Monday, December 24, 2007

Mother's Christmas Choir


...and the Angels sang, Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace and Goodwill toward man. We too celebrate the "Good News" of our Saviour's birth.

Mother is immortalized in pasta. Her angels bodies are what I call "garden hose" pasta. The wings are "bow-ties" with arms of macaroni. A small wooden ball, chip off the old block, is the head. I can still see her delicately painting the faces, gluing on the tiniest pieces of pasta for hair and a small piece of colored paper for the songbook. Her timeless, delicate, works of art are part of our tradition along with our Williamsburg wish box, Pinocchios from Italy, ornaments from Mexico, pairs of birds, angels made from hankies, crocheted, porcelain and a variety of other materials, and small ornamental pillows I created by tieing french knots in patterns. In the attic there's a small tree we don't put out because the cats undecorate it's tiny wooden German ornaments. We could do "tree under glass."

Kitchen activity is a constant. We are preparing travel food for friends flying Christmas Day: Bruchetta, stuffed mushrooms, crab dip with water crackers, and dried figs and dates stuffed with cream cheese and roasted CA almonds. I tried making chocolate truffles, just as I had other years. All four batches failed to set up. Basically whipping cream, cocoa, flavoring and Suzanne Somers sweetener, they are non-fattening. I converted them to mousse. Awesome! A couple of plastic spoons and they will still have chocolate dessert.

My gratitude list is longer this year. My daughter is seeing her second Christmas. Medical statistics said she wouldn't see last year's. By the Grace of God she soldiers on toward complete healing. Praise the Lord!

One of my dreams is to visit other parts of the world over the Holidays to see how it is celebrated, or not. Whatever works. May your Holidays be filled with love and joy. Best wishes for a healthy, happy, prosperous New Year. God Bless.

copyright 2007 Red Convertible Travel Series

Friday, December 14, 2007

Jewelry Tree




A cameo from the shoe-man's wife started it all. Papa pondered what to do with it. He decided to ask other women a simple question, "I'm thinking of making a jewelry tree. Do you have a pin or a pair of earrings you'd like to donate?" And they came like a flood from friends and family all over the community. Every gift had a story. The cameo sits in the center near the top. The dangling red ones, across from it, were the neighbor, Mildred's, gift the first year she taught school. The turquoise at the base of the tree belonged to Marie from the Fairview Cafe. So much jewelry came in he created five trees. In loving memory of him and them, this one is our treasure.

copyright 2006 Red Convertible Travel Series

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Claiming God's Abundance



She embroidered both to lay claim to God's flow of abundance: health, happiness, a loving man, a family, satisfying work, friends, and more than enough wealth. A world filled with good food, refreshing rest, beautiful surroundings, great books, awesome trips, dry Southwestern air, sports and strength to enjoy all. By the Grace of God it shall come to pass.

copyright 2007 Red Convertible Travel Series

Thursday, December 06, 2007

WESTROADS MALL - Where is the good?

Omaha, Nebraska, December 5, 2007, tragedy at home. Not a war. Not a terrorist. A disturbed young man who wanted everyone to know it. Our Governor Heineman has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through Sunday.

We were on West Dodge road when seven patrol cars with lights and sirens blaring charged in from the South scattering traffic ahead of us. It had to be horrific to draw that many cops. Our first thought was about President Bush's visit. Not knowing for sure, there was only one thing to do: pray for the Lord to take command of the situation, and call Silent Unity.

Where is the good in killing people at Von Maur?  We have to look for it. We find out what we're made of. People pulled together. Police and fire fighters did their best. Strangers helped strangers. In addition to our prayers and the prayers of many, Silent Unity is providing round-the-clock prayer for thirty days. You too can call them at 1-800-NOW-PRAY. There can't be too many prayers, and none are wasted.

Life. Precious. Not to be taken for granted. To be lived as if this is our last day. When I walk close with the Lord, I am able to get through anything. Do whatever works for you. God Bless.

copyright 2007 Red Convertible Travel Series