Dickens Christmas Carol – Christmas Present

Again, Dickens Christmas Carol is a favorite  of mine.  We’ve covered Dickens Christmas Carol,  A Christmas past… now here we are in Christmas Present.

DICKENS CHRISTMAS PRESENT:

At last the dinner was all done, the cloth was cleared, the hearth swept, and the fire made up. The compound in the jug being tasted, and considered perfect, apples and oranges were put upon the table, and a shovel-full of chestnuts on the fire. Then all the Cratchit family drew round the hearth, in what Bob Cratchit called a circle, meaning half a one; and at Bob Cratchit’s elbow stood the family display of glass. Two tumblers, and a custard-cup without a handle.

These held the hot stuff from the jug, however, as well as golden goblets would have done; and Bob served it out with beaming looks, while the chestnuts on the fire sputtered and cracked noisily. Then Bob proposed:

“A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us.”
Which all the family re-echoed.

“God bless us every one!” said Tiny Tim, the last of all.

The Cratchit family enlightens us to what Christmas is all about… family.  Even though they were without physical abundance, they celebrated what they had and rejoiced with their family.

On Saturday, we had our extended family Christmas party and it was loads of fun.  We too rejoiced in having family together.  Three of our families traveled 5 hours to join us… just to feel the energy of togetherness and share the spirit of the Christmas season.

I invite you to peek in and share in a little of our family celebration of Christmas Present.

We feasted on Mexican Food.  Look at this mouth watering salsa my sister, Sheila, made.  It was delicious.

No Christmas party is successful with out singing Christmas Carols.  The kids were getting their music makers out so they could lead us in Jingle Bells.

Avary and Savannah belong to a singing group in Wyoming and shared a song they preformed on stage a few weeks ago.

Claire preformed a dance for us.  Any talent is welcome at the family Christmas party.  (By the way… she’s not had any lessons but really has all the movies down.  Natural talent.)

Sicily, Avary, and Savannah…. interested spectators.

I guess texting is important too.  It takes a lot more talent than I’ve got.  I’d rather talk than punch letters.

Norah is one talented little gal.  She has a very mature voice and sings right on key.  She knows how to put it all into her performance.

Lu doesn’t miss a beat.  She has a powerful little voice and knows every word of complicated songs.  Such a treat.

“Enough is enough alright already!!”  I’m ready for dessert and presents.

Can’t leave you on a bitter note.  This is Beck and his mom, Katie.  I have to say..  he’s not only darling… but really a great baby… that is… unless he’s pushed beyond his limits.

What can I say…. I love my family and extended family.  I’m proud to be numbered among them.

Till Later,

Kathy

Insightful Nana

P.S.  Like the Cratchit family… we’ve had our disappointments and grief this year.  We’ve lost several family members to death… one being as recent as August.  We’re just hanging in there together and just grateful  that we have each other… in the good times as well as the bad.    May you have joy and rejoicing in your family too.

Holiday Christmas Traditions

Holiday Christmas traditions have become a big deal in our family.  Through the years, we’ve added so many that I can’t keep track of them all.  In fact, there are a few Christmas traditions I didn’t  know existed until one the grands told me.

For instance… for several years,  I’ve added crackers and cheese to the grands Christmas bags.  It started out as being just a little filler in the bag.  Now…  heavens forbid… if I should forget to add them to each child’s Christmas Bag… along with their own can of Mandarin Oranges or Smoked Oysters.   “It’s a tradition, Nana.”

Last night was our extended family Holiday Christmas party.  I thought  it would be fun for everyone to bring their favorite Mexican dish.  “Great idea, but your still going to make  Sweet and Sour Meat Ball aren’t you?”  “What, no Sweet and Sour Meat Balls?”  “It’s a Christmas tradition!”   Oh dear, I didn’t know it was a tradition but I added Sweet and Sour Meat Balls to my part of the fare.

A few other traditions ended up on the food table… like Emily’s stuffed mushrooms, a baked ham, and Sheila’s rich Chocolate Brownie Triffle.  No one seemed to mind that these traditional Christmas foods ended up with the Beef Enchiladas, Chicken Enchiladas, Shredded Pork and Chili Rellenos on the table.

Still have shopping to do.  Last night, six year old Randall said, “Nana, I sure hope I get my own bottle of Martinelli in my bag again this year. (A none alcoholic cider that is popular in our area.)  Oh dear… another tradition.

Till Later,

Kathy
Insightful Nana

P.S.  Do you have a favorite Holiday Christmas Tradition?

Christmas Carols – Christmas Harp Music

Playing Christmas carols while I wrap gifts is a personal Christmas tradition.  Wrapping gifts is not my most favorite thing to do, so playing Christmas music seems to take the edge off of all the scramble and clutter.

Several years ago, I was in the Midwest on a business trip when I ran across a CD of Christmas carols played on a harp.  Wow… talk about an angelic sound.  Since that time, it is the first CD I play for the Christmas season.

This rendition of the Canon is played on the harp by two woman.  Take 3 minutes, sit back and enjoy the angelic sound of Christmas harp music.

My sister, Nicole, and her daughter, Leslie, are proficient at playing the harp.  Nicole is coming from Idaho for our family Christmas party and I’m hoping she’ll bring her small harp and entertain us with a few Christmas Carols.  My son, Brad, plays the guitar and so does my grand daughter, McKenzie.  Of course, we’ll be hearing from all the Grands.  They love to share all the songs they’ve learned in school.  Looks like we’re in for a great program.

Have a good Christmas season and don’t forget to turn on a few Christmas Carols to inspire you during this Christmas season.

Till Later,

Insightful Nana

P.S.  The old Christmas carols are my favorites… O Holy Night, Away In The Manger, and Silent Night are at the top of my list.

Secrets Of Longevity

Who doesn’t want to know the secrets of longevity?   Ponce de Leon was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he travel to what is now Florida in 1513.  So, the quest for longevity and a anti-aging formula has been around for along time.

In 2000, a team of scientists studied cultures where people lived the longest.   These cultures don’t belong to health spas, use expensive face creams and believe it or not… don’t diet.   Longevity was contributed to a general lifestyle.  Their average life expectancy was well into their nineties.

Here are 10 secrets of longevity according to longevity research of these cultures.

1.  Keep Moving: Find ways to keep moving naturally.  Walk instead of riding, garden, enjoy playing a sport.  It’s important to keep your body in motion.  (I love to garden… but I have to admit… I try and find a parking place as close to the store as possible.)

2.  Find Purpose: Find something you can be excited about and pursue it with passion.  Whether it’s a job or a hobby… give it your all.  (If that means playing with the grand kids all day long… I’m on board.)

3.  Stop Eating: Don’t over eat.  In other words, stop before your full.  (Hmmm  I’ve never quite figured out how to do that.)

4.  Dine On Plants: Eat more veggies and less meat and processed foods.  (Now here’s one I can get my stomach around.  I enjoy a bit of meat but I do love veggies.)

5.  Slow Down: Work less, rest, and take vacations.  (Who are they kidding.  I was raised in a family that looked upon “rest or a vacation” as lazy.  Running around like a chicken with its head cut off is a habit hard to break.)

6.  Drink Red Wine: Do it consistently but in moderation.  (My moderation is:  I don’t drink… except for Diet Coke, which is a habit I’m trying desperately to break.)

7.  Join A Group: Create a healthy social network. (Does that mean my twitter, and forum friends are healthy social networks?  I actually think it means healthy face to face relationships now and again.)

8.  Don’t Smoke: Smoking of any kind decreases longevity.  (No problem here… I don’t smoke but I have a lot  of other unhealthy habits… like eating cookies for breakfast.

9.  Feed Your Soul: Engage In Spiritual Activities:  (I love attending my church meetings and being involved.  I spend a lot of time in spiritual study.)

10.  Love Your Tribe: Make family a high priority.  (If this longevity factor could supersede all the rest… I’d live longer… perhaps to 125 years old.  I’m crazy about my family of 4 kids and 15 grands.  In fact…we all actually like each other.)

How is your longevity index?

Kathy
Insightful Nana

P.S.  My mom is approaching ninety.  She has always taken good care of her self… and the folks in her family lived a long time.  A longevity gene perhaps?

Buying Online – 10 Tips For Shopping Online

Buying Online can be risky business, especially during the holiday season.  Here are 10 tips that may be helpful for shopping on line no matter what season your buying for.

1.  Compare prices.  It’s easy to do… Just google the item your looking for and various retailers should pop up.

2.  Research the seller.  Make sure you have the the sellers physical address and phone number in case there are problems.  Try calling the number before you buy…  and if no one answers or you get a answering machine… beware.

3.  Make sure you have the latest firewall and anti-virus software on your computer.  During busy shopping seasons, viruses run rampant through the internet.  (Good reason for having a Mac…. no viruses.)

4.  Look for indicators that the site is secure.  Look for an “s” after the http:// in the URL address bar.  Even though this is not full proof, it helps.

5.  Don’t e-mail information like your credit card or checking account number.  Scammers will use this method.

6.  Don’t send cash or wire money for your payment.  Pay by credit card… even when using Pay Pal.  Your credit card company will help you retrieve your money if you don’t receive your item.

7.  Keep a paper trail and save all your records of your online transaction.  Include the product description, price, receipt and any e-mails your receive or send.

8.  Review the return policy and deliver rates.  Make sure you’re aware of who pays for shipping.

9.  Beware of ridiculously low prices.  Scammers entice victims with low prices.

10.  Have the company confirm that your product will be delivered by the due date you need your purchase.

Buying online is certainly convenient.  Online Christmas shopping is up 25% from last year… so buying on line is popular.  Be wise… be safe.

Till Later,

Kathy Griffiths
Insightful Nana

P.S.  I recently had a company ask me to fax all of my information including my credit card.  No way!  Of course, I didn’t purchase the items I was looking for.

True Friend – Ruth Jensen Tuttle

Today, I say good-bye to a true friend.  Ruth Jensen Tuttle passed away last week and her services are today.  She was 89 years old and was one of the kindest women I know.

Even though there was a number of years difference in our age, she was no less a true friend and a heart felt companion.  We shared the same birth date and would always make contact on that day.

She was a gardener.  Her yard was filled with many unusual flowers.  Ruth seemed to have an extra passion for roses.  She had so many beautiful varieties.

She shared her garden with us every Sunday.   Without fail, next to the pulpit sat an arrangement of exquisite beauty.  Even during the winter months, there was an arrangement of some type provided.

Last week, my sister Nicole called from and was planning to attend a birthday party of a friend who was turning 90.  She said her friend was a warm, delightful woman who made her laugh.  Nicole’s last comment was, “She is one of my best friends.”

Age has no barrier when it comes to friends and companionship.  The elderly, because of their experience, can can offer wisdom and compassion.  They’ve been down a road or two.  It’s good to have a “boomer” as a friend.

I’m going to miss Ruth.

Till later,

Kathy Griffiths
Insightful Nana

P.S.  I’m also friends with Ruth’s daughter, Karen and Becky, a daughter in-law.  They share Ruth’s sweet giving spirit and kindness.  They both fit in the  “true friend” category.

A Christmas Carol – Christmas Past

In Dickens,  A Christmas Carol,  the ghost of Christmas past is Scrooge’s first visitor after his partner Marley leaves.

The story reads:

“Are you the Spirit, sir, whose coming was foretold to me?” asked Scrooge.

“I am.”

The voice was soft and gentle. Singularly low, as if instead of being so close beside him, it were at a distance.

“Who, and what are you?” Scrooge demanded.

“I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.”

“Long Past?” inquired Scrooge: observant of its dwarfish stature.

“No. Your past.”

Scrooge reverently disclaimed all intention to offend or any knowledge of having willfully bonneted the Spirit at any period of his life. He then made bold to inquire what business brought him there.

“Your welfare,” said the Ghost.

By looking at our Christmas Past, are there lessons to be learned for our own welfare?   As I look back, one of the most memorable for me was the Christmas of my sixteenth year.

I was a Sophomore in high school.  Two classes joined together to provide Sub for Santa for a family in need.  In fact we had two families.  I was on the committee to interview one of the families for their particular needs.

As I entered the trailer of this family, I was in shock at the disarray of my surroundings.  The place was a mess.  A toddler sat in a high chair playing with a dead chicken.  I kid you not!  A pair of newborn twins lay on on a bare  mattress covered with  a worn out blanket.  I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

The class not only provided needed gifts, but a Christmas tree.  I was not with the group when the tree was delivered, but was one of those who went back with gifts on Christmas Eve.

I did not look forward to returning to that unkempt, stinky home.   Christmas Eve arrived and we went to the home with a ton a needed items….. food, clothing, toys, bedding.

When we arrived, a smiling mother answered the door.   We were was surprised to see that the place has been cleaned up and the tree, with it’s sparkling lights, stood in the corner.   A weeping father sat in a chair holding the twins.

We placed the gifts under the tree and sang a Christmas carol or two before we left.  We may have provided physical needs for the family, but I departed the home carrying the greater gift…. a new heart!

Even after all these years, their faces, filled with joy and gratitude, is fixed in my minds eye. Who was I to judge circumstances?  It had become my honor to help provide a “leg up” for a family in need.

I went home with a full heart!  Christmas was the next day… but I had already received my gift.

Till Later,

Kathy
Insightful Nana

P.S.  What is your most memorable Christmas Past?

Unusual Presents – Emergency Food Storage

We all look for unusual presents to give at Christmas time.  Often we rack our brains trying to think of what to give our loved ones and friends.  Here is another unusual present to give that will certainly be esteemed.

Emergency Food Storage.   Now, hold on there…  and hear me out… I told you this  would be in the unusual presents category.

Having a little emergency food storage on had during a time of crisis is a great thing to have.  Or, having a few extras of this and that on the shelves is wonderful…. especially when you don’t have to run to the grocery store for it while your right in the middle of a recipe.

My kids always get a little Home Food Storage along with a few personal gifts.  It adds to their emergency storage supply.

Long Term Storage Ideas

• Wheat     (It’s lasts forever and you can purchase it sealed plastic buckets.)
• Dry Beans (I  found 25 lb bags of pinto beans at the grocery store.)
• Powdered Milk (This product is at my grocery store.   They have a food storage section.  It can be purchased in 50 lb bags or number 10 cans.)
• Sugar (25 lb bags can be found at your grocery store.  Provide a 5 gallon bucket to go along with the sugar.  The sugar fits perfectly and will stay nice and dry.)
• Salt (I love having extra salt on my shelves.  It’s the one staple I always seem to run out of right in the middle of cooking.)
• 100 Hour Candles (These come in handy when the lights go out.  Last winter many areas of the country were left in the dark for several days.  These candles can be found on-line or at your local Emergency Preparedness store.
• A case of Toilet Paper (What can I say?)
• 72 Hr Kit (We are all encouraged to have a 72 hr kit on hand in case we have to leave our homes in an emergency.  You can make one yourself  but purchasing one on-line or from your Emergency Supply Store is much easier.)

Short Term Storage Ideas

• A case of  Tuna (Boy does this ever come in handy.  When I can’t think of something to prepare,  I know I can throw something together quick with tuna.)
• Chili (This is another quick fix meal.  I case of a power outage, you have a meal all prepared.  If you have to, you can eat it cold… if your in a real pinch.)
• Canned Soup (Again, a quick meal.  I love having extra Mushroom Soup on hand for casseroles, gravy, etc.
• Tomatoes (A case of diced tomatoes sure comes in handy at  my house.)
• Your own Bottled or Preserved Goods. (If you preserve or bottle in the summer and fall, these make lovely gifts.  A bottle of homemade salsa, a quart of grape juice or tomato juice, jam or jelly will put a smile on your loved ones face every time.)

If you give Emergency Food Storage as a Christmas gift, it may be one of the most unusual presents you have every given… but I assure you, it will be well received.

Till Later

Kathy

Insightful Nana

P.S.  Giving Emergency Food Storage as a Christmas gift is really getting “Back To Basics.”

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas

Unique Christmas gift ideas for that special some one can be a challenge… especially when they don’t have any “real needs.”  I mean…  they don’t “need” towels, kitchen appliances and the like.   Christmas gift giving is fun when you run across something your loved one will be crazy about.   Well, I have a unique Christmas gift idea for you.

All my kids have a “collection” of one type or another.   I simply look for an addition to their collections.  Through the years, it has made my Christmas gift giving a lot easier.   I have yet to see disappointment on their faces when I add to their collections.

My son, Wade, collects old banks, and old table clocks.   He has an old metal bank that is a rare find.  Very few were ever made and I won’t tell you what I paid for it.

My daughter, Katie, is a professional photographer and collects old cameras, and ….. believe it or not “Black Culture” memorabilia.   I’ve given her old dolls, salt and pepper shakers, a cookie jar and several copies of the famous old “Cream Of Wheat” advertisements.   Authentic “Black Culture” memorabilia is hard to find… so it’s especially rewarding when you find the real McCoy.

I watch for old perfume bottles, sugar bowls and creamers, and old hand painted plates for my daughter, Emily.   At a garage sale, I found a beautiful sugar and creamer that was stamp “Made In Prussia” and I picked it up for a song and dance.  I know the folks selling it didn’t have any idea of its value.

Brad is a musician,  so I find unusual small instruments and old music books and sheet music.   His collection ranges from a small African thumb harp to old harmonicas.

My friend, Marie, collects old baby dishes.  She has a ton of them already but is always happy to get a new one.   I’m always on the look out for “turkeys” for my  sister, Sheila’s collection….. (the Thankgsgiving kind.)   My niece, Camille, collects Nativity sets so Sheila purchases one for her daughter’s collection every year.

My friends and sister, Sheila are my extra eyes.  They know what I’m looking for so they are always on the look out for me.

So….  when I go into an antique store or stumble upon a great yard sale, I have a purpose in mind.  Often my Christmas gift shopping is completed well in advance.

Hope this helps a bit.

Till Later,

Kathy

Insightful Nana

P.S.   I have found great finds on eBay as well as antique stores and garage sales for unique Christmas gift ideas.

P.P.S  Not everyone has a collection.   If not… start them one.

Dickens Christmas Carol

I’ve had a fascination with Dickens Christmas Carol every since I was a tike and my mom read the story to me.  The old books didn’t have colorful pictures like they do today.  The illustrations were old wood cut images or ink drawings which added to the darkness of the tale.   The art work always intrigued me.

A number of years ago, I designed  craft projects for  instructions books for the “Tole Painting” crowd and I designed an entire Christmas book dedicated to the subject of A Christmas Carol.  I had just a good time with this book and it was very well received…. even though the printer spelled Dickens wrong on the cover.   (You can imagine my dismay and panic when the first book was delivered and I realized 20,000 copies were sitting in the warehouse waiting to be delivered to craft stores.)  Yikes!  Miss that one in the proof reading!  However, it sold out and went to two extra printings….guess those painters didn’t care about a little misspelled word.

I watch the Dickens Christmas Carol movie every year but I stick to the old black and white version because it takes me back to childhood.

There is a quote by Scrooge’s partner, Marley, that  I ponder over now and again.  It reads:    “I wear the chain I forged in life,” replied the Ghost. “I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.  Is its pattern strange to you?”

Hmmmmm.   The encouraging  thing is… I can break the chains that bind me to old thoughts and habits.  Every day I can start anew.   That’s what A Christmas Carol is all about…. breaking the chains that bind.

Just doing a little reminiscing the past few days.

Till Later,

Kathy Griffiths

Insightful Nana

P.S.  Haven’t seen the new Dickens Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey… Is it worthwhile?

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