Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition!

 As you know, I try not to use my blog for politics or even social issues as a rule, but a friend sent this to me and it surely resonated with me, so I decided to share it! Some great ideas for the holidays!!

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian 
factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles 
of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that has been produced at the expense
 of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give
the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse 
that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American 
hands. Yes
 there is!!

It's 

time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt
box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?  Everyone -- yes EVERYONE
 gets their hair cut. How about gift certificate from your local American hair
salon or barber? 

Gym membership? It's
appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't

 appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and
car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift
certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers
 who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made
flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift  receiver would like his driveway
 sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games
at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run
restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen 
breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting
 your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their 
doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or 
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

My computer could use a tune-up, and I

KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up

and running.

OK, you were looking for something more

 personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.

They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner

operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out

to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue
 showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to 
buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five

 dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have

 those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice

 BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about 
draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering 
city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small
 businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care 
about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come 
back to us in ways we couldn't
 imagine.


 THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

This is a revolution
of caring about each other, and isn't 
that what Christmas is about?

Merry Christmas!

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown

Christmas at Arlington National Cemetary

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...



You may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Facts checked on Snopes.

We hear too much about the bad things people do. Everyone should hear about this.

A Christmas Wish for You All

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone in this wonderful blogging world a Joyous, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Everything and the Happiest of New Years!

Since I began blogging in July of this year I have come to realize not only how much it has changed my life, how much it has added to my life, but that it has probably saved my life. I'm not trying to be overly dramatic, it's just that I had reached a place in my life where I never thought that I would be, and yes, I know, we all get old and probably none of us ever thought we would find ourselves where we are today. But blogging has not only brought the world to me, it has brought me to the world! I find that not only do I receive beautiful and marvelous blessings from people all over the world, but I am able to offer some of the same. It has brought excitement, knowledge, beauty and a better understanding of the world and its people.

So, to all of you out there in cyberspace, enjoy your holiday, make the most of every day -- be it a holiday or not. Lets celebrate the wonder of the world, of love, of friends, of ourselves.

Peace and love to you all!

Sylvia

Christmas Around the World #4

Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).



Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.





A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947

A Valuable Lesson!

This is all that I will post for this day and it comes from the blog of an incredible young man. It is a lesson for all of us, each and every day.

Peace and love to you all -- and visit Maithri's blog.


Everything is energy.

Science tells us that the physical universe is merely a mask for the dynamic and tireless dance of energy.

It also tells us that energy is never created or destroyed it just changes shape.

This has profound implications for the way we live our lives...

When I was about 10 or 11 years old. A hormonal preteen who was just discovering the effects that testosterone has on a body ;), I remember rummaging through the books in my house for anything which had any vague reference to 'sex'.

I ended up finding a book in my fathers bookcase called "Your Erroneous Zones" by Wayne Dyer.

To my fledgeling libidos discontent it had absolutely nothing to do with sex. But as the cosmos would have it, 'finding Wayne Dyers words would be a defining moment in my life.

He has been one of my greatest teachers.... Throughout my life i've eagerly devoured every book he's written. His tapes. His CD's.

And one great lesson which I have learnt from him is this:

Every thought has an energy.

My friend Shimmerings and I were discussing this idea the other day. Have you met Shimmerings? She's one of those authentic, soulful, tender human beings who in my humble opinion, everyone should have a special place for on their blogroll....

http://taleoftwosouls.blogspot.com/

We were discussing a principle which Wayne often talks about. And which a doctor named David Hawkins has written beautifully about in his book "Power vs Force".

It says this:

"What you are FOR empowers you. What you are AGAINST weakens you."

Let me explain.

When Mother Teresa was asked to march against the Vietnam War, she refused.

Her response was "Have a march for Peace and I'll be there."

It may seem like semantics, but there is a huge energy difference between fighting against something and fighting for something.

Let me tell you another story....

During the time immediately following the September 11th bombings, there was a sea of hatred that surged towards the muslim community.

I remember speaking to my dear and beautiful friend Susan on the phone one day. She had been telling me about a pregnant muslim woman who had been raped while waiting for a bus.

And I said to her "Susan, doesnt it just make you want to scream?" and she said

"Maithri, there is a saying "Theres no use cursing the darkness, when you're holding a candle."


When we focus our attention on that which we are for then we draw energy towards us. We become magnetized and the power of the universe flows like lightning into our hands.

So i dont fight against poverty. I fight for food and clothing and housing for all people. I search for creative ways of finding solutions.

I dont fight against HIV/AIDS or malaria or TB. I fight for free medicines and compassionate care and the breaking down of stigma for those who are suffering.

I dont fight against prejudice. I fight for love and tolerance and the celebration
of diversity.

There is a difference.

And to me it is the difference between a life lived in anger, and a life lived in peace.

I believe that we cannot break down concepts of "us vs them" if we have the same mentality. If every day we create a new "them", a new evil to fight.

If the world is truly one... One body... One river.... one ocean.... Then it moves not backwards... Not against itself.... But forwards - towards the higher energies of love and peace and light.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not put it out"

We are the light.

Jean Houston says "We are divine enzymes sent to catalyze the world".

And she's right.... An enzyme speeds up a chemical reaction. Without it, the reaction would take far too long.

We are the mediators of change.

There are 5 words which have become my signature of sorts ;)....

5 words which I believe in with all my heart.

It has been my experience that when I love the world. Something changes. Maybe its the object of my love that changes... or perhaps its really me who is doing the changing...

So this Christmas I want to leave you with these words.

Let them remind you that in the presence of darkness, we are called to be the light.

Not because we are special. But because we are one....


Love the world into change,

Maithri.

Christmas Around the World #3

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.




In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk




Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic.
With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

Christmas Around the World #2

'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight


A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is
projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.




The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal. Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

Time for More Giggles

The ugly is back in the politics today -- I don't pretend to understand.

So, when I'm puzzled and frustrated I try to find a little humor -- this time tis the season!


HOLIDAY EATING TIPS


1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a
holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit.
In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next
door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's
rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So
drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every
sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it.
Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think.
It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the
whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it
on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with
gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made
with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why
bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic
transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort
to control your eating. The whole point of going to a
Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free.
Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now
and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have
nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which
you'll need after circling the buffet table while
carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet
table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size
of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge.
Have as many as you can before becoming the center of
attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave
them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple,Pumpkin,Pecan. Have a slice of
each. Or if you don't like apple, have two pecan and
one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have
more than one dessert? LaborDay?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded
with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all
cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you
leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't
been paying attention to my advice. Re-read tips; start
over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember
this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave withthe
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in
one hand, a glass of red wine in the other, body thoroughly
used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Christmas Around the World

A friend sent me some remarkable pictures of Christmas around the world. I won't do them all at once, but I thought it would be fun to do a couple each day until Christmas. The ones from here in the states we've all seen, but they're still lovely. The ones from all around the world are really spectacular.



Before the ball drops in Times Square, the Big Apple turns on its
holiday charm with the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.



The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000
ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling
evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.



The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.

Countdown to Christmas, Laugh by Laugh

Evening Giggle #2

Just in case the writing is too small, Santa says, "Damn Contemporary, bullshit architecture!!"

Dolphin in the Sky

It started snowing last night and it is SO cold! I'll have photos a little later, but in the meantime I caught shots of some interesting looking clouds a few days ago. To me, this one looked like a dolphin exploring the sky/water near our house. Obviously, I have a thing about creatures in the skies, in addition to an over active imagination!

Happy Sunday! Eleven days until Christmas Eve! Of course I'm excited! my son with be here in eight days!

More Christmas Fun -- Well, For Us Gals!

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME...

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known...

ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

Hope this helps to brighten your day and get you in the holiday spirit!!

I Wonder Why??

The wife has been on my case to get the Christmas lights up for
a couple of weeks now. They are up now and for some reason she
will not talk to me.

This is why I don't bring up the subject of Christmas decorations with my son! He's given me a lovely home -- I'm not pushing my luck.

A Christmas Story for People Having a Bad Day

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Wish a Soldier a Merry Christmas and Say Thanks

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.
Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

A Tad of Humor for This Tight Holiday Season

My Dear friends and family,
Somewhat embarrassing to admit, I'm not getting an annual bonus and Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads: You need four maxi pads to make a pair. Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part. The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top. Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part. Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc.

These slippers are: * Soft and Hygienic * Non-slip grip strips on the soles * Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh * No more bending over to mop up spills * Disposable and biodegradable * Environmentally safe * Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags. I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty slippers for yourself.... Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.