Life’s becoming hectic with Christmas around the corner and inspiration to create tomes of thought and feeling is fleeting with a week or so to go. Expect nothing from me in terms of blogging this next little while unless you want to hear about Wednesday evenings spent stroking and smelling things at Pier 1 Imports or 75% chances of attending a Vancouver Canucks game on Friday night or how much I love the smell of wrapping paper or how I covet Cranberry scent from The Body Shop or how happy Christmas lights make me or that Sarah McLachlan’s Wintersong album is playing almost non-stop at my house with brief intermissions to watch the Christmas versions Toopy and Binoo and Little Bear. Typical December stuff here.

So.

Back to the Best of ‘09 Blog Challenge. All of it’s details can be found here.

Tonight I’m going to do Day 11 – 17.

December 11 – The best place. A coffee shop? A pub? A retreat center? A cubicle? A nook?

1. My soaker tub full of Lush product and lit by candlelight, ahhhhhhhh!

2. The amphitheater at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. Seriously, the most quiet and meditative place in Greater Vancouver.

3. A suite at GM Place.

4. Electronic Arts Burnaby studio. The creative energy that rolls through that place is indescribable. One of my favorite places to hang out with my man and to see him in (sexy, working) action.

December 12 – New food. You’re now in love with Lebanese food and you didn’t even know what it was in January of this year.

Hot sauces, hot peppers, curries … HAWT STUFF. Just typing that makes my mouth water. Though I’ve always known of heat and liked it, this year I’ve become obsessed with it.

December 13 – What’s the best change you made to the place you live?

Colin moved back home for good, actually unpacking his bags. The girls stopped sleeping in my bed with me, moved back to their own room and were replaced with a warm body to spoon or be spooned by. Corny, I know … but what can I say? He’s better than a home reno, paint job or shelving unit.

December 14 – Rush. When did you get your best rush of the year?

This has the potential of having a very dirty answer. So I’ll leave it at no comment for the sake of a PG-13 rated blog

December 15 – Best packaging. Did your headphones come in a sweet case? See a bottle of tea in another country that stood off the shelves?

December 16 – Tea of the year. I can taste my favorite tea right now. What’s yours?

I’m a hardcore coffee lover and can’t get on board with tea yet to the extent of having a favorite. I do enjoy the green and herbal fruit teas though.

December 17 – Word or phrase. A word that encapsulates your year. “2009 was _____.”

Electric.

Every feeling and emotion was amplified x100 and I’m so grateful to look back and realize how alive inside I’ve felt through it all.

Whether it was wanted, scared, discarded, broken, raw, hurt, jealous, loved, hated, hugged, confused, high five’d, kissed, danced with, twirled, dipped, complimented, flattered, cuddled, studied, questioned, doubted, patted on the back, RT’d and shared, happy, peaceful, calm, fulfilled, etc…

2009 was electric and alive.

And while I plan on it being far more balanced and healthy in 2010, I’m still going to live for those sparks in many areas … those truly alive moments are what make life worth living.

I’ve never been one to force the Santa experience on my kids.

As newborns, Col and I bundled them up and as they slept in Santa’s arms, a picture was taken. At one, we didn’t bother – they weren’t old enough to grasp the concept.

At two, they asked to sit on his lap but didn’t really dig it. The picture hanging on the wall from that year is one of two fearful, white little faces and four watery, wide eyes.

At three, I asked them most days if they wanted to go sit on Santa’s lap, but they chose to watch him from above, behind the glass, one floor above where the North Pole was set up in the mall.

Again this year, I put no pressure on them – it’s just not my style to push anything on these kids but especially not the big man of the season!

We were at the mall the day Santa arrived at the end of November, watching from behind the glass. A few days later we stood at the white gate surrounding the North Pole, their hands in mine. Any time I tried to inch a little closer I’d feel the death grip pulling me back.

Every morning as I help them dress I ask, “Do you want to go see Santa today?” And every morning the answer is the same, “I’m not ready yet, mama”.

But yesterday morning I when I asked …

Lily, “Yea!”

Callie, “Mmmhmmm!”

We stood in a short line and observed the awesome decorations of a makeshift North Pole. I picked them up in my arms for a better view, said how proud I was of them, kissed their rosy cheeks and said I loved them while pulling off winter toques and flattening static filled hair. Then Callie said she had a secret to tell me.

“When I sit on Santa’s lap, can you hold my hand?” she whispered.

“Of course, sweetie”.

We made it to the front of the line in about ten minutes. I filled out the form for an $18 photo. Yes, $18 for one sheet. Robbery. But some of these occasions are worth marking, no matter the price.

As we walked, I reached for Callie’s hand and she said, “It’s okay, mama. I’m gonna be brave.”

The looks in their eyes as they walked up to Santa were full of wonder and awe. I actually started tearing up right there as I lifted them to his lap. Callie looked scared, so I walked over and took her hand as planned, but she shook her head softly.

Three photos were taken, all of them beautiful smiles.

Afterward, I walked back as Santa asked what they wanted for Christmas,

“A sparkling reindeer Christmas pillow”, answered Callie.

“A pony” answered Lily.

“A real pony?” asked Santa.

“A My Little Pony” said Lils.

(Whew!)

Santa gave them the coveted candy canes, I paid for the picture and the three of us sat outside the white gate looking at the *photo and checking out the crayons and activity books from the elves. I told them how proud I was of them, how brave they were and asked them what they thought of Santa.

“I love Santa!” they both said in unison.

Callie tapped my shoulder and whispered into my ear again, “Santa only brings one present and I asked for a sparkling reindeer Christmas pillow.”

(Thankully Colin knows what that is because I sure don’t! He says it’s at Pier 1 Imports … expensive tastes, sweet child).

Later that day we called Daddy and Gramma anybody else who’d listen.

As Callie sat on her bed talking to my mom while I folded laundry, all I heard was,

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, sparkling reindeer Christmas pillow, yeah, yeah, candy cane, yeah, yeah … ” and then a very loud, clear and matter of factly,

“Santa’s a nice guy!”

Proud, proud mommy moment here.

*I’d love to include the picture but it was an additional $15 for a CD with one image. Ridiculousness!

I just love everything about my Christmas tree.

Alright. So I’m way late getting on this boat but I figure since I really I want to be on it, that I’ll dive into the water and swim out as fast as possible, kind of like Ariel racing out to stop Eric and Ursula’s wedding. Ahem

A friend of a friend, James, is doing this over on his blog and when I read his entries, I’m all, “Oh, I should’ve done this!”

The Best of ‘09 Blog Challenge and all of it’s details can be found here. Really, this girl seems pretty cool and lax with the rules, so you can join in anytime.

Tonight, I’m going to do Day 1 – 10.

December 1 – Trip. What was your best trip in 2009?

I can honest to goodness say that I don’t remember taking a trip this year. Sadness! All of my family lives within a 10 minute drive and the disposable income was just not there to travel for fun. I think that’s something we’re going to have to change in 2010. At least a few jaunts up to Whistler, the interior next summer and maybe a get away over to the island for Colin and I. At least!

December 2 – Restaurant moment. Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind?

My memory is such a horrendous thing. Right now, the one that sticks out in my mind was a day that both Col and I skipped work, dropped the girls off at daycare and headed to The Boathouse. We sat on a sunny patio in early summer, overlooking the ocean for a couple of hours; it was so free and spontaneous and magical … and a real treat for the both of us. I can’t remember what I ate, but it was delicious and the wait staff was awesome at lunch hour.

December 3 – Article. What’s an article that you read that blew you away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious’d and reference throughout the year.

Since I don’t often read newspapers or magazines (shut it, Baker) … I’m going to have to choose blog post(s) that I thought were pretty amazing.

I shared this one by Jordan at SuperForest around the internet a lot. I thought it was spectacular for someone who likes to write and create.

Also, anything written by Jason Mraz on Freshness Factor Five Thousand rocked my world. I think I read his entire blog from conception in one (long) night.

Oh, and every single tribute I could get my paws on about Michael Jackson. Shush.

December 4 – Book. What book – fiction or non – touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?

I’m going to be a broken record here, but The Art of Happiness changed everything for me. I remember opening it in bed one night and being in wonder with this man and his faith. I haven’t given away copies, or my copy, because it’s actually Colin’s book if you can believe that. Hey, I was surprised when I found it on him.

December 5 – Night out. Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world? Who was there? What was the highlight of the night?

Two nights out were my very best. The first one was my girlfriend’s and one of Colin’s best friend’s wedding. It was THE best wedding I’ve ever been to in my life. No frills, brief, casual ceremony (the groom wore shorts and bride, a short, sexy number), sunny, hot summer night. Everyone glistening and looking and feeling sexy. Open bar. Good music. Lots of young people. I just felt like a million bucks that night. It was pretty much my own dream wedding!

Second was the Jason Mraz concert. I’ve written in detail about it already. Pure magic.

December 6 – Workshop or conference. Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did you learn?

None.

December 7 – Blog find of the year. That gem of a blog you can’t believe you didn’t know about until this year.

I Wrote This For You. Best blog in the world. Hands down.

Runner up goes to vancityrockgirl. This girl is amazing. Genuine, strong, sweet, deep at times, opinionated, funny, smart and downright awesome. I have to agree with James that she’s totally readable. Reading her diary-style blog is like sitting with a good friend everyday and just shootin’ the shit.

December 8 – Moment of peace. An hour or a day or a week of solitude. What was the quality of your breath? The state of your mind? How did you get there?

I think my greatest moment of peace (at least most recent moment) happened this weekend when understanding, words, forgiveness and thanks were had. I felt a calm and peace in my heart and soul afterward that was pretty indescribable. That and Colin had taken the girls out for the morning and the world was very quiet.

December 9 – Challenge. Something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?

Clawing my way out of a really dark hell I fell into in February. I didn’t just go the edge, but fell in deep and hard and my life was turned upside down in a way I never thought possible. I think true forgiveness of myself and others was the big challenge here and as many times as I said it over and over again that it had happened, it didn’t truly come until a month or two ago.

This has been a really fucked up year for me! The most of my entire life. I’m so beyond stoked to say goodbye to it and roll into a fresh new year with all of the lessons I’ve learned.

December 10 – Album of the year. What’s rocking your world?

Jason Mraz – We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Regardless of if this changes or not from now till Friday, it’s still going to be the greatest weekend ever. I’ve been waiting for it forever!

You see, Friday is payday which means we can start really getting into the season. When I said in my last post, “the harsh reality that is life right now”, it was totally about money. Or lack thereof. Like, serious lack.

Some of you might think that because I’m a stay at home mom, it’s because we can afford it, but the truth is, we sacrifice HUGELY in the finances department. Actually, we weren’t coming out ahead nor breaking even when the girls were in junior K either, but anyway.

There are very few ‘wants’ or luxuries anymore as our income just barely covers our needs. Long gone are the days of hair colouring, eating out, DVD rentals, spa treatments, fresh organic power juices, buying books, music, etc.

And while that may seem sad, it’s really not and I’m not complaining; we still have our indulgences. But anything above and beyond basic needs, is indulgence and so totally appreciated, like our Canucks TV package, the Granville Island Winter Ale we drank the other night … and the hoodie and tank Col surprised me with last weekend from Old Navy.

We’ve adapted to being broke, living paycheque to paycheque, borrowing money when we fall short and have accepted that there’s no getting ahead while I’m home with the girls. As long as we have a roof over our heads, food to cook, warmth and each other then we’re going to be okay. Our high rolling days were over the minute we saw two heartbeats during the ultrasound and won’t start up again for about 14 years

Anyway, the state of financial affairs means that while I’ve jazzed up the house with Christmas decorations I already had on hand, the Christmas season doesn’t really commence until Friday. I haven’t bought a single Christmas present (no worries, my list is tiny this year) or baked a cookie or hung stockings or even bought a tree yet … and this weekend is it!

The fact that it’s supposed to snow is just like icing on the awesome cake!

So, Friday kicks off with shopping. Wake up early in the morning and hit the grocery store where I intend to shop for all of my baking ingredients and stock up on supplies to make these yummy chicken enchiladas I saw on Carrie’s blog last night.

Then we’ll head back out, pick up a bunch of presents, supplies and try to get the majority of our list crossed off, minus the Toys R’ Us trip where 80% of our purchases are being made.

Friday night is Colin’s Christmas party and they’ve cut budgets so much that there’s no big gala anymore, rather, private department parties within the studio. It’s not really mentioned if spouses are welcome, but I don’t want to go anyway and Col can have a night out with the boys while I bake the enchiladas for the girls, my brother and whoever else wants to join us and watch a bunch of Christmas movies and Flashpoint. Yeah!

The rest of the weekend will include buying a tree, decorating it and fully Christmasifying our humble abode. Saturday and Sunday will be days of baking and decorating cookies with the girls and maybe, just maybe …

PLAYING IN THE SNOW!?!

Holy moly! I’ve never been so excited for a Friday and weekend in my whole life.

What I wouldn’t give to live up in northern Ontario this time of year…

Where the dads make ice rinks in their backyards.

Where the hot cocoa flows.

Where a snow blower is a fixture, a tractor snow plow makes you the coolest person on the block and a snow shovel is child’s play.

Where skates line mud rooms amongst hockey sticks.

Where mass pandemonium doesn’t break at calls of flurries.

Where dinners out are at the local, privately owned diner.

Where sunshine shines and nature’s diamonds glint from snowbanks and rooftops.

Where rosy red cheeks and noses require kisses and warm breaths and a mother’s hot touch.

Where Tim Horton’s is a 5am trek and it’s coffee is a treat to the one you love, in bed.

Where kids know to pee before snowsuits are snapped in place.

Where you plug your car battery in each night.

A land of crackling, log-fueled fireplaces.

A land of snowmen.

A land of snowflakes falling on your nose, cheeks and tongue.

A land where toques and thick wool scarves are a necessity, not a fashion statement.

A land of silence.

A land where you hear a person’s approach to your house by the sound of the snow crunching beneath them.

A land of premium snow tires and chains.

A land of taking star-filled family walks toting thermal mugs of Baileys and hot chocolate in one hand and kiddie hot chocolate in the other.

A land where the moon stands solid, mighty and firm in a pitch black sky.

Where looking out of your bedroom window is a surprise every single waking moment.

Where families gather around frozen ponds.

Where kisses are had in front of fireplaces amongst candles.

Where shoveling a walkway is not a chore, rather, a pleasure.

Where the neighbor’s cold children pound on your door and ask, “Can Callie and Lily come out to play?” and you invite them to stand in your warm entrance to heat their frozen feet on radiant heated tiling.

Where the community gathers at pee wee hockey games, women sell their baked goods and 50/50 tickets … and dads are on the bench coaching.

What I wouldn’t give.

And all of that from a Canadian Tire commercial I saw this morning. Wow!

Once upon a time I used to read only mommy and daddy blogs and a handful of personal blogs; those alone took big chunks of my free time. I also only used to read blogs of individuals who read mine and I thought that was fair but obligatory and dull. The whole ‘you comment, I follow’ rule never worked for me and actually, when it comes to blogging, rules in general don’t work for me (and probably why I haven’t once successfully completed NaBloPoMo). It’s just blogging; writing and reading on the internet because I feel like it, when I feel like it.

I stopped reading a lot of blogs because of their family friendly, child-focused goodness tainted with cheesy reviews and plugs (obviously not a bad thing when you look at the popularity of and money involved in parenting blogs – and I do have a little handful of exceptions – it’s just that I come online as a break from children rather than to hear all about other people’s), messages of mediocre being the new black, blahs, whaas, dramas and constant rantings.

I was feeling unfulfilled, uninspired and missed learning about actual people and their passions.

Coming online is my hobby, my escape. In my time here, I want to learn something, see something beautiful, become inspired to better my world, get to know a person’s heart, soul, fears, passions and dreams a little better. I actually love reading your memes and diary-style entries because I learn so much about you as a person.

So basically my criteria became, if I’m not learning anything about the writer, then I don’t read the blog. The “writing” doesn’t even matter – I’ve never been one to follow after so-called amazing ‘writers’ in the blogosphere anyway; I’ve always preferred the unique, original, one of a kind diamonds over the obnoxious shiny stones bought in a mall because the romantic commercial said to.

Anyway, everything changed and my reading list was quartered, in effect clearing up a bunch of time.

And so I started out on an adventure outside of my comfort zone and found hundreds of ridiculously positive, beautiful, inspiring, gorgeous, thought-provoking blogs. Personal blogs, niche blogs, photo blogs, food blogs, every kind of blog blogs. They make me smile.

People doing actual things over and above the norm. Blogs teaching Yes. People encouraging me to touch the sky because I can and if I don’t succeed today, try again tomorrow or next week or next month; just don’t stop trying. Articles focused on becoming anything – including happy – if you want it badly enough. Artists sharing what’s gorgeous and moving through their eyes today … This practice changed my life … Here is how I’m succeeding … Open your mind … Aim to be more and better …

(You can find snippets if you click my “Everything Beautiful in the Blogs” button on my sidebar which is my shared items in Google reader).

And my mind was blown open to a world of colour brighter, richer and deeper than I’ve ever seen before and it’s all been extremely fulfilling and thought provoking.

But all this computer time is over-stuffing brain; I can feel it sparking with all the information I’m receiving and not properly digesting. I’m like an overly excited child constantly darting to the next ride.

So it’s time to slow down and savour. There is so much beauty and greatness that I never knew existed out here in the blogosphere and it could easily consume my entire life.

Talk about inspiration overload. I never knew there was such a thing.

I also never knew there was such a thing as writing 600+ words and not really remembering what my main point was supposed to be. Sorry

But know this …

If you’re reading this and I’m reading you, then I want you to know that you, as an individual, constantly amaze me.

Thank you for being excellent and sharing it with the world.

I did the walk n’ snap throw about a hundred times tonight for anybody … my mom, my brother, Colin, his brother, Callie and Lily …

Singing, “You’ve been hit by … you’ve been struck by … a smooth criminal”

Head. Pop, lock. Shoulders. Pop, lock. Neck. Pop, lock.

“Annie are you ok … so, Annie are you ok, are you ok, Annie?”

My brother, “You’re NOT a dancer, Jen.” (It seems as though I embarrass him in public appropriately).

Heh.

I finally saw This Is It today and if I have my way, maybe Colin will stream it for me so I can watch it in bed tonight before I fall asleep. And if I’m really lucky I’ll be gifted the DVD for Christmas so I can actually stand up and dance to it instead of being confined to a reclining chair in the theater, where all I can do is groove is my head, fingers, legs and feet.

I know that you, my tens of readers, are rolling your eyes at me right now and that’s quite alright. I won’t lie … it’s been difficult to find an equally big Michael Jackson fan anywhere but YouTube and Europe since he died.

But I grew up on Michael … so did my little brother. My mom forced us to listen to him on vinyl just like she did with all her 60s/70s/80s records … and we liked it. My first kiss was Michael Jackson. Our babysitter taught us the moonwalk for an entire summer. I cried at the video debut of Thriller when I was 4 (FOUR YEARS OLD, MOM! That’s how old my girls are, ha )

Anyway, today was a day I’ll never forget.

With my MJ comrades – my mom and brother – I took at seat at This Is It and was instantly fascinated and transfixed on this legend of a man, his absolutely mind blowing dancers, back up vocalists and production crew.

And holy shit, I was in awe.

Of dancing I could only dream of doing myself …

Of Michael’s perfectionism …

Of his gentleness …

Of his passion and energy …

Of the stage set including a massive background screen and that they actually taped large production films to show on that screen for the shows (you should SEE the new Thriller video WOAH) …

Oh, man. This Is It would have been such a very, very epic show.

He says at one point in the movie, “It’s all for love. L-O-V-E” … Yes! He knows. He was love, a lover of Earth and humankind (despite how hated he was by many accusatory and judgmental people of his home, North America).

And those people are the most beautiful people – the kind I of people I aim to be. Loving, forgiving, awakened, aware, hope-filled and Earth conscious.

But, wow. I don’t even know what else to say except it was the best movie I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

And if you can and love to dance … like really dance … dream of being a dancer … have been a dancer … admire good dancers … or if you just love Michael Jackson …

Then you MUST see this movie on the big screen in the short time you have left, because oh my God … it was totally golden.

I cried on the inside and bit my lip to not cry on the outside – not because I was sad but because I was so moved by the talent and pure awesomeness and beauty that is Michael Jackson and his production family.

Such head-exploding goodness.

(Obviously, I would be a horrid film reviewer with things like “head-exploding goodness”. Forgive me if you’re actually taking this review seriously … I’m just excited.)

But I loved it and being there was the highlight of my year* maybe.

Go see. It’ll fill you with groove and awe.

*I live a sheltered, yet music and dance filled, life. Don’t judge.

I want to give you a gift to make you smile but I don’t know what you love. My hope is that if I share with you the things I love most, that one of them will be perfect.

So what’s it going to be? …

~ The Moon ~

I would probably catch you gazing into the sky, announcing the full moon, reading horoscopes and believing in the fates.

To you I gift the most powerful of telescopes and a map to a cozy spot under a vast black sky where you will observe constellations and untouched planets for the rest of your nights. A million stars will shine for you and there will be no shortage of shooting stars to make wishes upon.

~ Spa Bathroom ~

You love peace, tranquility, meditation, warmth, clean white spaces, wood and beautiful aromas.

You will have a spa bathtub, candles, the softest of towels straight from the dryer, your favourite music playing quietly in the background and the most pure and organic bath luxuries at your disposal.

~ Whistler, BC ~

You’re likely in love with mountain sports and fresh air. Boutique shops, gourmet foods and apres ski pitchers in a laid back village setting. You relish first tracks, freshies and waking up in darkness to avoid lift lines. You love watching soft snow fall from your place in an outdoor hot tub or from inside on a chair beside the fire.

To you I gift mountain passes, top of the line gear, no lift lines, first tracks, reservations in the finest gourmet establishments, ski in/out accommodations with private outdoor hot tub, VIP to your favourite clubs and bars … and endless snowfall.

~ Flowers ~

Your heart skips a beat when the man in your life sends you a bouquet or brings flowers home from work for no reason. You have many shapes and sizes of vases as well as spots you display your beauty. You spend time admiring arrangements, carefully cutting stems, stopping into florists to inhale and you adore garden centers and nurseries. You inhale and take pictures of gorgeous blooms and you have a garden to which you tend. Spring is probably your favourite time of year.

To you I gift a home in the hills of Maui, Hawaii. You will play under waterfalls and frolic in fields of plumeria and other native exotics. While weaving leis, you’ll sit with a bloom behind your ear sipping a Mai Tai as the trade winds assault you with fragrance.

~ Hockey ~

You watch every game your team plays but you also have alternate teams you cheer on; you may be part of a fantasy league. You dream of seasons tickets in your home ice arena and have no plans of ever missing a single one even in if it falls on holidays or birthdays. You’re the owner of at least one team jersey which you put on hours before the game begins, you know the words to both Canadian and American national anthems but only sing your own country’s out loud, you love the smell of ice and you’ve probably paid (or are willing to pay) a mortgage payment to see your team in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Beer is your drink of choice and hockey is life. A huge void is most likely felt at the beginning of off-season.

To you I gift seasons tickets with your choice of seats for the rest of your years and non-stop beer. You’ll catch a puck, pound fist to glove with your goalie after a winning game and a jersey autographed by the team. Your team will win the Stanley Cup and you’ll be there to witness it. (And this gift is transferable to your preferred sport)

~ Wine ~

You don’t have wineglasses, you have stemware – a type for every wine and occasion – that you delicately hand wash. Wine is something you look forward to as a full experience. You savour it. You feel a bottle in your hands … uncork it, pour it, swirl it, inhale it’s notes,  hold a beautiful glass to the light and study it’s colours, reflections and depth. Sip.

To you I gift endless wine; the best the world has to offer. You will sit with a favourite  friend under the stars and sample your treasures any night you please. There will be guaranteed drunkness, laughter, excellent conversation, good food to fill your belly, perfect music to fill your soul … no hangover.

~ Music ~

You love music and always have. Your earliest memories might be of your parents forcing you to listen to vinyl on a record player and you have a vast knowledge of and open mindedness to all genres of music. Music was, and continues to be, playing the background. Anything goes because you crave sound … you have an extensive music library … you’re a concert go’er and reviewer. Without music, your life would feel quite empty.

For you, I gift music. Your most loved musicians and bands will perform in your city monthly … big shows, small shows, acoustic shows … however you’ve dreamed them, they will be. Your playlist will be gifted with one new song every morning that you absolutely fall in love with because it’s written for you, about you and your journey. Sometimes it makes your cry and others make you kiss your fist and touch the sky. You’ll have top quality equipment and gadgets to listen to or create music, which are constantly replenished with technology advancements.

~ New York City at Christmas ~

I’m not sure who you are but if you’re anything like me you love the city. Maybe you don’t love city life, but you feed off the energy of cities and all they have to offer. You’re most likely a free spirit with good walking shoes, health and energy to walk all day long without time schedules or things to do. You have no fear of the unknown. You dream of skating at Rockefellar Center and siting on a bench in Central Park with coffee, people watching.

For you, I gift New York City at Christmas and all of the magic it holds. The weather will be freezing and perfect … the first flakes of Winter will fall on the cold, rosy cheek of your love with whom you will skate and roam the city hand in hand. You will have infinite amounts of money to visit landmarks, do your Christmas shopping, reservations at restaurants of your choice and a week long stay at a luxury hotel. This gift will reoccur each year in the Christmas season.

~ Perfect jeans ~

You tend to despise shopping for jeans and perhaps never leave a shop completely satisfied. Maybe you prefer sweats and yoga pants because jeans just aren’t comfortable and ‘mom bum’, sag or too tight might be what you see when you look in the mirror. Even if you do wear denim all of the time, they’re never ‘the’ perfect jeans.

Well, I’ve found the perfect jeans and am wearing them right now. The place I bought them is a store specializing in denim and once I figured out my waist and length sizes I had dozens of fits and washes/rinses to choose. I walked out with three pairs and they all fit like a glove, keep their original shape and I seriously love them. My gift to you is the name of this amazing store, a denim shopping spree and a forever jean-clad, smackable, sexy ass.

~ Notebooks ~

You’re a writer, artist, diarist, list maker, doodler, poet. You create your beauty on paper in favoured notebooks. Your magic is not found online in your blog, rather, in ink or pencil. A lover of book stores, libraries and stationary shops, you find peace and serenity in quiet moments. If you’re like me, you like to be alone with your notebooks and thoughts; you are a dreamer.

To you I gift quiet moments of contemplation, an endless supply of your preferred notebooks, writing tools and books. You will have a comfortable, peaceful spot to utilize whenever you need to get away from it all, to create your written magic.

~~~

So, my friend, I ask you … which of these gifts would bring the biggest smile to your face and heart today?

]]> http://eternallyhuckdoll.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/id-love-to-see-your-smile-today/feed/ 6 Huckdoll the moon spa boarding flowers hockey wine music new york jeans notebook http://eternallyhuckdoll.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/silence-is-golden/ http://eternallyhuckdoll.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/silence-is-golden/#comments Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:40:07 +0000 Huckdoll http://eternallyhuckdoll.wordpress.com/?p=3683 ]]>

I’m writing this post less than 12 hours after my last in an attempt to get ahead of the NaBloPoMo game. The past few years, my demise has always been leaving my posts till the very last minute and panicking. I felt that familiar feeling last night when I posted Day 2 with less than 15 minutes to spare – so no more!

What I know about myself for sure is that early morning is my ideal time of day, so the goal starting tomorrow is to wake up a few hours earlier than normal and do something alone. If it’s nice outside I’ll go for a run … yoga … go to the gym … meditation … write my posts and read blogs … eat breakfast … drink coffee … all in complete silence.

I miss silence … need silence … crave silence.

As I commented on Mary’s post today, silence and sleep are two things I never fully appreciated pre-kiddos; lack of them leaves me feeling frazzled and at wits end by evening.

So starting tonight, I go to bed early.

Starting tomorrow, I wake up early.

Because silence truly is golden …

Do you have moments of absolute silence … is it important to you and your well-being … if so, is it a natural part of your day to day life or have you enforced it?