by Sharon | Dec 25, 2015
Merry Christmas!!
My goodness!! Christmas is here!!
I find it surprising. The days, weeks and months seem to have flown by. I remember preparing for Halloween . . . then Thanksgiving . . . and Christmas.
Next is the New Year — 2016 . . . unbelievable.
Maybe I should begin preparing for Easter . . . it will be here in record time, just as Christmas has arrived so quickly.
It is said that the older you get, the quicker time seems to pass.
This Statement Seems Strange To Me
As we get older we may slow down a bit.
When we’re younger we’re trying to cram so much into every single day. Wouldn’t it seem logical that one with a busy schedule would find the passage of time going by at a faster pace?
I’m not expert . . . just observant . . . and blogging about it. It’s unfortunate I have no answers, just questions. And I do ask you, “Does time seem to be going by quickly?”
I Think I’ll March Ahead To Easter
I know there’s the New Year and the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day and other holidays . . . but . . . Easter for 2016 will be Sunday, March 27.
In some ways that seems quite a ways away . . . but back in October, Christmas seemed so far away . . .
Easter seems to be coming early this coming year . . . it’s been in the April for awhile. Now, the end of March.
Before I March Ahead . . . How’s Your Christmas?
I’ve been getting my fill of Christmas Carols.
I do love them and will miss them. I will be playing them while I take my Christmas tree down and put away the decorations. It is part of my tradition.
I play Christmas Carols while decorating the tree and the house. So it seems fitting to do the same when taking everything down.
Now, I sometimes keep the tree up until after the New Year . . . and sometimes right after Christmas.
In the case of my blogs . . . except for ChristmasGoRound.com things will be changing over the weekend. ChristmasGoRound.com will be still about Christmas . . . it’s my year round Christmas website. It is Christmas 365 days a year . . . not a repeat, as in the movies . . . just having the focus of Christmas throughout the year.
I’m also eliminating some of my websites. I want to be able to devote time to the ones I’m keeping. With time going by so quickly . . . I need to concentrate on those websites that are the most important to me.
I do hope this Christmas Day was filled with joy and goodwill for you and your family.
It may be a rainy day for me. During the early morning hours there was rain . . . and I do hope it continues. We need the rain and I have no outdoor plans.
It is cold . . . which is quite refreshing for Christmas.
I feel good. This has been a wonderful Christmas. Maybe because it was my precious Diva’s first Christmas with me. She seemed to feel right at home with the tree and the decorations . . .
My little Diva is a remarkable little Yorkshire Terrier that brings me much joy and happiness.
I’m sure you feel the same about your furry pets.
Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 24, 2015
Have You Noticed That Most Of Life’s Major Decisions Are Made When We’re Young And Inexperienced?
You start school at a young age.
You either apply yourself . . . or don’t. That’s why it’s so important to have a family with parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles who can give you the advice you need . . . and teachers can explain why this is important for you to know . . . and how each lesson is built upon another and another . . . broadening your knowledge base. It’s building a solid foundation that will help you determine what it is you’ll be when you “grow up.”
I do marvel at those who know what they want to do.
Most of us stumble upon it.
The majority of us don’t have a wealthy family or a family business to join during high school and after college.
Too often we find things we don’t want to do. Or there is a limit to what we can do . . . given our education and the choices we’ve made.
So, success doesn’t come easy.
Many Books And Movies Have Been Made With This Concept In Mind
If you turned right instead of left . . .
If you went for that job interview instead of staying home . . .
If you participated in that Christmas Play instead of staying home with a bad cold . . .
How much is based on circumstances rather than actual choices?
There are also times when it would have been better for you to stay home than to attend a particular party. It sometimes works both ways. You may be in the right place at the right time . . . or in the wrong place at the wrong time.
One story I encountered recently was about a woman who decided to pursue her dream, leaving behind her boyfriend.
She was very successful . . . but lonely. She learned that to succeed in her particular career, that took up 100% of her time . . . no visiting family during the holidays, no vacations and no friendships outside of work . . . and even then, she had to be careful with backstabbers.
But, the old boyfriend from years earlier decided to contact her.
And, since it was a Christmas story . . . strange things do happen . . . she found herself with the boyfriend, now her husband with two great kids. She was an instant Mom who didn’t know anything about being a mother or a wife for that matter.
Of course, she wanted her old life back . . . but along the way of being stuck in her new circumstance, learned some valuable lessons about herself, her then husband and her then children.
Then, boom! She’s back in her old life.
This was quite confusing for her . . .
She liked the “family” . . . but it wasn’t so much that she had to choose between the two lives she experienced . . . but to see how things could play out for her future . . .
Valuable Lessons And Opportunities Come Our Way
You may have noticed how you make adjustments regularly in your life.
I know I just decided to delete some websites and continue on with the ones that gave me the most enjoyment. And one of those is one I just started. So it was an “out with the old” and “in with the new.”
We do learn and grow throughout our lives. We may re-evaluate our priorities from time to time. We could make some major changes or little ones along the way.
I had a friend a long time ago who received an opportunity to buy out a shoe repair business. He had no idea what he was doing, but he learned quickly. And he enjoyed what he was doing. He also moved to an area where his new skills and business was in demand.
It wasn’t a success right away . . . he worked hard for little pay . . . fortunately, some people would pay him in food. Barter got him through some rough patches.
I’m sure there are some who experience success right away. It hasn’t been my experience or those I know, but eventually things work out.
As I’ve said in many of my posts before, it’s all a matter of perspective. We can choose to view the glass half empty or half full.
It does take practice to be more optimistic about life and change.
You see, deleting some of my websites could prove to be a major mistake . . . but I’m not going to get upset about it . . . it’s best to move on and learn from my experience.
We’re usually told we gave up to fast . . . but in reality we do what we do for however long we do it until we decide to move on. No one knows the future or knows completely how you feel and why you made the decision you made. Sometimes the truth eludes us from time to time, but one day it does dawn on us.
I think things have to do with timing . . . and knowing what opportunity is the best “fit” for you.
I Have No Magic Formula
It is what works with your priorities . . . and to a large degree with the opportunities you choose to take or pass.
I don’t dwell on it. From time to time I do wonder.
I’m pleased I haven’t been swooped away in a real life fantasy to experience all the confusion of seeing first hand “what if” . . .
It’s entertaining for books and movies, but experiencing it first hand . . . no thank you.
It is human nature to look around and wonder . . . seeing people out and about in malls and super markets. It’s interesting to watch people as they’re watching you . . . wondering what your life is all about. We’re always making comparisons to some degree.
During this Christmas season, it is wonderful to get out and about. It’s fun to gather with family and friends to celebrate Christmas and make wonderful new memories.
Please be safe and joyous. I wish you great tidings of joy.
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 22, 2015
These Meringues Are A Treat To The Eye With An Irresistible Taste
It’s definitely time to be thinking about the variety of cookies you want to make for family, friends and neighbors.
Christmas is just a few days away . . . oh my! Time to get to work!!!
It is raining today . . . a good day to stay indoors and bake cookies. So, let’s get started with these beautiful Star Mint Meringues.
Star Mint Meringue Cookies Recipe
Ingredients for 24 cookies:
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- Red paste food coloring
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 200° F.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl beat egg whites, cream of tartar, peppermint extract and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form and the tips curl.
- Gradually add sugar — just a tablespoon at a time. Beat on high speed until you have stiff peaks and the tips stand straight.
- With a new small paintbrush, brush stripes of red food coloring on the inside of a decorating bag fitted with a 1/2 inch open star tip.
- Carefully spoon the egg white mixture into the decorating bag.
- Pipe 2 inch stars 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake 1 and 1/3 hours or until the meringue appears dry and the cookies are firm when lightly touched.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool thoroughly.
Now that wasn’t so bad. I hope you like this recipe and give it a try.
by Sharon | Dec 21, 2015
What Does Christmas Feel Like To You?
For me, Christmas is colder temperatures . . . not snow cold, because I don’t get snow regularly during the winter . . . just at odd extreme times.
There is something about having a wet Christmas rather than a white Christmas. I doubt “I’m Dreaming of a Wet Christmas” would be a very good song. But this may indeed be what I’ll be experiencing this year.
It’s mainly about the sharing, caring and giving to family, friends and even neighbors. Also about greetings of goodwill for all. Having a happy disposition. And spreading good cheer to all we encounter on our rushing around this Christmas week.
Life does feel wonderful when we’re out and about on our various errands. My thoughts go to family and friends who are no longer with us. I do believe they are celebrating this glorious Christmas season together and with me.
My traditions are their traditions . . . taught to me and practiced when we were all together. It is a good time . . . even remembering those who are no longer with us . . . it doesn’t have to be sad and taint our Christmas celebration.
We all have precious memories we do cherish and honor not just at Christmas, but all year round. It may be a bit melancholy, but it doesn’t have to be . . . it is all a matter of perspective.
This Is The First Christmas I’m Sharing With My Precious Yorkshire Terrier Diva.
She’s a great little girl that I absolutely adore. So loving and funny in her excitement of every day being special. She may not understand Christmas, but she knows something is different with a Christmas tree and decorations . . . she may feel the excitement of what is hiding in her stocking . . .
I believe we can learn a lot from our pets. It’s mainly universal love. Loving no matter what. And also seeing a new adventure in every single day. Each day is a wonderful gift . . . we must enjoy it and recognize it for what it is.
I know that some people experience loss during Christmas and at various times throughout the year. It always seems worse at Christmas.
I wish I had something wise and memorable to say to you . . . to give you comfort while you’re grieving . . . but although your heart is aching remember the good times . . . the journey you’ve shared and how you’ve grown and prospered because of knowing them.
We are loved. And we do love. That is special in and of itself. Love is very powerful. That’s what makes our pets seem human to us. It’s what the Christmas season is all about.
Take a moment to look back in loving memory . . . allow the love to come forth into your life . . . and live and thrive and give and enjoy this Christmas.
Think of all your blessings and how fortunate you truly are . . .
Every holiday is what you make it. And creating new memories that will brighten your life for years to come.
I Wonder Why People Watch Sad Movies At Christmas
I’m beginning to believe that with tears . . . our hearts are opened a bit wider to give more and to feel more.
That may seem strange. Just ask around and discover for yourself. Many people have a favorite Christmas movie they watch each and every Christmas. Ask them why . . . some will just say, “It’s our family tradition.”
But delve deeper, if you can . . . don’t be disappointed if they don’t know . . . but their tears are not negative at all . . . that seems to be a miracle. It could be a cleansing to a degree. I guess a good cry is healthy.
Maybe similar to laughter.
Have You Noticed The Number of Vlogs On YouTube?
There’s also that new vlog people share while driving home from work or just driving around.
It seems many of them are in their car . . . some may be home and sharing what they’re doing. Why is this “reality” thing so popular?
Do we really want to look into the homes, cars, errands of others?
What is fascinating about them?
They are fascinating with the number of subscribers they get . . . are these lives so different from yours?
Would you want to vlog your life?
Yes, I’ve watched many of them . . . just to see what they’re about. Some have interesting moments . . .
Maybe it is an escape from your life . . . or the sense of wanting to be part of something different . . . I don’t really know. I just admire people who sustain their vlogs for years . . . sharing their home life . . .
I couldn’t do it. I have my hands full with my blogs . . . and is this any different, really?
It does give me something to think about . . .
I’ve rambled on for quite some time with my random thoughts during this Christmas week. I hope yours is much more exciting . . . you may even vlog about it . . .
I wish you a very productive and delightful Christmas week,
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 19, 2015
Christmas Week Is Coming!!!
Yes, excitement is in the air!!!
I’ve been having dreams of candy canes and elves and a jolly fat man dressed in red with a long white beard. A huge sleigh and eight reindeer . . .
Families are gathering . . . the stores are bursting with activity with excited customers buying, buying, buying!!!
Everywhere you go there are happy smiling faces . . . children jumping, hopping and running . . . so full of energy and merriment. This is an exciting time for one and all.
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Along With Family Members
Houses are decorated inside and outside.
Everywhere you look there are hints of what is to come for the whole family . . . good food and good company . . . and the anticipation of Santa’s visit.
It’s good . . . all good.
Toy Drives are in full swing for needy families . . . also Food Drives to make sure there is a nutritious Christmas meal for many families who would go without . . .
A feeling of goodwill towards all is abundant . . .
I do wonder about this Christmas Spirit that comes around this time of year. It would be nice to have it year round, but we do get caught up in our own family matters.
Does it really matter that children receive gifts? Does it really matter that a family have a grand Christmas dinner?
Isn’t it about family and spending quality time together . . . trimming the Christmas tree or the fireplace . . . and remembering the reason for the season?
Have we forgotten?
For many it is a myth. For others it is all too true . . . taking a leap of faith.
Are we caught up in the gift buying?
Looking Around My Neighborhood
Merry Christmas Wallpapers
Yes, the neighbors have put up their lights and light displays on the lawns.
All telling the arrival of Santa’s visit. This is great and wonderful for the children. I do get a kick out of it, too.
Tucked away is a manger scene or two . . . yes three, four . . .
There is a combination of the true meaning . . . and the commercialized version of Christmas.
Is there the celebration of Jesus’s birth . . . or is it about what’s under the Christmas tree?
It’s not my place to tell you how to celebrate Christmas. It is your holiday as much as it is mine. Celebrate it with your family however you wish. Or spend it alone and treat it like any other day of the year. It is your choice.
I do value the excitement. The lights and the outdoor displays. People have gone to a lot of work.
It is the last big celebration before the New Year.
Yes, We All Deserve A Grand Holiday
For many, this is the beginning of Christmas vacation.
Yes, there are politically correct labels placed on the season . . . but it is Christmas . . . and all that goes along with it . . . lights, a tree, presents, family and friends gathering . . . baking . . . cooking . . . all in anticipation of Christmas Eve and Santa’s visit . . .
Lots of preparation went into this celebration . . . all the planning and labor that went along with it . . .
We do it every year . . . so it is definitely worth it.
May this Christmas be everything you’ve thought it would be.
Sharon
