Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore

I have to say that this has been a year of change - excellent, fantastic, mind blowing change. As referencing the above title, a wondrous new world has been laid out in front of me. I have left behind the ordinary, and seek the extraordinary. Is there any other way to be?

I have felt like Dorothy so many times this year. My life, like a whirlwind, spun me around, and set me right smack in the middle of possibilities. I approach each new find with awe, respect, and wonder. I look at the new finds with childlike curiosity, realizing that yes - not only does it exist, but all I needed to do to have new experiences is to go get them. Make it happen. No longer am I content to sit on the sidelines and watch the world pass me by. I am no longer afraid.

The year is winding to a conclusion, and I am still thankful. I just had a marvelous Christmas. Remember, I have been around a few years- but I'd rank it highly among some of my fondest experiences. A special thanks to the entire Thomas family for making me feel welcome, and giving me a memory to treasure. Of course, love to my Mom for a fabulous time.  A singular thanks to Duffy Thomas for time spent together, among many other things. I went home with eyes all aglow, and a heart full of happiness.

One of the things that I will talk about in relation to Christmas is Christmas Eve. I got to do something this year that I haven't been able to in quite some time. Earlier in the afternoon, I went to a nice dinner with Duffy and his family, but that evening, I was invited to watch Christmas movies and drink eggnog. Doesn't sound like much, but to me, this is heaven. Bar none. We watched 2 movies, and drank eggnog by the fire. It was special to me.

So, I found my yellow brick road, and the Emerald City. I often think of myself as the Dorothy getting all glamoured up to see the Wizard. Once presented before him, I realize that to get my fondest desire, I need to defeat the Wicked Witch. In my case, the Wicked Witch is not an actual person. The Wicked Witch is years of self doubt, insecurity, and negative perceptions of myself. To overcome that, and achieve my fondest desires is like Dorothy killing the Wicked Witch. And much like Dorothy, there was an immense satisfaction watching my negativity melt away.

Returning to the Emerald City, I show the Wizard that I have defeated the Wicked Witch. I realize that the Wizard (some magical solution) does not exist. The Wizard is merely a man, as my efforts are merely hard work. Glinda the Good Witch reminds me that my heart's desire has been in me all along - there's no place like home. For my life, home represents that feeling inside me. Home is knowing that I had the power all along to make my life better, to take chances, to live to the fullest, to love, to dream - I am my own magic. So, when Dorothy wakes up, and realizes that all of her friends were there, and there is truly no place like home - I think that there is no better place to be than where I am right now. Watching my future unfold before me, my desires open like so many books, my heart seeking what I truly deserve - to love and be loved. To succeed, to climb the highest mountain, and all of those positive cliches I could reference here - that's what it's all about.

So what does 2015 hold? I don't know. I am okay with that. I know that once again,it's going to be a miraculous year. Happy Holidays to one and all.

Until we meet again-
Angie
(In honor of my Grandma - the Little Angel 0:) )

Above all else be thankful

It has been a little while since I wrote. It's not a bad thing - just a little unusual for me. I write for myself, but I like to share my literary passion.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we are rapidly approaching Christmas. I find that my thankfulness has not decreased. In fact, I think it has increased tenfold. I am very fortunate. I have so many people I love and care about and who love and care about me. I have a job. I have a place to live that's warm. I have a car, food, clothes to wear, have traveled this year to places I never expected to go, and so many more incredible things. I want for nothing.

In counting my blessings, I think of those who do not have even a portion of what I have. I make an extra effort this time of year to give to charity. Remember, it is not about the size of the gift. Whatever you have to share, whether it be monetary, or gently used clothing, or household things that you won't use, or non perishable food items, or even time - it can make someone's whole Christmas.

If you have ever participated in a toy drive, and seen the look on a child's face when they receive a toy, you know what I am talking about. It may be the only toy they get this year, and the child is thrilled. The parent of that child is also happy. Sometimes it may even move them to tears. And what do you get? You get the sheer unequivocal joy of knowing that you made a difference. You made that family's Christmas. Does it get any better than that?

To me, Christmas is magical. It always has been, and it always will be. Santa is not just for the smaller set. If you believe, wondrous things are all around us. It's a season of love, of giving. Christmas is the time to let the best of yourself shine. Some people are all about what they are going to get.  I find that my favorite part of Christmas is not what I receive. My favorite thing is what I give. When I find that perfect gift, that, in itself, is the reward. I have that desire to have the recipient open it, and think, wow, she really gets me. When you shift your focus in that manner, the holidays become so much more.

Down to 15 days until Christmas. Give where you can. Help those in need. Spend time with the people you love. That's what true Christmas magic is all about.

That, and words from a classic:

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please.

And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flocks by night. And , lo, the angel of the 

Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round 

about them. And they were sore afraid, and the angel said unto 

them, "Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy, which

 shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of 

David, a savior, tis Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto

 you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in

 a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of

 the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying , " Glory to God in the

 highest, and on Earth, peace, and good will toward men."

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. 

Until we meet again, my friends-

Angie