. And I always will love to read. I grew up with parents who read and I now have children who love to read.
Along with my family and my faith, books have always been a constant in my life. Anyone who knows me can tell you that my favorite present to receive is a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble...I would rather have that than all the jewels in the world (and I'm not kidding either)!

My favorite type of books to read are murder mysteries that are part of a series (with recurring characters). I think that has to do with the Nancy Drew books that I would read when I was growing up . I am so excited when a new book comes out by one of "my" authors...Lee Childs, Jonathan Kellerman, Kathy Reichs, Robert Crais, Robert B. Parker and Janet Evanovich are just some of them. But I also read non-fiction, autobiographies, biographies, cookbooks, inspirational books, how-to books. The list is endless...and so is my love of reading!

Wish No. 14...

"Believe in what your heart is saying...Believe in what you feel inside...Give your dreams the wings to fly...You have everything you need...If you just Believe." ~"Believe" by Josh Groban

I believe...

in Santa Claus and the spirit of giving

that faith can move mountains

that gratitude is the best attitude

in the Golden Rule

in sunshine and happiness

that it's important to take care of your body, as well as your soul

in the power of reading

that you learn something new every day

that a good nap works wonders

in miracles

in making "to do" lists

that it's important to have fun & enjoy life

in treating people with respect

that nobody is perfect

in peace

in the beauty of nature

in love and laughter

that it's important to have a moral compass

that the glass is half full

that being a mom is the best thing in the world

in myself

What do you believe in?

Wish No. 13...

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." ~Mother Teresa

"Most of us miss out on life's big prizes. The Pulizter. The Nobel. Emmys. Tonys. Oscars. But we are all eligible for life's small pleasures...a pat on the back...a kiss behind the ear...a full moon...a great meal...a glorious sunset. Don't fret about copping life's great rewards. Enjoy in it's tiny delights." ~Unknown

Some of the tiny delights in my life...the small things I do with great love...

Baking Christmas cookies with my daughter
Watching Top 10 plays on ESPN with my son
Taking walks with my family
Talking to my mom on the phone
Going to "coffee" with friends
Being a "Room Mom" at school
Rubbing my hubby's neck after he gets home
Leaving little cards of inspiration in public for random people to find
Taking candid photos of my friends' children (and pets) & printing copies out for them

What are some of your tiny delights? What are some other small things that we can do with great love?

Wish No. 12...

"I was born to learn, to grow, to expand, to love, to create, to enjoy, to see the beauty in all things including myself...But I was not born to be perfect." ~unknown author

"As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in it's own time" ~Denis Witley

Wish No. 11...

"Smile, breathe and go slowly" ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Some things that I am saying to myself right about now...

It will be okay...

Just take a deep breath.

There are about a million things to take care of in the next two weeks...but don't forget to take care of "you".

It will be okay...

Breathe.

Somehow everything winds up getting done, so don't panic....keep calm and carry on.

Relax...don't rush...enjoy the little moments along the way.

You don't need to do everything.

Smile, breathe and go slowly (and have fun too)!

Wish No. 10...

For every year the Christmas Tree
Brings to us both joy and glee
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

Main Entry:
glee
Part of Speech:
noun
Definition:
extreme happiness
Synonyms:
blitheness, cheerfulness, delectation, delight, elation, enjoyment, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, fun, gaiety, gladness, hilarity, jocularity, jollity, joviality, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, liveliness, merriment, mirth, pleasure, sprightliness, triumph, verve

Yes...my daughter & I watch Glee and we love Glee! The writing is fabulous and the characters are perfectly imperfect (if that makes sense). I can't believe we have to wait until April for the show to come back on...I guess we'll just have to get the DVD when it comes out. At least we'll have 24 to keep us occupied for a couple of months!

Other things that bring me glee at this time of the year are listening to Christmas music, baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, wrapping gifts, watching Rudolph & Frosty the Snowman, looking at the Christmas lights on the houses in our neighborhood and going to church on Christmas Eve. These are just a few of the things that define December for me. When you look up "December" in the dictionary in your mind what does it say?

Wish No. 9...

"Peace on earth...good will to men" ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"All we are saying...is give peace a chance" ~ John Lennon

"A smile is the beginning of peace" ~ Mother Teresa



All I have for today are quotes about peace...they say pretty much about how I feel about the subject. Take a moment to really read the words and maybe reflect on how we can bring a little peace to our own lives. Peace has to start somewhere...let it begin with you. (I love collecting quotes, so if you have any favorites I would love for you to share them.)

"When you find peace within yourself you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others." ~ Peace Pilgrim quote

"Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination." ~ Robert Fulghum

"Peace is not something you wish for...it's something you make...something you do...something you are...and something you give away." ~ Robert Fulghum


"Five great enemies to peace inhabit with us: avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. If those enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace." ~ unknown

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace"

Keep the peace!

Wish No. 8...

"To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart." ~Phyllis Theroux



This week we started getting a few Christmas cards in the mail and it reminded me that I really need to get on the ball and finish mine up! It also reminded me what a wonderful thing getting "snail mail" is. Our mailbox is usually full of mail during the rest of the year, but it's just bills or catalogs or junk mail (I try to cancel many of the catalogs, but they just keep multiplying like rabbits). I especially love getting the holiday cards that have a short personal note or a picture in them...it's almost like getting a hug from far away.

It's fairly easy in this day and age to keep in touch with those we love. There are so many ways to stay connected...with Email, cell phones, Facebook, Twitter and Skype you could be updated 24/7. There's still something special about knowing that someone took their time to reach out and mail you a card or a letter...it always makes me smile whenever I open one up:)

My wish is to try to keep in touch with those I love throughout the year...and not just on special occasions. I think it would be a nice surprise for them to get a card just to say "hi"!

ps. Speaking of saying hello...I was wondering if someone could do me a favor? A friend (hi Terri!) mentioned that she had trouble leaving a comment here. Could you take a quick second and just say hey! Thanks.

Wish No. 7...

"Some of us (perfectionists, especially) fuss so much over making the "right" choice, but in life all that's really needed is to make any "good" choice...believe in it, go through with it, and accept the consequences." ~unknown

I admit I've been guilty of trying to find that "perfect" gift for a loved one...I've obsessed about it and even stood in line for what I thought was it. There's no denying that it's a great feeling to give someone that special gift that you know they really want, but often that item winds up sitting in a closet or in drawer a month later. In our minds we all know that the perfect present isn't something tangible that comes wrapped in pretty paper and tied with a big bow...it's about showing our family & friends just how much we love them. The best way to do that is to give them the gift of time.

If you know someone that's a new mom, volunteer to come over and sit with the baby while she takes a long shower or bath (or takes a nap)...if it's an elderly relative offer to pick some things up at the grocery store for them...if it's a child arrange a time to sit down and play a game with him...if it's a friend make plans to go take a walk together every week... if it's your significant other offer to give them a backrub after a long day of work. This way you're giving a gift that truly means something and will make someone else happy...and what can be more perfect than that!

Wish No. 6...

"We do not stop playing because we grow old...we grow old because we stop playing" ~unknown author

"Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn't taste good" ~Lucia Capacchione

We've all heard the phrase "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" and it's so true...and not just for kids, but for adults too! It's fun...it's good for our brains...it makes us more creative...it makes us laugh...it just makes us feel better. As children it's where we begin to learn how to interact with others and it stimulates our imagination & our curiousity. It helps us (both kids and adults) to concentrate better...if you've ever played "Bop-it" you know what I mean! It also helps alleviate stress and cheers you up if you're feeling blue...try "skipping" next time you're sad...it's hard not to smile when you're skipping & swinging your arms :)

My wish is for everyone to take time to play today...it will add joy and happiness to your life!

And if you don't believe me, here's a link to a speech given by Stuart Brown at a TED conference earlier this year that talks about the importance of play: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html

Wish No. 5...

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you. In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter can you have longer, quieter stretches when you savor belonging to yourself." ~Ruth Stout

There's nothing like the first snow of the season...the grass and the trees are blanketed in white and there is a sense of magic that permeates the air. Everything is still and we're surrounded by a quiet, beautiful world (at least until the kids pull out their sleds...then the beauty remains, but the quiet not so much)! In the winter nature takes the time to rest and to hibernate...and so do I. With the shorter daylight hours and the colder temperatures, I tend to stay home more and take the time to recharge my batteries. I need that alone time to renew and refresh my mind, body & spirit. I am then revitalized and ready for spring!

My wish is to take the time (even if it's only 15-20 minutes a day) to take a nap, to read , to soak in a hot bath, to write, to think... and to clear out both the physical & mental clutter.

Wish No. 4...

"Wisdom begins in wonder" ~Socrates

(SOOC- AV, ISO 800, f/2.2, 1/125, 50mm)

"If I had influence with the good fairy, I would ask that her gift to each child be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life" ~Rachel Carson

My favorite thing about this photograph isn't that it's a pretty picture...it's the story behind the photo. It was a typical weekday morning and we were all busily going about our "getting ready for school" routine (you know how that goes) and my 14 year old son stops and says to me..."Mom, come here and look at how pretty the sky is". It just makes me so happy to know that my teenage son...my baseball playing, X-box playing, basketball playing, I-pod playing son...notices the everyday beauty of a sunrise. I think I must have done something right!

My wish is, like the song "I Hope you Dance" by Lee Ann Womack goes, "I hope you never lose your sense of wonder".

Wish No. 3...

"Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be, just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand to hand." ~from How The Grinch Stole Christmas

I don't know about you, but I just love the story of the Grinch. It's mainly about the Grinch finding out the true meaning of Christmas...that it's not all about the decorations, the presents and the abundance of food. The part of the story that I think is sometimes overlooked is how the Who's welcome the Grinch into their family with open arms, even after he's taken all of their gifts and treated them badly. The Who's extend their hands of friendship to him and embrace the Grinch with their love and kindness.

My wish is for everyone to really take the spirit of this holiday season to heart and try to love the "grinch" in their lives!

Wish No. 2

"O tidings of comfort and joy...comfort and joy...o tidings of comfort and joy"

I know there is something to be said for getting outside of your comfort zone (and I really do need to do that more often), but I just get such a sense of peace and joy from the familiar things in my life. There's nothing like a cup of hot tea or cocoa, a relaxing hot bath and a good book to refresh my soul. A big hug from my hubby and my kids always brings me happiness. A bowl of my Mom's homemade chicken noodle soup or the smell of lilac's in bloom reminds me of happy childhood memories. It's these little things that are soothing...that are constant...that make me smile!

I notice that when we put the Christmas decorations up the kids know exactly where things go. Without telling them, they put the nativity scene on the table in the living room...the advent calendar in the dining room...the train set around the tree...and the nutcracker in the foyer. These may be some of the things that they take comfort in year after year...but if they want to shake things up a little and put the nativity scene in the dining room that would be ok too!

Wish No. 1...

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand — and melting like a snowflake.”- Marie Beyon Ray

I really can't believe that today is December 1st...it's just not possible! It seems like it was only yesterday that we were at the beach with our feet in the sand, the scent of sunscreen on our bodies and the warmth of the sun beating down on our faces. I think part of the reason it doesn't feel like December is because of the weather. It's been fairly warm and rainy...instead of cold and snowy. I usually don't like the cold, but here I am on December 1st wishing for a snow day!

I would love a day where it snows just enough for the kids to have off of school...we could sleep in late...watch some movies together...make chocolate chip cookies...play in the snow...have a cup of hot chocolate (with mini-marshmallows)..read our books...and just enjoy our quiet (yet fun) day at home.

This time of the year things have a tendency to get a little crazy, but this holiday season I'm going to try to appreciate each day of December leading up to Christmas (snow or no snow)!

I'll keep in mind words like...simplicity and peace...comfort and joy...happiness and cheer...laughter and delight...and wonder and grace.

What are you wishing for this holiday season?