My Christmas Wish For The World

"May you always be blessed
With walls for the wind
Roof for the rain
A warm cup of tea by the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all that your heart may desire." ~An Irish Blessing

Christmas

The TV Generation: What's Your Favorite Animated Holiday Special?

If you're a Baby Boomer then you're also part of the TV generation. Isn't it amazing how many television shows we loved and still remember today?

holiday

When we were young, it was cool to talk to your friends about your favorite shows. I remember arguing with my best friend about who was cuter between Peter Tork or Davy Jones from "The Monkees" (I chose Davy) or who we liked better between Robert Vaughn or David McCallum on "The Man From UNCLE" (I chose Vaughan.)

These were very important discussions.

Photo of Robert Vaughn and David McCallum as N...

Photo of Robert Vaughn and David McCallum as Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin from the television program The Man from U.N.C.L.E.". (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When it came to holiday specials there were no arguments. We loved them all, and were well aware when a show was scheduled to air. We'd find out by simply checking the listings in TV Guide or our local newspapers.

holiday

Aside from my love of classic movies that I discussed here, I'm also wild about many classic holiday animated specials. To this day whenever I watch one it brings back memories of my youth, and I feel like a little girl again.

Here are my top 5 favorites. They guarantee to delight everyone at any age.

Are these your favorites, too?

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AFfPsvbyvs

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Frosty the Snowman

And my all-time favorite: A Charlie Brown Christmas

What was your favorite holiday cartoon movie?

The Magic Of A Bookstore. If You Can Still Find One.

“I love walking into a bookstore. It's like all my friends are sitting on shelves, waving their pages at me.” ~Tahereh Mafi

books bookstore

Yesterday my husband had to meet a client in the late afternoon. We'd planned on attending a jazz concert at that time at a local college, but late Sunday afternoon was the only time his client was available.

I was disappointed that we weren't going to attend the concert, something we enjoyed together on a semi-regular basis. But when he told me his meeting was at Barnes and Noble, a favorite hangout I hadn't visited in a long time, my mood changed.

I was delighted.

Being weaned on books by two parents who are still avid readers, reading has always played an important role in my life. I was an English literature major in college because of it, and became a writer to try to weave words together to tell a good story.

I admittedly order my books from Amazon or directly onto my Kindle. I say "admittedly" because when people first started using tablets or ordering online I was a little embarrassed and, not wanting to be lambasted by my book group, I'd say things like, "I hardly order online" or "I still prefer buying the actual book from a bookstore, but if I'm traveling the tablet is easier."

With the advent of the Internet and the demise of the bookstore I feel sad thinking that my son's generation and the ones who follow won't know what it feels like to lose yourself in a bookstore for hours. What the smell and tactile sensation of touching and leafing through book after book does for the soul. What it feels like to sit cross-legged on the floor, thoroughly absorbed in the prose of what you are reading.

books bookstore

Mom passing on her love of reading to two of her grandsons

When my son was young we had fun going to Barnes and Noble's Storytime when parents would bring their young children to have stories read aloud. It was a magical time for us, and afterward I would tell my son to choose a book he'd like to bring home.

Sigh. I miss those days.

When I walked into the store yesterday it was like visiting an old friend. That smell - ah - how I love that book smell that pours over you. It's as calming and restorative as smelling the fragrance of peonies.

The store seemed more crowded now with it's holiday offerings and displays of specially priced books. But to me it was like going home. And the hour and a half that I had to myself seemed magical. Not only because I had a chance to leisurely peruse book after book, but also because my momentary flashes of memories brought me back to a time and place of complete serenity.

That is the power of a bookstore.

How Jenny Craig Helped Me On Christmas Day

The Jenny Craig program has been good for me after my first two weeks.  I’ve already lost a few pounds by eating their pre-planned meals, listening to the advice of my consultant and beginning a mindful approach toward eating.

But last week's question, “Am I crazy to start a diet before the holidays?” still looms large for me. In our family, December 25 is a double whammy – Herbmas (Dad’s 86th birthday) and Christmas.

This day was going to be a challenge.

Happy Herbmas More Desserts - Jenny CraigIt all started out fine. I ate my Jenny breakfast along with a small apple, coffee and several glasses of water to fill me up.  I worked out a healthy eating plan, in my mind, before we left for our party because I knew there would be lots of tempting food that might derail my diet.

Jenny Craig Breakfast Scramble

Jenny Craig's Breakfast Scramble
Photo: jennycraig.com

My goals of weight loss and feeling healthy are important to me, and I wanted to be mindful of those goals.

We left for the party, and when we arrived at my brother’s house there was food as far as the eye could see.  Not only were we going to be treated to delicacies such as smoked salmon, whitefish and fresh bagels, but also to his girlfriend’s luscious-looking ham.

The table was set for 18 guests, and every inch of it was covered with some holiday delicacy just begging to be eaten.

It was going to be a true test of my willpower.  When it comes to food, willpower hasn’t always been my forte.

I was glad I arrived somewhat satisfied, and avoided doing what I usually do.  Grabbing pieces of this food or that and sticking them into my mouth “for just a little taste.”

Those little tastes always add up to a higher daily caloric intake than I should have. I want to keep the pounds I’d taken off….off!

When it was time to sit down and eat, I followed what I planned out that morning.  I put a pile of vegetables on my plate, along with half a plain bagel, a piece of lox and a smidgeon of whitefish. (They are fish - okay a bit saltier than I should have- but they are healthy Omega's right?)

Then it was time for dessert.  Uh oh.

Herbmas Desserts and Weight Loss Jenny Craig

The fruit salad my husband prepared looked tiny (and lonely) compared to all of the other desserts being offered.

Being a chocoholic, this part of the meal was going to be my most difficult battle.

I tried to repeat to myself that later I’d have my delicious Jenny Craig Triple Chocolate Cheesecake to look forward to, making Friday’s weigh-in a happy time for me.

When the desserts were cleared, I felt proud of myself that I skipped dessert.  But I still felt hungry.

When my nephew sat down next to me eating a plate of bagel chips, they looked yummy. So what did I do? I got my own small plate, thinking what harm could come from eating them?

After eating the last one, I wondered if I should have opted for more fruit salad instead.

Being on a weight loss plan is not only about losing weight, but it's also about being mindful of what you are eating.  That includes knowing how to stay full by making smart food choices instead of filling up on empty calories.

When I go to my Jenny appointment tomorrow, I will thank my consultant for her sound advice, discuss the challenges I faced during the week, and plan the week ahead with her, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Losing weight and feeling healthy are two goals I’m serious about.  So was I crazy to start a diet over the holidays?  I'll keep you posted!

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and food products.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Members following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

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The Holidays Are A Season Of Joy, Possibilities And Hope

This was an extraordinary week.  I know it is supposed to be the season of magic. The season of joy and possibilities.

One thing I know for sure. It is the season of hope.

Cat in snow on holidaysWe're all running around like crazy trying to get things done by Christmas Eve. It can drive us to sheer madness.

Are we happy and excited?  Are we anxious and weary?

When we're young the holidays are a time filled with wonder, of great joy and anticipation. As we age what happens to us? When did that childlike wonder leave us?  Or is it possible to carry that innocence somewhere in our hearts?

On a snowy, gray day that matched my mood, I threw on my snow boots and down coat to maneuver our long driveway to collect our mail.  To my great surprise,  there was a large package addressed to me.

I was so happy see it.

Remember how we used to feel when we opened our mailbox, and there was an envelope with your name and address handwritten on it? The anticipation of birthday or holiday cards was so exciting I couldn't wait for the mailman to come.

I quickly tore my package open.

What was inside is what the holiday season is all about. It brought tears to my eyes, and lifted my spirits.

Max and Janets painting Sentimental

My dear friend saw a photo of our cat, Max, and created this portrait. She sent it as a gift and surrounded me in joy and friendship. In an instant, my heart felt lighter.

Do you ever become nostalgic over the holidays?  Thinking of past celebrations and the people you miss; thinking of those who are gone, and those who live far away?

Every year I get a box of Kleenex ready to watch the short TCM video tribute to people in front of and behind the camera who have passed.  I feel sad they are gone, yet thankful for the many gifts they left for the ages.  They are all treasures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6gXi67ueD0

We live in a world where headlines buzz daily about greed, hatred, sickness and violence. We become cynical, wary of the guy next to us, doubting the sincerity of our fellow man.  We cut ourselves off from seeing the simple things, the generosity of spirit and beauty around us.

It's no wonder we lose our innocence as we get older.

Helen in Love Holidays

Another surprise gift I received from another dear friend. It touched my heart.
Photo: BooksIsWonderful.com

At this time of year I take time to reflect on the beauty in the world, and, in doing so, try to create a better "me" by telling myself I am blessed and have so much to be thankful for. I think of those blessings and hold them close.

On our darkest days we must prevail by remembering the blessings in our lives. 

The video above was sent to me by fellow blogger extraordinaire Sharon Hodor Greenthal who first invited me into her blogging community. I  was welcomed with open arms.  Sharon shares my love of Peanuts and Frank and Broadway.  She and her partner in crime, Anne Parris, and all the midlife bloggers at Midlife Boulevard,  support each other on a daily basis.

In my fifties I am blessed with all of the new friendships I have found with them, both online and in real life.

The world may seem cold at times, and life can feel dark and bleak. But I have hope that tomorrow will always be a better day, and that the holidays are filled with magic and wonder and joy.

The innocence and wonder of childhood can last a lifetime.  As I said, this is a season of hope.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.  

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The Best Gifts Are Passed Down From One Generation To The Next

Someone asked me what was the best gift I ever received. I've been stumbling over my response to this question ever since.

love and compassion

I didn’t want to answer by saying something obvious, like a happy marriage (which I never take for granted) or something tangible like a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Then it hit me.  Of course.  It was right in front of me all the time.

The best gift I ever received might sound strange to you, but its the lessons I learned about myself, and from those around me, after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.    

Being diagnosed with an incurable chronic illness is not only about the patient. It's also about those who love and care about you. The courage and love shown by family and friends while the sting of the diagnosis is fresh and raw is a true lesson.

And a gift.

My family showed courage the day of my diagnosis.  My mother had the unenviable task of telling me about my diagnosis, something no mother should ever have to do.  My brothers hugged me, and my father quietly kissed my forehead while gently stroking my hair.

My boyfriend held me close, and whispered he was with me for the long haul.

My three best friends cried and laughed with me as we listened to each other's words of wisdom.

This is how my journey began.

Family gifts

Over the years I’ve had friends drop off the radar.  Because of their ignorance and inability to understand illness, I’ve been hurt, questioned and misunderstood. This served to strengthen me, and was the catalyst in my need to educate and spread awareness about MS and that, despite having a disability, my abilities are what define me.

The gifts I received of love and understanding are the ones I've tried to pass on.

When my son was born we decided to always be truthful with him, even about my illness.  Mommy can’t run, Mommy gets tired, Mommy has good days and bad.  We also wanted him to learn the importance of a positive attitude, tolerance and being compassionate.

When my MS Center was celebrating their 10th anniversary my son was 3 years old.  A popular local newscaster was attending their celebratory event, and my son and I were going as well. While the newscaster was speaking, I noticed my sweet little boy climbing up into the lap of one of our dear friends who was severely disabled and required a wheelchair.

I smiled when I noticed the joy on the man’s face.  That tiny act from our big-hearted, innocent child stayed with me all these years later.  I knew in my heart that we had, indeed, instilled in our son the best gifts I ever received:  love, compassion and an understanding heart.

My "best gift" was being passed down from one generation to the next.

gifts of family

 

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