I was sitting in my stress test today and got bit by Holiday Bug 2014.  Have you caught it yet?

It’s been so busy I’ve studiously avoided all thought of the holidays. Then, when you least expect it, in a most unlikely place, bang! I think it was the two women who helped with the test. They were really nice, and very efficient- two traits that don’t always go together, and RARELY come in twos.

Now that my kids are mostly moved away, it’s pretty cool when you can have holiday symptoms without so many obligatory activities that become repetitious. So every year now, we have a new plan for Thanksgiving. It’s fun! When I do cook a bird, I decide what extras I want what my husband likes and that’s it. I still haven’t figured out how to get out of making mashed potato, but this is the year we’re going out so I won’t worry about it.

I decided to make a fun holiday image with a couple of my pillows- to see how they’d look floating in space. It’s a little like trying to figure out what patterns go together in a room. You just have to throw them together sometimes. I was impressed with how well these two pillows (which are pretty intense by themselves) go with an equally busy background. Remember that. You don’t always have to put a pattern on a solid. Some patterns, just by virtue of their colors look great together.

Dave Brubeck is a classy musician and one I’ve only recently learned to appreciate. I enjoy watching musicians play who clearly love what they do. This is an old recording of a classic from 1966- “Take the A Train”. Dave with Paul Desmond, on alto sax. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVwkRU-iYg4&feature=youtu.be

Growing up, holidays always meant lots of music. Our very musical neighbors hosted a huge annual caroling party. We’d have dinner, hot mulled wine, do a quick rehearsal and off we’d go singing down the streets of our dark D.C. neighborhood. Loved it.

Same song, Diana Krall 2009. Very different. But interesting variation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZEK8dvfXuQ

What special memory/memories you do have of the holidays? Just scroll down here and reply…I’m waiting…!

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