Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Positively Tuesday-What's a Gift

      The gifts have been distributed and opened. I'll get to UPS and mail my son gifts he wasn't here to open. It's going to be expensive, but I don't care. I'll like knowing he has things from us, his sisters, his grandma, cousin- and that connection even though we are far away, is a gift to me. I loved spending hours with him via Facebook messenger Sunday night, talking about everything and nothing. He used his new tablet from us, and I am pleased as punch that it works well.  My daughter trekking to the store Sunday and helping me talk myself out of stupid spending, but giving me a thumbs up when a something might make a good gift for someone in the future, that time was a gift. All of us taking a Sunday afternoon to do our own decompressing was a gift. We all got lovely things from each other, but allowing each of us the time for our needs is greatly appreciated. Now we're done with as Vix calls it, the silly season, I can put my energy towards the new year, new possibilities. Every day though should be that, though, right? 

     Speaking of physical gifts, I got some lovely ones. My daughter once again knocked it out of the park with both making me this mug, with one of her photographs, this one taken at Mt Rainier. If you know what flower, let us know. Look at how she captured the detail of the flower and the sky behind! She also then used this photo which you have seen me borrow before, to have this print along with one of her poems framed. She had a mug made for her grandma with a lake sunrise photo.

The glass reflection makes
it distorted, but it's
a beautiful print.

Now this is a morning
Coffee mug. 

     Look at this massive collection of books! This was from DD2, and while she was the ultimate thrifter and spent very little, she was all heart in selecting historical fiction that has the nautical theme. Have you read much Patrick O'Brian? I have not, but know his work. I have visions of how I want to install book shelves above the window and dropped ceiling walls and transform my office into a library. That's another 2022 project! Seriously though, if you have book lovers, thrift away to find them a unique collection for pennies. I love that many of these books have inscriptions, like this one, though it looks like Edward didn't even crack the cover of the book Ricardo bought him. 

Filled with books and my new
 coffee maker behind.

Who are Edward and Ricardo and
What's the significance of Blake?

     DS is his normal late shopper and things are on route in the mail. To his defense this time, he was out of town for the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's always fun to see what books and films he finds for all of us. He gravitates between his personal recommendations and classics he knows we'll enjoy. 

     About six months ago, DD1 decided to order herself a ukulele. It was about the time her old guitar and violin resurfaced after we cleaned out her old room for my office and she thought she'd create a little music nook. It didn't take her long to decide it was not part of her future, but knew her sister would love it. Big sister for the win. She gave it to her as an early birthday present on Christmas morning and it already has spent hours in her hands. It's a lovely instrument and I'm sure it will be enjoyed for decades. She in return received a little known Elton John LP. 


     I was perhaps uncreative with DH. I got him a new fleece sweatshirt, peanut butter cups from Trader Joe's and the hot chocolate bombs. I also found this in late summer, and thought this might be a not so subtle hint to prioritize getting the back yard deck  replaced with the patio, and update our landscaping, ready to spend evenings outside. OK, a little selfish perhaps, but he did really like it. 

  

   I decided though that with 
my Kohls cash, I'm getting a gift for both of us-new cutlery. Our is mismatched due to pieces being lost, and picking up strays elsewhere. I think I'm also going to get  some of the bamboo drawers dividers and really make the drawer nice, and ditch the rubber made from 1987. It sounds funny, but I know that will please DH immensely. He hates the mismatched cutlery and will only use the remaining forks and butter knives from our original Oneida set. It's a sensory thing-as is the sweat shirt as he  is very particular about what he likes to touch or hold. And if you are wondering, no, he does not bring his own fork and knife places, but does comment (to me) when he really doesn't like one. 

     Now I start my new hunt for gifts that will be given over the course of the year and next Christmas.  I found a few things on Sunday to tuck away. Mostly though, I hope I give everyone a better attitude in 2022-less grumbling about things I can't control, and more focus on the things that are naturally wonderful like  sunny days, laughter, good food and company, and the gifts in front of me every day. 


35 comments:

  1. I got a ukulele too! I teach (amongst other things) music to primary students (K-3). The junior (4-6) students learn ukulele so I thought I should learn. It was touched upon briefly in a methods course I took, but I don't feel comfortable teaching it. Our school bought a great online course for the kids, so I decided I should learn too. My husband got me a pink one :)

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    1. She got it tuned and has been having 😊 n with it. Your students will like you learning with them.

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  2. Lovely gifts! I too have visions of a "library" of books, but mine is along my upstairs hallway to the bonus room. Someday!

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    1. No bonus room here, but your area sounds like it would be a good place for a library.

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  3. Sending the gifts to your son is a wonderful thing to do, even though shipping is outrageous. You can't put a price on joy!
    We have a library downstairs and I am ready to start unloading books. TheHub and I read (almost exclusively) digital books now.
    I got a uke last year for Christmas and need to concentrate on learning to play it well this year. (may or may not happen, since it surely did not happen this past year)

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    1. I know books can be dust catchers and clutter. I still like the feel of books in my hand. I didn't really listen to how pretty the ukele music is. I've enjoyed what she's learned so far.

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  4. Fantastic gifts - that mug is gorgeous and I love Patrick O'Brian. If you've never seen it you must watch Master and Commander, Russell Crowe is magnificent!
    Your DH sounds like Jon, he's very particular about how things feel (my brother's the same). Our cutlery was bought at vast expense 20 odd-years ago as he refuses to eat with cheap flatware. Funnily enough I bought him a posh navy blue sweatshirt for Xmas, too! xxx

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    1. I may have seen the movie, but details are escaping me. I probably meant flatware, not cutlery but he detests the odds from my mom's kitchen. They both can look dapper in their new sweatshirts. I'd like to burn a couple he over wears.

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  5. I also believe in celebrating and making each day as special as possible. That is what life is about. Enjoying and making the most of it. I have a large bamboo silverware tray and I love it. Enjoy your day!!

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    1. I just would like a matching table at night for dinner. Well I do have a full set of stuff, but it's the thin variety and I just use when we set for more than just my family.

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  6. Lovely presents. I bought my parents and husband second hand books too...everyone knows I'm a keen recycler! Arilx

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    1. Does a book break? I think they make a great gift.

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  7. We don't exchange gifts, but have enjoyed being together, and are grateful that we're feeling better. J is back to running and the gym, and I'm going to try the gym tomorrow,for the first time in 3 weeks... I have low expectations of what I'll be capable of now!

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    1. I hope your gym trip is successful. My only direct experience is how DH was so sick December 2019- with no diagnosis. It took him greater than a month to feel well enough to not sleep for 14 hours a day.

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  8. Hello Sam, It sounds like everyone there cleaned up in the gifts department. I understand how your husband feels about using the original cutlery, although over here random pieces are the rule. I really likes the spoons from one set, so decided to buy more of them, but not the forks or knives. By coincidence, my sister got me a ukulele this year, although I will not see it for a while. Being so separated, we have become rather random in gift giving, and don't necessarily wait for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
    --Jim

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    1. I don't mind miscellaneous utensils. It's what's used at the lake and he eats there. Have fun with your ukele when it comes.

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  9. Very thoughtful and obviously well appreciated gifts! Like you, I purchase gifts throughout the year and tuck them away. I haven't been out yet, it's too darn cold here but I'll start in January I'm sure.

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    1. I wanted new tree lights and wrapping materials, but finding a few gifts was a bonus.

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  10. That cup is beautiful- what a thoughtful gift.

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    1. It sure will brighten my mornings. The print is stunning in person.

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  11. It's hard to tell from the picture as it's dark, but I am *pretty* sure that's what is called "Fireweed." (Epilobium angustifolium, and, yes, the biologist in me knows that should be in italics, but I can't figure out how to do it.) It's a plant that grows wild here, particularly in burned out forests, hence the common name. It can grow to close to four feet, and has beautiful magenta colored, trumpet shaped blossoms. Honeybees love it. Fireweed honey is a delicacy. Fireweed can tolerate full sun to full shade, with the latter blooming later in the summer. Two years ago, I dug some up from the ditch along our road, and planted it along the north side of our house with some foxgloves I dug up from other parts of our property. This past summer they really seemed to come on. They are very pretty planted among foxgloves (which is considered a noxious weed here, as it will invade, and choke out more desirable plants.)

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    1. I thought of Fireweed also. There is a family (lives in Alaska) that I follow on YouTube and they made jelly from the blossoms which made a very beautiful colored jelly, when completed. Ranee (MN)

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    2. We'll agree to this name. Yes, picture is not the best but the one on the mug is bright. Meg I bet it's lovely at your place

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  12. "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom; for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough."--William Blake

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    1. Thanks Sluggy. Now perhaps I'll need to read the book to learn the significance to Ricardo.

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  13. What lovely gifts! I love the picture and the poem, just beautiful. And the mug is lovely too. I'm glad you had a nice Christmas.

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    1. We have yet another Idea for a wall and the print will be great there.

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  14. I think that flower on the mug is camas - it's a local plant, indigenous to the Pacific Northwest (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/camas-lily/camas-plant-care.htm). The First Nations/Indians used them extensively for food (it's a starchy tuber) and for colouring/dyes. What a lovely bunch of gifts you got!

    I know Patrick O'Brien from the movie "Master & Commander" (an older one w/Russell Crowe) - it's quite good, worth watching.

    Glad you had a good Christmas, Sam! Here's to a positive new year!

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    1. It sounds like you and L made the most of yours despite the detour. I'll look up the names suggested for the flower. It's beautiful.

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  15. Slugmama beat me to the Blake quote. I like books for gifts. I am with your husband on the tactile aspect of items. I no longer have cutlery, but try pieces in stores. If it does not feel right--heavy and balanced, I won't have it. When I eat out, I notice the feel of the flatware!

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  16. lOVE THE PICTURES ON THOSE GIFTS YOUR DAUGHTER CREATED. How nice. And I am all about useful gifts. Funny we both needed new cutlery.

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    1. I think I mean flatware, but maybe same thing? Ours are mismatched and chaotic.

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  17. I'm so glad your Christmas turned out to be so nice. Lovely gifts from and to each other. Good you had contact with your son also. I am hopeful that 2022 will be a better year for us all. Ranee (MN)

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    1. I was happy to speak with him. We'll call again this week.

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