Merry Christmas! – Late Blooms

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

In this my 100th post, it is a pleasure to share some Christmas collages with you and to send Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year. When I started the blog, little did I realize that it would become such an important part of my way of life. There`s been a lot of “metamorphosis“ taking place here – both in the blog and in myself. “Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis.“ This quote by Martha Beck is apt in more than one way – a kind of synchronicity one might say. My first blog post was called “Metamorphosis.“ Through sharing my images and some of my thoughts as well, there has been an exchange of a part of myself with others in the world. It is humbling to think that what started out as a whim has become serious enough to bring me to my 100th blog post. Thanks to all who have encouraged this venture and been a part of this metamorphosis.

“People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.” unknown — “People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.”
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Food, glorious food!

So much chocolate. So little time!

Do Not Disturb. Chocolate Fantasy in Progress.

When life gives you lemons, throw them back and demand chocolate.

Chocolate-coated truth tastes better. – Amy Shawnee

An exhale moment deserves delicious chocolate.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Santa Claus arrived in Toronto since the middle of November at the big Santa Claus Parade. Many little children and not so little ones are eagerly awaiting his visit on Christmas Eve night when the lights are all out and they are sound asleep.

Christmas is a joyous time for people of all ages. I was at a wonderful party on the 1st day of December. Look carefully at the hands in these images. Here is a great Advent quote: “For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain, and courage, Bethlehem is not the end of our journey but only the beginning – not home but the place through which we must pass if ever we are to reach home at last.” (Frederick Buechner)

Clara: This is all like a dream come true. The Land of the Dolls is so beautiful and everyone's so kind. I've known some of you all my life. And to think we could all be together forever. Nutcracker: Then you'll stay. (Clara hangs her head) Clara, what is it? Clara: Oh, I want to. I want to stay with you, I do. But... Nutcracker: But? But what? Clara: Oh, I don't know, I'm so confused. It's just, well, the Land of the Dolls is where you all belong. But I want to grow up. There's a million things I want to do; people to meet, worlds to explore. I've always wanted to dance in the ballet. Nutcracker, I do love you, but I can't stay in the Land of the Dolls forever. — Clara: This is all like a dream come true. The Land of the Dolls is so beautiful and everyone’s so kind. I’ve known some of you all my life. And to think we could all be together forever.
Nutcracker: Then you’ll stay. (Clara hangs her head) Clara, what is it?
Clara: Oh, I want to. I want to stay with you, I do. But…
Nutcracker: But? But what?
Clara: Oh, I don’t know, I’m so confused. It’s just, well, the Land of the Dolls is where you all belong. But I want to grow up. There’s a million things I want to do; people to meet, worlds to explore. I’ve always wanted to dance in the ballet. Nutcracker, I do love you, but I can’t stay in the Land of the Dolls forever.

The `Nutcracker Ballet` is in town, and, for many families, Christmas isn`t Christmas without attending a performance. This is one of my favorite ballets as well.

"Dance is the hidden music of the soul." — “Dance is the hidden music of the soul.”

This is an ornament on a Christmas tree. Isn`t it wonderful that there are ornaments to suit everyone`s taste and that Christmas decorations come in such a variety of colors, styles, and sizes.

I hope to add some more collages to this blog post before Christmas. Hope you enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Notes: All quotations and references are internet based.