I love LOVE love Luxembourg.
And have loved painting on pictures again.
Silvester
One of the things I love about Germany is that the festivals and holidays are still referred to by their liturgical names. You may or may not be a Catholic, but if you're here you probably know when St. Andrew's feast day is, or the second weekend in advent and so on because the signage for events often leaves out actual dates but will just name the feast day.
Silvester – named for Pope Sylvester I – is one of those events, and everyone here knows that is New Year's Eve. It is also the date of an annual 10k. Those 10 kilometers brought my husband's total miles run in 2011 to 1000. The boys and I went to cheer him on. Very cool.
(I think I say that alot.)
Kaffee und kuchen. Not sure if Runner's World is up to speed on this yet but cheesecake seems to top the list of pre-race, carb loading choices here. : )
Likewise, there was no free water afterwards, as is the American race norm, but rather hot tea all around. And a lot of steam from hot runners on a really chilly morning.
Speaking of hot runners….. ; )
Did I say that, or was I just thinking it? <g>
Anyway, it wrapped up just as the sky opened and buckets of rain fell. Half and hour earlier it wouldn't have been pretty. As it was, it was perfect.
Gutes Neues Jahre!
I was four months pregnant our first New Year's Eve in Germany. That year we were ringing in 1986. (please don't gasp, even if it was in the last millenium….) My husband was a medic and working long hours. I was in the throes of early pregnancy drowsiness. Between us we had enough good reason to be out cold at midnight.
We were awakened from that sound sleep by a thundering explosion outside the apartment. From all sides. For a split second I thought it was the Apocalypse. Kid you not. I was spinning through my foggy brain trying to recall bits of the recent news to see if how likely it was we were under fire. (our base had been bombed less than 6 mo earlier)
It was none of those dire things however. Just our initiation into German New Year's, a wildly thrilling event, especially in a large city.
This year we got to bring that 'baby' back to see his first New Year's in the land of his birth. Things are a little lower key here in the sticks than they are in Frankfurt but still pretty amazing for homegrown. And yes, dangerous. Don't try this at home. We didn't!
The fireworks went on 'til nearly 1am. Being situated on one of the highest peaks in the region, on a rare clear winter's night, we could see the glimmer of celebrations in villages all around. He said if it had been all he got to do on this trip it would have been worth it. (video from last year here)
Before bed Tess declared this to be the best day of her life. The best part of that statement is that it marked the third time in as many weeks that she breathlessly announced same. Life is often hard. What kind of wonderful is it to be able to say you had three of the best days ever inside a month. : )
We were saying the other day how our Asher and Tess in particular both have such a gift for finding life positively amazing. They take such delight in small things as well as large. I hope to be more like them when I grow up. : )
Here's to making lots of best days in 2012!
self portrait
So here I am. In front of the Ministry of Something or Other building in Luxembourg last week. (fantastic trip and I will share pics soon!)
What?
You don't see me?
Try this…..
Happy New Year to you! : )
{this moment}
{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Snapshots of Heidelberg
on a blustery day downtown….
I find myself short on words these days. They are there to be sure, but tend to remain tucked away, mulled over, prayed over, dreamed on, and blanketed snugly in my heart.
Our days have been full of images like these.
and yes, I dream in black and white very often : )
What He thinks….. instead
Sometimes we need to remember Whose opinion truly counts….
Again there she stood with glasses and braces,
uncontrollable hair and cumbersome graces.
So back to herself in that hall all alone
she set down her cup and turned to go home.
“Excuse me young lady,” the voice asked. “If I might, with permission of course, have the last dance tonight.”
"With me?" She asked startled, as she turned to the voice.
You must be mistaken. I’m an awful poor choice.
Who told you you're awful?” He asked. “How do you know?”
“Can’t you see for yourself, the whole world tells me so.”
Then onto the dance floor walked the King as he said: “Would you like to my child, hear what I think instead?”
Then the hall filled with music as the king took her hand.
She asked “Your Majesty, please, I don’t understand?”
“I think you’re beautiful,” the King said as he smiled.
“I treasure you deeply. You’re lovely my child.
I think you’re beautiful – your hair and your braces,
your glasses and clothes your cumbersome graces.
And many more traits which I could speak of, there’s nothing about you I don’t truly love. You’re kind and you’re honest, funny and smart. You’re really quite charming you have a good heart.”
“Your majesty,” she asked as a tear came in view.
"I’d like to believe you, is that really true?”
“Of course it is true, every word that I say.
Daughter, I am the King. I made you that way.
I delight in your beauty, you’re wonderfully made.
I knew you before the foundation was laid.
You’re precious to me, every hair on your head,
daughter hear and believe.” The snoodle king said.
– Veggie Tale's Snoodlerella.
Use Your Talents
Frohe Weihnachten
It is late on Christmas Eve and very loud in our house and I wouldn't have it any other way. Nine of the ten kids are under my roof at this moment. Ten, if you count the young man who is like family who is joining us for Christmas.
There have been movies and debates about football, remembering days gone by and talks about plans for those to come. There has been a lot of wrapping and a little bit of cookie making. I have a full fridge but nothing made for Christmas dinner. But that's ok. There are lots of capable hands and it will all happen one way or another.
There have been many hours logged in the car driving to and from the airport, to and from the grocery store, running in and out of gift stores. While I normally detest running it is different these days. The children we used to live with are no longer that. They are grown and fascinating. They make me laugh and make me think. The hours and errands have passed so delightfully with them along. I cannot imagine being blessed with better friends.
This year especially, after much separation and challenge, I am grateful for the gift of family. I hope you are smiling with yours, wherever you may be.
Frohe Weihnachten!
with care
A highlight of the season is pulling out this hand-stitched felt stocking from my childhood.
Starry Sky Journal 