Merry Christmas!

"Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,

with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand."

it's reindeer...

This morning I was listening to a radio station that plays only Christmas music during the month of December, and there was a well-known version of "Here Comes Santa Claus" playing. I couldn't help but cringe every time the singer reprised, "Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeers are pulling on the reins..."

It's reindeer, people, not reindeers.

O Christmas Tree

My roommate and I got our tree today--a nice 6-foot Douglas fir. He smells heavenly. I kinda want to sleep on the living room floor tonight just so I can breathe it in.

Tomorrow night...ornaments!

Augustine

"You called, you cried, you shattered my deafness. You sparkled, you blazed, you drove away my blindness. You shed your fragrance, and I drew in my breath, and I pant for you. I tasted and now I hunger and thirst. You touched me and now I burn with longing for your peace."

~ St. Augustine~

I love Augustine. His writings always invoke inspiration and awe.

Highlights

Highlights of my trip to New Orleans (aka N'awlins):

1. The awesome brick wall and huge windows in our hotel room.

2. More fried food than I would ever care to eat in a week (highlight or lowlight?)

3. Being asked to take photos with some of my authors.

4. Reconnecting with "conference people" friends.

5. Braving Bourbon Street on a Saturday night.

6. The awesome live music at our bar of choice on Bourbon.

7. The young (sober) man who, just before exiting said bar with his buddies, told me I was extraordinarily beautiful. (Extraordinarily!)

New Orleans, I wish I could have seen more of you. Thank you for not flashing me. Man Who Called Me Beautiful, you made my night, maybe even my year. Thanks for your sincerity.

Way down yonder in New Orleans...

Tomorrow I'm headed to New Orleans for the week for a work conference.

Bourbon Street, here I come...

seasons in san diego

Even though I live in Southern California--and only a mile or two from the beach--I am happy to report that fall still makes its presence known.

Right outside my living room window I can watch the leaves turn. This was taken last weekend. Today there are more leaves turned scarlet, and a carpet of them on the ground below.