Of cabbages and kings!

This week was the Medieval fair, and indeed,:

"The time has come...

[the family said],

to talk of many things. 

Of shoes--and ships--

and sealing wax--

of cabbages and kings."

[And while the sea is boiling hot,

Oh! -Hear the mermaids sing!]

-Lewis Carroll The Walrus and the Carpenter

Slice a cabbage the most thinly or
"plummet" (a.k.a. pummel) the opponent to win.

After chasing knights down, sometimes one is just speechless,

OR must undertake a quest of their own.

Presenting: Sirs Cristopher and Connor.

Baby "dragons" require great gentleness

That mermaid gave her a shell!

["O Children," said the Parents,]
"You've had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?'
But answer came there none--
And this was scarcely odd, because
[They're snoring, every one.]

4: Belief

(Noun). Confidence in something unprovable.
(Noun). The act or habit of putting trust in another. 


Several years ago we got stuck in a giant blizzard when coming home from Branson, Missouri. We drove until we could drive no further because we literally could not see three feet in front of the car. We were fortunate to find a motel about two hours from home. Interestingly, thanks to some vending machines and grandma's bottomless purse, Santa and his reindeer were still able to know that two little boys were there anticipating Christmas and came and visited outside our window. Really magical.

Sometimes finding love, family, and faith is actually the process of forming habits of seeking and seeing. The more we expect to find them, the easier it is to believe that those things are really the force that guides us and that they will endure.

I'm thankful for those who remember to show me the magic and that I do not always have to know how it happens.

3: Notice

 

1. (Noun) The act of observing or perceiving what is going on all around.
2. (Noun) Respectful or courteous attention.

One of the most beautiful things about Calyn's personality is that she sees details and notices everything and everyone around her. She can find even a glimmer of sparkle and detect a glimpse of sadness. She finds so many things that everyone else overlooks everyday. She takes in the high and the low and whatever she discovers she gently touches.

We are hoping our Christmas tree will survive her inquiries!

May you notice blessings and people this holiday season that you would normally overlook and welcome them with reverence.

1: Deck

Last year my Christmas words series were an important meditation for me and a way to cultivate mindfulness during the holidays and try to capture and share glimpses of the beauty of my life. I decided to continue them this year. I hope they are lovely for you as well.

Christmas in the main square, Mulhouse, France

1. Verb. To adorn festively
2. Verb.  To knock someone very hard to their knees or to the ground.
3. Verb. [Clear the deck] To prepare for action.

This year our holiday started with some unfortunate news about a job. There were so many opportunities, possibilities, dreams from the past bubbling into hopes for our future that seemed packaged just right. We were all completely wrapped up in what might have been, perhaps more than we ever have been before. And now it isn't. 

So now we are here on our knees, on our faces, wondering what comes next. We are assessing, we are searching, we are making preparations; but for what exactly we do not know.  

Happy birthday Connor!

I know I say it every time, but so hard to believe that this week Connor turned four. Here is a photo book I made for him that showcases some of our silliness!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.

10: Stealthable

10

Stealthable

Connor November 20, 2011

     1. (adjective) [A Cristopherism] "So stealth that bad guys (or your mom) can't see it.

     2. (noun) "Something that flies high above the clouds."

Includes important technologies for the future. Santa and frosting stealers take note...

May all your holiday surprises stay above the radar. [***Wink***]