Holiday Moments

Wednesday, December 28, 2011


Another week I was not here, another week I was not there either. I was somewhere in my mind I would just as soon not be, ever been there? Have you ever been to that place in your mind where you hate to be but know you must go?

That is where I spent my Christmas. The weekend before Christmas my grandmother was put in the hospital and the week continued to ebb and flow right through to Christmas day. Christmas morning my mom lost her beloved little poodle but don’t be sad I had my moments.

There was the moment outside the arena I spoke to a total stranger, “Slow down honey, you have a half hour before the game starts.” To which she blessed me for saying that and proceeded to inform me she too, was dealing with elderly relatives. The conversation ended with being invited to her church, a heartfelt hug and ended with a real smile left on her face. Christmas is coming.

There was the moment I learned I would not be getting the printer my mom had wanted and the scavenger hunt was on. Great I actually have to shop!

I did and it always amazes me how people stand in line forever to purchase weird, know they are going to hate it, items for people they don’t even care about. I know this because who actually gets excited about an electric gravy boat? Sorry another story.

I had the moment I had to tell my girls (the dogs) they had moved to the naughty list and wonder if the ghost had something to do with it. Christmas Eve morning I awoke to trash scattered all over the kitchen but no ghost. Ms. Twister had left the trash lid off.

My crowning moment was another total stranger and a smile of other kind. I was minding my own business looking at the Chia pets, I so wanted an Obama chia pet, when I felt the woman on my heels.

Without thinking I blurted out, “Don’t you love these things and why don’t they have Obama?” The expression of “hold tight to my purse and don’t make eye contact” came over the woman. She softly replied, “I like the Chia pets but not the price,” and walked away.

As I completed shopping in that store I saw this same woman several times and every time… I caught a glimpse of a smile on her face, Christmas was here. Regardless that some poor soul, thinks of me as deranged.

Christmas has come and gone, now we await New Years and I plan on closing the year with a “Just so you know” post. Until then may your returns be few and your smiles be long lasting.

RainbowPeace…



14 comments:

The Blogger Formerly Known As said, 

Oh yes, Jules, I know that place in your mind! It’s like a television show you hate, but can’t miss an episode. It sucks you in and there’s nothing you can do about it.

A heart-warming story about the stranger outside the arena.

How is your grandmother doing now?

December 28, 2011 at 7:59 AM  
Larri said, 

Hey Jules!

Thanks for the Christmas updates! ☺ How's your Grandma? What did you end up getting for your Mom? Did you find the Obama Chia pet? My FIL got one...with the gift-giver telling him it was fine to regift it. LOL

Happy Wednesday! ☺

December 28, 2011 at 8:13 AM  
Unknown said, 

I know what you mean about those odd moments. My sister and I went to Wal-mart on Christmas Eve and what could have been a rude madhouse was filled with polite people. i felt like I had stepped into Rod Serling's world. The rudeness came at church with an intoxicated fellow and his two boys who broke the little shelf in the pew for the song books.

I hope that 2012 will bring you and your family all the best. I wish you dreams come true, my friend. :)

December 28, 2011 at 8:27 AM  
Theresa Milstein said, 

Oh dear - sounds like your mind is in a lot of different places. It's supposed to be a happy time of year, but there's a lot of stress too. Then add illness and death on top of it...

I wish you a good 2012.

December 28, 2011 at 9:58 AM  
Lost_without_a_Map said, 

Yes, my mind goes there; unfortunately, my body acts without me knowing it. It begins to consume things like chips and chocolate. When I finally wake-up, I am mystified as to how my thighs blew up so much.

December 28, 2011 at 12:28 PM  
Alex J. Cavanaugh said, 

Hey Jules! I like your moments, especially the one outside the arena. Sounds like you both needed that.
If I find an Obama Chia Pet, I'll let you know. Wonder if they make Clinton ones? (Hillary, of course.)

December 28, 2011 at 1:25 PM  
Summer Ross said, 

Great post Jules- Sorry I was late on the posting bit- but I was three chapter deep in writing. :) I have the new post up now complete with my ideas.

My Christmas was smashing- lots of family. I saw my sister I had not seen in over a year and many fairies came into my possession. hehehe.

I hope you have many happy memories to carry you into the New Year.

December 28, 2011 at 2:55 PM  
Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said, 

Sometimes it's just plain old fun to be deranged!!! I kinda like to play with people.

I'm so sorry your Grandmother is ill. A hospital is no place to spend Christmas. My prayers are with her sweetie.

I'm sorry about the little poodle too. Sad!

Hopefully next year will be better.

We are havin' our Christmas Saturday.

God bless ya and have a good day! :o)

December 28, 2011 at 3:11 PM  
DL Hammons said, 

Not a single return this year! A true holiday miracle!! :)

Have a Happy New Year!!

December 28, 2011 at 4:00 PM  
Paula said, 

Og this well loved and well known place in my head. The chaiselongue worn out, the lights flickering and the spider eb ever growing in the corner. yet there is light filtered by the stained glass and I feel my heart and soul smiling.
Its good to have different places.
They are needed.
Sorry to hear about your Grandma. Thinking of you. Hugs and love

December 28, 2011 at 4:11 PM  
Tammy said, 

Oh, I so have been to that place this week even though I don't have nearly the excuse you do. Mine is the place where I have a vacation but so much to do, there's no time to actually vacate.

Somehow the thought of you shopping for Obama Chia Pets just made my whole day. And that was before I read about the woman you scared. I scare people that way all the time. All the best to your family, and may the new year be better.

December 29, 2011 at 2:25 PM  
Golden Eagle said, 

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother.

Great story about the stranger outside of the arena. :)

I admit, I had to Google Chia pet--I've never heard of them before. They make Obama ones? Awesome.

Hope you have a wonderful 2012!

December 29, 2011 at 6:09 PM  
Velvet Over Steel said, 

Christmas did come and go oh so quickly this year. It was odd for me not to have my boys all 'home'; but so nice to do something 'different' and travel to them this time. They seem to like the new 'trend' and we already have plans for another trip next year.

I need to write about how Christmas has changed for my. So many changes, now I just have to adjust to my sons all being grown. So I bought more suitcases. :-)

Happy New Years, Jules! So looking forward to your 'Just so you Know' post! They are always so awesome!!

Hugs,
Coreen XO

December 29, 2011 at 9:21 PM  
Jayne said, 

Jules- Sorry to hear about your grandmother's poodle.
:( Hope all is well at home now.

Wishing you a wonderful 2012. Maybe with no ghosts?? ;)

December 29, 2011 at 11:29 PM  
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