I believe. Do you? I believe that Santa doesn’t always wear a red suit. Sometimes Santa is a kind word or gesture. Or perhaps Santa is a harried mom in a minivan who allows me into her lane. Sometimes Santa is a tired, but kind sales clerk. I myself try to be the vessel in which the spirit of Santa can shine as often as it can. Yes, Virginia…
Yes, Virginia…
Over the weekend I baked cookies with my children and we shared the bounty with our friends and neighbors.
I signed, sealed, and the USPO will hopefully deliver over 90 Christmas cards.
I wrapped countless gifts. Do you want to see what was in my Santa bag this year?
Clothbound Penguin Classics. My all-time favorites? “Little Women” and “Anne, with an E, of Green Gables”.
A sweet T for a little Sweetie. It has red velour leggings to match. Wish it came in my size.
For the BFF’s (Philosophy is a Phoenix-based company that is always generously philanthropic.)
I really like a bit of happy whimsy for adults.
Alas, I cannot show you what I bought for my immediate family because they sweetly read my blog. I also made several gifts this year which I hope are enjoyable for the recipients.
My Wish List
Now if I were to sit on Santa’s knee and he had just won the lottery I would ask for:
Boots
Bubble Bath and A book
Yes, just three gifts. I tell my children “If it was good enough for the most precious of babies to receive just three gifts then it is certainly enough for us.”
I believe in Santa Claus. Every year, without fail, I receive something precious that I wasn’t expecting. He truly exists and showed up this year in my mail box. A sweet, unexpected gift from dear Monica in Italy. I have long admired her talents with a needle and she sweetly sent me one of her handmade hearts. For more beautiful images please visit her at The White Bench. Thank you Monica. Your dear and true heart has touched mine.
Another early gift came in the form of time spent with a few fabulous women. Marty, Ceekay, Marydon and Sherry never fail to inspire me, make me laugh and generally make me feel very blessed that I know them. A cheeky blushing rose picked up the check even after I threatened to tie her up. Hmph! I should’ve ordered dessert. That would’ve shown her! 🙂 Thank you my dear hearts!
Indeed a giving heart is a precious thing. My mother, Nadine, possessed such a heart. Tomorrow would have been her 74th birthday. Don’t you just love her fur collared cardigan?
To commemorate the occasion of her birth, all profits from any red corsages sold on Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 will be donated to the American Heart Association.
“No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”
Is your heart glad?
Laura
Your mom is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing that picture.
What a lovely post. Mocica's blog is lovely too, and I have become her folower as well- her work is super cute!!
Loveeeeeeee the inspo here Laura!! And sooooooooo happy you got together with Sherry and the girls! LOVE them all!!!! And Happy Birthday to your Mom! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Aw I loved your post – it brought tears to my eyes. Whether gifts or not – the true spirit of Christmas is in our hearts – and certainly in yours. Merry Christmas!
AHH those house shoes are TOOOOO adorable
xoox
bB
lovely post!
Oh Laura, I had such a wonderful time Sat., and it was so good to see you again and how wonderful that we were all able to spend some time just visiting. We laughed, prayed and had the most Blessed time. A precious gift for the season. Hugs, Marty
I borrowed your pic of all of us for my post. Mine turned out blurry and yours was really good. Hope you don't mind. Thanks again for a fun day. Hugs, Marty
Good Morning Laura Sweetie…
What a beautiful share this morning. I love your choices of pretties. Those little slippers would catch my eye. They are just perfect for the holidays.
Thank you for sharing lunch with me on Saturday. What a joy it was to spend time with friends. You are such a beautiful treasure to my heart.
I will be saying a few prayers tomorrow as you go through your finals. I know you will do fine.
Thank you for the beautiful bath crystals, I will think of you and smile each time I soak in them. You are a jewel sweet friend.
Your sweet Momma is just beautiful sweetie. What a gorgeous share of her. You have her smile, it is so contagious. May you sell lots and lots of corsages in her name, to go to the heart association.
Many hugs sweetie and SO much love, Sherry
Your Mom is smiling down on you my friend! And she is smiling to herself, too, at the wonderful woman you have turned out to be.
Wonderfully inspiring words from you today Laura. Your mother has quite a twinkle in her eyes, a lovely soul eeking out for sure.
Those slippers – must know where to get them, have a friend who would drool over them.
What a sweet post Laura, and your mother does indeed look so beautiful in her cardigan….I'm a big fan of your corsages as you know. Wishing you good luck on the final final this week~
Gorgeous photo of your mom! I just saw those classic books in a magazine and so want to check them out. And yes, I DO believe in Santa.
Oh Laura! A heartfelt thank you for the sweet mention!! You REALLY made my day!!
I'm so glad my little something reached you in time for Christmas- it truly was from the heart!
Monicaxo
Laura…your mom is beautiful. I know this is a hard time for you….but God is so good isn't He! Congrats on the success of your Christmas items….you are a creative star!!! I can say, I knew her when!!
Just reading this post gladens my heart Laura….thank you…
Laura I love that picture of your mom. And congrats on being part of Nie Nie's picks. Ann
Just look at YOU.
Darn, I SO would
have ordered one of
these corsages, for
a million reasons,
not to mention the
fact that they are
just darn cute. Your
mother looks like a doll.
Happy Birthday to her.
I KNOW that she is so
proud of you even if she
isn't here to physically
express it.
Love you!
xx Suzanne
PS: Look how sweet you
look with your bloggy friends.
Someday it will be my turn
to treat for lunch.
Beautiful post, beautiful Mother, beautiful author, beautiful STUFF. Will you write my wish list this year? Such beauty! *deep sigh*
Good job getting the list checked twice!
🙂
Every detail is so charming. Thank you for sharing!