Christmas Holidays

This Christmas I headed out of the city to spend my holidays up north.  The one constant on the long drive up was the phalanx of trees laden with hoarfrost.  As I drove further, the sun set and darkness settled over the crisp land.  The snow and hoarfrost, illuminated by my headlights, stood stark against the pitch-black.  A white wolf stood at the edge of the road and greeted me into the north.  It felt magical.  Perhaps it was just sentiments of Christmas Eve, but I haven't felt that kind of wonder or anticipation in a long time.

On the lookout tower at Lake Athapapuskow (Lake Athapap).

With no schedule and no "to do" list, I quickly lost track of time.  I had no cell reception and limited internet access which made it easier for me to simply "be".  I truly enjoyed spending time with friends and my family and enjoying the moments of the day.  Spending time up north and being surrounded by so much beauty was just what I needed to finished off this year.

~b~

Phil, his Harmonica Orchestra and Other Christmas Cheer

I've spent the month ushering in Christmas, too bad I can't seem to get the shopping finished.  

Meh.  

This is what I've been up to this month:

I started off the month with by going to a few Christmas parties.

My friend "volunteered" me to enter something into a bake sale with her, so I spent an evening hanging out and making these:

Reindeer Cake Pops

My very first attempt at Cake Pops.  This guy was one of our "rejects".  He looks so grumpy and unhappy and cute.  I think he looks like a pirate, he was also very delicious!

I held my very first annual christmas party: The First Annual Un-Christmas Party Christmas Party to cater to the scrooges (like my son) and those holiday lovers.  I thought the ambiguous name would also give me leeway in the decor as I didn't have any energy to decorate the house.  Fortunately, the thought of entertaining guests gave me enough oomph to decorate this year, albeit on a much smaller scale.

My tree recently had a tragic accident:

Here's a closer look, I'm sure all those Starbucks haters out there will love this broken ornament:

Last week Journeys (my church) held a Christmas Coffee House.  Besides the good conversations, the music, and the art, I really enjoyed this:

                        

Extra Foamy Half Vanilla, Half Caramel Latte with bonus latte art- bellisamo!

Finally, I attended a concert put on by the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra:

I enjoyed listening to music being performed by people I know, and I loved listening to some of the pieces from the Nutcracker, among others.  Next year, if they play The Saber Dance by Aram Khachaturian, I'll be super pumped:

Saber Dance - edarem style

I hope you ignore your TO DO list, and gift list for a little while and spend some time simply enjoying this Christmas Season.

~b~

A List . . .

After a week of getting sick and a week of being sick and a week and a half of getting over being sick.  I'm back!  I haven't felt this good in a very long while and what better way to spend my new found energy than writing a blog post in my favorite category:  random.

Here is A List . . .

A quote . . .

It's not ugly. . . but it's not beautiful.  It's simply  . . . benign.

-Aaron, after installing a ceiling fan and commenting on it's appearance.

I love that the ceiling fan was described as benign.  I think if said fan had feelings, they would probably be hurt.  

A nom de plume . . .

Virginia Chesterfield

Should I ever publish a children's novel this name makes the top of my list of nom de plumes.  I love the unconventional pairing of this Southern name with a large piece of furniture.  Kudos to my friend Kimball for phoning me and sharing his 2 cents on the nom de plume matter.  

A website . . .

Rock and Roll Bride

Quite frankly the idea of a traditional wedding in all its formalities and conventions scares me.  This website isn't just about tattooed brides, but features eclectic styles, DIY's, and loads of vintage in weddings that showcase personality and unconventional beauty rather than over-commercialization .  
disclaimer:  I love this site for its photographs and especially the event details and NOT because I am single and obsessed with marriage . . . although . . . I've always wanted a mad hatter wedding cake and if I can ever find a special someone who let's me get my way, I'm in!



An iPhone photo . . .

A Beckman pH meter, made in the 1940's.  I found this relic in the front office at work.  It's so vintage.  




A song . . .

Last Will and Testament - Propagandi

I love the first part of this song that is just instrumental.



A FACEBOOK STATUS!! (and resulting comments) . . .

Status:  JUST TWEETED FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!! (yesterday)
Comment: that is disgusting
Reply:  lol what??

I don't know what I love more.  The exuberant announcement in all caps, the meek amendment that it was actually yesterday that the aforementioned tweet occurred, or the resulting confusion in the comments.  




~b~