"November slightly sneaks up on us, catching our senses by surprise. Suddenly, as the English poet Thomas Hood sullenly observed two centuries ago, there's 'no shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds.' Outside, silvery gray shafts reveal a familiar landscape stripped of pretense. Behind closed doors, glowing amber fires shed light upon the real. Like a woman who has found her authenticity, November's beauty radiates from within."
-Sarah Breathnach
I am aware that this time of year has a plethora of yucky side effects: muddy shoes traipsing across my freshly mopped floor, stomach bugs, runny noses, never ending barking coughs. Worries about money and how Christmas will be covered. Having to be reunited with family, lots of family. But as I was watching the workers haul out the extravagant holiday decorations at the mall yesterday, I forgot about all of the crappy aspects of winter and just completely melted into the splendor that is this season! I love how snow quietly masks the earth's impurities. I love the fact that it's no longer totally ridiculous for me to listen to Christmas music as I'm getting dressed in the morning. I love that thoughts turn more wholeheartedly to Christ. I love thinking about what goodies and treats I want to make for my friends and family this year. I love the scents- peppermint, gingerbread, evergreen, and sugar cookies. I love wearing cozy sweaters and how my makeup doesn't melt off as soon as I leave my front door. I love that, even though I won't get mine out until the day after Thanksgiving, all the stores have glittering trees and other decorations displayed and commercials on TV ring with jingle bells. I love green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. I love that Sam's Club has Martinelli's sparkling cider available in bulk! I challenge you to go out today and do something that is quintessentially November. If you're in Colorado, just step outside and play in the snow. Happy November!
Oh and I learned today that my newest favorite song is Linkin Park's "Waiting for the End." You can listen to it here...don't pay attention to the comments sprinkled with all sorts of four letter words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qF_qbaWt3Q
Janet
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