Peaceful as a Winter's Day

This time of year is hectic and it seems like everyone is running around like chickens with their heads cut off. I would like to share a few pictures I recently took in Elk City, Idaho as reminders to enjoy the little things in life.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by every moment that takes your breath away.” - Unknown

The Reason for the Season

It is the first week of Advent and the Christmas season is officially underway. While the pile of dusty boxes in the living room intimidates me a little, I have started decorating the apartment in fits and starts. True to my roots, some of the first decorations I have set out are the nativities. Reminding myself that Christmas is about much more the good baking smells and twinkling lights is essential and although it is cute, the chocolate Advent calendar my parents still get me every year does not fit the bill as well as a young mother tending her child in a manger (even if they are window clings). The candles for the Advent wreath I made six years ago did not benefit from their summer in a hot storage closet, but they too remind me of the reason for the season.

I have set up the Christmas village I bought for a song at the local Goodwill. The poor villagers are stuck between the couch and the front door, but the only other open space in the living room will soon be dominated by a Christmas tree that is really too large. My favorite part of the village is the little country church at the top of the hill (end table). It reminds me of Holy Cross Church in Keuterville, Idaho where my parents were married. We used to attend Christmas Eve Mass there when I was young and it will always have a place in my heart.

By and large, I can not wait to get the rest of the decorations up. The only part I am not looking forward to is the previously mentioned tree. It is artificial because a real one just is not logical in our apartment, but it take forever to set up. My grandma gave me the tree a few years ago because it was too big for her living room and that is an issue for me as well. Perhaps if I concentrate on the reason for the season as I stick the branches in, I will get a lot of praying done and kill two birds with one stone. It is worth a try.

On the other hand, this has very little to do with the Birth of Christ, but it is fun (too bad I have no rhythm and poor camera skills).