This picture and the main one are opposite views of each other–I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now—we’re still at the Maitland Art Museum grounds in Maitland, Florida–just too many great photo ops to ignore. Still working and working…lots of new things for the holidays: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DragonLaire?ref=hdr_shop_menu check it out I could use some Christmas spending money….thanks…..
Alexis Keys is a beautiful young lady and visual artist that you need to check out at www.alexiskeys.wordpress.com 
AND THE HONORABLE MENTION:
THE VINTAGE VIEW
Step back in time at this multi-dealer mini mall. There is something here for everyone. You will be amazed at the huge selection of collectibles, jewelry, antiques, and vintage linens.
“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” ― Andy Rooney
$4.99 USD
OK THIS WILL GET YOU READY FOR NEXT SEASON by reminding you of last—includes several great videos including a hot one of Sam and Cait….
“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white.” — Bing Crosby
and so we continue to get you ready for the Holidays
With Do Something Different
Aesop
“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.”
INSTEAD OF A BANQUET—have a picnic—-If you live where the weather isn’t hospitable for an outside gig set up a table cloth on the floor by the tree or if you have one the fire place. Use holiday paper plates and colored plastic ware. The contents of feast is up to you—turkey sandwiches and potato salad can do it for Thanksgiving (ham for Christmas) or do the whole meal (a nice reversal is the whole traditional meal and maybe fine wine on paper plates and plastic wine glasses) just eat it on the floor….with holiday channel music on the TV. If you live in warmer climes then go outside—set up a table—fine dinning or picnic fare (or a combination there of)….and do some décor and lights on the trees or shrubs there by. That’s a start don’t expect me to do everything.
Etty Hillesum
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”
GET IT ALL TOGETHER: Live in an over 55 apartment complex….and are far from friends and family—talk to the staff who manage the place to see if you can have Holiday Events where others in the same position have a chance to get together and save the holidays. This can be something simple like a Thanksgiving Met UP to a share a feast for Christmas….there are all kinds of possibilities and the less the staff has to do (and the concept that it isn’t going to cost them) and a chance to use the event for advertising the place’s ambiance and good will might well put your ideas into action.
Lily Tomlin
“For fast-acting relief try slowing down.”
DO SOMETHING ELSE:
In Sanford Florida on Thanksgiving http://www.stjohnsrivershipco.com/ there’s a cruise on the River—a nice day with a boat full of people on a paddlewheel riverboat with lunch including all the trimmings…a beautiful view on the St. John’s, music and good will.
There’s a Polar Express Train in NC: http://www.romanticasheville.com/great_smoky_mountain_train_polar_express.htm that runs through the holidays—am not sure if they do Christmas —worth it for you to check out.
In Philadelphia you can spend the day watching the Parade: http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/10-reasons-to-see-philadelphia-thanksgiving-day-parade-in-person/
In Atlanta try a half Marathon http://www.atlanta.net/events/detail/thanksgiving-day-half-marathon-and-5k/98206/
In Dallas start the day at the Zoo for Dollar Day: http://www.dallaszoo.com/event/dollar-day-presented-by-metropc/ and s-3/ and finish it up with Disney on Ice: http://www.disneyonice.com/100-years-of-magic
the possibilities are there you just have to look and then match them to you and your families preferences, location and financial situation.
Marilu Henner
“Being in control of your life and having realistic expectations about your day-to-day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy and rewarding life.”
GIVE SOMETHING MORE
Many churches all over the world provide gifts, meals or even home visits on Thanksgivings and Christmas to feed the destitute and comfort the elderly. Check with your pastor or other leaders if you’d like to help. Sometimes it seems to me that the real spirit of the holidays has no better representation than to give of ourselves….this takes your time (and often your family can assist–what better example and interaction with your kids than a selfless act). http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/central_florida_free_holiday_a.html
Christmas Connection: http://www.thechristmasconnection.org/
YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF many elderly persons in nursing homes especially spend the holidays and most other days of their lives alone. Check in your area for possibilities from delivering gifts and goodies to making visits on the big days.
and don’t forget your own relatives that are shut away in a home, assistant living or an apartment: P.S. don’t forget the kids: http://knoxville.citymomsblog.com/how-to-visit-the-nursing-home-with-kids/
Douglas Pagels
“Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way.”
Donald E. Westlake
“As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.”
