2011 is soon over. 

Was it a good year, bad year or just a year?  For many this is one of many times throughout a year to look back, remember and be thankful for the blessings we have all received.  Everyone receives at least one blessing during a year’s time.  You may have to look long and hard but there is always at least one.  This is also a time to remember those who have passed, not only this year but those who passed in years gone by.  The song Auld Lang Syne is a reminder to do this.  Many do not know the words and/or the meaning of this song.  It has to do with endings and beginnings and remembrances.  I hope you will enjoy the following as a remembrance of one of the greats in this country – he is irreplaceable and we will never have anyone like him again.  Enjoy!

Father Time is just about done with this year.

 

Father Time

Father Time

And it is time to pass on my wish for you and your for the coming year.  Enjoy the music and the scenery – beautiful and breathtaking!

 Happy New Year’s Eve Everyone!

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Carolers

Caroling

Music and Christmas Carols are so much a part of Christmas so today you will find lots of music video to enjoy.

Enjoy this tribute to our Military in a wonderful light show.

 

 

 

 

What’s Christmas without Bing?

 

A wonderful blend of classical music interwoven with Christmas hymns.

 

I never knew that Mel Torme wrote this song.  A 49 year old clip from Judy Garland’s TV Show.

 

 

And finally, a beautiful piano rendition of Christmas music.

 

Although there have been repetitions in this presentation, I can never tire of this kind of music because it is easy to listen to and a good reminder of what Christmas is all about – the good ( Jesus, the Savior, is born), the bad (loneliness and hopelessness) and the ugly (wars and fighting).

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ON THIS WONDERFUL  HOLIDAY

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Do you Hear What I Hear?

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do You Hear What I Hear?  The Art of Listening

It’s that time of year again – lots of hustle and bustle to get everything done, presents wrapped, meals cooked, cards sent, shopping etc. etc. etc.  When was the last time you sat and listened to what is in your environment.  Noticing the scents and sounds of the Christmas Season.

Carolers

The Sounds of Christmas Season

 

 

When was the last time you actually listened to what someone said and heard what they said?  We get so busy we sometimes forget to just stop and listen – especially to loved ones in our family.  Here are some tips for active listening you might be interested in:

 TIPS 1-3

1.  You need to be willing to take the time to listen and want to listen

2.  You need to then be willing to look at that person’s feelings honestly – not how you think they “should” be feeling.

3.  You need to also trust in that person’s ability to work through their feelings.

 

So – after setting all this up – then what?

 

How Are You Feeling?

What are you feeling?

TIPS 4-6

4.  Try to identify the feeling in the sender’s message – listen to the feeling.

5.  Express to this person what you heard them say and what feelings you identified in their message.

6.  Do not send your own message, such as an evaluation, opinion, analyzing, a judgment etc.

 

TIPS 7-9

7.  Begin your sentences with:

  • I hear you saying that….                       •  As I hear it….
  • What I heard you say….                         •  I get the feeling that….
  • It seems….                                                •  Let me see if I understand what you said….

8. What is your body language showing the other person?

9. What do others say about listening?

It’s really simple – just paraphrase what the other person has said and seems to be feeling.  It gives the other person an opportunity to look at what they are saying and feeling and do their own self-evaluation.

Good Listening

So - What do you think?

 

Use these tips to help with your communication skills over the Christmas Season.

Don’t be the Statue in your conversations!

"I'm just saying...."

Sometimes we just need a listener.

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Boomer Tradition

This came across my email and I thought it was worth sharing.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.  This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans.  There is no longer an excuse  that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.  Oh…. Yes there is!

Christmas Presents

Christmas Presents with a big red bow

It is time to think outside the box.  Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

 Gift Certificates and Memberships

Haircut

Getting a Haircut

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut.  How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

 

Gym membership?  It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed?  Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Car Wash

Car Wash

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV?  Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

Shoveling Snow

Shoveling the Driveway

There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates.   And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen

Restaurant

Local Restaurant

breakfasts at the local restaurant.

 

Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

 

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

 Cleaning Ladies and Home made Items

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?  Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

Cleaning Lady

Cleaning Lady

 

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

 

OK, you were looking for something more personal.  Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.  They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

 

Handmade mittens

Lots of handmade mittens

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.

 

And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.  Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

 

Honestly, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?  When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.

If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Gift Certificate

A Christmas Gift Certificate

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city.  Christmas is now about caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.  And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.

 

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

Christmas Tree

Decorated Christmas Tree

Share what you are doing this year?

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It’s that time of year when most of us are preparing for the Christmas Season.  There seems to be some controversy about the use of the words “Happy Holidays” vs “Merry Christmas”.  Many have stopped using the phrase “Merry Christmas” and just say “Happy Holidays”.  Although it doesn’t matter which phrase you use, it does matter to those of the Christian persuasion.  In this country, our foundation is that of Judeo-Christian philosophy.  That means we celebrate the birth of Christ as part of our national designated holidays.  It just seems like we should all be able to express ourselves using our chosen method of expression.  I prefer Merry Christmas.  This video pretty much says it all for me.

Whatever and whomever you wish to express your celebration of the season, please do it.  Kinda like Burger king – you can “have it your way”.

Perhaps we should also look at the symbols of the season and see what they are up to:

Group Therapy for Christmas Characters

Christmas Group Therapy

So now that you know all the secrets of the Christmas Characters, please share some of your favorite cartoons about Christmas.  And be sure to enjoy whatever “season” you are celebrating at this time of year.

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