40th christmas on orchard road

blobs of cloud suspended with little balls. 

distinctly unappetizing, i'm afraid.

this charming man - marian keyes (2008)

there is chick lit that's painfully ill-written fluff (better not mention who) and there is solidly entertaining chick lit (debbie macomber and katie ffordes). then there is really clever treatment of quite serious topics pretending to be chick lit (that's marian keyes). 

if you enjoy Rachel's Holiday for her writing from the inside of drug addiction (as i did) you will enjoy This Charming book for her writing from the inside of dark relationships and alcohol addiction. in addition to her really effortless unexpected wit.

festive looks... not

the season has been rather muted this year, owing to HOM and my preferring home to the crowds and therefore having limited opportunities to hear carols on loop and my not being able to summon the energy to climb to the top cabinets where our (highly curated) christmas decorations are stored and to the fact that we got rid of the (dilapidated) tree anyway years back and have no wish to acquire a replcaement.

but if J1 and J2 and partners are coming home for christmas i find myself wondering if i should do the maternal thing and prepare the home to look more festive. decisions. gah.

delicioso

my proud new acquisition from the saturday market. and if you think it bears some philosophical resemblance to this i would agree with you although i wish it was less symmetrical.

33

in the bring-your-own-tote age, what impresses a girl after thirty-three years is a man who can whip a shopping bag out of his gym bag when she decides on a whim to grocery shop. that, and various other things, still makes her heart go pitty-pat-pitty-pat. 

she is thankful for years she hardly believed she would get.

giving thanks

for

family i do not deserve

friends who gladden and cheer

fellowship around the table

and work that steadies me

the year has been full.

you crown the year with your goodness

to J1, on his birthday

as usual, i marvel at how far you have come. independent and able and making your way with your own and there in spite of all that we were not! how i give thanks for this kind considerate and likable young fellow with hopes and dreams and still some stars in his eyes!

may you dream God's dreams. may you desire His will. may God grant you the desires of your heart. 

may you walk wisdom's path. may you know great joy. may God hold you in the palm of His hand.