tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post6010161491098983999..comments2024-03-22T05:18:29.555-04:00Comments on Romance Bandits: Do the Right ThingLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-52746874268313466742010-12-13T12:45:04.927-05:002010-12-13T12:45:04.927-05:00Every year our parish hosts a Christmas gathering ...Every year our parish hosts a Christmas gathering for the residents of a group of shelters & halfway houses here in Houston. This gathering is funded with donations from families & indivi- duals in the parish. Foods & gifts are donated by the parishoners.It<br />is an expression and example to our<br />youngsters of how we can share our<br />blessings with those in need. Yesterday children, youth, and adults shared the afternoon with<br />some 200 neighbors from throughout<br />the city.It was a wonderful party!Pat Cochranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11997396930842831460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-22405173803298406192010-12-13T00:55:39.545-05:002010-12-13T00:55:39.545-05:00I have a writer friend who took in a down-on-his-l...I have a writer friend who took in a down-on-his-luck family friend and his children for the holidays so the kids wouldn't have to go to foster care. Her husband gave him a job and she takes care of his three kids while he works. She's made enormous sacrifices.<br /><br />I feel a bunch of emotions - inspired by her, proud to know her, and selfishly sorry that she doesn't have time to hang out talking writing and brainstorming with me (how sad is that?!)<br /><br />In a small way, I do get the pouty feelings you're having. I managed to save up for a MacBook Pro that I really wanted and ended up giving the money to my daughter who needed it much more than I needed that laptop. I'd do it again without a thought but I still feel a bit sad when I think about it. We do what's right but isn't it normal to have a few mixed feelings? We are human after all.<br /><br />Sing Christmas carols - always makes me feel better.Laurie Loganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08957432244479640433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-90710631134675528362010-12-13T00:29:32.656-05:002010-12-13T00:29:32.656-05:00Hugs, Susan! I don't have a heart-warming ho...Hugs, Susan! I don't have a heart-warming holiday story at the moment, but just wanted to say hats off to you for doing the right thing. I know that sometimes we want the reward for doing it--I do wonder whether that feel-good reward kind of cancels out the good karma ;) You know, since I've gotten something out of it, it isn't as if I was being selfless and all that!<br /><br />Anyway, my incoherent less-than-deep thoughts...<br /><br />Hope that positive mojo sneaks back up on you when you least expect :)<br /><br />Maybe you'll find a forgotten Twix bar in the back of the pantry, or a $20 in your pants pocket or something :DFedorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10879033776125666713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-52599216473523612312010-12-12T22:55:17.665-05:002010-12-12T22:55:17.665-05:00Helen, congrats on the bird! I'm glad Hubby i...Helen, congrats on the bird! I'm glad Hubby is doing better, and I hope he'll be home soon.<br /><br />Susan, I have no heartwarming stories to revive your mojo. Sorry I can't be more help. The boy is in the kitchen making peppermint cupcakes for Cupcake Club at school, with help from his dad, but that's about the extent of our holiday festiveness so far. The dh and I finish exams this week, and we're hoping to be more engaged with the season then. Like, you know, putting up a tree. Something of that sort.<br /><br />Basically, I'm urging that we just chill out and enjoy the holiday. This is the last Christmas the boy will be already here, not coming home from somewhere far away, and I want to focus on that, not obsess over details.<br /><br />But you have young kids, and I'm sure that somewhere along the way, as you prepare to celebrate with them, the mojo will come back.<br /><br />And I don't like sappy, manipulative holiday songs, TV commercials, whatEVER, either. Just sayin'.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13705259501965011703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-63439026500707713342010-12-12T22:44:44.093-05:002010-12-12T22:44:44.093-05:00Not a story but a song and a book - The Gift (sung...Not a story but a song and a book - The Gift (sung by Garth Brooks) and The Littlest Angel - both have me sobbing every year.<br /><br />I always figure if I know I'm doing a good deed it's not as good as if I did the good deed without even thinking I was doing a good deed - does that make sense lol.catsladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06375770995988927860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-38647849578428829782010-12-12T22:36:35.864-05:002010-12-12T22:36:35.864-05:00Joan wrote: Grayson just took the Three Wise Men t...Joan wrote: <i>Grayson just took the Three Wise Men through the desert...yanno...the one with LOGS!!! :-0</i><br /><br />Oh, THAT one. Yes, I know the one. <br /><br />Well, the wisemen rode camels. This sort of behavior can't be new to them. :-)Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-47887881429836505312010-12-12T21:57:09.220-05:002010-12-12T21:57:09.220-05:00I see the holiday spirit runneth over at your hous...<i>I see the holiday spirit runneth over at your house.</i><br /><br />Yes it does Susan....<br /><br />Grayson just took the Three Wise Men through the desert...yanno...the one with LOGS!!! :-0Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12566704374877697300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-27164066245715982912010-12-12T20:27:28.410-05:002010-12-12T20:27:28.410-05:00Christine wrote: We're totally cynical, especi...Christine wrote: <i>We're totally cynical, especially if the story is meant to sell us something. I can recommend Christmas carols to lift your mood, though!</i><br /><br />Oh, that always helps! I spent this afternoon with the Indigo Girls' Christmas album, & their version of Gloria in excelsis deo is one of my very favorites. I highly recommend it.Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-67352681401193794932010-12-12T20:25:54.986-05:002010-12-12T20:25:54.986-05:00Joan wrote: Where did you get the picture of Grays...Joan wrote: <i>Where did you get the picture of Grayson's reaction to my Christmas tree!!!!!</i><br /><br />Oh, a little birdie told me. :-) <br /><br />Joanie also wrote: <i>Cricket! That Baby Jesus is NOT a chew toy!!! Drop it!!!</i><br /><br />I see the holiday spirit runneth over at your house. Pat the kitties for me, will you?Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-71720081859264427882010-12-12T20:23:42.838-05:002010-12-12T20:23:42.838-05:00Jo wrote: The best ones for me are the times when ...Jo wrote: <i>The best ones for me are the times when my grandchildren sacrifice something they'd normally get and freely give it to someone more needy.</i><br /><br />Oh, that is beautiful, when kids add it all up & decide to be generous. It's heartwarming, & I'm sure it comes from good grandparenting. :-)Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-7195469409795381002010-12-12T20:21:22.684-05:002010-12-12T20:21:22.684-05:00Jeanne wrote: Oh, and the one where the soldier an...Jeanne wrote: <i>Oh, and the one where the soldier and his wife and son are talking via computer. The soldier says the son was his "wingman" on getting a present, since he was deployed and far away. The boy presents a diamond necklace, the wife gets all teary, the boy beams...yeah.</i><br /><br />OMG, I haven't seen that one yet! It sounds like just my speed. I will have to sit my bottom in the TV watching chair until it comes on. <br /><br />I'm prepared to make this sacrifice in the name of the Christmas spirit, you understand. :-)Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-80499646056523980332010-12-12T20:19:47.703-05:002010-12-12T20:19:47.703-05:00Jeanne wrote: Maybe I got to witness an angel, at ...Jeanne wrote: <i>Maybe I got to witness an angel, at the Giant Grocery Store.</i><br /><br />Oh, Jeanne, now *I'm* wiping away the tears. Oh, I can feel my grinchy heart lightening up! Thanks for that!Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-32781060197155007062010-12-12T19:44:21.638-05:002010-12-12T19:44:21.638-05:00Susan, I think you're being too hard on yourse...Susan, I think you're being too hard on yourself! It's difficult not to feel a little resentful sometimes because as a mother you give up so much more than almost anyone else in the equation. Sometimes you really need to be selfish because no one else is going to give you permission to do that thing your heart desires. Perhaps it was the basic injustice of the whole thing that got to you, more than the fact you didn't want to give up the thing you really wanted. I know, I'm all about tough love!<br /><br />We Australians aren't terribly into 'heartwarming' so I can't help you with any sappy Christmas stories, I'm afraid. We're totally cynical, especially if the story is meant to sell us something. I can recommend Christmas carols to lift your mood, though!<br /><br />Congrats Helen!Christine Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14260589566405262159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-28931067484125214502010-12-12T16:05:52.281-05:002010-12-12T16:05:52.281-05:00Susan!!!
Where did you get the picture of Grayson...Susan!!!<br /><br />Where did you get the picture of Grayson's reaction to my Christmas tree!!!!!<br /><br />Aiya....<br /><br />Actually, he's trying to chew on it more though right now, he's curled up on the comfy tree skirt, a little bundle of sweetness....till he decides he HAS to help Mom bake cookies!!!!<br /><br />Ahem,<br /><br />Louisa, your storys about the shelters take on a whole new meaning for me this year. I want to adopt everything I see (including the most adorable set of beagle mixes that look beagle-ish but have the solid cream color of a yellow lab...and I don't do dogs)<br /><br />And OMG Jeanne.....I'm wiping tears, sniffling, busting to go put more money in the kettle. It's good to know that that Mom "got it" somewhere in the pasta aisle...and what a gift that little girl's spirit is to him AND you!<br /><br />Sniff, now I gotta go sing carols or something....<br /><br />Cricket! That Baby Jesus is NOT a chew toy!!! Drop it!!!Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12566704374877697300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-65791809795460663992010-12-12T16:01:38.944-05:002010-12-12T16:01:38.944-05:00Nice, reflective post, Susan. I do like those hea...Nice, reflective post, Susan. I do like those heart-warming, NOT sentimental, stories. The best ones for me are the times when my grandchildren sacrifice something they'd normally get and freely give it to someone more needy.<br /><br />Makes you feel like you've done a good job parenting and grandparenting.jo robertsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16824237193217632098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-77857991472293458792010-12-12T15:27:59.379-05:002010-12-12T15:27:59.379-05:00Sheree said: I'm thinking of bringing a marshm...Sheree said: <i>I'm thinking of bringing a marshmallow blaster (my original present for the boy which got vetoed by his mom) to shoot marshmallows at the kids. Is that Grinch-y of me?</i><br /><br />Bwah-ha-ha! I love it! My kids would adore it.<br /><br />Then again, I wouldn't have vetoed it, either...Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-80354709195678365832010-12-12T15:26:02.918-05:002010-12-12T15:26:02.918-05:00Susan said: Amen, sister! And while I'm checki...Susan said: <i>Amen, sister! And while I'm checking things off my list today, I'm totally going to sing loudly in public. :-)</i><br /><br />Please, do tell us WHERE so we can come. And take pictures. And video.<br /><br />It'll go viral on the web and amuse us all.<br /><br />Speaking of viral, have ya'll seen the You Tube video of the "spontaneous" Hallelujah Chorus at the big Macy's in Philadephia? They call it a Random Act of Culture. Snork. Evidentily, the PHilly Macy's has this monster Wannamaker organ. They play it for the crowd. Huge crowd....suddenly, everyone bursts into song. Brilliant!<br /><br />It'll set you right.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgUJeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-75789819223279458912010-12-12T15:20:48.345-05:002010-12-12T15:20:48.345-05:00Kirsten said:
Oh -- and watch Scrooged. That'...Kirsten said: <i><br />Oh -- and watch Scrooged. That's my tear-jerker. "I get it now! I get it!" </i><br /><br />I love this movie. I really do. ALong with the Muppet Christmas Carol, I love it.<br /><br />And the grinch. I can quote the majority of the Grinch's story, both book form and Disney. HEehee. And no, I won't do it here. *I heard that sigh of relief!*Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-21518400840431649732010-12-12T15:17:01.775-05:002010-12-12T15:17:01.775-05:00Susan said: I know! It's not mine either! That...Susan said: <i>I know! It's not mine either! That's why I'm always furious when it makes me cry. I feel like I've been manipulated against my better judgment.</i><br /><br />Exactly! I feel the same way. :> Now, I have to say that I love the Maxwell House commercials, even when they make me cry. And they do, every time.<br /><br />The jewelry commercials, on the other hand, usually irk the heck out of me.<br /><br />There's a new one, where there are couples getting engaged though, that makes me smile. <br /><br />Oh, and the one where the soldier and his wife and son are talking via computer. The soldier says the son was his "wingman" on getting a present, since he was deployed and far away. The boy presents a diamond necklace, the wife gets all teary, the boy beams...yeah.<br /><br />Sniffle. That one gets to me.Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-21733036390366672542010-12-12T15:13:23.857-05:002010-12-12T15:13:23.857-05:00Hey Helen! Congrats on the Chook keeping you comp...Hey Helen! Congrats on the Chook keeping you company. He can do the right thing - behave - when he wants and needs to, so I hope he'll behave for you today. :><br /><br />You need laughter and a big hug (He's good for both) in relief that hubby's on the mend.<br /><br />He's in our prayers!Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-61963769121042829332010-12-12T15:12:05.734-05:002010-12-12T15:12:05.734-05:00"...And some say, well, some say that his hea..."...And some say, well, some say that his heart grew three sizes that day..."<br /><br />Grins.<br /><br />Susan, I totally hear you on the selfless endorphins. Sometimes that is all that makes me, against all selfish instinct, do the right thing. Sigh.<br /><br />As to holiday stories, there are a lot.<br /><br />I saw a mom arguing with her kids on the way into the grocery store. We both walked passed the bell ringing Salvation Army kettle guy. The mom ignored him in favor of arguing with her little girl.<br /><br />The little girl stopped arguing, when she met the bell-ringer's eyes. She whispered (a kid whisper carries, so I heard this, of course) "Does that man need help, Mom? Why does he look lost?"<br /><br />I didn't think the guy looked lost, just bored, but kids, they know this stuff. The mom muttered something and we all trooped thorugh the doors into the grocery.<br /><br />Happens that I came out, having broken a $20 so I could put something into the kettle, right behind the same mom and her two kids. The little girl made it to the kettle before me, handed the guy a $5 and said, "I hope you find what you lost."<br /><br />Now I have no idea who this child is, or what this man lost, but I'm thinkin' she hit it dead on, because when she went on (no longer arguing with mom), and I stepped up, the guy was wiping away tears.<br /><br />Now in a good Hollywood version, I would have been moved to say something poignant or important or at least, theatrical.<br /><br />All I could do, in the face of his tears was mumble Merry Christmas, and Bless you, when the man sneezed.<br /><br />Still... <br /><br />One of my favorite Bible verses is "Forget not to entertain strangers for thereby you may entertain angels, unawares."<br /><br />Maybe I got to witness an angel, at the Giant Grocery Store.<br /><br />You never know. :>Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-40564907908044966502010-12-12T14:20:00.330-05:002010-12-12T14:20:00.330-05:00Sheree wrote: And what is the deal with the poor c...Sheree wrote: <i>And what is the deal with the poor cat with antlers? Doesn't that cat look "I will get even, mark my words" or is it just me?</i><br /><br />Ha! No, that's exactly the look I was going for. That's how I feel these days--like I'm wearing the funny Christmas headgear but my teeth are totally gritted & somebody's going to get bitten soon. <br /><br />On the other hand, as I said to Anna, I self-medicating with Christmas cookies so things are coming along. Everything looks better with a sugar rush.Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-57680774382671147752010-12-12T14:17:45.649-05:002010-12-12T14:17:45.649-05:00Anna C. wrote: Susan, oh, dear, sounds like you we...Anna C. wrote: <i>Susan, oh, dear, sounds like you were stuck in a cleft stick there. I say embrace your grinchiness!</i><br /><br />I am embracing it, Anna! I'm also embracing cookies, so it's a nice balance. :-)Susan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-82709959487429165222010-12-12T14:08:41.280-05:002010-12-12T14:08:41.280-05:00No heart-warming stories from me either. So far, ...No heart-warming stories from me either. So far, I have avoided the Christmas shoe song, not even looking it up online to see what the fuss is all about.<br /><br />And what is the deal with the poor cat with antlers? Doesn't that cat look "I <b>will</b> get even, mark my words" or is it just me?<br /><br />I have to attend a 6-year-old boy's birthday party later today. I'm thinking of bringing a marshmallow blaster (my original present for the boy which got vetoed by his mom) to shoot marshmallows at the kids. Is that Grinch-y of me?Shereehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14205244523389110839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-13677204062822991002010-12-12T13:49:30.028-05:002010-12-12T13:49:30.028-05:00Hey, Helen, he's coming Down Under. Perhaps we...Hey, Helen, he's coming Down Under. Perhaps we should put him in the cricket team! They need some help. Even a rooster might come in handy! <br /><br />Susan, oh, dear, sounds like you were stuck in a cleft stick there. I say embrace your grinchiness!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.com