Thoughts on toes and things

 Living in New York, a nail salon is on just about every corner on every other street... it's kinda a little ridiculous at times... however what's more ridiculous is to see all the little kids lining up inside them waiting to get their toes done... In fact there are even some of the places that offer parties for parents/kids... so for a mid-summer birthday party a girl and a couple close friends can have their party at the nail salon...

And while I'm sure it's nice for the busy metropolitan mom, I have a few reservations... admittedly I'm also a bit biased as I grew up in a different "world".

My cousins and I would jump the little rocks and crevices along the coastline in Southern Norway, my dad and uncle diving, my aunt keeping a watching eye on us. We would run barefoot all over... in the woods.. in the streets, bury our feet in the sans and grovel on the beaches or sides of the lakes... I'm sure the salt water of the ocean and the minerals in the lakes also had health benefits :)

So, my tip for the day, go take a walk in the sand! It's a natural exfoliative and it's good for the feet and toes to get some "stretchersize"!!! *giggle*

First Advent Sunday

Today is the first Advent Sunday. As December has been creeping closer, I've been thinking a lot of my memories of my childhood Christmases. The Advent celebrations were a big part of growing up, and I wonder if I can re-create anything so special to the children in my life. I hope I will, and certainly try to. It is a wonderful thing to have in my "attic", these precious memories that keep me warm as it grows colder outside. There were school plays, gift making in my homemaking and woodwork classes. Baking in the kitchens at home and at school. Secrecy, giggles, giddy anticipation, Christmas music everywhere, advent calendars, candles all over, the smell of glue; matchsticks; spices, and the smell of snow in the air. Wonderful foods, and drinks. And the rehearsals of the Nativity Play. All this and so much more..... I take out and cherish in this time of the year.

Another cherished tradition is the Lucia Fest. Vying for the role of St. Lucia and the honor that came with. The sweet rolls, the lights, the songs, the whole package. I love and miss so much.

December also holds a special place in my heart as I celebrate my "other" "birth"day...... On the twelfth of the month I will commemorate 14 years as a member of my church. How can I forget, and how can I best remember and honor the day that is so special to me. What am I doing to make this day special in my life, and do I honor it and it's meaning by my everyday actions.....

So may everyone have a wonderful season and may each year add equally wonderful memories for each and every one of us....

GOD JUL!