CHRISTMAS MEMORIES...SELFIES...AND WISHING ALL THE MOST WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON EVER!...

Hi, All,

Well, with Christmas Eve less than twenty four hours away, I just can't help doing a cheery HOLIDAY POST!

I know I haven't blogged much this past month, BUT, you all know why and it's not because I don't adore all of you, I was moving...YUK. But I finally have time to blog, visit and send out loving wishes for this most festive and most holy season.

Since we are all part of the same universe, many of you may be celebrating other festivities and I wish you all the happiest season. But one thing they all have in common is sharing with our family, friends, and to those less fortunate. LOVE is UNIVERSAL after all and by spreading it all over the globe, someday there may be a peaceful world. One can only pray and hope.

I'd also like to take a moment to take a moment to send warm thoughts and healing ones to those who are ill. Every day I hear of another friend's family member stricken with cancer or some other life threatening disease. I BELIEVE in the power of prayer and good wishes. I've seen the results first hand! So keep on sending them to those who really need it.

As I cruised the blogosphere yesterday and came across some very fun hops and even though I may be late, I'd like to share a few of them with you!

First, the coolest and most insane one of us, Tammy Theriault is asking us to post a SELFIE in front of our Christmas trees. Well I had to wait until last night to get a decent one of me and my tree.

The second one, I thought was wonderful and is from two newer blogger buddies of mine. Cherdo and Janie Junebug, MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY...

Janie's memory, in particular, left a huge lump in my throat. It's the true meaning of this season... Please drop by their blogs and read their stories!

Here's mine...

Cherdo was telling us about her memories of her great grandmother, and that got me to thinking of mine... (grandmother that is...)

I only knew my mom's mom and she died when I was only nine. BUT, I remember her vividly. Spunky, fun, and THE BEST COOK EVER! Nothing like have an Italian grandmother. Talk about amazing food and baked goodies. And and always had custard creme in the fridge...always. Homemade, sweet, delicious, yellow creme ready to spread on a cookie or cracker...

My favorite Christmas memory with her was in 1968...I believe. I was only seven, but I remember the brand, new RCA COLOR TV. She had left two puppets on her marbled laminated coffee table.(Scary 60's furniture... lol) She sat my brothers and me down in front of the TV and switched it on. An advertisement for RUDOLF THE RED NOSED REINDEER flashed brilliantly across the screen. WHOA! I thought... SUCH BRIGHT COLORS! It was my first time seeing TV in color. 

Imagine that! Kids today couldn't even fathom that thought!LOL. 

Then I looked down at the puppets...ONE Santa...ONE Rudolph! That was my first time ever watching it and it has been my favorite ever since.

Well, there you have it... what was is your favorite HOLIDAY memory? We'd all LOVE to know...

On a final note, I'd want to wish all of YOU, the HAPPIEST, HEALTHIEST, and MOST WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON and may 2015 be your best year EVER!

ALL THE BEST MY FRIENDS! SENDING OUT CYBER HUGS TO YOU ALL!!!!!

And now for my selfie..... I have a new addition to my Christmas collection and it's debuting in my new digs.... Check out my snoopy! He's about four feet tall sitting on his doghouse decorating his tree!

INSECURE ABOUT MISSING ALL OF YOU....

Hi, All,

I know it's been ages since you've all seen me around the blogosphere, but I have had you in my thoughts.

Life has been very time consuming for me lately. With selling my condo, moving into my new apartment, and traveling to NYC and Central Florida, I haven't had a chance to catch to even catch my breath. 

I LOVE being active and all of my time has been spent well. For now, my journey seems to be on track. Now we are only a few weeks away from Christmas so I know all of us are busy preparing for this WONDERFUL holiday.

I know my IWSG post is almost a week late, but I spaced it this month, not realizing the first Wednesday was so early. I know Alex and all the wonderful people is this group will understand. I have always been VERY ACTIVE in this group since its beginning and I will continue to do so. I am settling down FINALLY. I should be ready to breath normally by the end of this week. Thankfully all my anxieties have been lifted. It feels AMAZING not having to stress every month to make my monthly bills. And with the holidays so close, money seems to go so much faster. But for me, this holiday season is a very thankful one. God has answered so many of my prayers for myself and for my special friends who are facing life's challenges with all the strength they can muster up. I still pray for those in need. That has never faltered. I was also THRILLED to be able to donate a nice amount to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who do so much good through the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.  

I also plan to help out some of our four-legged friends, too. There is such need for funds for the Anti Cruelty society and PAWS here in Chicago. I LOVE animals and so many are abused and neglected so helping them is very important to me.

Giving is the most amazing feeling. Isn't that what Christmas is really all about? Giving our love to those we care about most. Those who need us... those who are far less fortunate than ourselves.  I constantly think of all my loved ones who suffer with Cancer. Especially the children. And I plan on donating to St. Jude's charity as well. All those poor families who can not afford the care for their children. It is such a great charity that helps the families stay together during this stressful time. I hope you will remember all of your favorite charities this season. With money so tight for many of us, even a little goes a long way. Our community has the biggest hearts and are beyond generous with their time. Give yourselves all a BIG HUG from me!

I've missed you all tremendously. I will be seeing you all very soon. I plan to start making the rounds tomorrow....Until then,

Keep peaceful and calm. Know that you are loved when your anxieties take root....Always remember we are here to help....