If We Were All The Same, Life Would Be Boring

My husband and I took the dogs for a walk and we were looking at all the beautiful lights, some how we started talking about the Menorah and Hanukkah. Then the Festival of Lights and Kwanzaa. I think it’s interesting that so many different faiths celebrate around the same time of the year. I don’t know why that is, but I’m curious.

I thought I’d look into it a little bit.

I have a couple Hindu friends, Aghila and Usha, and some Jewish friends, Pam and Merrill. I’m going to ask them a bit about the different celebrations and see what the similarities are. But if you know, please add a comment.

Thanks.

ANSWER to Thought for Thursday - and EARTH FRIENDLY FRIDAY

Answer to Thought for Thursday: You gals guessed it: Gold, Frankincense and Myrhh. These were all expensive and rare commodities during those times, and they were used to honor the recipient.

Maybe the song helped:

"We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star"

"O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light"

My daughter always says that if they taught classes in song, people would think she's a genius. She can remember the words to every song she's ever heard - almost. But, give her a lecture or an assignment to read, and it's an entirely different story. So let's start a campaign to have teachers sing the periodic tables ;)

If you want to learn more about this topic, you can read a detailed breakdown to the Thought for Thursday answer here.

And, now, for EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY.


Read about organic baby wear here. Babies are so perfect and pure, who wouldn't want to put the very best on their delicate skin?

What Gifts Did the Three Kings Bring?

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY -

QUESTION: What gifts did the Three Kings Bring to the Baby Jesus?

KICKER QUESTION: Do you know what the gifts represented?

Baby Mouse - A Graphic Novel for Kids

Brother and Sister Team: Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm collaborate on Baby Mouse.



I guess you have to be logged into FACEBOOK to be able to view the movie - SORRY!

But the graphic novel, Baby Mouse, is aimed at kids ages 7-10.

You have to click on the screen and then click on the carrot to start the show.

Hand-Writing Analysis

Shelby did an analysis of my handwriting.

This is what she had to say:

1. The ascending baseline suggests the writer is more of an optimist than a pessimist.

2. The tangled lines suggest the writer always has a lot to do, is generally not a planner, and prefers to live in the moment, driven by impulse and emotion.

3. The reversed strokes point toward possible inner conflict or some minor personal guilt being carried.

4. The moderately wide loops in the lower zone indicate the writer is ambitious and productive at tasks.

5. The narrow, retraced loops in the upper zone suggest a writer who may be stuck on old patterns and ways of thinking with less interest in exploring new, modern concepts.

6. The ascending signature implies that the writer is ambitious and hopeful.

The connectedness of the letters indicates that, socially, the writer likely makes friends easily and enjoys close relationships with others.

The speed of the writing combined with a lack of end strokes (#7) points toward impatience; the writer dislikes wasting time. This seems to coincide with the aforementioned traits of preferring to be busy and engaged in some meaningful activity.

The addition of ornamentation (a colon, dashes, and capital letters) indicates that the writer is likely to have a home filled with art and sculptures, with an emphasis on creative design. The writer seeks beauty in all things. The individual is dramatic and knows how to make an entrance at a party.

Overall, the handwriting sample suggests an imaginative and outgoing individual who makes friends easily. The writer may lead a rather fast-paced lifestyle, either now or has done so in the past. The addition of ornamentation, such as the colon, dashes, and capital letters, shows an abundance of ideas and pursuits, and may also indicate the writer is prone to exaggeration and flair. The moderately spaced words reflect a genuine warmth and affection for others. With so much compassion and drive, this individual would make an excellent business partner and friend.

Also attached is a diagram to reference the numbered points above. Thank you again, and I hope you enjoyed your analysis.

Regards,
Shelby

I loved getting this analysis. I think this sort of thing is fascinating - maybe that's why I got my degree in psychology ;-) either that or I wanted to understand the crazy way my mind works.

First Snow of the Season - YIPEE!!!

Sasha had never seen snow. She stood on the porch and stared at it. Then Kara went outside with her


And she got right into the sport of playing in the snow - like any kid would do.



Then we all went inside and had Danish smorgasboard - or open-faced sandwiches for lunch.


It was a wonderful day.

Party or Pajamas

I got up early because I had so many things I wanted to do today.

We did our Christmas cards, ran to the post office to mail a bunch to Denmark, hurried to the grocery store to stock up on supplies just in case we got a snow storm, which has been forecast but hasn't materialized - yet. Then I took a quick shower and got ready for the party and helped my husband get ready too ;-)


Then we went to my office Christmas Party. It was a beautiful setting and beautiful food.

Here's the Baked Alaska my husband had:



And boy-oh-boy was it amazing. I'd never had it before. And, I was only going to take a bite to taste it - until . . . I tasted it and fell in love.

I've always loved ice cream but this delectable dessert was covered in a sugary glazed goodness that I couldn't resist. I was supposed to eat my own beautiful Marionberry Torte


But . . . I ended up eating at least half of my husband's dessert. No wonder I'm so chubby. I know what my New Year's Resolution will be this year - again :(



We had a nice time but then after dinner, when the party went into full swing, I was ready to come home, put on my pajamas and do a little reading and writing.

My husband enjoys the partying but I guess I've always been more of a "homebody". I like to sit and look at my Christmas tree and know that my kids are here. I enjoy being home - always have.

How about you? Party or pajamas?