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Unexpected presents
My neighbors and I don't exchange Christmas gifts but I received several unexpected ones this year. Perhaps because I am an "anchor" person, having lived here for almost 39 years. Everyone knows me. They wave at me when they go by and visit when I'm doing yardwork. Mornings when the kids are waiting for the school bus, I open the door and wish them a happy day. A good place to live.
My neighbor made this woodsy version of Rudolph for me. What could be more fitting for a logger's daughter! Note pine cone tail. Believe me, it certainly attracted attention.
A lady crocheted me a pair of slippers. Another brought cookies and card from her smallest daughter with a crayon tree and Christmas misspelled. I love it. A young Korean who attends the college nearby and always waves and/or stops to chat, gave me a really funny Christmas card. And a family down the block came with a gorgeous handmade wreath for the front door: cedar boughs, colored balls, gauzy ribbons, sprayed pine cones, and jingle bells. My other decorations are down but the wreath will remain for a time. Fitting, since many mornings recently have been a cold 20 degrees.
"They named him Kosmo. They should have called him Trouble--with a capital 'T.' Don't ask me why they needed a puppy. They already had an exceptional dog--me, Kramer!" The story brought laughter and a few tears. It earns a place on my shelf of Christmas books to be reread each year.
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What makes these and other gifts so special? The love, friendship, and caring they reflect. With friends like these, I am indeed blessed.
Kosmo's Christmas Delivery and Deb's other titles
and her artist friend, Joey Palmberg, capture the very esence of
2 comments:
It's fun to connect in unusual ways at Christmastime. I find there's a combination letdown and relief after it's all over--so lingering pleasant reminders (like your homemade wreath and Rudolph) can provide a lift and a smile as needed. Deb's new book looks like a lot of fun. Congrats to her and her illustrator friend!
You are so right. Yes, Deb's book is adorable. Touching as well as humorous!
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