penandpatience

WRITERS WORDS: “And the Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?  It came without ribbons. it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” – Dr. Seuss

DECEMBER 2021 MONTHLY MUSING

LOVE LETTERS FOR CHRISTMAS???

Love Letters -appreciative, expressive words written from hearts. They may range from a few words, I Love you, to a favorite poem, prose, an intuitive greeting card, and words hastily scribbled on a scrap of paper. Words originating from shared and special songs may transport past memories into the present for savoring during this special holiday season.  You say, “Hey, wait a minute, I’m not a poet, that’s not my forte.”    Hmm…You don’t have to be a writer to write meaningful words to loved ones or to someone you hope to establish a relationship😊

I muse… When my mother died, along with other memorabilia, was a male photo (unknown to me) with a penned (yes, in fountain pen written in beautiful cursive writing) poem/letter inserted inside. I share a brief excerpt of this beautiful prose titled, “Your Eyes”

“Sparkling diamonds of splendor, glowing with ecstasy; ne’er has a sullen or forlorn reflection ever left those fascinating lights of fantasy. Ever joyous and seemingly thrilling those eyes like rosebuds of June are glorifyingly serene and mellow….it ends: “How more can I express this love racked soul of mine so as to impress you that it is my inspiration to forever hold you before my eyes.”

I also discovered both a Valentine and Christmas card from the early twentieth century. I opened and read the short, but lovely wishes inside, noting they were simply signed “Frank.”  Yes, Mom married Frank.

Many years ago, I also received a poem at the end of a busy Christmas Day, with my young children’s’ toys and gifts strewn about, holiday dinner dishes stowed away with family members returned home. I was sitting and relaxing by the fire in the fireplace with a favorite glass of wine when the hubby handed me a piece of paper. It was a short poem titled “Not Without You.” (I know he didn’t write it. but it was the thought that counted.) A few lines:

If daybreak comes with cool brisk air and shimmering sunrays parting their big puffy white luminous clouds on skies of blue, what would it mean without you? Can my heart find happiness and joy, the beauty of this world? Not without you. So, all that I am or ever wish to be is “Not Without You.”  An unexpected, but thoughtful surprise.

I recall receiving all types of holiday greeting cards from friends and families living far away. Some greetings were long, highlighting the year just past, some arrived with short notes or just signed, Love.  I muse…Somehow, although technology has brought new methods of streamlined   communications, it appears written wishes with pen and paper have gone the way of the dinosaur. Busy lives, busy times in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. Perhaps Dr. Seuss’s Grinch words “What if Christmas means a little bit more?”  might provide the impetus to take five and write a few words:

TO MY FAITHFUL VIEWERS AND FOLLOWERS:

“What do we love about Christmas;

Does our delight reside in things?

Or are the feelings in our hearts

The real gift that Christmas brings.

It’s seeing those we love,

And sending Christmas cards, too,

Appreciating people who bring us joy,

Special people just like you.

— By Joanna Fuchs

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  BE SAFE!