The one thing we're supposed to learn...

With freezing rain pelting my window here, I am wondering sincerely about another day off. It would be the third this week, and I'm not sure whether I would rather be off or go back and get in the groove. Last year we were off for a solid week, and I didn't venture out of my little house from a Friday until the next Monday, a full 9 and a half days. We have finished decorating, except for the Nativity Scene. Mom has two, the old plaster one from my childhood and the newer Italian Fontanini one. Not sure which or maybe both we'll put out.

I am working on this room I'm in. I love, love the walk in closet here... after the weekend of pulling out stuff, it's finally ready for walking in!! I have been re-thinking the room arrangement. That's what I do. I am the original move the furniture type of woman. We'll see. I won't bother anyone before the New Year. I am patient on things like that, but I usually insidiously get my way. That's how we win the war in my family.... lay siege to an idea and just dig in...

I am needing to get myself bumped up for the holidays and get the gifts purchased by both Mom and me into their little wrappings. I have such cool paper and pretty wide glitzy ribbon. A couple of years I watched Beauty and the Beast while I wrapped gifts, so the music from that always makes me think of holiday wrapping... This year I may watch Waitress. I bought it for myself.... ho ho ho...

You know what gets me going into the next day sometimes? The idea of trying very hard to live a beautiful life. I love that concept. I rely on authors I have and do love and their passions for living, for God, for truth, for authenticity... I am a Beth Moore, Paula Deen, Sarah Ban Breathnach, John O'Donohue, Suzanne Sommers, Lessons I learned in the Dark, sometimes Martha Stewart, Giada De Laurentis, Southern Hospitality type of woman.... I know, there are northerners, Italians, Englishwomen, and Irish men in that grouping... Who knows the common denominator among all those... I just enjoy them all... But as I was saying, I am trying to live a more beautiful life, including taking better care of myself, wearing better clothing, eating and drinking out of prettier cups and dishware.

Time to take a deep breath, wish for the magic, and wade into the middle of the mere... Enjoy your fortnight until Christmas 2007 is only a fond memory....