not so bad after all

My friend Michael was marveling the other night at being surrounded by so much beauty. We had just returned from St. Thomas, with its clear waters and beautiful beaches, and were sharing a toast in the atrium of a West Village townhouse at the company holiday party, staring up through artful wrought iron railings at the Victorian decor above. Beauty indeed.

I'm secretly sentimental; not-so-secretly during the holidays. And Michael's comment got me thinking about all the things that brought me joy this year.

Like nauseating fair rides, card games on planes, breakfast hot dogs, after hours swimming, unexpected happy hours, holiday light displays. Adventures near and far. A moonlit dinner with friends.

So while in some ways its been a difficult year, I really can't complain.

What brought you joy this year?

when in doubt...Mahalia Jackson

Tonight we put the tree up. It was supposed to happen last night, but then I opted to do laundry, but that didn't happen either. Fortunately my drinks date bailed on me tonight, so the tree is now done! And laundry waits until tomorrow.


proper holiday tunes


the tree (yes it's really that green!)


lights on...


...and decorated!


clean up

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

No really.  Let it snow already!

I can't believe I'm saying this but the weather is, well, depressingly warm.  I mean, its Christmastime, dammit!  Where's the winter wonderland?  The snowflakes that fall on my nose and eyelashes? 

Baby, I'd love it to be cold outside.

Granted, the warm temperatures are making my last-minute shopping runs easier.  But a little crispness in the air would have been nice for last night's jaunt into deep Brooklyn to check out the famous holiday lights.

Of course come January the cold will descend and I'll be longing for these 55-degree days...

sick

I'm sick. As in headachy phlegmmy losing-my-voice sick. I can't remember the last time I felt like this. Maybe a year ago? Year and a half?

I have an iron immune system so this is really pissing me off.

I'm blaming stress and the crazy weather.

Bah.