Choirs of Angels

Here is a big shout out thank you to the many choirs that performed this year for Christmas. I enjoyed several and could/should have gone to more if time would have allowed. Many of these people began practicing in September learning the songs and parts. The outfits and props were no less important.

The hours of preparation cannot begin to be calculated. In the end, hundreds of choirs, orchestras, bands and performers selflessly served millions of people desirous to enjoy hearing the sounds of Christmas.

From the smallest group to the largest and most sought after choirs, talents were shared, tears shed and the love of music enjoyed by all. Thank you, thank you and bless you forever for sharing the gift of Jesus Christ with the world.

ZCMI's Candy Windows

Years ago ZCMI (Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institute)in Salt Lake City began to decorate their front store windows with large candy sculptures. It became the first thing customers wanted to see as they went Christmas shopping. Gradually people from all over wanted to get a peek at the famous creations. It was a destination along with seeing the lights on famous Temple Square and other downtown spots. The unveiling ws on the news.

Months before Christmas candy companies, retailers and artists submitted their detailed plans for the chance to be chosen, for the honor to get a window spot. Only eight were available. Candidates were screened for authenticity and creativity.

Hours of planning, time intensive assembly, with patience and many helpers went on for days. The windows were covered so no one could see in from the outside, while the masterpieces took shape.

Who would be the first to guess what the artist's intention was? The revolving ornaments became Salt Lake's eighth wonder of the world. The crowds of people that came after the unveiling were unbelievable. Patience, my dear, patience was important, as everyone tried to elbow their way to the front.

"Let's do it again", many people said that wanted a closer, longer look or to take photo of the beautiful windows. When ZCMI sold to a national retailer, fifteen years ago the tradition ended. They are back. Thank you for bringing the 'Windows' back Maceys. We love them!

Use Kindness & Patience Black Friday

Here is a Pay It Forward to all Store clerks, checkers, personnel and workers that have to deal with the public on 'Black Friday'. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for helping us. Thank you for smiling and being quick on your feet.

Sure Mr. or Ms. Shopper, you have reason to be onery after staying up most of the night trying to get a bargain at all the places you can. You have waited in long lines and missed out on great deals. Maybe you got more than you ever hoped you would. Hurray for you.

Perhaps the whole family ventured out and you got all your Christmas shopping done. Way to go! The workers at each store didn't get to do the same. They have to work and are being as kind, patient, helpful and going above and beyond all they can to please the YOU, the general public.

Better yet, just stay home to get all the sleep you want. Have a yummy breakfast. Take your last bike ride or walk in the park while the days are a mild 50 or 60'. Enjoy your loved ones and day off from work. It really isn't worth all the hassle. That is what I am going to be doing and lovin' every minute of it!

Gratitude for God

I am giving the Lord credit for my great life. Thank you, Lord! Some think the earth was just a big bang, "poof" and it was here in perfect symmetry and execution. That is an interesting theory. Every big bang I've seen, produces chaos and confusion, not life and beauty. Someone had to create this great living and perfect earth. It was God!

Not only that but, he also blessed these United States with liberty. Freedom didn't just 'happen' either. Yes, many of our forefathers battled and gave their lives for it, but there was also a higher hand in making it come to pass. Thank you to our forefathers, this beautiful planet and our great God for letting us be a part of it.

Observing the October Eclipses

Early in the month we enjoyed a full moon lunar eclipse. Yes, I got up at 3 a.m. to view the early morning event. How exciting to see the round moon shadowed by the earth and watch it grow to a sliver of itself. then the blood moon emerged. In my traipsing in and out and going off to bed, I missed the best part. It happened though. There are pictures to prove it.

Yesterday, October 23rd, was the solar eclipse, where the moon shades the sun; but it was only partial. A friend had purchased several special glasses for us to share in the viewing experience while at work. I wanted to shout out to folks standing nearby, "Hey, come see this wonder of the world!" They just stood around smoking away, oblivious to what was happening at a blue sky near them. The next one will be in August of 2017. I can't wait, then with my own glasses, I will run around shouting, "You have got to see this!"

Ready for a Root Beer Float

It was National Root Beer Float Day a few weeks ago. It called my attention to buying a gallon of vanilla ice cream (which was all out so cookies and cream had to do, a two liter bottle of Root Beer, big insulated cups and some happy grandkids. We got to work making our very own bubbly concoctions. Who doesn't love nor can resist a float? Thanks to whoever thinks up all these National such and such days, so we have an excuse to celebrate and enjoy being a kid again.

Say Thank You

Oh, what a glorious gift of life we have. Thank you, Mom and Dad for allowing me to come to your home. Thank you America for providing a great country. Thank you, state of Utah for the safe haven. Thank you, Salt Lake Valley for the wonderful environment. Thank you friends, schools, employers, neighborhood and associates for all the things you helped me learn. Thank you, Lord for this beautiful earth that sustains all life.

Goodby to Maya

The first I heard of Maya Angelou was when I ran across her poem 'Phenomenal Woman'. I have loved it and Maya ever since. Reading her bio this week, I realized this gal was a very busy, phenomenal person. Not only a poet and writer, but also a lecturer, friend and amazing person. Here's to you Maya and all the great things you did for the American people and your people.

Great minds wish they had been brilliant enough to think or create as you did.

Fought for Freedom

I love this quote which says it all. Even though God gave us liberty, we had to fight for it. My dad, uncles and many others fought long and hard to keep us free. We are privileged to celebrate their sacrifice and gift to us on Memorial Day and every other day, too. Thank you to our servicemen and women.

Wood Carver's Weekend

Here are a few of my favorite choices from the Salt Lake Woodcarver's Show at the Barn of Wheeler Farm Don't you just love attending some show that represents the talents of a group of people. All year long this wood carving group works at selecting, creating, perfecting and preparing to display their skills. To earn money for the next year of programs, weekly carving locations, friendship making. Studying each masterpiece the hours and love of the hobby really shine through. Whether it is quilting, crocheting, gardening, painting, carving or whatever talent, it becomes an extention of the person themself.

Nattering Nitpicker, Who Me?

Jay Evensen has writen for the opinion page of the Deseret News for years. As I get older, I love to read his and other articles as well as what the readers have to say in the Readers' Forum. His recent article, Political Sport Keeps us From Real Solutions, talks about the consequences of 'being crass, personal and insulting'. Instead of resolving problems it generates negative remarks. Jay quoted Niccolo Machiavelli as saying, "Politics have no relation to morals." So that is why people dont seem to care what they say, as long as it makes a stir with those that listen. Someone ends up the being the target. All too soon the other party is hurling mean remarks back. In the end, Jay says, "We are becoming a nation of nattering nitpickers." Someone is bound to agree about his comment. I do.