A FESTIVE FANTASYLAND

On my tea break yesterday, I googled upon a most enjoyable Christmas wonderland. What a delight it was! Everything you ever wanted to know about decorating your home for Christmas - your hearth, table, front door wreath, entrance - the whole nine yards. Images were accompanied by cheesy...oops meant cheery! festive music to get you in the mood. I got some great ideas, and I will share a few of my favourite with you, for your entertainment, and edja-macation!

Sharpen your finger tips, and let's get googling...sorry I don't have their website addresses. Just type in the words.

Best of Christmas Decorating 2014

Decorate a tree with Kevin - not mine get your own Kevin!! (The tree decorating Kevin is from Trees and Trends)

Christmas Decorating with Rebecca Robeson (from Robeson Design)

Christmas Garlands with Lisa Robertson

Nancy Alexander on wreaths and greens

There are tons more, but the above were some of my favourite. I got great ideas from Nancy Alexander on giving a fresh twist to my old familiar front door wreath. She suggested putting fresh greens around a faux garland with fresh holly, etc. Never thought of that - thanks Nancy!

Rebecca Robeson suggested mixing up the way you decorate each year. Using old decorations in a novel way, can make them feel like new ones. I liked that idea, and will definitely put it to the test this Christmas. It is too expensive for me to change my colour scheme. I always use the traditional red, gold, and green hues. It suits my wall colours - and my wallet!! Sure, if I was a Hollywood movie star...Cobalt blue and silver tree one year, deccadent purple another year...what fun!

Another great idea for a centrepiece is to use a feather boa, and wrap it around some pillar candles (I think the led battery candles would be safer). Add some pine cones, and large colourful Christmas balls to the mix.

On my walk this morning, I came across a friendly bunch of arborists cutting down a beautiful and fragrant old pine tree. The branches would be  perfect for my faux wreath, and Nativity set I thought - thanks to ideas I got from Nancy Alexander and Rebecca Robeson. I asked the fellows for a few branches, before they were gobbled up by their big noisy machine. They were delighted to be of assistance, and told me the branches could last until Christmas and beyond, if kept in water.

So my Polly Pals, get thee to a garden with a scissors. Keep an eye out for a holly bush, pine tree, or even broken branches from the last wind storm. You can spray paint the twigs in silver, or gold, and hang jolly baubles from them. Decorating with panache, and practicality...to quote Martha Stewart..."It's a good thing".

Some ideas to get you creative juices flowing...

EnJOY!

Hugs,

Polly P xxx

SHARE THE MERRY...

So Starbucks are advising. Goodbye pumpkin pie, hello yummy cranberry bliss! For various reasons, this past year has been a difficult one for many people. If you're reading this, it means you've survived 2014. You deserve to start celebrating...early - like now!! We, at the Pollyanna Department of Hope, believe that Christmas is a time of miracles, new beginnings, peace, joy and love.

The pleasure of Christmas should be prolonged. Every sparkly, altruistic, jolly, glittery, cozy, decadent moment, should be treasured. It will help eradicate all the misery of the past, and fuel your happy engine for the year ahead. You deserve to be happy. Christmas doesn't have to be expensive, nor does it have to be one big gluttonous pig-out. If you haven't spread much cheer in the past year, well now is your time to make up for that! Don't wallow in self-pity telling yourself how much you hate Christmas. Regrettably, it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy!

Start early, create your own cards, give home-made gifts of baking, jewellery, or maybe even soap! Creativity can save you buckets of money, and double the pleasure for everybody involved. Set yourself a budget for Christmas and stick to it. Make a Christmas card list, and also your gift list. This is a time for remembering all those people who have touched your life in the past year. Your dentist, doctor, newspaper delivery boy, garbage collectors, etc. You'd be surprised how much it means to them! Each Christmas, a financially-challenged patient gives Kevin a little bag of home made cookies, and it means the world to him!

There is absolutely no doubt, the more you give of yourself at Christmas, either by volunteering, or spreading cheer, the more joy you receive in return. That's why I love dear old St. Nicholas!

Blame it on personal hardships, recession, computer technology, or whatever. There has to be a good reason why our world has become more insular, cynical, and sometimes lacking in good old fashioned fun. Loneliness and depression are on the up and up...Even the cats on the street are suffering from SAD, and some parents will not let their kids go trick 'n treating any more, due to all the food allergies, and predators, etc. Hello World - what's going down??

So, without further ado, get on board the Christmas Zumba train of thought...Let's sock it to the world!!

EnJOY!

Hugs,

Polly P xxx

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...

Yay! I got my first Christmas card yesterday. It was from my Aunt in England. What a thrill! I also went to my first Christmas Bazaar with Ali and Claudia last Tuesday at Sears. They had door prizes, Christmas music, bells, whistles, perfume, free gifts galore, food, tarot readers (if your purchases came to $75), free manicures, facials, make-up, eyebrow threading, etc. etc. All that girly sort of stuff that I am a sucker for.

The day after Halloween it was full-on Christmas in the shops - Wham Bam! It was weird, to say the least. I was still in my witchy zone, and it felt like seasonal jet lag!! I wish they wouldn't do that, but shops have to sell, people need jobs, and the wheel of life has to keep churning. There is nothing as heart warming as the sight of sleigh bells in the snow, hot chocolate by a roaring fireside, and all our troubles gone off to Timbuktu, which is what the jolly holly greeting cards convey.

So today Christmas is coming...Let it be fun this time. It starts with the Christmas cards, since most of my friends and family live abroad, this is a big part of my annual tradition. In truth, the cards have been in the shops weeks before Halloween - sick I know! I'm always drawn to cards with Angels and Doves, since they symbolize peace and love. I also like cards with images of big cozy fireplaces, with stockings hanging overhead - and a tiny one for the resident mouse!! Once the cards are bought, everything else falls into place. Everybody loves to get a happy card in their mail boxes to place on their mantlepiece. Computer technology will never deliver the same thrill.

For others, it starts with the baking. Wish I was a baker, but alas, I'm not. I do make delicious almond rocca however, and one year I gave a bag of it to friends and family. It went down a treat. I placed them in clear cellophane bags, tied with bells and bows. I have now added dark and white chocolate peppermint bark to my culinary repertoire. Delish, and so easy to make. Each Christmas there is a bake sale, and whenever my church has one, I will do either the rocca, peppermint bark, or rice krispie cookies. The latter I place in festive muffin cups, with a cheery foil covered candy in the middle. Easy peasy and quite delicious too. I love the lead-up to Christmas, bake sales, church sales, etc.

It's too soon for the music...no I think I will wait for December to start playing the music, and putting up the decorations. Television ads are beginning to creep in. So watch out - It's Coming...Christmas that is!! EnJOY the build up...Me too!!

Luv,

Polly P xxx

DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER...

I don't like the word 'deceased'. It screams This person ceases to exist! Gone - finito - never to return!! While in theory this is true, spiritually, we know our deceased loved ones will always remain close to us. At least for as long as we continue to remember them...And we should. They love it - just as they did in life.

For the month of November, our church has a book placed on the altar. Parishioners are invited to write the names of departed loved ones in this book, and they will be prayed for. The other day I did just that. My list filled two whole pages. It's true to say I probably have more friends in Heaven than planet earth! It feels good to have friends on 'the other side'.

Each Halloween, a friend of mine gets together with some friends to resurrect memories of departed loved ones. They talk about them, cook their favourite food, laugh at their jokes, look at their photos, etc. What a wonderful thing to do. I especially like the idea of cooking their favourite meals! At Christmas time, another friend of mine places photos of her deceased loved ones on her Christmas tree. I have a little photo album which I have filled with their photos. I pray for then when I can - which should be more frequently I know!

I love watching Theresa Caputo, the Long Island Medium on t.v. She communicates with the dead. I know some skeptics doubt the veracity of her abilities - but hey! I'm not one of them. I'm a believer. Listening to her, there is no doubt in my mind. Our loved ones are always close by, watching out for us. So for the month of November, if there has been a lull - let's get the dialogue going again...

Some suggestions, apart from the above mentioned:

Find some quiet space
Light a candle
Take out the photos of your deceased loved ones
Pray for their souls
Tell them how much you love and miss them still
Talk to them out loud - in the kitchen - in the car - wherever
Put their photos in prominent places. I see my dad's smiling face
in the kitchen when I am cooking, or doing my ironing. He always loved
the kitchen.

Keep the love in your hearts!

Hugs,

Polly P xxx

HAPPY HOLYWEEN!

It is no secret that I just LOVE Halloween. I know Pope Francis doesn't share my views on this fun filled time, and feels it should be more of a 'Holyween'....Isn't being kind and generous to strangers kind of holy? Well, I thought I would share my thoughts on this colourful time of year - just in case he is reading this. True to say this time of years appeals to the witch in me. I think I was one in a past life, and that I was burnt at the stake - which may explain my dislike of barbecues, and the sight of full pigs roasting...aagh!!

As a child I have very happy memories of Halloween. Treats were few and far between. We would look forward to eating delicious barmbrack lathered in butter, and to see who got the ring. Whoever got the ring would be the first to marry. Nobody wanted to get the pea - they would die an old maid! It was fun - as was ducking for apples, and dancing on the beach around a big warm bonfire. Fun fun fun - that is my childhood memory of halloween, which I have carried into my adult life.

When I came to Canada twenty two years ago, I found people kept to themselves, and I felt quite isolated for a time. I think part of the reason was because of the arctic climate that kept people huddled up inside for months at a time. People were polite, but very reserved - so different from the loquacious Ireland I had left behind. But there was one day that changed all that - One day - and that day was Halloween!!

On my first Canadian Halloween in Fort McMurray - horror of horrors - I ran short of candy! I had no idea how huge this holiday was in Canada. I was desperately raiding every cupboard in the house looking for anything sweet. The door bell kept hopping, and I had no idea what to do! A kind neighbour realized my plight, and sent her kids down with whopping huge bags of candy for me to distribute, and would not take payment - how kind!!

This was a day that helped me to see another side to Canadians - the warmth, generosity, and deeply concealed child, that lurked within my newly adopted countrymen and women. Yeah! I knew it! They could party like rock stars, and did have a wild side, and were immensely creative, as could be seen from the incredible costumes. That's why I love love love Halloween!

Yes, I always have an enormous blast at Halloween. Yes, I go all out. Yes, this year was no exception. Go big or go home. I don't do skulls, graveyards, yucky stuff - enoooo! That's not my thing. I respect the dead. I like an excuse to do pretty and dress up with fancy headdress, glitter, diamonds (not real!) fur, feathers, fancy palancy! I was Cleopatra one year, Cinderalla another year - you get the drift...

The fun part is decorating the house two weeks in advance, making up my treat bags for the visiting little trick 'n treaters, and seeing the utter joy in their faces, when I hold the basket in my hand, and invite them to take a big fat bag from it! Priceless. My kids always had great fun at Halloween, and had a little ritual of emptying out their trick 'n treat bags, and sharing the spoils. They were always very generous with Mama!!

Why are coffee crisps so unpopular and Mars bars the favourite I would wonder? I watched in awe as they neatly arranged all the smarties in one bunch, and mars in another, etc. The dentist across the street always gave out free tooth brushes - lol, and a little old lady in one house would fill delightful little bags with orange and black jelly beans all tied up in pretty bows. Cute.

In short, Halloween is a practice run for Christmas and spreading good cheer. It's a last hurrah before I go into spiritual hibernation for the month of November, a time when I remember my dearly beloved deceased ones.

So that's my take on Halloween or should I say Holyween!!

Toodlepip for now!

Polly P xxx

THE JUNGLE GYM

This morning I really didn't want to hit the gym. I needed a good excuse, but couldn't find one, so off I trotted. I made sure to loosen out before I left, and burnt 160 cals. on my treadmill in the basement beforehand. That was a good idea, because otherwise the drill can be body numbing.

When I signed up for fitness, I had no idea that I would also be getting a big dysfunctional family into the bargain. Truth is - I miss them if I don't see them. So that's a good thing!

I have my own secret names for the regulars. There is 'Aunty Ida' from France who curses in French when she gets frustrated. Like today, she was enraged when a sweaty body did not clean the seat after he was finished."Disgusting" she said, touching her crotch."They leave all this liquid behind from Timbuktu!"

Then there is Uncle 'Randy Andy' who has eyes for nothing but boobs and butts - of which there is a good selection to choose from. Little bro 'Harvey Hogger' who hogs a certain machine, and stands possessively around it, like Chichi does with her food bowl.

I have to be extra careful when cleaning my exercise mat, lest I squirt water on 'Delicate Denny'. I did it this morning ...oops! He threw me a nasty look that told me he hated the female race in general. "You wet me" he said with controlled anger in his voice. "Will I do it again? I wanted to tease. But I didn't. He looked like he could do with a bit of fun! Instead, I lied through my teeth "Oh! I'm dreadfully sorry".

'Ants in his pants' Alan is extremely impatient, and focused to win. "Do you mind if I slip in here for a few minutes. I'll be awfully fast" he says, before pushing somebody off their machine. He has his to-do list, and by golly he hits the target!

"That is why I detest the gym" Kevin tut tuts when I tell him tales from the jungle!

Toodlepip for now and happy new week!

Polly P xxx

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!

Yeps! Today marks the third and final Mercury retrograde phase for 2014. It begins today, and finishes on October 24th. So for the next three weeks - you know the drill by now. I have you well warned - or should have! Here's a reminder:-

Employ due diligence when signing contracts. In fact, it would be better not to sign any agreements until after the 24th October. Be very careful when leaving messages, texting, or emailing, as communications can go astray during this retro phase. Be prepared for travel hitches if flying, or travelling. Bring a small overnight bag!

Back up computers, etc. Check your car, words, deeds, and actions and s l o w  d o w n. Now that the leaves are falling from the trees, and the summer clothes are washed and tidied away for another year, embrace this period with mindfulness, warm delicious cappuccinos by the fireside, a peaceful prayer, and gratitude that you've lived to see another beautiful Autumn.

Mercury Retrograde phases are all about slowing down and travelling within. Because this is the last one of the year, it is a good time to have a meeting with yourself, and check to see how you're doing. Have you reached your goals for the year? Is there much left in the bucket? (list), have you organized with zest your Fall/Winter wardrobe? It saves time, money, and is a ton of fun.

I have stuck like a clam to my 9/11 challenge not to spend a dime this season, and to use what I got. With the money saved, I pledge to donate some to a fantastic local charity started by two friends. It is called 100 women. One hundred local women pledge to pay $100 four times a year to help local charities such as Youth at Risk, homeless folk, young unmarried mothers - the list is endless. We meet four times a year to discuss our charity of choice. Believe me, I'm off the sweets and junk food as well, and blush at the amount of $$ I've wasted...well I did enjoy it at the time!!

In case you haven't guessed, Saturn the 'Taskmaster' of the zodiac hits my natal chart this year for two ridiculous years!! He only comes every 27 years or so, and when he does...he means business!! All of us folk born in 1957 are going to be feeling a kick up the u no where. He arrives on Christmas Eve (aagh!!) I'm preparing my defence strategy and seriously cleaning up my act - in every department! Or else I know...I'll be in BIG trouble!! Getting that second book published, losing those extra pounds, doing more good for society. He makes you ask yourself "What have you been doing with your life?"

My challenge to myself was 'Self-discipline' as I knew I was capable of over-stepping the mark. My cup was indeed full, and the image of it spilling over the brim translated into the messy mountain of clothes in my basement, some going back three decades!! I'm sentimentally attached to clothes - unfortunately. The outfit I wore to my daughters' christenings, birthdays, graduation, holy communion, etc. you get the picture?? Even have stuff from my honeymoon. Ridiculous.

I've had more fun this season putting a Fall/Winter wardrobe together, and maybe I may get some photos together to show you - if I can find a willing photographer!!

Last, but not least - a funny Mercury Retrograde experience I had yesterday (it can start early). Sometimes the effects are felt more intensely at the beginning. This is SO typical of what happens during the MR phase. I left my car in to have the brake pads checked. I had discussed it at length with the serviceman, and how I had them done only in March, etc. I arrived back some hours later to find he had checked the light bulbs in the car - and not the brakes!! Now I have to go back again next week and have another day without the car! They also had the wrong address on the invoice...communications breakdown if ever!!

Toodlepip for now and safe travels!

Polly P xxx