I’m picking up the pieces from December, that very busy month of shopping, baking, decorating, parties, newsletters, and traveling that leads us to Christmas. If you are a musician or sing in a choir, that adds another layer to the activities, which, by the way, I love. This year we entered December with our master bath remodeling project in progress, but unfinished. That was like doubling up on an already crazy month.
A layer of plaster dust coated everything in the house (could I pretend it had snowed inside?), so I passed on decorating this year except for our small tree in the bay window and a wreath on the front door.
I have shared with you my appearance on the podcast Rendezvous with a Writer on December 26 with Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell. While I was learning Christmas music, pushing plaster dust from here to there, and baking sugar cookies, I have to admit I was nervous about the interview and my responsibility to adequately advertise the podcast. Enter my friends Krista and Janell at Blue Cottage Agency https://bluecottageagency.com/ who took over the ad campaign for December. Little did I know how much I would need their help.
On Dec 8 as we finished supper, Dick tried to say something to me and couldn’t. He said a string of words that made no sense and looked at me surprised and confused. He tried again and didn’t make any sense. This indicated “stroke” to me, and I called 911. After I gave information to the dispatcher, he proceeded to asses Dick over the phone while we waited for the ambulance. I was amazed at this. Among several things, he had Dick raise both arms (which he did) and repeat a sentence (which he did with some difficulty). Long story short, Dick had a mild TIA and a two-day stay in the hospital. He’s doing fine with our heart-felt thanks to the caring and efficient EMT and ER personnel.
That puts everything into perspective.
We postponed our Christmas trip to see our Texas family until February. I will decorate the house next year. I forgot about the dust which will eventually be swept away as the bathroom is finished.
The podcast did not loom so large and was a success although I’d like to edit out some of the “umm’s” from my interview as a belated Christmas wish. Here is the link to the podcast. I hope you’ll listen to not only mine but the other interviews they did: https://www.latalkradio.com/sites/default/files/Videos/Rendezvous-122624.mp4.
The Christmas music was lovely, but it did not matter if it was less than perfect. It was a wonderful gift. Here’s the link to our Cantata, Miracle at the Manger: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=QcFoocNwh2g.
What did matter, more than all our preparations, or our many gifts, or even precious time with our loved ones, is that we are loved beyond our imagining, and Jesus arrived at Christmas, the little baby, our Savior, as promised.
Happy New Year! Let’s make it a great one!
Until next time . . .
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