And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. ~Sylvia Plath

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Santa Debate

I have been seeing Santa lately.  I don't mean that I have been seeing the "real" Santa, or the Santa at the mall, but old men that actually look like Santa.  This Tuesday I was driving in to work, and Samantha announced that she just waved to Santa.  I was not at all surprised because Samantha waves at people and dogs and trees out the window when I drive.  Once she even waved at a car because it was pink, and "that is her favorite." When I glanced over to see what she had waved at this time, there was a little old man driving the car next to me who could have been Santa.   Full on long white beard, and long hair.  He even had on a red hat.  I smiled at him as we pulled off and laughed at Samantha.

Wednesday, I was putting gas in the car, and there he was again, my street Santa.  It was not the same old man, but another who really could have been Santa, he was a little rounder than the first.  He seemed jolly walking across the gas station as our eyes met, and I once again smiled at the Santa Clause that walked cross my path.


Finally, yesterday I went to pick up salad for my best friend and I at dinner, and there sitting in the restaurant was Santa, with Mrs. Clause.  Again, it was another old man who was the text book example of Santa.  All of the kids in the restaurant were pointing, and asking their parents if he was really Santa, and he was laughing at all the kids who were pointing obviously thinking it was funny.

It brought up a very silly, and yet obvious question.  Are there more Santa like men out there at Christmas time?  Or is it that I am only noticing right now because it is December, and my own sentiments are skewing the situation?   And so it begins.....the Santa debate.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Stir Crazy Jones Family

I love it when winter comes around.  The cool, crisp air, the snow flurries.  I especially love the scarves, gloves, hats and boots.    So far, this is not as much fun as it has been in years past though.  We have had a lot of wet, rainy cold weather which leaves all of us stuck in the house.

November was not such a problem for me because it was National Novel Writing Month time. Nanowrimowrymo, as bill calls it.   I spent all of November writing my novel, and yes, it came easier this year than it did the year before.   I was surprised at how well my characters came alive once I started writing.   All I can say is, if you didn't try and write something this year, you should try next year.   It is a really, really great challenge, and so much fun!

Now that December has hit, I am officially stir crazy, and so are the kids.  I want to get out and do something active.   There is always the mall, but it has been extra crazy there since everyone and their mother is shopping.   I can go to the library, but that is not active.  I need suggestions of places that are not too costly,that we can go play, and exert some energy.   Any ideas?