As I scurry to this store and that one wondering what is in sight. I look at my list and say "oh no, this is not a welcome delight!!" We do not have some of these, Swiss cheeses to make the holiday fondue. I decided to send my husband to the store. Not a welcome sight! Three cell phone calls later, I ponder the day and say oh e ve! What kind of french bread? I try to not yell at him on the phone so all the bystanders will hear.
How can French bread be so complicated? He says there are 4 different kinds. I say "just get the one that looks right". "You have to feel it and make sure you can cut it easily", I say. I know men are from Mars and women Venus, but this is ridiculous. All I want is some wonderful French bread. The kind you cut in cubes for the fondue. We are only beginning the list - one store and three to go, oh no!
Family time used to be so easy when mom was in the kitchen with help nearby. Now with our busy workloads we "job share". I thought the grocery would be a welcome delight, as plenty of samples to tantalize the war-torn knight.
I am married to a wonderfully complex man. The best of him comes out at the grocery stores. He is a bond trader. I, on the other hand, am a blond designer. Further explanation not needed. I thought this expedition would run smoothly. I even wrote neatly. I tried to categorize by store. Today I even took the cookbook out to show him the pictures. I want "baby carrots" with the green on the ends. I am a visual learner; this seemed sensible. Facts, like the price out way the picture. He says"so how am I going to find a boneless leg of lamb this size?". What will it cost? My answer " not to bother. I will go to "the other store".
Now the "other store" is where the "yuppies" shop, our daughter for sure! It is expensive and sure to have whatever dear husband can't find insight!
He would never come home with the items if I sent him to that store. I learned to make love and marriage work this way: there are some "things" you never tell a husband. Shopping "details" is one for sure! The way I beat inflation is stay away from the stores. When I do go I just close my eyes and swipe the credit card. He of course reads the statement at the end of the month. The festive meal is consumed and that favorite dress is admired, somehow the pain is not remembered!
This reminds me of a wonderful design client I had in California. We handled some of the decorating choices ourselves! The fabrics she selected were all from France and quite expensive. We did not weigh the "cost" to sacrifice the beautiful window dressing. I presented the bill unashamedly to her husband, after the installation. They were exquisite and no one cared at this point about price.
The enjoyment and beauty in life is often missed by hidden fears that spoil the gift. Consider the joy that comes when we open our hearts to each other. The hurry and scurry vanishes from sight as we see the faces "light up" in sheer delight as they open the gifts and share the festive meal.
The joy of a finished design job comes with the thrill of satisfied clients. They soon forget the delays, wasted phone calls and budget overruns when they are cozily sitting on the "french sofa", musing , laughing and loving...
We can be extravagant some of the time so memories are remembered and shared. Extravagant loving comes from extravagant giving. Meal time is the best way to let love flow. Remember to let the "small stuff" go and forget the things that do not matter.
We will have 3 to 4 different fondue pots and conversations going. The meal will last 2 to 3 hours and we will laugh a lot and remember this Christmas when we were together. Family time, "cherish" is the name. The gift we remember!
I read an interesting article about a study done on rats. Researchers at Yale University found that rats that were in isolation and lonely were prone to cancer. They suffered greater levels of stress. Stress has actually been shown to "trigger cancer-causing genes in humans". Fear and anxiety were discovered in these rats that create higher levels of cancer like breast tumors.
We have to guard our hearts at this time and not let the shopping frenzy or unfulfilled groceries lists steal our joy. We need to be so grateful that we have family to shop for and are not alone during the Holidays. I always look for people who are alone, or children who will not get presents to bless. We have so much, we have each other. We combat loneliness and little irritations by looking for opportunities. May you be blessed to be a BLESSING!!
I thank G-d for everyone who has come into my life and circle of love. May we open our hearts to the best gift life has to offer. We as Christians celebrate the birth of our Messiah. He is the reason for this SEASON of GIVING. He gave LOVE. So we can LOVE. Let us celebrate with a reason to look for ways to " love on" each other and forget about the flaws.
Pass the chocolate to the "ones" you LOVE. Cherish the gift.
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