Merry Christmas To All

If you know me at all, you know that Christmas is my very favorite holiday. I even took these past several days off of blogging just so I could enjoy this blessed holiday and all the days leading up to it. Remember in the midst of all your gift giving, food eating, family reuniting, carol singing and festivities, why we celebrate Christmas.

Luke 2:1-14 NKJV

Christ Born of Mary
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”


Watch a good old fashioned classic like "It's a Wonderful Life", "The Bishop's Wife", "Going My Way", "The Bells of Saint Mary's", "White Christmas", "A Charlie Brown Christmas"... (the list can go on and on)

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a blessed night!

Art, Hokusai and Teaching

As a slight break in the literary postings, but still keeping with some of my subjects I generally post about...

One of my lifelong dreams is coming true tomorrow. I get to teach an art history and technique class! My lovely and talented cousin, Elle is allowing me to visit her 1'st grade class to teach about Katsushika Hokusai, art concepts, terms, techniques and we'll even do two ink paintings with some Kanji.

I'm so incredibly excited! In a few months time, their shool is going to have an art show to sell the kid's paintings. Just my niche, and just what I love doing!

Best Use For A Dollar

My newest acquisition: a slightly thrashed but beautiful old copy of A Tale of Two Cities. Sun bleached and a little worse for wear, it was printed in 1934… And I got it for $1.00!

I almost dove over the tiny desk and hugged the little old lady, (then after a second thought, I worried it might get me escorted out by some sort of library police...) In the end, I restrained myself, paid the lady and danced out like a madwoman. Thank you Friends of the Library Bookstore, I promise I’ll take care of my new [old] book.