Long Hollow

Out of the silence, Music.

Out of the darkness, Light.

Out of uncertainty, Promise.

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone. This verse came to me via email, a Christmas card from a friend. I love the simplicity of it and wanted to share it with you.

I'm bleary-eyed and worn out, still working my way down a neglected Christmas to-do list after spending a late night hanging out with my kids and their friends, hearing their stories of work and travel and life after college, wondering how these kids who I swear were in high school yesterday got so dang grown up. (Our gift exchange started early – the gift of time with each other.)

But it's a good "worn-out". I've been relatively stress-free all day because I'm only focusing on the things that truly matter. Quality over quantity, and by quality, I don't mean expensive, I mean thoughtful, sincere, given with love.

Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door

the dark night wakes — the glory breaks, Christmas comes once more.

~Phillips Brooks

So I'm off to (attempt to) make Spinach Enchiladas because I know TG loves them. I doubt if mine come close to the ones at Case Ole, but I'll try. That's my gift to her. And I'll make chicken quesadillas for everyone else, because I know they do NOT love Spinach Enchiladas. Even the ones at Casa Ole.

For my Friday Favorite Photo(s), I'm including a few from a get-together at my friend Darla's house last weekend. Her home was full of Christmas spirit … there were the beautiful decorations, flickering candles and food … a gathering of wonderful long-time friends, for which I'm very grateful … and the approach of a first Christmas together for Darla and Roy. This time last year they had just begun a friendship which blossomed quickly into a romance, then soul-tingling love, and culminated in a June Wedding.

Seeing them together helps you believe in magic and miracles and Christmas wishes come true.

Out of the silence, Music…