Take Time

Much like everyone else at this time of year we could all use a day or two between Sunday and Monday, especially when it comes time for decorating our homes. I know last year by the time my mother's home was sold and she established in her new residence I was pooped.That was December 19th. I can't believe that it's been a whole year. In spite of the multitude of boxes and stuff everywhere, I hauled out the Christmas Tree and ornaments,not all the ornaments made it to the tree that year, as a matter of fact I think I went out and bought a dozen roses and babies breath and the lights that my son Daniel helped me put on (on Christmas Eve) it got up there. It was stressful. Along with the tree out come my Christmas coffee table books. Most of which are favorites from my sons childhood days. These two however, are books they bought for me. I thought of them the other day when Leslie and Lennie and I stopped off at the TEA SHOPPE in Bloor West Village. A customer came in to buy a lb. of Christmas Blend. Who knew there was such a thing? Anyway, when I take the time to re-read these two short books, I settle down, and enjoy my preparations for the most Blessed Time of the year.

Synopsis:
If you find you have some time, how wonderful if we could have a little chat and share a cup of Christmas tea." A man receives an invitation from his elderly, ailing aunt and doesn't want to go. It's the midst of the Christmas rush, and who needs the aggravation? The depression? The strain? Driven by guilt, he visits her anyway, and rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas. Tom Hegg wrote A Cup of Christmas Tea in 1981, when his pastor asked him to write something for his church's 125th anniversary. Drawing on childhood memories, he composed a straightforward, sentimental poem that brought tears to his audience's eyes. First published in 1982, it's been a seasonal best-seller ever since. A Memory of Christmas Tea, published in 1999, is the heartwarming sequel. Revisiting the themes of A Cup of Christmas Tea, it gently reminds us of the important things in life such as taking time for loved ones.

The distractions of a busy holiday season are swept away by the memory of a frail but strong great aunt and her legacy of love. Sequel to the beloved classic A Cup of Christmas Tea.


When Daniel was quite young he didn't like to go to bed, and one of his negotiating elements was a cup of tea at bedtime. He knew I always had one at the end of the day, that was always the last thing he'd want to do at the end of the day. I'm so glad I usually gave in and had tea with him. Daniel doesn't live at home anymore, and I'm quite sure he's not drinking tea so I guess I'll just have that memory. I loved these books when the boys bought them for me, back then, but I'm liking them even more now.

Read a good book lately?

A few years ago I volunteered at our school library, and was part of the reading team. I don't know if parents know this but every book purchased for the libriaries of the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board at the elementary level is read by a teacher/ librarian and/or parent. Well I was that parent. I read a book called Wringer by Jerry Spinelli, one of his best I might add. The book summary is as follows, Palmer LaRue is not looking forward to the day he turns 10. His town has an annual Pigeon Day. When a boy turns 10 in this town, they become "wringers" and strangle the pigeons wounded during the annual pigeon shoot. He must either accept this task or find the courage to say no. His buddies soon discover Palmer is hiding a pet pigeon in his room. Who names their kid Palmer? Anyway, I think he lives next door. I have pigeons galore. I have a nature lady living next door and she feeds pigeons and other birds. The fence is all crapped up and the roof too. What can one do to maintain neighborhood relations without cleaning Pigeon crap? I'd like to say move. But, that's not in the forecast for a few more years. I think I might be calling the Animal Control though or investing in a hawk. Daniel at one point in grade six I believe wanted to be a Falconer. NOW that's an idea. I don't read for the library anymore, but I do still read and I'm delighted to say today is Silent Sunday. (except for the washing machine/dryer, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher ...)Everyone has their preferences regarding winddown, but this is mine, it may not happen until 11p.m tonight but... Have a good Sunday.