Diary of a Nomad

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Kitty Collage

I've said it before, I'll say it again... who doesn't need a nice Kitty collage now and then?

Because you can never have too many :)

Bittersweet (but mostly sweet)

I was just reading one of my previous posts titled "Bittersweet (but mostly bitter)" and reflecting on how less-better I'm feeling these days. Having an outlet like this blog helps tremendously. But watching sappy Christmas movies, giftwrapping, decorating, and listening to Christmas music has also done wonders for putting me in the holiday spirit. I can't help but feel that even with all the joy the holidays bring, it still feels a little bittersweet. I can't explain the sadness that accompanies this time of year. Perhaps it's because while it amplifies all that is good in life, it also holds a magnifying glass up to all that is missing. Like loved ones who have passed, or loved ones we've yet to meet. Or maybe it's just the depressing weather - who knows!

Myself, I fill the void with Bing Crosby, ornaments, lights, pine-scented candles, cinnamon-scented pine cones, fresh-baked cookies, and candy cane pie; then cover it with festive wrapping paper and voila! I hardly know it's there. It works. And warming myself by a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa is better than allowing myself to feel the bitter cold. It snowed here last night and it's 30 degrees out as I write this. I would usually complain but I'm actuallying enjoying it. The light blanket of snow on the rooftops and ground is beautiful - and decidedly Christmas-ier than green grass. The weather also reminds me of Minnesota and eases the homesickness a little. I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and staying warm.

P.S. - Speaking of snow, I'm looking forward to staying at Mt. Rainier National Park Inn for Christmas Eve. I keep checking the webcams for snow and today there's plenty! Take a look. These are live webcam shots from Paradise, just a little further up from Longmire where I'm staying.

Nice! Looks like a recipe for the fireplace + a steaming cup of hot cocoa + a good book = a wonderful Christmas Eve :)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

21 Days And Counting...

Are your decorations up yet? Here are some pics of my living room, the only room I'm decorating. The colors may look a little funky because I was playing around with a photo-editor.

As you can see here, Darla was loads of help when it came to decorating. She mostly just chewed on the fake plants and twigs and such. Oh, and she keeps knocking down the fake pointsettia plants so she can lay on top of them. I've given up and just relinquished them to her. What a dork.