Friday, December 14, 2012

Christmas Tree Wishes


This is a re-post of last year’s story asking for Christmas wishes for our holiday tree and wreath. We thought this year we would share the story with you again so we can invite you to share and enjoy the wishes from last year in your own way. We loved the results, we're hanging our wishes again this year, and we are truly appreciating all the love we share with you all over the year!

Deb: I have come to see those of you who read us as more than bloggers, writers, followers of the blog. Through all the turbulence and joy of the last year, you have become so much more. You have stood with us in many ways. You have been advisors, shoulders, supporters and friends.

And it is in that spirit that we would like to have a small piece of your hearts in our homes for Christmas, and as the Old Year becomes New.

Colin and I have a little tree that lives in our bedroom at Christmas. Each year I decorate it with colourful glass birds of every description. This year I would like to decorate it with you and your thoughts and wishes. Not just wishes for me or for my family, although we will accept with grateful thanks, but anything you care to say.

In essence, it can be anything your heart desires. It can be a word, a phrase, a quote, a prayer, a hope for the planet, for her people, for each other or for yourselves. It can be funny, silly, irreverent, heartfelt, or whatever comes to mind. Basically, the sky is the limit.

I will print each one out, place it on a Christmas tag and tie it on our little tree. Barb will do the same with the wreath that adorns her front door. Just before Christmas we will post photos of said boughs brimming with ... you!

This unique, talented, exciting group of people should be together for the holidays in some form. This might bring us a little closer to that...

And this was the result!





Deb: Thanks, blogees, one and all, for joining in the festive trimming of the tree and wreath that we proposed some weeks ago. Here it is in all its glory in our respective homes. It’s lovely sharing this season with you all.

Barbara: Thank you all sooooo much for sending so many lovely wishes. I loved them when you sent them, and then again when I cut them out, and then again when I hung them. Here are all your words.


"Peace" and goodwill to all!
***
Give someone the gift of your undivided attention.
***
Gratitude.
***
"YOU PAINT YOUR OWN FUTURE.....SO PAINT IT THE WAY YOU WOULD WANT IT TO BE....I'VE PAINTED YOU GUYS IN MINE......I'LL SEE YOU THEN..!!! LOADS OF LOVE...
***
Am Ende des Jahres
zurück blicken auf den Weg,
der hinter einem liegt.
Sich erinnern, inne halten.
Aufatmen. Durchatmen.

Am Ende des Jahres
Hoffnung schöpfen.
Einen Neuanfang wagen.
Sich freuen, auf das was kommt.
Sich leiten lassen,
einem Stern folgen.

Am Ende des Jahres
an einem Ziel angekommen sein.
Stolz sein,
etwas geschafft zu haben.
Hindernisse überwinden.
Nicht aufgeben.

Am Ende des Jahres
einem Wunder begegnen.
Keine Angst spüren.
Sich überraschen lassen.
Staunen, glauben.
Vertrauen haben.

Am Ende des Jahres
einfach Mensch sein.
***
English: At the end of the year

At the end of the year
look back at the road
that lies behind you.
Remember, pause.
Breathe. Breathe deeply.
***
At the end of the year
gather hope.
Start anew.
Look forward to what will happen.
Be guided by someone,
follow a star.
***
At the end of the year
reach a goal.
Be proud
of something you achieved.
Overcome obstacles.
Never give up.
***
At the end of the year
come across a miracle.
Don't be afraid.
Be surprised.
Be astonished, believe.
Have faith.
***
At the end of the year
simply be human.
***
Joy and happiness
***
The greatest gift is a friendship you never knew you'd have.
***
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NRS
***
Friends come from strange places and I found both of you on Facebook and I am sure glad I did. I love you both without ever meeting you, yet! But that will happen.
***
From Norway with love: GOD JUL OG GODT NYTTÅR.
***
Thank you so much for your blog! It has helped me through many troubled times. Thank you both for thinking of us despite never knowing us before!
***
"You'll see it's all a show/Keep 'em laughing as you go/Just remember that the last laugh is on you." - E. Idle.
***
"What has happened, has happened. It's where we go from here is what counts." - author unknown
***
"There are many ways to skin a chicken." - me
***
"It's not enough to bash in heads/You've got to bash in minds." - Captain Hammer.
***
"Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste, there's so much to celebrate!
Believe in what you feel inside
Give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need if you just believe."
***
Bippitty Boppitty Boo -- Ba Doo!
***
"Love wholeheartedly and without restraint."
***
merry christmas to all my love ones above
***
My wish is that for everyone here to make at least one person smile.
***
"Go to work. Do your best. Don't let your praying knees get lazy and love like crazy."
***
Grace.
***
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune—without the words,
And never stops at all,
***
All you do is make people laugh.
Thoughts are focused on nothing except what's going on up onstage.
There are other people enjoying the same thing.
There is friendly contact.
There is support given and taken, sometimes without anyone ever knowing.
There is no judgment.
There is no negative thinking.
The drive is not as lonely.
The future does not look as hopeless.
In the black of life, there was some light.
And all you did was make people laugh.
***
If love is the treasure, laughter is the key.
***
Never give up on your dreams!
Merry Christmas.
***
This post isn’t for the tree or wreath, just to simply express my gratitude. I have been reading this blog for a short time now, after discovering it via Colin’s twitter, and finally got the courage to actually post a reply. I wanted you guys to know just how much your blog means. By sharing what you all are going through somehow helps me deal with the depression and other things I have going on in my life. It is hard to explain, but posting a reply and talking to someone REALLY helps. It is easier to talk to people online rather than in person for me. Regardless of whether or not anyone ever reads this, it is helping me. Even just having something to look at and keep up with everyday helps!
So thank you so much!! You will never know how something so small can help so much!
***
"Guess why I smile a lot. Uh, 'cause it's worth it.
***
"So I'll say Merry Christmas
I'll wish peace to you
I'll hope for the hopeless, your dreams come true.
And I'll pray for the laughter
I'll sing through the tears
I'll say Merry Christmas for all the world to hear."
***
"All you need is love."
***
"Hang in there."
***
"Peace and love to all"
***
"Stay shiny"
***
In Western lands beneath the sun
the flowers may rise in spring
the trees may bud
the waters run
the merry finches sing
Or there may be this cloudless night
and swaying beeches bare
the Elven stars as jewles bright
amid their dancing hair

Though here at journeys end I lie
in darkness buried deep
beyond all towers strong and high
beyond all mountains steep
Above all Shadows rides the sun
and stars forever dwell
I will not say the day is done
nor bid the stars farewell
***
Love from Norway, no signs of snow :(
***
"You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang. Sing it anyway!"
***
Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death.
***
"Dreaming is free.
***
"Let there be so much joy and love in you this Christmas it spills out to those around you!"
***
Peace, love and happiness!
***
The Best of Times Is Now.
What's left of Summer
But a faded rose?
The best of times is now.
As for tomorrow,
Well, who knows? Who knows? Who knows?
So hold this moment fast,
And live and love
As hard as you know how.
And make this moment last
Because the best of times is now,
Is now, is now.
Now, not some forgotten yesterday.
Now, tomorrow is too far away.
So hold this moment fast,
And live and love
As hard as you know how.
And make this moment last,
Because the best of times is now,
Is now, is now.
***
Listen! I hear bells!
Here come all the shiny gifts!
***
You sleigh me, Santa.
***
Dashing through the snow.
Santa is coming, my dear.
Are three ho's enough?
***
It's snowing outside.
I need something to keep warm.
Hugh Jackman...Naked.

Favorite Christmas?
Fireplace burning, Nat King Cole,
Hugh Jackman...Naked.

I don't want visions.
No Sugarplum fairies, thanks.
Hugh Jackman...Naked.

Hey Santa Baby,
I want one thing only please
Hugh Jackman...Naked.

The halls are all decked,
The fireplace is brightly lit,
WHERE the HELL is HUGH??!!
***
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman
***
Love and hugs
***
“Fall, then figure out what to do on the way down.” 



Deb and Barbara: Please feel free to add a new wish for this year, or if you didn't have a chance to leave one last year!

61 comments:

  1. Is it already a year!!! So fast! These are just lovely to read and remember a year ago. What a great idea that was. I enjoyed them and the pictures of the tree, wreath, etc. and heartfelt idea all over again. Thank you so much for your blog. xo

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  2. Awwwwwwwww!!! I remember this post...VERY VERY VERY WELL. I have goosebumps and I am about to well up! This is such an important post for me!! And you girls did it again. Read my mind and posted this!

    The day you posted this, was the day WE first met. The day I talked to you two for the first time. And I SWEAR I did not know you would welcome me in your life and in your hearts! But you did, you were among the rare people who actually accepted me for who I am and didn't try to change me.

    I am sooooo very grateful that I ever found the most amazing soul-sisters I could EVER ask for!! (Well, the telepathic connection and the reading minds....we are soul sisters!)
    I appreciate your presence in my life every day! And I appreciate and am grateful for this blog, which brought us together!!!

    So, "the future" I talked about in this post last year is..."NOW" now. And I am sooo happy that my painting turned out PERFECTLY. And that you two ARE in it!! Looking forward to more connection and happy memories!

    LOVED THIS YEAR...Best year of my life sooo far!!!
    And yet I know...Its just the tip of the iceberg!!!!!! ;)

    Love you both so very much! xoxoxoxo


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    1. Awww, so sweet, Shalaka. We're grateful and happy too that you found us and have shared so much of your amazing spirit here with us. Always grateful. xoxo

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    2. Awwww you girls are the best!

      BTW This year...can I get Hugh Jackman Naked?

      NO NO WAIT!! NO... I want Nathan Fillion Naked!!!!

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  3. Deb and.Barb you both are great and very inspiring to me. since I've started blogging, myself, it's been nothing but, life changing for me, in a way. both of you ladies are very amazing people. and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas,. an amazing 2013.

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    1. Madge and Lyndsie, thanks for these. Lyndsie, you are so sweet and we're thrilled you've found your voice and that you also share it here with us!

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    2. wonderful wishes and so special coming from you guys. Thank you so much. We wish the best back to you and your family and friends.

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  4. "To say truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays." -Shakespeare, MND.
    So glad to see this again. Love!

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  5. my wish is that everyone this year would have a truley inspirational, year and take each day as it comes. if I have learned anything this year, it's to take life, 1 day at a time. Marry christmas

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  6. Happy holidays to everyone. What I wish for is courage (for myself and others) - not to be paralyzed by self-consciousness and a desire to please people, not to kill myself inside in order to live a life that's unsuited for me, and not to fear disappointment, anger or outrage from others who, however well-intentioned, don't know what's best for me as much as I do.

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  7. Buhh...major Hobbit hangover (GO SEE IT!!!!!!!!). I remember doing this. :] Hard to believe that was a year ago! Shew. Man how time flies when you enjoy yourself.

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    1. If I also may add, if you could, please spare a thought and/or prayer (whatever you feel comfortable with) for the families and friends of those who lost loved ones in Newton, Connecticut today. In case you don't know, there was a shooting at a school. 26 people were killed, 18 of them being children. This is just so sad. So sad beyond words.

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    2. I only found out about an hour ago, Kelly. I am in shock. Can't even imagine what those poor families must be experiencing. My heart goes out to everyone.

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    3. Kelly we found out late in the day as we were out with the kids at the theatre. Cannot believe it. So very sorry for the families and friends. Just don't know what else to say. It is beyond my grasp.

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  8. Let love shape the way you interact with each other and perceive each other.

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  9. This time last year I was in an intensive out-patient therapy program. I'm of a much more positive mind and spirit now. I'm SO happy you posted this because I love knowing I can write something and still be proud of it regardless of the mindset I was/am in. Thank you, ladies, for reminding me of this. xoxox

    Have yourself a merry little Christmas.


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    1. This is so wonderful to hear, Dawn. I have add that I am also proud of you, and also have been moved by everything you've said here. xoxo

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    2. Dawn this is SUCH a great message to read. Could not be happier for you and the reminder of time and what it can do for us. xoxoxoox

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  10. Are you happy now?
    Celebrate this year's triumphs
    Merry Christmas, kids

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  11. Ohhh my wish! Ofcourse! might take a while...I'm still cooking! Well Madge and Kelly took the words I was gonna write. :D

    "Make this Christmas as....

    Cute as Colin is
    Adorable as Deb is
    Sweet as Barb is
    Great as Phil is
    Perfect as the 2:22 timing on my clock is
    Happy and full of life as Bairn, Fanny and Chaplin are
    Wonderfully Weird as Shalaka is
    Cherished as our friendship is
    And Full of love and Connection as this Blog-family is!!!

    Merry Christmas my darlings! I love you xoxo"

    hmmm...Whaddaya think??? too Corny??

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  12. Ohh and can I add one more?? This one is for Santa.

    "Can I have have Nathan Fillion covered in Nutella this year?"

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  13. My ever-present Christmas wish is always for more improv shows that I can drive to! :D

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  14. Life is what you make it - so make it happy, merry and and a good adventure for yourself and those around you. Hug your friends for no reason. There are always reasons! Peace and hope to all of us.

    Dorothy

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  15. I can hear the susurrus of softly falling snow, and it's nearly as beautiful as the laugh of someone loved. To be honest, I don't care about the infinite flakes I'll have to shovel, because it just means I have infinite snowflakes with all of you.
    May your life be interesting.

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  16. Wait. I've just found something else I'd like to add separately, if you don't mind.

    Life owes me nothing. Let the years
    Bring clouds or azure, joy or tears;
    Already a full cup I've quaffed;
    Already wept and loved and laughed,
    And seen, in ever-endless ways,
    New beauties overwhelm the days.

    It's the first part of a poem by an unknown author, and it's always been one of my favourites. Happy holidays, everyone!

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    Replies
    1. I don't know that one, but I completely love it. Thanks!

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  17. I just want to send best wishes and many blessings to you all, and for this time of the year, all I really want and pray for is a little bit of peace in this world.

    That's all I'm wanting right now. Sorry, just a little sad and emotionally affected at the moment by the tragedy in Connecticut.

    Blessings,
    Sheyla

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    1. I know, Sheyla. All of us are reeling from it. Time to be sad. My friend, Gae, posted this most wonderful reminder, courtesy of Mr. Rogers:

      "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world."

      - Mr. Rogers

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  18. Sorry i'm a little late to the party :P
    This is such a cool idea! When I get my own apartment someday and put a tree up, I want to do this for the decorations!

    No~w, MMMMMmmmm, there is so~ much i could say... I guess i'll go with--
    Let everyone's dreams and prayers be answered in some shape or form.

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    Replies
    1. Never too late, Garrett! Nice one, and added, thank you.

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  19. Time flies by so fast...I feel dizzy...as if I want it to stop, and I can't...

    So many things happened this year. Not all of them were good.
    I turn 30 next week...and I'm depressed.

    Many people have to suffer these days...are in hospitals, are fighting for their lives and health...

    My christmas wish?

    Happiness. Health. A friend, who supports you. Strength to carry on, no matter how hard it is.

    I've also written a poem this year...but I need to translate it, first.

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    1. We're sorry you're having a rough patch right now, but please know we're thinking of you and that we know how much you have to offer and how incredibly special you are! I wish your wishes for you too xoxo

      We look forward to reading your poem, Becki!

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    2. Now, while I'm sure Deb would say the same thing as above, I feel it's my duty to admit the above "Deb" comment is my own. While prepping tomorrow's Blogging Out Loud, I was signed in as Deb and it stayed for this comment. Sorry for any confusion!

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    3. Awww you're so cute and lovely! :D Thank you so much! xoxo

      All right...here's my poem.

      I have discovered christmas.

      Not in the colourful wrapping paper
      that - opened in a hurry -
      reveals disappointment.

      Not in the glaring chain of lights
      which shine lovelessly
      and banish contemplation.

      Not in corny songs
      which - played on infinite loop -
      lead us to believe in peace on earth.

      Not in the busy haste
      that - heartless in the streets -
      replaces the meaning of life.

      I have discovered christmas.

      In honest attention
      that - gently and sensitive -
      brings joy.

      In a little light
      that gutters
      and contributes comfort and hope.

      In a heavenly harmony
      that fills me whole
      and helps me to calm down.

      In an isolated stable
      that invites me
      to understand life anew.

      God...that sounds terrible. :(

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    4. Nooooo!! This is BEAUTIFUL, Becki. Simple and evocative. Crisp language (can't believe this is a translation and not your original version: the language is so precise and perfect). I've read it several times already. Love love love it. May I add it to our wish tree? Thank you for sharing!

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  20. I am so grateful for the tree that gave part of itself to record my wish.
    I wish for many, many, many more trees.
    Thank you Christmas Tree.
    Thank you Holiday Wreath.

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  21. Nothing to add from me, as I think the ones that I would have written down have already been suggested :) Very lovely idea indeed and I am sure it will bring happiness to many. I would love to see something like that in a shopping center or a mall just so that other people could enjoy it as well.

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    1. These wishes do cover a lot, don't they?! And I think your idea is excellent. It reminds me of an art exhibit at our Nuit Blanche a few years ago. Yoko Ono had an outdoor installation where everyone was invited to write down and tie a wish to one of three trees. It was so magical and moving.

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    2. Your comment really gave me a dejavu feeling. :D If I only could remember if I have heard about the Yoko Ono thing before (very unlikely though).

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  22. *sigh* I'm always late to these posts nowadays, but, especially in the wake of the tragedy in CT, my Christmas wish is for peace and love. It's all too easy to rush around in our daily lives, always looking ahead. We need to pause and remember the precious gifts we have, and never take them for granted.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those teachers and children this Christmas.

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    1. Truly we love to hear from you whenever you decide to visit. No pressure! That said, we love your wish and are deeply moved by it under the tragic circumstances. Our hearts are with those families. Thanks, Rox xoxo

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    2. Thank you, Barb. {hugs} ♥

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  23. hi Barbara,

    This is a brilliant Christmas tree ideas! I've always want to set up this kind of tree whereas the whole family can hang their notes with their christmas wishes. Also, a christmas message for each of the member of the family.

    Merry Christmas!

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  24. This is pretty creative and what a clever idea! It's really nice see those greetings hanging on your tree. My best Christmas wishes to you and your family this holiday!

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