BLESSINGS FOR 2006

To all my friends and family, I wish you a healthy and happy 2006.....may your tears be few and your joys be many!

Be safe, and take care of each other!

PEACE!


Love Jude

GOD HELP US

Tonight I was checking blogs, and over at MICHAEL'S, I read something that makes me feel sick to my stomach, and I want to cry.

How can people do this sort of thing to each other? What is missing inside them that enables them to do this?

ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS

This story came to me via email from a friend of mine. Who knows, with all the stuff going around online, if this really IS a true story or not, and even if it isn't..it's still worth telling!!

You all know how I feel about racism, prejudice etc. All those things called HATRED that stem from one thing.......FEAR. And this story just makes me think of people like Rosa Parks, God rest her soul.

"The following scene took place on a British Airways flight between Johannesburg and London.

This is a true story.
A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a Black man. Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess.

"Madam, what is the matter?" the Hostess asked.

"You obviously do not see it then?" she responded.

"You placed me next to a Black man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat."

"Be calm please, " the Hostess replied. "Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will go to see if another seat is available."

The Hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later. "Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the Economy class. I spoke to the Captain and he informed me that there are also no seats in the Business class. All the same, we still have one seat in the First class."

Before the woman could say anything, the Hostess continued: "It is not usual for our company to permit someone from the Economy class to sit in the First class. However, given the circumstances,
the Captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting."

She turned to the Black guy, and said, "Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect your and luggage, a seat awaits you in First class."

At that moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what they had just witnessed stood up and applauded.



"love starts at home: family first then the indivdual then your town. its easy to love people far away,but it is not always easy those right next to us.i do not agree with the big way of doing things.love needs to start with an individual." -mother teresa


I have to say, if I were on that plane (whether this is a true story or NOT) I'd have been applauding the loudest.

Thank you Roxy for sending me this one, it's one of those things that restores my sometimes disheartened faith in mankind. Take care of each other, we're all we've got!

PEACE
Love Jude

OUR CHRISTMAS DAY

Boxing Day has arrived! So, I hope you all had a good Christmas and enjoyed your time with family/friends, and had fun sharing the gift of each other, as well as prezzies of the unwrapping kind.

First off, Christmas Eve.....it's a tradition that it's a quiet evening at home with just sister Pammie and myself, hubby always has another place he traditionally needs to be. We had a light dinner and then stayed up playing scrabble in front of the tree. Fun stuff!

Christmas day....we had a fairly quiet day, woke up and shared copious cups of coffee and a nice breakfast, then we each had a couple of gifts under the tree to open. Here are a few of mine:

This little PEACE sign is just so "ME"!! It's a beautiful gift from my friend Monica..... I love the way it reflects in the table too. Isn't it just so.....ME??? LOL Look at that, complete with a little peace dove....



Sister Pammie gave hubby and I two really beautiful glass tree ornaments, the pictures don't do them justice at all. This is a green one......

......and this is a clear one. Aren't they beautiful?

She also makes beeswax candles, and these are from her. I love these so much I hate to burn them.





My best friend Michele and I almost always exchange Willow Tree gifts. There are Willow Tree Angels and Willow Tree figurines. I don't "collect" anything, but THESE I do, they are just so beautiful!

From Michele, this is called "Happiness", and you can see that emotion is depicted perfectly in this figurine. I love the birds on her arms.....



Here's a shot of my Angel collection (all Willow Tree of course). Michele started me out on these and most of them are from her. A few others are from friends who knew I like them.




Oh my, and what is this???



My computer space BEFORE......



....and AFTER! Hubby got me a new monitor! It's a nice flat screen and doesn't take up all the space on the desk. Nice huh?



Around 3 in the afternoon, hubby, myself and sister Pammie all piled into our truck with prezzies for my sister Brenda and her family. We were off to their place out in the country for Christmas dinner.


The driver.




Good lord, look at this... this does NOT feel like Christmas in the Edmonton area, no snow!!!




See me in the mirror? Ha Ha It's so balmy outside, and the little snow we had earlier has been long gone for awhile. Frankly, I love a "white Christmas", although admittedly it's nice not to have to worry about snow and ice when driving out to Brenda's, or even daily in the city for that matter.




The table is set for dinner.




Sister Brenda makes the yummiest gravy...


......and brother-in-law Rory always has the master task of cutting up the bird....



Their new addition to the family, "Rufus"! This was the first time we met him, they've had him for a few weeks now. He's like part bulldog, part...HORSE!! Cute lil fella....



This is from their kitchen, looking down to the sunken family room. See that Duck wallpaper border?? When they were first in that house, Rory or one of the tall sons (can't remember which now) hit his head enough times on the ceiling going down the stairs, so up went a "duck!" border.




OKAY THIS IS JUST WEIRD....

Pam and I having a smoke outside after dinner. This is Edmonton, this is in December...and there is no snow and it's warm out. We're wearing sandals on our feet for heaven's sake.

A lovely time was had by all, the dinner was delcious, we were even sent home with a pile of turkey! Yum, I love turkey sandwiches! After dinner we exchanged gifts and sat around the fireplace just enjoying each other's company, watching the kids play with Rufus and having good conversation. Love family time!!


So, today is Boxing Day, and I am going out on the week's grocery run. I hope most people are too full of turkey to venture out, that way the stores won't be so crowded. And then back to work for me tomorrow.

I hope you all had a nice time with family, and anyone who travelled got there safely! Enjoy your Boxing Day, take care of each other, and PEACE to you!

Love Jude

MERRYCHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!



Have a warm and safe Christmas everyone!




Love Jude

CHRISTMAS IS.....

{Please do not take this to be a sad post, it isn't meant to be. It's just a post to honour those who are hurting right now, who are experiencing some of life's difficulties that we all face from time to time. In talking to some people in the last couple of days and reading some blogs, there are some sad stories of losses in recent days. It's always so hard to face the first Christmas's after a loss, and when they happen to us during the season, it's even harder.}




Christmas is beauty.....beauty of the spirit as we give
Give of ourselves, our time, our love, our sharing
If only we would try to give of ourselves every day
As we do during this season.......



Christmas is sweet.......Oh yes for some it is a bitter sweet time
Wistful thoughts of those who are no longer here
But we carry on in the tradition of life
And make new sweet memories with those around us......



Christmas is light..... The light of love
The sharing of our laughter and joys
Basking in the warmth of loved ones, the hugs and kisses
Watching the eyes of the children light up.....

But Christmas is for so many a lonely time
Fearful, sad and painful
Let them have hope, for there will always be hope
That perhaps if they can only hang on,
Time will help to bring them healing,
Perhaps someone will make a difference in their life
And bring the sweetness, the beauty and the light of love back
Into their Christmas's and all their days once again.



God bless the lonely and the disheartened, may they know there are so many who pray for them. And may the light of Inner Peace shine on them once again.....


***Inspired by those who are missing someone, and by those who have faced tragedies, like the family Rhonda just blogged about.***



I know that I recently posted my wishes for some of you. But if I could only have ONE wish for everyone, all mankind.....it would have to be Inner Peace. If we have that, we can endure anything.

And I say this a lot...."take care of each other", and I really mean it. We are so much stronger together than alone afterall, aren't we?

Love and Peace
Jude

TURKEY DINNER AND FAMLY

This year for Christmas, my older sister is coming again for a visit. Her birthday is December 30th. but as I'll be working then, I'll have the whole family out here to my house for her birthday party on New Year's Day. But first, the big one.....

.......we will all gather at our sister Brenda's for Christmas dinner on Christmas Day! Along with husbands and kids, our original family of 4 sisters will all be together to sit around a groaning table of turkey dinner together just like all the years growing up together. Sadly, the only thing missing will be our Mom and Dad....but they are together in Heaven, which is comforting.... and I know they'll be joining us in spirit anyway.

All 3 of my sisters are great cooks, and I look forward to yummy things! I hope that all of you have good food and warm memories over the Christmas dinner table this year. I know I will be basking in the love that is family, and I wish the same for all of you too.

And now, to share with you another wish about Christmas dinner.....




MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP,
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS,
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.


Only a few days to go now! Tomorrow I am having some friends over for a pre-Christmas dinner, visit and gift exchange. I'm looking forward to nice cozy evening and some giggles.

Take care of each other, and PEACE to you!

Love Jude

2005 IN REVIEW

Thanks to Rhonda I thought I'd put up this little (??) review of the year 2005. Please feel free to use it yourselves, it would be great to read everyone elses too!

1) Was 2005 a good year for you?
All experiences teach us something and give us growth of some sort. Let's just say that 2005 gave me opportunity for much growth! LOL All in all it was a good year, just extremely stessful in more than one area in my life.

2) What was your favorite moment of the year?
Getting my living room back, after months of renovations.

3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Losing my position (cashroom) at work. I loved that job with all my being, and it suited me so well.

4) Where were you when 2005 began?
Downstairs with my sister Pammie, unless I didn't quite make it to midnight, then I would have been in bed.

5) Who were you with?
My sister.....hubby always has a thing he needs to go to every year, which is ok as I like a quiet New Years Eve anyway. Our Mom used to always spend it with us too, when she was still alive.

6) Where will you be when 2005 ends?
As far as I know, the same, or at another sister's with all of us together.

7) Who will you be with when 2005 ends?
See above.

8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2005?
I never make them anymore.

9) Do you have a new years resolution for 2006?
See above.

10) Did you breakup with anyone in 2005?
No, although renovations are real hard on a marriage!

11) Did you make any new friends in 2005?
Yes! A couple of new friends at work, and several in blogland!

12) Who is your favorite new friend?
No favourites, I love all of my friends to pieces! (wouldn't I have made a terrific mom? LOL)

13) What was your favorite month of 2005?
September. My holidays at home... however the Christmas season is my favourite time of the year also.

14) Did you travel outside of your country in 2005?
No but I would love to go to the U.K.

15) What different states did you travel to in 2005?
None, it's been awhile since I've been there, or travelled anywhere.

16) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2005?
Ah but for the Grace Of God, no. Two years ago we lost our Mom on December 9th.

17) Did you miss anybody in the past year?
Terribly. Mostly my Mom and Dad. I'd give anything to have them back.

18) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2005?
Finding Neverland (Johnny Depp)

19) What was your favorite song from 2005?
Easy!! "Rock On" by Def Leppard!

20) What was your favorite record from 2005?
"Rock of Ages", Def Leppard's double CD greatest hits!

21) How many concerts did you see in 2005?
One, Def Leppard here in August.

22) Did you have a favorite concert in 2005?
No matter how many I would have gone to, it would have been the above!

23) did you drink a lot of alchohol in 2005?
No, I have an allergy to alcohol. There's one low alcohol wine I can enjoy a glass of a couple times a year though.

24) did you do a lot of drugs in 2005?
Absolutely not! Unless you count the dreaded cigarette....

25) How many people did you sleep with in 2005?
Just my snoring hubby. Oy.

26) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
No.

27) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2005?
"Honey, the renovations should only take a couple of months....

28) Did you treat somebody badly in 2005?
No.

29) Did somebody treat you badly in 2005?
Yes.

30) How much money did you spend in 2005?
Good lord how would I know? Not much, as I don't have much. Well, other than getting a loan for renovations, yikes.

31) What was your proudest moment of 2005?
Proudest? Getting through the changes in my life with as much dignity as I could muster.

32) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2005?
Falling to pieces emotionally over not "knowing everything" with my new position at work. I'm still dealing with it in a smaller capacity....I'm used to knowing everything about my job and I don't anymore. I'll get there though.

33) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2005 and change something, what would it be?
I wouldn't want to change anything, as everything that happens to us makes us the person we are today. And I pretty much like who I am.

34.) The best thing that happened to you in 2005?
I'm still alive and blessed with love of family and friends. What is there that's better than that?

35) What are your plans for 2006?
Love, learn, grow, try to be a good wife, sister and friend.


Being just mid-December and the year isn't quite over yet, I hope that nothing is about to happen that will blow me out of the water and this quiz's answers will still stand!

PEACE to you all,
Love Jude

GIFTS FROM THE HEART.......THE FINAL UNWRAPPING

Come on in, sit down and let's unwrap the last of the gifts from the heart..........











The last few on my list of blogger friends.....these are gifts I would give if money were no object.





Beth: My little "Bert", I have no fear your life is going in wonderful directions. My first gift to you would be a cure for breast cancer, all cancers.... for your mom to have her health completely restored. Secondly, I would give you a library of books on different Religions, and on spiritual matters, as I know you are on a path of discovery and questions. You would need time to read all of these while you are still studying to become a nurse, so darling friend I would fix it so you wouldn't have to work while you do this. And then when the time is right for you, how about a wedding of your dreams, no expense to you?

Trucker Bob: Nope, no more cookies for you Big Guy, you've had enough! First things first though, a simple, easy fix to your tumour and it's gone! (watch out Harem Ladies!) And a nice place to call "second home" (like in those pictures you post of the gorgeous interiors) like maybe a big cabin, wherever you want it in your "God's Country". Of course you would want to have enough room for all of us to visit though, so I'll make it really big! And the wherewithall to make it comfortable for your family Bob. They'll want to visit you up there lots too.

Kate (U.S.): How would you like to be able to take those kids and grandkiddies of yours on a wonderful trip somewhere special? Done! As often as you like, too. And because you are the healer that you are, I'm thinking your own little business where you can practise what you do best, and dispense holistic and magickal remedies for those in need, and cater to those of like-mind with whatever you like, classes, books, etc. You'd be so good at it! Of course this little business has to be close to home, so wherever you need to live, you got it!

Bill: What does one give a man who is a computer whiz? Ah.... there is again the idea of owning your own business! And how about the chance of a lifetime on the stage or before a camera? And for the traveller in you, trips to your favourite places, say a couple times a year, to relax and enjoy the sights. Money is no object, so whatever you need to be comfortable and happy, it's yours.

Lois: Okay......this is the lady who started this Giving From The Heart. Lois you deserve something really special as well.....and as I am only getting to know you, I'm unsure of your personal desires and needs. But it seems to me that you might still like to be able to take care of that beautiful family of yours so that they are all set for life. I'm thinking if you had the funds, you could do that, and still be able to enjoy going places with them, and build the home of your dreams for when you're not off somewhere grand with them. But if I've missed anything, just close your eyes and make a wish.......and yes, it's yours!





There, the giving is done, and what a rewarding time it was for me! I wish.....I wish, I wish it could be done just as I wish.


As I have played a "Santa" of sorts, I just wanted you all to know that it has indeed been from the heart, and that you all have left me milk and cookies of another kind throughout the year, your friendship. And that is something to be cherished, isn't it? So to all of you, THANK YOU. And may you have a wonderful Christmas full of the joy of family and friends and love. That's what it's all about, afterall.

The heart, and what's inside of it.....and how we give of ourselves.

Have a very Merry Christmas!


Love and PEACE
Jude

GIFTS FROM THE HEART......#5

Before I begin with my second-to-last list of gift wishes, here are a few more funnies from Tracey, relating to the season!









And now, on to the gift-giving!


Vince: To my friend the Rocker Guy, I'd first offer you and The Wife a trip anywhere you want, for as long as you want, to take the kids and have a good relaxing time......of course there will be a nanny/kid-sitter so that you and The Wife can have a LOT of romance time. And I think you'll probably want a trip like this a couple of times a year at least, so it's yours! But also just for yourself, a recording contract, a recording studio at your home (you may have to rebuild somewhere so that's included too) and any and all fancy new equipment you'll need. Naturally you'll need to be home to do all this, so you'll be set up so neither of you have to work again. Oh and how could I forget....your very own Brian May guitar. (we talked about that before)

Jay: Well my dear, you need to write a hilarious Erma Bombeck type of book, so it's a publishing contract for you! And how about a move to anywhere you want to live ~~ with a moving company hired to do ALL the work? Afterall, writers need their special desk by the window that overlooks....whatever your little heart desires. And once again, I ask for your autographed copies because you KNOW I'd read them all! Oh yes, and some mustache wax for your stocking too, my dear.

Vickie: Firstly, once again a cure for M.S., immediately. And I might be stirring an awfully big pot here, but how about an all expenses paid trip to White Rock, B.C. to visit somebunny special?? Of course, I'll sidetrack your trip with a wee stop here so that I get to hug you finally.

Orion: Okay I know you don't celebrate Christmas like some of us do, but that doesn't mean I can't buy you a present anytime I want to, LOL! So for you, a sweet thing (she can look like anyone you want) dressed up in full firefighter regalia and crazy about you. Okay okay....maybe too personal. How about a gathering of any of your blogger buddies, a little celebration of life at the end of another year? You still have to cook for us though hon, nothing too spicey please. *wink*

Melanie: Melly you need a publishing contract too my dear. I know so many that should write books! Autographed copies for me please, and how about the trip of a lifetime for you and your family? Anywhere! It's yours dear. And what good Christmas gift would be without yet some more Leppy concert tickets (front row, Phil's side of course) for life?? I'll just stuff those into your stocking......



One more Gifts From the Heart post to go, folks! And my shopping will be all done.
Until the next one, take care of each other, be kind to animals, and PEACE be yours!

Love Jude

GIFTS FROM THE HEART..... #4

Calvin's all done *sob*, but thanks to Trace, I have some more snowman and Christmas related funnies to put up here. Here's a few more:









And to continue with my "money is no object" gift giving to my blogger buds, here's the next on my list!


Xavier: My dear man, you are so awesome and always a positive force. For you, I would give the gift of time again with your beloved Beulita, and continued good health having fought cancer twice. And I can't help but give myself the gift of sharing a long conversation with you over a cup of coffee. And perhaps you could use a new martini shaker? Yours must be worn out by now!

Kim: Kim I know you don't know me very well but I've followed your blog forever and "met up" with you in several of my blog buddies comments. I would love to give you the gift of restored health to your loved ones, and for you, Peace..... you deserve some fun, and I'd also give you life time backstage passes to Lepp concerts, complete with front row passes.

Kim(terp): Oh you need some rest, girl! I'd give you the gift of free weekends to family friendly spas......ahhh the massages and pampering! Take the family and go whenever you want! And wouldn't it be nice if it happened to be in a tropical setting? It's yours!

Complimenting Commenter: Ah, now you and the wife and new baby would probably love to head out to somewhere warm and relaxing too. Somewhere that new parents can have time to re-connect while your new nanny helps take care of the wee one. You spread so much sunshine around the blogosphere that you deserve some sunshine of your own!

Lexy: My saucy little friend, you keep us in stitches, and it seems to me that you deserve a whole lotta "down" time.....no job, no stressing.....just the chance to pick up and travel when you want, wherever you want. Well, you got it. And being the rocker chick that you are, I'm thinking I'd like to give you concert tickets to whomever, whenever, FORever. And, it goes without saying that bringing good health back to your grandma is my very first offering to you.

Mona: For you my friend, the chance to publish a book of your thoughts, all expenses paid. You're so good at thought provoking ideas and sharing your positive energies, and it should be something people can pick up and read. Will you autograph your first printed copy for me?


That's it for this time, next up will be several more of you! Until then, PEACE to you all!

Link to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's great tune set to lights ~~ enjoy!
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SONG AND DANCE

Love Jude