Leaving a Light On

One of the hazards of having lived in a bunch of places is the fact that I never know if a trend in my part of the country is a trend the whole nation has embraced or just a thing in my corner of the world.  Case in point: candlelights in windows.

Tiny candlelights in dark windows are definitely a thing around here and I love them.  A few years back, my mother gave me a set of four lights for the front windows in my house.  They came from Plow and Hearth and are these exact lights. They are easy to use and durable.  I think they make Sassafras House look friendly and welcoming, especially during dark, cold winter nights.  My four lights are in the front windows of my house.  When I look out my back windows, I see that some of my neighbors have candles in their back windows.

This winter, I got an additional light for the stairway window that faces the backyard.  It glows there on the landing and makes my house feel just a little more cozy.  It feels like home; a happy, welcoming home.

May your 2014 be safe and peaceful with a side of joy just when you need it most.  Happy New Year!

Generation Tolerance

JT has been known to enjoy shows like Ice Road Truckers, Hardcore Pawn, Duck Dynasty and Cutthroat Kitchen.  I have no affection for these shows and call it all Republican TV.  I don't watch them but neither do I edit his viewing of them.  This is mainly the case because that sort of parental censorship never pays off and I have confidence in the value system installed in JT long before Hard Core Pawn and Duck Dynasty entered his world.  He's nearly 14 and some choices should be his to make.

In the aftermath of the Duck Dynasty patriarch's offensive comments about gays, JT up and announced that he had deleted the show from his DVR and unfollowed the Duck Dynasty crew from social media sites he uses.  I was pleasantly surprised but, consistent with my original approach to his media consumption habits, pointed out to him that I didn't require such actions on his part.  He looked at me, surprised that I didn't get it.  He won't be a part of such caveman behavior; it is unacceptable to him.  Full stop.  If Duck Dynasty wants to be homophobic, they will do it without JT.

He's not alone in this decision.  A number of his friends also abruptly broke up with Duck Dynasty.  It should be noted that teenage boys are rarely among the most sensitive members of society.  But these kids know the difference between right and wrong and they have expectations about the world.  Since they were 5, long before Bobby Jindal or Barack Obama were a part of their world, they have expected that their buddy N, an Indian-American, will be the president some day (I happen to think they are right about this kid).  Tolerance is in their generational DNA and when they get next, we're all going to be just fine.

Food Friday: Irish Cream

A few years ago, I made up a batch of homemade Irish cream.  The recipe isn't mine; I found it on Tasty Kitchen and I follow it exactly as ordered.  After I mix it up, I store mine in a mason jar in the fridge. T and JT refer to it as my moonshine but no matter what it's called, it's delicious.

During the holidays, I add a dollop or two to a cup of coffee or homemade hot cocoa when the mood strikes.  It's a happy addition to my holiday.

We Believe

At my house, Santa leaves his offerings on the red bench at the foot of the stairs.  

Traditionally, I make JT's picture as he first spies his loot on Christmas morning.

He's a lot bigger than when this tradition first began.  

Though Santa's secret has been revealed to him, JT continues to embrace the idea of Santa.  I am glad it continues.  Childhood is fleeting and those few years of magical beliefs and confidence that the unknown will be amazing must sustain a lifetime.  The mystery of faith in the magical and the sure knowledge that he is much-loved are an awfully good inoculation against the challenges of the real world.  So we still believe.

Merry Christmas! Amaryllis, Day 1

T gave me an amaryllis bulb for Christmas and I am delighted by this treat.  It will sit on my dining room table to absorb the light and amaze me with its rapid growth.

This plant will brighten my winter days.  Until it blooms, updates will be posted each week on Wednesday so that I can share its display.  Merry, merry!

Christmas Eve

My town sets out luminaries on Christmas Eve.  They are simple ----- brown paper bags, each with a pillar candle and some sand to keep the bag sturdy.  It's a lovely tradition; one that I enjoy because it is so simple.

When JT gets home from his other mom's house, we set out the bags.

Come twilight, we light the candles and then have a supper of snacks and appetizers.

Later tonight, we'll watch "A Christmas Story" and maybe play some games.  Santa will do his work in preparation for Christmas morning and then I will tuck into my flannel nest, grateful for blessings large and small.

I hope that you have some traditions to enjoy and some blessings to count.  Happy Christmas!

Pretty Packages

For me, one of the best parts of Christmas is wrapping packages.  I love the paper, the bows, and all the Christmas tags I find on Etsy.  

That's happy!

Christmas Treat

After an exceptionally cold December, the last two days have been exceedingly mild.  Today, it's already 67 degrees and will likely get warmer.  The snow piles from last week's storms are nearly gone.  I opened the windows so some of the fresh air could come inside and Tiger and Lucy were delighted with this development and they each selected a windowsill from which to observe the world.

In the winter, my cats make themselves comfortable on all the warm spots in the house.  They nap on the radiators, on a soft blanket on the sofa when the morning sun sun shines into the living room, Tiger tucks himself under a down comforter whenever one is available, and Lucy loves to curl up on the furnace itself (it's a boiler, so it can be quite toasty).  Come warmer weather, they enjoy the open windows, sniffing the air and tormenting the birds.

They are surprised to have the windows open this morning, but they are happy to take advantage of it.  They get an unusual treat and I get a reminder that the unexpected can make a day happier.  

The Winter View

Though Winter doesn't officially arrive until tomorrow, we've had a cold and snowy December and have quickly settled into our Winter routines.  Among the most enjoyable has been the view from the dining room window this month.  

That's happy!

Real Life Conversations in Middle School: Accurate Assessment edition

The backstory:  7th graders at my school learn the first half of U.S. History and are seeking to understand some pretty complicated subjects, including slavery.  Two 7th graders were at work on understanding the Three-Fifths Compromise when I was in class with them earlier this week.

Student M:  I don't get the Three-Fifths Compromise.  What is it again?

Student C:  What it is is MESSED UP.

The language may not be sophisticated but the understanding is pretty damn spot on.