If you're anything like me, life is really starting to speed up. There is so much to do! I know that you are saying the same thing. And just like what's going on in real life, this post is going to bounce all around a bit.
We learned yesterday that John's elderly aunt had passed away. I had only met her once. She was a delight telling fun stories and sharing that she really wanted a cat and couldn't we please find her a special one. John tells the sweetest stories of Christmas and of this aunt who, herself childless, made her nieces and nephews her focus at Christmas. "She made me feel very special." I think that there is a special place in Heaven for such aunties.
My new camera arrived yesterday in a UPS truck that roared up and stopped with a lurch. I'd know that sound anywhere. When I learn how to take a picture and have the battery charged, I'll be back. Could be awhile though.
One of the dearest paragraphs I've read this holiday season was written by Dot at Picket's Place. If you have the opportunity to read the last bit she wrote on this post beginning with "Merry Christmas you guys," you'll be encouraged. Oh yes you will! (Oh go ahead and read it all! =) Dot's enthusiasm is infectious.) [Edited to Add: Some time ago, Dot removed many of her posts. This was one of them.]
I totally bailed on the Linky Party for the Christmas Open House yesterday. There's an analogy here that I hesitate to make because it puts me in a bad light. The gist of it is this: I often don't participate in things I'd enjoy because it's going to cost me too dearly. There are so many talented bloggers and beautiful homes and I can not visit and comment everywhere so I just visit and tiptoe out without saying a word. And if I am going to visit without commenting I can't link. Just can't. I'm totally lacking in commitment. Ugh. See, told you it wasn't pretty.
On that note, I'm off for a busy day! I will catch up with you asap. Promise!
photo source
Sorry to hear about John's Aunt dying. She sounds like a special lady.
ReplyDeleteI know the exact sound you mean!!! Can't miss the UPS truck when it comes down the road.
Good luck with the new camera.
Oh Yes, I can relate to that last bit....it is such a busy season, and priorities shouldn't be blogland....although I do spent too much time as it is.
ReplyDeleteThank you for leading us to Dot, such a lovely blog, I will be a regular reader :)
I will be slipping back to officially wish you Merry Christmas closer to the time, so I'll just say
Hugs to you,
Niki
I'm so very sorry for the passing of John's sweet aunt, please tell him for me ~ and a new camera! How wonderful is that??!! I'm sure you'll catch on quickly dear heart...and I'm the same way about participating in those linky parties ~ I've been too busy in the studio making things to generate Christmas cash that my own home pales in comparison to so many other blogs and their Christmas decorations. Plus if I put it out, I have to put it up!!! hugs and love, Dawn
ReplyDeleteVee,
ReplyDeleteI too am so sorry to hear of John's aunt, praying prayers of comfort for the family.
I too have refrained from linky parties this season and since my place remains undecorated at that moment save a few ornaments on the tree, and this may be as good as it gets this year, I chose to quietly visit too. Have a wonderful day exploring your new camera options!
Sorry for your loss, but a blessing to know that she will spend Christmas with the Reason. I read the post by Dot at Picket's Place. What right on advice. Thank you I needed that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special Aunt... The happy memories of her, are a fitting tribute to a sweet lady.
ReplyDeleteNew camera! Wheeeeeee... Exciting! Now to learn it, hu? -smile- And a busy time of year, to do so. But then, think of all the special Photo Ops you'll have, now. To click and click and click some more. And some will work!!! ,-)
Guess what *Honey Bun*... We can only do what we can do. (Without burning our inner batteries to a crisp, that is...) In Real Life and in Pretty Blog Land.
Cutting ourselves some/LOTS of slack, is a beeeeeeeeeeeautiful thing! :-)
"Heap on more wood!~~The wind is chill;
But let it whistle as it will,
We'll keep our Christmas merry still."
~~Sir Walter Scott
Sorry about the loss of that special Auntie.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see and hear all about your new camera! Exciting!
I understand about the Christmas House party link up - I decided to not do it too, partly for the reasons you stated but also, I am trying to 'do' less and this would mean 'more' - more time, more energy, more everything....
I may not get new people coming by to see my blog, but I will stay sane during this special season!
Love to you and John...
Deanna
It's hard, at this time of year, to see the spaces left at the table or on the Christmas card list from the passing of beloved friends and family. Imagine the Christmas they'll have in Glory!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that someone else sometimes just wants to tiptoe through the blog parties and have a look - sometimes it's all I can manage.
I am sorry to hear about John's aunt. It is wonderful to know thought that she created such special memories with him.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
John's aunt sounds like a lovely person and a true blessing of love and kindness to her nieces and nephews. How wonderful it is to leave people with such special memories.
ReplyDeletePlease tell us all about your new camera. What did you choose?
Yippee for that new camera! I loved the words about John's sweet auntie. I'm sure my sister's nieces and nephews would say the same things about her. Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteIn my comments, you asked if I ever miss part of a program, (because of) while my husband talked??? Good grief no!!!! I'd shushhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh him!!! Wouldn't anyone????
ReplyDeleteI would expect him to shushhhhh me too, if he was missing something, and I got-to-talking.
"Heap on more wood!~~The wind is chill;
But let it whistle as it will,
We'll keep our Christmas merry still."
~~Sir Walter Scott
I hope some of Sunris's stories were transcribed for future generations to enjoy. If not, ask John to retell what he recalls.
ReplyDeleteWhat camera did you get? Expecting fabulous photos in the new year.
Sorry for your families loss Vee, may God comfort and bring peace, and I trust memories shared will be precious in the days to come.
ReplyDeleteI like how you say you tiptoe in and out of blogs....why not!:)
Enjoy your new camera!
I'm sorry to hear about John's aunt.
ReplyDeleteWe're all looking forward to seeing photos from that new camera of yours! What kind did you get?
Thanks for sharing the link to Picket's, she writes the way I wish I could write! Beautiful post, I'm glad I got to read it. Must get back to work now. Have a great day!
Busy, busy everywhere! Make sure you carve out enough moments to learn how to use your new 'toy'.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about John's aunt...a sweet lady who leaves you with precious memories.
Hello sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very, busy Christmas season. I need to pop over to Dot's and read her inspiration.
blessings,
kari
Hi Vee! My hair appointment got put off until Monday. I'll let you know how that goes.
ReplyDeleteI got a new camera this week too. It's taking me a while to get the hang of it, but hopefully I'll be able to share some new photos on my blog this week. Get some rest and enjoy that nap!
Hugs,
Cathie
So sorry about Johns Aunt. Sad time of year to lose someone. At least he has so many good memories. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Auntie's like that are wonderful. :)
Busy here too. My Mother is driving me nuts.
Yeah, that's about it. :)
Can't wait to see the pictures from your new camera! How exciting!!!
((Hugs))
Laura
So much to do here to. I really shouldn't be visiting blogs :)
ReplyDeleteVee,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear about the new camera arriving. Now just to figure it out.....
My sympathy to John and to you in the loss of John's aunt. She sounds like a very special lady, indeed.
Hi Vee!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your husbands aunt. Deaths are so hard this time of year - I will keep your family in my prayers. She sounds like a wonderful woman with a heart of gold!
I can't wait to see all the wonderful pictures from your new camera!! What fun!
I have tiptoed out of several Christmas, this and that's . . . it's okay . . . :0)
Warm Hugs,
Barb
I had 3 childless aunts who were so special to me and we kids were very special to them. We were their 'children' to spoil at will. I hear you on the blog parties. I did visit around a bit but there are SO many beautiful homes and ideas to see it's overwhelming so I didn't comment either. I also didn't participate! Not enough time. I hope you have fun with your new camera! Yippee.
ReplyDeleteMy ears perked up at the "new camera" mention! What did you get? Huh, huh, huh????
ReplyDeletenice post! thanks for sharing friend...happy holidays...
ReplyDeleteVee, I'm sorry to hear of John's aunt's passing. It must bring back a lot of memories of last year for you.
ReplyDeleteI've seen so many linky parties I would like to link up to, but alas, I don't have time to comment either. Or even post - I'm always a little late in getting things done. Here it is 8 pm and I'm just beginning to read my blogs. It's a great way to wind down after a busy day.
Vee
ReplyDeleteI read Dot's post. Yes, it did put into perspective what's important.
I don't do parties either. I am really lucky to get a post even accomplished. But I so enjoy hearing from fellow blogger friends and visiting all of you too. But I do try to keep it all
in it's place of importance. Some days I do better than others, I guess.
I do visit a lot of sites were ladies are really into making a lot of purchases, but frankly I'm
not there any more. I don't belittle ANYONE who is, I'm just at a place where I feel overwhelmed with stuff. I'm trying to make life simpler. I hope I can do that.
John's aunt sounds like she was a real blessing. Now that is what it is all about. Leaving an impact on a young nephews life, so that when she passes he says, "She made me feel special".
Take care Vee.
Kimberly
Oh yes, I can certainly relate to the title of your post today..."Busy Days" indeed! Why is it that I sail along feeling smug and on top of things...and then all of a sudden, I'm in a tailspin, wondering how in the world I'll ever get it all done?!
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies to your John on the loss of his aunt. I had a great-aunt who was more like a grandmother to me (and she was like a mother to my own mother and her two sisters). She was full of advice and (should I say it?) bossiness, but she was also generous and smart and willing to be involved in the lives of her loved ones.
A new camera...how exciting!!
I'm so sorry to hear about John's Aunt passing away ..she sounds like a very special woman who will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI have been busy having so much fun with my grandson who just turned three years old! He had two parties and he and his little brother have made this a very happy week!
I am sorry John's aunt passed away. I had a great aunt that was a lot like John's aunt. She had no children and doted on my brother and I. I was named after her.:)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you got your new camera. Just in time to take Christmas pics of your family.
I try to link to several parties each post but it can get to be a lot of work, linking and such. Sometimes, the parties are so big, I end up down at the bottom.
I seldom read a blog without leaving a hello. I sure do get behind, tho, and feel bad about that. Well, we can only do what we have time to do and I think everyone understands that. You are very good at visiting...
I heard that UPS stopping sound yesterday...went out to see what goodies he had left. It was a package for a neighbor. Our driver made a mistake....but we delivered it without the the roar and the drama last evening.
ReplyDeleteI'm slipping a few minutes in my afternoon to visit your lovely home tour. How cozy and cheery! I'm feeling with John at the loss of his dear Aunt. I had a single Aunt too, all my growing up years...so special she was to all of us. Trust you two are keeping well. I've been gone for so long, it seems. Lots of catching up so I'll backread here.
ReplyDelete