These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Here, in no particular order, are 11 assorted favorites from the year 2011.

11. Behold the Lamb of God - Advent Narrative by Russ Ramsey

Reading this book gave me new eyes with which to view the Incarnation and a renewed sense of awe this Advent Season. The book is divided into 25 readings, one for every day in December leading up to Christmas Day. I didn't have the book at the beginning of the month, but once I started reading on December 10th, it was hard to stop and pace myself. I read Chapter 25 at 1 AM on Christmas morning. The reader is taken on a journey through the Old Testament to see the need for Christ, to feel the hopes and fears of all the years. I highly recommend reading this book during Advent, or really any time of the year.


10. Stash Chai Green Tea

I am a lover of tea, though admittedly not an expert nor connoisseur. But I do enjoy a good cup of tea and have a cupboard full of different varieties. My former boss is also a tea enthusiast and, this fall, he gave me a bag of Stash Green Chai Tea to try out. It quickly became my new favorite! I prefer an unadorned cup of this tea over spiced cider, though the spices are reminiscent of cider. (Moreso than a black chai tea, I think.)

9. Barton Hollow

I discovered The Civil Wars about the time they released their album, thanks to Under the Radar. I listened to the album, on repeat, for quite some time after downloading it. This also coincided with moving into Cheery Hill, so I think it will always remind me of those first couple of months living on my own. My favorite songs are Poison and Wine, I've Got This Friend and Dance Me to the End of Love.

8. Handmade Books

When my favorite online bookseller and writer announced that she had made a beautiful edition of Kilmeny of the Orchard I immediately placed my order. Good thing, because before the day's end, she sold out! I can't imagine all of the time, effort and love that went into creating these books, but boy are they exquisite. Lanier had a dream and worked to see it to fruition, and that is inspiring!

7. Harry Potter

I finally read (almost!) all of the Harry Potter series and have seen all of the movies. I truly enjoyed the books and have come to appreciate J. K. Rowling with a little help from The Rabbit Room. I know the books are controversial and would never insist that someone read them; everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I, however, choose to see the good in the story of The Boy Who Lived. It is, afterall, not a story about witchcraft, but of love, redemption and sacrifice.

6. Fernando Ortega

Fernando came to my church in October for an intimate concert and wow, was it ever a treat! I didn't know much about him until the weeks leading up to the concert when I downloaded his newest album, Come Down O Love Divine. Not only is he a wonderful musician, but a wonderful storyteller as well! I enjoyed his stories as much as his music - that is, immensely.

5. The Curse - Josh Ritter

Ah! This song has been haunting me all year. Well, since The Rabbit Room published this article about Josh. What can I say that hasn't already been said? A song about a mummy is one of my favorites of the year... (I also love Another New World - so chilling!)

4. Foyle's War

I've already mentioned this gem about a detective in England during WWII. It's that, and so much more. It's a lesson in history. I read that it was heavily researched and most of what you see is historically accurate - and fascinating! I highly, highly recommend it. I got the first five sets for Christmas. Yay!

3. Starbucks Whole Milk Lattes

My "regular" drink of choice, most of the baristas know what I'm going to order before I open my mouth. Due to buying a house this year, I gave up on my daily latte, but I still make it in once or twice a week for a treat. The grande whole milk latte is perfect, no sugar added.

2. Love & War & The Sea In Between

What would I do without The Rabbit Room? They've introduced me to so many new artists, musicians, authors and movies. One of my favorite introductions this year was to Josh Garrels. (Imagine my surprise when I also discovered that he's a friend-of-a-friend! She's a childhood friend that I only keep in touch with via Facebook, but still...) Josh is giving away his current album for a whole year! The year is half over, so I implore you to go to his site and download it while you can. Here's one of my (many!) favorite songs from the album:

1. Reading God's Story: A Daily Chronological Bible 

While I just discovered this great project by George Guthrie, it is a favorite find of the year. So many years I've made the resolution to read through the Bible in its entirety. I've failed every time. This is my hope for 2012, but I am going to give myself a little grace - if I don't finish by this time next year, it's okay. (I have a lifetime.) What really excites me about this Bible is that it is in chronological order and there is a study guide that goes with it. I've been wanting to do an overview of the whole Biblical narrative and I think this will help. Lately I've been a bit concerned about the piecemeal approach to Bible study that seems all too common. I want to understand how all the books fit together, to know the general timeline and see the overarching themes. I know it's still December, but I've already started on the reading plan.



Christmas Pranks

Pranks on April Fool's Day are just so cliche. ;-) I think that Christmas is a perfect time for pranking. I've always been a prankster at heart and I also enjoy being on the receiving end of a well-executed and good-humored prank. (Nothing nasty, just good clean fun...) I made the mistake of telling a my college roommate, Missee, that pranking was one of my love languages. I forgot I had said it, but she sure didn't...

I had just started guitar lessons around Thanksgiving last year. Before a lesson in early December, Colin, my teacher, said that he had something for me. He said he liked to give his students gifts and handed me a small wrapped package, a little bigger than a CD. I admit it was a little awkward, since it was only my third or fourth lesson. I pulled the paper back to reveal... A Poo Log! (That is, a journal for keeping track of your bowel movements.) For just a few seconds, I thought that this was a sincere gift. Then I realized that somehow Missee had to be behind it! Sure enough, she had contacted Colin, who she had never met, via Facebook to execute the prank. Classic... And hilarious that she could pull it off from North Carolina!

Which brings us to this year. I got one card in the mail today. The envelope had no return address and the postmark was so faint, I couldn't read it. Who could it be from? Anticipation grew as I slit open the envelope. It was from... ME!!?? Yes, someone had taken a photo of myself from Facebook and made a photo greeting that read as follows:

  

If that wasn't enough, I soon found out that my parents as well as brother and sister-in-law also got one in the mail today. Then a friend texted to say that she loved my card! All I can do is laugh... And say, if anyone got this card in the mail today, it's not from me!

Update: Approximately 10 of these cards went out to my family and friends in my Bible study. Also, a note to the anonymous prankster: Don't underestimate my investigative skills ;-)

I'm Dreaming...

Wednesday
Night

Slight Chc
Snow
Lo 25 °F

Andes Candies Cookies

I got this recipe from the St. Paul Pioneer Press a few years ago, but just made them for the first time last weekend for my party. (Although my mom and sister-in-law have both made them.) The cookie itself is chewy and perfectly chocolaty; the melted candy on top adds just the right amount of mintiness. They're easy to make and clean-up is a breeze. (Always a plus.)

Makes 5 dozen 3/4 cup butter 1-1/2 cups brown sugar 2 tablespoons water 2 cups chocolate chips 2 eggs 2-1/2 cups flour 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 boxes Andes Creme de Menthe Thins To prepare oven, baking sheet: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. To make dough: In saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and water. Add chocolate chips. Heat, stirring, until partially melted. Remove from heat. Stir. Cool for 10 minutes. Stir in eggs. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Use electric mixer on low speed to blend. Chill for 1 hour. To bake cookies: Using hands, roll dough into small balls. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes. While still hot, top each cookie with a mint. Let melt slightly. Using spoon or knife, swirl mint. Move cookies to wire rack. Cool completely on baking rack.

Nine Lessons and Carols

The floors were swept, wreaths were hung, cider was mulling, friends were arriving and the house was filled with the buzz of conversation and laughter. Parts were assigned and the candles were lit. So began the second annual Nine Lessons and Carols. We opened with a prayer and a musical rendition of The First Noel.

Last year, inspired by Lanier Ivester, a couple friends and I put together a program of Scripture readings and carols, poems and prayers, for our small group. A different sort of Christmas party. I love December parties, but it dawned on me that, in the midst of gifts, games, cookies and cider, the birth of Christ can get overshadowed, if not all together forgotten. So I gladly received the idea to plan and host an Advent celebration.

This year, couple friends joined me and my acoustic guitar: Seth on electric guitar and Darlene on violin. It is truly a joy to make music with friends, for friends. We worked on our own rendition of White Horse by Over the Rhine, one of my most favorite newer Christmas songs, as well as many well-known carols. This year, I included a couple storybooks: The Ballad of Matthew's Begats and The Song of the Stars. (Maybe next year we'll be able to play Matthew's Begats, although I rather enjoy the live version on the anniversary edition of Behold the Lamb of God...)

After the closing prayer, we enjoyed the cider, Christmas goodies and conversation. I hope to make this a yearly tradition at Cheery Hill.

Remembering

On Thanksgiving morning, I was bustling about getting ready to head over to my parents' house for the big meal and a day spent with relatives. As I was rinsing off a bunch of celery for the Crunchy Pear and Celery Salad, my meager contribution to the great feast, I noticed a car pulling up in front of my neighbor's house.

Esther is a sweet, elderly widow who still lives on her own. Her husband passed away over 20 years ago and they never had children. She has a niece and nephew, so I guessed that perhaps the person in front of her house was a relative, there to pick her up and take her to a family gathering. However, the young man that walked up to her front door was carrying styrofoam containers - the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, presumably. As he stood waiting on the stoop, hot tears welled up in my eyes.

It was great that someone had remembered to bring her a meal, but the thought of having to eat Thanksgiving dinner alone made a lump form in my throat. (And I will admit to thinking, That could be me someday!) I wondered if another person would fit around my parents' tables. One year, their neighbor - also an elderly woman - joined in on our family festivities. My eyes landed on the pumpkin bread a friend and I had made the night before. It was the perfect reason to go over to talk to her.

By the time I went over, she had finished eating and was getting ready for a Thanksgiving Day nap. She was thankful for the bread, and has told me on more than one occasion that she no longer bakes, so she savors any homemade treats she gets. "That pumpkin fudge you brought over lasted me over a week; I only had a small piece every day." I didn't invite her to my parents' house because I knew what her answer would be. I just wanted to let her know that I was thinking of her, that I remembered her.

It's actually pretty sad how many people spend holidays alone. And sadder yet that they spend a majority of their ordinary days alone. Our society doesn't tend to value the elderly and needy people. Even those that do value them seem to forget about them most of the time. I know I can do more, but even a cup of water given in Jesus' name goes a lot further than I realize. So maybe a few pieces of pumpkin bread do, too?

This is the time of year we celebrate the incarnation; Jesus came to sleep under the stars he created. And he came for the broken and the needy people, the hurting and the lost. He came to make all sad things untrue. Since we are his body, isn't it fitting that we remember the broken, needy, hurting and lost during Advent season? (And every season.)

A Cheery Hill Christmas

Ornaments hung on the tree with care. Thanks to my mom for coming over to help trim the tree!

A little out-of-focus action to capture my Very First Christmas Tree. Thanks to my dad for helping to transport and set up the tree!

My mom also helped with the making of the paper chain. Now all I need are some guests...

Glad and Golden Hours

Some weekend highlights:

On Friday night, my church hosted a benefit for Beds for Kids, a wonderful non-profit that makes beds for kids who don't have one. There was a silent auction in which you could bid of baskets that people had donated. Then, Josh Wilson gave a free concert. I had heard a few of his songs on the radio, and while I really like them, I wasn't expecting the concert to be so amazing. Here is a clip of Josh explaining his Christmas tour, Noel. It was definitely a great way to start the Advent Season.

I found out that one of my best friends got engaged on Friday night! A group of us met at Caribou to celebrate and hear the details (and see the ring, of course) on Saturday night. I'm so excited for them and looking forward to their wedding!

Another dear friend came over for supper and tea last night. (My current seasonal favorite is Stash Chai Green Tea.) She's a gifted artist and an aspiring illustrator, so I shared a couple of my favorite children's Christmas storybooks: The Ballad of Matthew's Begats by Andrew Peterson (complete with the song) and The Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones. These may also be making an appearance in the second annual Nine Lessons and Carols Night on Friday...

Oh, and I almost forgot. We got our first significant snowfall on Saturday! The ground is blanketed in white and the streets are still slick and slushy. A car slid into my lane and I got to test out my anti-lock brakes. They work! I also got to wear my Mad Bomber hat for the first time this season while shoveling the driveway. There's nothing quite like a Minnesota winter...

Can't get this song out of my head:

Happy December!

December greeted us with a dusting of snow, fresh and white. I love December snow. (But if you ask me after I have to start setting my alarm an hour earlier just so I can shovel the driveway before getting ready for work, I might have a different sentiment...)

Amidst the busyness of this advent season, I want to take time to meditate on the reason for the busyness and celebrations. I think it is fitting that Christmas comes on the heels of the shortest and darkest day of the year. A light in the darkness; hope in the midst of despair. Hope that all of the sad things are coming untrue. Hope that our King will return, not as a baby in a manger, but as a warrior on a white horse. Hope of a new Heaven and new Earth.

Monday Miscellany

Dislikes: Sales at outlet stores. After 70% off and another 50% off that, you're paying what the what the price should have been in the first place. Not much of a deal, if you ask me.

Likes: Having blood drawn first thing Monday morning after a 4-day weekend. Well, at least it gave me a change of scenery...

Loves: Foyle's War. I'm four seasons into the show. I absolutely love and highly recommend it. And I'm loving that Seasons 1-5 are $40 cheaper than the last time I looked...

Listening to:

November 11, 2011

I've been meaning to start a new* blog for quite some time now. What better day than 11-11-11?

The sun is shining on this crisp Friday in November, and I didn't have to go to work. I'm sitting at the kitchen counter with a strong cup of coffee, contemplating how best to take advantage of this day off. I dream of these days, laden with possibility, and then when they come, I find that they rarely live up to my expectations. Maybe some days it's best to just rest and enjoy the slower pace. I have nowhere to be and nothing that has to get done. Today, anyway. (When you own a home, there are always things to do... And if I don't do them, no one will.)

I relish this time of year with its hot beverages, savory soups and cozy flannels. Most trees have been stripped of their leaves and the sunlight streams unfiltered on the streets and lawns. The days are growing shorter; I drive home from work in an enchanted twilight, under the glow of a hazy moon. It's a season of giving thanks, and time to start anticipating the joy of Christmastide.

This will be my first Christmas at Cheery Hill, and I hope to fill it with plenty of joyful memories. It was just after Thanksgiving last year that I made an offer on this little cottage, so I was able to take advantage of after Christmas sales. I'm looking forward to decking these halls, and am ever so tempted to start today. I'll exercise patience and wait two more weeks, but it's never too early to start planning...

In the meantime, I suppose I have a yard full of crunchy leaves that need raking and oak floors that need sweeping. Friends are coming over tonight, after supper, for board games and hopefully plenty of laughter, too.

*I have started somewhere around 20 blogs, so I'm not guaranteeing anything.