Dear Reader:

When Honey and I went to visit Spruce Pine, NC in January of 2009…the receptionist (at the school turned hotel where we stayed) upon hearing my story of our decision to follow the footsteps of Ruthie and her mother in the Christmas story: The Year of The Perfect Christmas Tree…gave me this miniature Buck Stove lantern (replica of the one Ruthie held in the story) as a keepsake for our snowy adventure.

 It and the Willow Tree angel (with a lantern) remain in a place of honor all year long to remind me of the story and our unforgettable adventure!

The sun was setting when I got home yesterday afternoon from an errand. I had spent some of the day adding Christmas to my garden. You might remember that a couple of days ago I added greenery to the magic moon gate.

 Let’s open that gate now..

Come with me to see what else was added to the Christmas deck and garden…

 Now come on down the steps into the garden…Please follow me with the lantern…the late afternoon shadows are growing longer…watch your step! (Hanging from the Eva Cate Japanese Maple are wind chimes I got from Honey’s Christmas Show last year…I love them! They sound so beautiful…like angels singing in the garden!

As we climb the steps back up on the deck Rudolph the Red-Nosed (not sure why it appears white…the bulb is really red) brings us safely back into the house.

 Inside… I have the table set because Anne emailed and told me that she had the artwork done for my story for the Christmas storytelling sessions this year. I told her to please stay for supper when she came.

Some of you might remember the legend I wrote last Christmas Eve titled: The Legend of the Palmetto Rose Cross. (Last Sunday I asked Anne if she would sketch a cross with roses on it…so I could have a visual for the Christmas story. Instead of a sketch…Look what my wonderful, talented friend did)

 She also brought her “Holiday Monster” that she made…it is terrific…but you have got to wait for Christmas Eve to see it!

I gave her a small token of appreciation from “The Healing Shop” at St. Francis…it is a small compact mirror…with a funny saying on it…but I can’t tell you any more or it will give Anne’s “Holiday Monster” idea away.

Here are a couple of pictures with Anne and her mirror…she told me to take a profile shot so you could see that her hair is long enough now to be pulled back into a pony tail. All of us who have known Anne for years with short hair…are loving it…you go Anne!

So until tomorrow…Create the Christmas that will bring you comfort and joy with God’s guidance.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

* I received some quite insightful and powerful thoughts on those tough Christmases when change(s) have turned one’s world upside down. Will share some of these thoughts tomorrow with you.

My eyes are closing as I type…Anne and I had a little “vino” (and then a “little” more) with supper and I keep rocking back and forth in my chair…time to go to bed!

* Don’t forget to come hear the” Legend of the Palmetto Rose Cross” 10:30 (till 11:00) this Saturday at Baker’s Pond Nursery….Central Avenue. It will be a lot of fun and great barbecue too! It would mean so much to me!

December 13, 2014 (10:30)

Legend of the Palmetto Rose Cross – our Christmas gift to the Lowcountry!  FREE!  Author Becky Dingle will be on hand for a special reading of her story.

 She will teach us about local history of the Palmetto Rose Cross and its meaning as a symbol of a special gift for baby Jesus.

There will be food, fun, history and plenty of local hand-made ornaments and Christmas Gifts.  We will have an Arts & Crafts Fair all day after the story reading – Come see what creative lowountry gifts will be available for purchase!  Including great prices on original handmade sweetgrass baskets!  Can’t wait for this one!