I am trying … No, I am changing the way I look at things. Once upon a time I would think of ideas, stories, poetry, song lyrics, movie ideas, restaurant themes, most anything. I would dwell on this idea. It would grow in my head. Sometimes after weeks, months or years I would go to watch a movie or read a book or eat at a restaurant and be sitting in someone else’s reality of my idea. I thought, wow, someone else beat me to the punch. Someone else wrote the story, or created the restaurant or painted the picture. Too late.
The next year I would see another similar story or book or restaurant and the next, another.
Finally, it dawned on me. I know I am 50 years of SLOW! If someone had the same idea it doesn’t mean it is a bad idea or even a used idea. Just the opposite. If I had the idea and others had similar ideas then it must be an idea others are interested in and perhaps there is room for all of our versions of this similar idea. It is still unique in very wonderful ways. Not doing it because others are doing it is just another excuse. Another fear of failure cloaked in commonness.
THE LAND OF REFUGE has been told in many books by many families. And yet it continues to be a story people like to read about or talk about and share. This is my version. I encourage everyone to share theirs.
For those who ponder on their story and think, “ oh it has been done!” Stop! It can be done again and told again and embraced again. Change the way you look at things. The world is waiting to be touched by us all. Don’t try… Do! And do it NOW.
This year Santa’s helper was Ciera Jo. She was amazing! She found most of the gifts for the stockings, hung them with care and knew Saint Nick was going to be here. On Christmas Eve, after our guests leave, we have a time for being silly. It is the only time Chris lets his hair down… Okay… bad choice of words. It reminds me that he has a sense of humor still. The kids find this hard to believe but, at Christmas, one tends to believe the unbelievable. I hate making the kids do anything they complain about or whine about. 
I hate making anyone do what they say they do not want to do. I won’t nag or grovel. This year they told me they would not go see Santa. 
They have said “no” to a lot of things lately. Okay, but one thing I insist upon is our annual under the tree picture. Every year, as with most families, new pj’s are the Christmas Eve gift allowance. The girls match and the boys match. I buy what is on sale. Sometimes they are pretty funny. This year the boys got Supermen. The girls got cute snowmen pj’s. They always run big. Remember the key word is SALE. Mine are always HUGE! More room for cake that way.
Seeing your loved ones “bigger than life” almost enables the world to feel the enlarged heart of a mother … almost …
Wistie surprised me and flew in on Saturday! She was going to wear a formal to the movie house! That girl is a hoot. I hid her dress! We chased each other around the house. She found it under my bed! 
Ciera was ever so helpful, the little producer that she is. She had everything organized and timed out. Ben sold tickets. Saac warmed the seats. Always the gentleman. Chris thought to buy flowers for Cyndi and me … and presented them to us after the show. Did I see tears in his eyes? I’d like to think they were tears of pride not of humiliation, but who can tell from the gentle giant? 
My father and mother were in attendance and rumor has it that she fell asleep! My father will remind us all that he is, after all, 80 years old! She is only 74, so I do not know what her excuse is! I did appreciate their support in coming to this event. It was a fun evening. Cyndi said we had to greet the guests and end with a Q&A. I was not happy about that but it went okay. It is times like these when you discover who really is “family” whether by blood or bond. I appreciate those who cared enough to come. And those who made the effort to call and wish me well (JOANIE!) and those who missed out … well … missed out. 
