Silver white winter...

...is not one of my favorite things. Unlike Maria, I do not add winter to "a few of my favorite things" when I dance around in my dress made entirely from the curtains that once hung in my bedroom. However, it is fun to blog about. So, I'm including some photos for your enjoyment, wherever you may be. This morning, according to the trusty local hometown paper, the temperature at 6:45 AM was around 5 degrees downtown. I know for a fact that yesterday when I went to my first class of the spring semester, I nearly froze myself into oblivion, never to return. Enjoy my photos, and please stay warm, wherever you may dwell.

I took this photo last year out on our porch because I found it so hilarious. A crocodile covered in snow. Very hilarious to me. (No, that is not a real crocodile.)

Rain song.

Why is it that Gene Kelly can dance around in puddles of water and not twist his ankle or even hint at an injury? Yet, if I attempted this type of dance, I would break my ankles (yes, that was plural), legs, arms, and/or tailbone beyond repair and more than likely spend months wondering why I decided to burst into an impromptu dance on the way to a job interview.

Once while at college, I decided it would be fun to pretend I had forgotten my umbrella and walk through a downpour to my car, which was parked about 2 miles west of my location (I'm lying about the "west" thing...I really don't know which direction is west, east, north, or south from my location most of the time...it just sounded good.) I ended up getting drenched and ruining my favorite shirt. I'm guessing the acid rain stained it. It never lost the tye-dye look, even after several washings. I could launch into a speech about the perils of polution, but I will kindly refrain, as this is not a political blog, but a light, marshmallow pie/marmalade sky blog.

Despite my lack of grace in puddles and on rain-soaked sidewalks, I adore watching Gene Kelly dance flawlessly in the rain with his classic pearly whites sparkling. Gene Kelly is the cure for common sadness, and should be celebrated. I am including this "rain song" on my blog as an opportunity for you to travel away from your troubles for one fleeting moment on to the rain-soaked sidewalks and to splash in the puddles of the Hollywood that once was.

Change has come.

Smiling Happy Métro Faces :)

Normally Paris métro passengers are focused on a book, listening to an ipod, or speaking rapid French on a cell phone. I, like so many other Parisians, perfected the "métro stare" (an inpenetrable look which screams "Do not touch me, look at me, or any combination of the two") when I was living in France. I've taken the métro many times in Paris and I have listened to many cheesy, some good, and some horrific, musicians on the train. Never have I heard anything this impressive, and NEVER have I seen métro patrons smile, clap, and/or dance. I ADORE this video.

The Christmas Cat

Merry Christmas from Phoebe the Cat

Christmas Pie

Christmas Pie

George Wither 1588-1677

So now is come our joyful feast,
Let every man be jolly;
Each room with ivy leaves is dressed,
And every post with holly.
Though some churls at our mirth repine,
Round your foreheads garlands twine,
Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
And let us all be merry.

Now all our neighbors' chimneys smoke,
And Christmas blocks are burning;
Their ovens they with baked meats choke,
And all their spits are turning.
Without the door let sorrow lie,
And if for cold it hap to die,
We'll bury it in a Christmas pie,
And evermore be merry.

Merry Christmas to all from Amy Ellen

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas. Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Oh, holiday quizzes...

You Are a Gingerbread House

A little spicy and a little sweet, anyone would like to be lost in the woods with you.

What Holiday Food Are You?

Glenmore Mansion...a step back in time

Last Saturday, Mom and I went to visit the Glenmore Mansion. My camera was on the blink, unfortunately, so the photo above is actually from the website. No photography is allowed in the mansion, however.

The home is beautifully decorated for Christmas with elaborate Victorian Christmas trees in every room. The rooms are lavishly furnished with both original and donated pieces. My favorite room was the dining room, which contained a red wallpaper with the appearance of velvet. The bedroom was a mustard yellow with an exquisite bed and wardrobe. The rest of the home was absolutely beautiful, and the aroma of Christmas time was all over the still magnificent and haunting Victorian mansion.

The Glenmore Mansion is maintained by the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and relies heavily upon donations for the upkeep and repairs of the mansion. The volunteer-run home is elegantly maintained, but still requires a great deal of additional work. The home's "gift shop" contains donated items. All of the proceeds are designated strictly for Glenmore. I am thoroughly impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm of the volunteers, and will return again to this Jefferson City treasure.

I encourage you to visit the Glenmore and discover for yourself the stories and splendor of this beautiful masterpiece. It is closed for the season, but will reopen in the spring.

Hours:

Sat. & Sun. 1:00 - 5:00 pm May 1 - October 31 (except holidays)

Admission:

$5.00 adults; $3.00 children under 12

Please visit www.glenmoremansion.org for more information.

Happy Christmas!

Last Saturday, whilst listening to the traditional Kenny and Dolly Christmas record, yes, record, I decorated the family Christmas tree. Enjoy the pictures with some favorite ornaments highlighted. I hope everyone is enjoying this Christmas season. However, I challenge you not to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you forget the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.