penandpatience

WRITERS WORDS: “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!” – Charles Dickens

DECEMBER 2019 MONTHLY MUSING

SEASONAL INSPIRATIONS – A GIFT OF WORDS

This year’s Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated the last week in November. Unfortunately, this later timing threw a monkey wrench into the retail Black Friday frenzy. Retailers began “early Black Friday sales” before Halloween costumes and candy were removed from the shelves. I muse how times have changed. I recall how J.C. Penney and Sears Roebuck annual Christmas catalogs filled with holiday toys and gifts would be mailed and arrive to subscribers in early November– ample time for Santa Claus delivery. A mother of three children, now grown, I purchased many desired toys and gifts for them within affordable limits and shared in their joy on Christmas morning. I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus and embrace gift exchanges between family and friends. Tangible exchanges are not only tradition, but provide great times, fun and good will most of the time. That said I believe intangible interactions are inspirational not only during holidays but remain within us throughout the New Year.

The holiday season can be a time when phone calls could and should be made to friends and family who live far away, are experiencing serious illnesses or reside in assisted living or nursing home environments.  A recognized or friendly voice can become a special gift of words.

I share some of my favorite inspirational sayings hoping these delivered verbal gifts will inspire readers:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because in the end those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.”  Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss

I Muse:  Who didn’t love Dr. Seuss’s children’s books, stories that were historically found and still find their way under many a Christmas tree.

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” – Sidonie Gabrielle Colette

I muse:   Enjoy spending the conclusion of Christmas day relaxing by a lit fireplace, a favorite glass of wine in your hand, a good book in your lap, and your four-legged doggie-kitty buddy at your feet.

“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” – Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

I muse:  Yes, I hope everyone will cherish any and all special moments experienced on and after Christmas Day.

“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” – Robert Fulghum, Author

I muse:  Ah yes, children never miss a beat watching Mom and Dad. Let’s hope they emulate all the good stuff😊

“Golf is, in part, a game; but only in part. It is also a religion, a fever, an abscess, a joy, a thrill, a pest, a disease, an uplift, a brooding, a melancholy, a dream of yesterday and a hope for tomorrow.” –New York Tribune -1916

I muse: For fellow golfers who are lucky enough this winter to live and play in warm southern or western climates, I wish you a hole in one.

“The earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry

I muse:  We all live together on Planet Earth.  We need to take better care of it!

“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” -George Sand

I muse:  Agreed!  I wish you love and happiness.

Dear Readers: For your reading pleasure and shared with family many years ago and still true today is a poem” Happiness for Christmas” written by Margaret E. Weldon

Happiness is the art of making others so,

Give each good deed a chance to grow,

Erase the frown from just one face,

Put some good in evil’s place.

Happiness is the joy of doing right,

Defeating evil with brain and might,

With bending limb and smiling grace,

Put some good in evil’s place.

And now that Christmas time is due,

Take time to leisurely pursue

Delightful things that others do

All over the world and out in space,

Put something good in evil’s place.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR!!