It was the last night of the lights in town, so we went and had a look.
Guess where? 😀
There were lights above us
and lights in the trees…
I got closer to The tree this time.
…and we made our way through (seemingly) millions of people.
There was much joy…
Even the trees were laughing!
A lovely, shiny, red and green evening.
🙂
We are nearly to Christmas Day.
So here’s a story.
❤
Had a huge day of cleaning today, so I’m resting now and contemplating Christmas…
There’s a little bit more to do, but that won’t be a problem.
I’m trying not to get lost in the rush…
Here’s a song that helped.
🙂
Another hot day, although the sort of heat that sneaks up on you by ramping up the humidity.
Got some pressies wrapped and under the tree, and it feels like I’m getting a handle on things!
I tried to take a photo of the tree lights shining on and through the ornaments…my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.
There are a lot of colourful, but blurry photos.
Looks like a mess from that angle.
It’s still beautiful from the front, and further away.
Parts of this year have felt like a mess.
But I think they might look more beautiful from the right angle.
And maybe further away!
Christmas is coming, and I’m getting ready.
Still a good idea to stop and remember where my centre is.
🙂
My last post was a bit gloomy, I think…
Mostly because it was late, and I was tired, and everything looked a bit bigger than it should be – a feeling that nothing was quite right, and how could I fix it?
I knew it was likely to look better in the morning.
Some days, you just have to understand the “bleh” is temporary, and do the thing anyway.
So – that assessment is finished and submitted.
Yay! 😀
And for a dose of Christmas “cheer” –
Another “not my favourite but I like it when Home Free does it” song… 🙂
Petals.
Life.
Both, really.
It’s been a busy few days.
I’ve been trying to get Christmas stuff sorted, but the days have been hot, and the town has been bustling. Frustrating. Crowded.
Did I mention hot?
Despite this, I have been feeling pretty good 🙂
I even made it to an exhibition opening this afternoon.
I took some photos of random flowers.
I even got some Christmas stuff!
This is not my favourite Christmas song…
But this rendition of it is fun.
Although perhaps slightly worrying…
Sadly, not mine…
(maybe next week 🙂 )
Went on an unexpected jaunt to the bright lights of the city.
Saw people we knew, and went to see the tree.
Yay!
Merry (early) Christmas!
We got there while it was still light, and had a look at the newly opened complex at the other end of the mall.
Complete with giant baubles…
The sky was beautiful
Lots of wafty bits 🙂
And – just like that –
Christmas steadily approaches!
❤
We went to a Christmas service Saturday night.
It was sparkly, jingly, bright…all the Christmassy things.
I got to belt out some carols (I do love carols!), and enjoyed the littlies dancing with abandon (both on the stage and in the aisles – do children come equipped with springs and a battery pack?).
We got home and I went looking for new Christmas songs. YouTube threw this one into the mix.
I love the twinkly lights and baubles, the memory of snow and freezing churches, the family lunches and cold after dinner walks to settle the abundance of food.
But for all the glitz that the ads and movies show as the Christmas experience, there is just as much darkness and pain.
The ones who are broken, whether in body or mind (or both), who find it hard to jump into the glittery fantasy.
The ones who are trying to pay the rent and the bills and still feed the family.
The ones who don’t have family, or have lost someone loved this year.
For all the different stories out there, it’s good to remember that the first Christmas Day wasn’t neat and tidy, wasn’t sweet-smelling and photo-ready.
It was about a small baby, born into chaos and scorn, who came just for us. Who sees past our shiny facades, and looks for the lost and weeping.
That Christmas story embraces everyone who looks past the sparkles, to search for the real gift of Christmas.
…or, at least, that weird little section of the house that’s part dining nook, part kitchen extension.
The tree’s up, and snuggled into its little corner quite nicely.
My angel, who has been topping the tree for nearly 30 years.
The boys haven’t been feeling the Christmas cheer, so I put up some decorations for them.
I don’t think it helped.
As we’re in a new space, I’ve been able to change things around. Also spread them out – there’s so much space!
I did take some more rose photos, but I’ll share another anticipatory flowering…
Christmas frangipanis!
🙂
I don’t know how you’re feeling about the season.
Maybe this can help you…get your jingle on 😆
Cause Baby it’s Christmas!
(nearly)
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
1000 Fields of Roses 