Photo Op

The phrase "photo op" or "photo opportunity" was coined years ago by an aide to President Nixon. On occasion he would announce to the White House Press Room that there would be a photo opportunity in the Oval Office. To an amateur photographer the term now refers to any opportunity to snap a great photo.

Following a fresh snow storm, here's my photo op...

So quiet, so still, so peaceful.

The Distinguished Advocate

So herewith let it be stated...that this post must be read with a pompous fake accent.

It was with great honor that we welcomed the distinguished advocate Lawyer Girl home for the holidays. Her visit consisted of movie watching moments, piano playing, pie making lessons, puzzle solving, skiing of extreme terrain, and sheer madness.

Using deliberate finesse (acquired during her first semester of law school) the distinguished advocate kicked off her winter break with a desire to expand her culinary skills and prowess. Setting her MacBook aside she donned the task of pie crust mastery. Nothing but success for the self titled "Pie maker's apprentice" would be acceptable. Precise rolling of the delicate pastry was involved.

The distinguished advocate was  sufficiently careful to use the tool only as a means to make a lattice crust so as not to be construed as assault with a deadly weapon.

It seems evidence points out that the distinguished advocate shows great promise in pie making as well as lawyering skills.

All parties involved had a mutual agreement to have an extensive fabulous time together.

It is implicit that all parties acted in good faith.

It is the court's opinion that the distinguished advocate's father entered into an implied employee contract with the advocate as Jiggy Sticks were made on the premise during the visit.

Furthermore let it be known, that the pooch Izzy may have been under duress when ordered by the distinguished advocate to wear fine Italian leather boots.

The advocate used all manner of cajoling and coercing the court into finishing the aforementioned puzzle until ridiculously late hours on the evening before her departure.

We the jury find that the distinguished advocate is guilty of being sorely missed by the court.

Adoration In All Things

The Teenager thumbed deliberately through the pages of The Book of Common Prayer as if he were looking for something. He was not so anxiously waiting for his turn to play the piano in the holiday recital. St Johns Episcopal Church was kind enough to offer the use of their chapel for the event. The old wooden pews were hard and uncomfortable, but the chapel was the perfect setting. Each pew contained a copy of the prayer book and the Teenager was intent on keeping himself occupied with the contents. I glanced over at the open page where I read...

"What is adoration?"
"Adoration is the lifting up of the heart and mind to God, asking nothing but to enjoy his presence. Adore that which is around you."

I jotted down the passage and thought nothing more about it. The Teenager magnificently played his "Fat Man On a Roof" selection and we left for home.

As each day of the holiday season played out...the word "adore" began to toss around in my head.

I have an abundance of "adorable" things in my life at this time.

The life and miracle of my grand daughter Olivia, whose very presence simply makes me giggle and squeal with delight. Her Mommy and Daddy "adore" everything about her...you should hear her belly laugh at her Daddy...it's magical!

Individually, each member of my family is unique...bursting with energy and commitment in their current stage of life. I adore each and every one of them. Of course my angel daughter watches over us all, her touch often felt upon us.

And so it is that I have chosen "Adore" as my singular word and mantra for 2011. I'm not a New Year's resolution maker...never have been. If I were, I'd probably have to resolve to stop drinking Diet Coke or something ridiculous like that. Then where would I be? Rather, in 2011 I  plan to "adore" those people and moments that surround me. The sun as it kisses the mountain tops in the early morning just outside my window, the honey bees as they busily gather pollen to produce honey for me, the hubby who makes Jiggy Sticks with giddy intent, friends who are the glue sealing my broken heart together, all of this and so much more.

Adoration...I think I'll start right here.

Same Fat Man...Same Fat Channel...

For a very long time now, this Santa has been coming to my extended family's Christmas Eve party. Although I'm not sure how he has time to be at Grammy's house when he has an entire sleigh full of presents to deliver around the world. 

Most everything about this Santa manny (manny is a word I use and probably invented) never seems to change...his chubby cheeks, his suit, his candy canes, and even his jokes. For instance...  "you heard Santa has a new reindeer right...yes, it's Olive the other reindeer." Bwahaha, we pretend to laugh like it is the first time we heard it.

Year after year, we would sit on his lap and whisper in his jolly pink ear what we wanted for Christmas. And now, the newest generation is doing the very same thing.

There is Max...

 and Ambree...

 and Camden...

 and Olivia (she was unimpressed by the fat guy)...

 and Lola (very skeptical about taking candy and a present from a stranger)...

and Khloe...

and Carter ringing the jingle bells while we sing along.  The little ones can't seem to get enough of Santa's magic.

Not much new with the red-dressed fat guy...over the years only our family has changed. Most of it for the better, but some of it not.

 After Santa leaves, my brother has transformed into Samurai Blair.

 His beautiful wife Sheri is used to his nonsense.

Cousin hug while the boys are wearing new silk boxers courtesy of Santa.

Dad takes a few minutes on Christmas Eve to recount his favorite story. Only he knows it...the story of Rindercella and how she slopped her dripper. Priceless!

 Oh Camden...I could take pictures of this little guy for hours.

But not his brother Carter...he hates having his picture taken. I had to sneak this one...he was hiding under the counter waiting for me to go away!

I realize Christmas was a few days ago, but in the words of  Captain Jack Sparrow...I'm catching up!
But be sure to tune in next year...same fat time, same fat man, same fat channel!

The Nativity Scene

And it came to pass...

in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.

 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And behold one of the shepherds was exceedingly bored and pondered where the wise men put the gifts.

 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
   

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,

 keeping watch over their flock by night. 

 And all manner of animals attended...even pooches named Izzy...

and a baby named Olivia.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

 and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

And the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and meat.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 And there was exceedingly great joy throughout the land.

 And behold the wise men began to wrestle with the audience.

And so it was that Mary left the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes alone in the manger so she could play with Darth Vader.

And Steven Spielberg was there to document the nativity scene.