Christmas Lights and Hot Coco

(Photo Source:  souvlakiforthesoul)

It’s cold outside.  I not a winter person and constantly miss the 75 degree weather of Hawaii when I lived there.  But, I admit sometimes it is nice to slip into a thick, fleece jacket, brave the brisk wind, and venture outside, where my cheeks turn pink in seconds.

Tonight, I strolled up the sidewalk and looked at the Christmas lights that all of my neighbors put up, so diligently, this past weekend.   It reminded me of when I was little, walking with my grandmother, marveling at the beautiful colors of red, green, blue, and white. Then, when we were almost frozen to death, we’d go inside and warm up next to a warm fire, and enjoy that special hot chocolate she’d whip up like magic.  She’d always put in extra marshmallows for me.

Now, as I sit with my hot chocolate in hand, I’ll add some extra marshmallows, for grandma.  I wish you were here sitting next to me, instead of two states away. The lights were beautiful.

Oh, Nancy Drew, How I Love You

(photo source: thersic)

I went to my grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving weekend.  I spent more of my childhood there than at my own parent’s house.  Truthfully, she was more of parent to me that my own. I am thankful for having such a caring individual in my life.  Too bad her own daughter couldn’t have learned to be more like her.

I went my old “room” which still looks the same as it did when I left for college ten years ago.  Grandma says that she keeps it that way to remind her of our days together. Sometimes, I wish I were that young girl again.
The white bookshelf still sits in the corner of the room  It’s big and the shelves strain from the weight of books I amassed during my childhood.  The first shelf holds those books that were most dear to me.  I thought they’d be damaged or at least extremely dusty.

To my surprise there they were, still in pristine condition: Nancy Drew, my old friend.  I missed her more than I realized.  Each book, with their yellow spines and beautiful covers, still fill me with anticipation of all the adventures they contain.   Grandma dusted them regularly; she knew I’d want them someday.

She was right.  I always be grateful to Nancy Drew, she taught me to love reading and the magic of opening a book.  They were a gateway to a world beyond my small town, where I could go anywhere and be anybody.  I learned so many things about myself, others, and the world.

And I always be grateful to my grandmother, who taught me how to love.

(photo source:  moviemobsters)

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!!