Christmas In July - Well Not Quite

Autumn is here. And from the looks of the ten-day weather report on Weather.com, it's here to stay at least through next Tuesday too. I can not express in words how thrilled I am about this, save for the fact that the sooner it gets here, the sooner it's gone. Although, even the little bit we will get in Minnesota this year has to be better that what seemed like a nonexistent fall last year. Who knows?

I just know that this weather ushers in my favorite time of year. A time of changing leaves, pumpkin patches and apple orchards, cashmere sweaters and thick, dark tights. Time for fires, both inside and out. And steamy, savory, fragrant comfort food. A time of putting on some classical music, wrapping up in a blanket, and listening to storms outside my windows. Time for FOOTBALL!!!! Besides Christmas, it's pretty much the best time of the year.

How did a California girl, through and through, come to love the changing seasons, but particularly changes that usher in coldness and the promise of an inevitable winter? How did someone who grew up in perpetually 80 degree weather even come to love the middle of winter as the "best time of the year"? Am I mad? Secretly born in another part of the country, and then transported far, far away to the Sunshine State. That would make so much sense, considering my biological family and our, ummm, shall we say, differences?

I have no excuses, no explanations. I only know I do love the falling snow, the white blanketed streets, the allure of cashmere (there we go again, maybe it's all about a fiber) scarves and mittens and sledding, and hot apple cider and carols. The joy I get from bundling up. Some people like to take it off. Me, I like to put it on. And on, and on. And even before all of this, the thrill of chilly autumn nights, watching kids trick or treating, blustery winds, Charlie Brown specials, there is so, so, so much I love about Autumn. And Christmas, did I mention Christmas?

Christmas, without a doubt, turns me into the most blathering, starry eyed, romantic wishabout. All traces of the sarcastic, cool, cynic disappear without a trace under the prospect of stockings hung by the chimney with care. It's quite the transformation really.

I was told last week, however, that a certain roommate, who's initials are now A for Anonymous, was thinking of moving out for the months of November and December, as a result of my adoration for all things Christmas. It only took two little ornaments that I brought home to bring on this kind of reaction, so I have to wonder what bringing home all the decorations that are at my desk at work will elicit? Quiet time maybe? If I start walking around the house humming carols to myself, will I get to take a nap? Will hanging lights in the windows, or putting out some fake elk with white lights on the lawn get me another weekend alone? This could be the beginning of some seriously manipulative behavior, all in the name of the overwhelming needs of an introvert. Truly I jest.

Seriously though - I am thrilled to the bone at the prospect of decorating the house I love, and live in coincidentally, for Christmas this year. Pottery Barn catalogs, bring it on! It's been a good few years since I've had a place that I've wanted to decorate, much less could. Two years ago I was in the Squirrel Palace, and though I had a few guests over around Christmas time (le sigh, the UCE and the BFF), I didn't really go all out, you know, with a tree or anything, for lack of space, and fear of rodents flying out of it. Last year I had the colossal joy of sharing Christmas time at home (i.e. Minneapolis) with the family that has only enriched my great love for the holiday, my adopted MN family, the J's.

Though I have always loved Christmas, being able to share the beautiful holiday with them, both enjoying old and creating new traditions, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, and just soaking up massive amounts of family time, has greatly grown my adoration for Christmas. Just thinking of it makes me feel like I'm in a movie, a Christmas movie, where we sing around a fire in matching sweaters. Though if it ever got to that point, I'd probably escape to the kitchen for some fresh air and another glass of homemade Irish Cream. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have the storybook family time that Christmas is partly about, and it blesses my reindeer socks off. For many years, having a family of my own, that loves and knows Christ, and enjoys Christmas together-time, as much as I do has been top of my Santa wish list. And though we're no relation, they are to me all I want in a family - loving, godly, accepting, funny, warm, snuggly, and in love with Christmas too. Maybe Christmas miracles really do come true.

This year, as I brainstorm and shop and prepare to decorate my own home in celebration of this holiday (don't worry roomies, not for months!), I can only imagine that my joy will be enhanced, both by sharing Christmas with my awesome, adopted family up the street, and by being able to come home at the end of the day, to my own place, lit up with twinkly lights, smelling of apple cider and pine trees, and then share all the joy in my heart with my roommates as well. They may find my Sally Sunshine Christmas loving attitude slightly in contrast with their own cynical little ways, but I know, in my heart of hearts, that some fresh baked gingerbread cookies, a nice fire, and maybe a little Bing Crosby/David Bowie in the background can win them over to the dark side. I just can't wait to find out!

Autumn and Christmas. Whether we like it or not, they are on their way. I am the last person to protest their imminent arrival, so friends, if you're not quite there yet, thanks for bearing with me. For now, we'll agree to disagree. After all, October 1st is only a few days away.

A Word About Autism - Please Read!

“Never doubt that a small group of dedicated people could change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

.... I've officially set up my team, on the MN Walk For Autism 09 site http://www.walknowforautism.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=303534 We are the Rushmore Runners. Last year we were "RU@MtRushmore?" but I had to constantly explain the history behind the name. In case you didn't catch it the first ten times, here it is:

When my 8 year old nephew Nathan, the high functioning Autistic wunderkind, was studying Geography in his classroom, my mom got him one of those kids placemats that has the map of the continental US on it. Along with each state was a little icon representing what it was famous for. NY had the Statue of Liberty, Wisconsin had a block of cheese, Texas had a big electric chair, and South Dakota had a little illustration of Mt. Rushmore. Sadly, MN had nothing in it's state, but then again, that's before Al Franken was our Senator because I'm sure had they just waited, a picture of Stuart Smalley would've fit perfect in there. Though, if that holds true, why not Jesse Ventura. But I digress. Anyways, somehow Nathan got it into his head that I lived in South Dakota, or specifically, at Mt. Rushmore. So every time I'd talk to him on the phone, he'd ask me "Are you at Mount Ruuuusshhhmore?" He'd draw the words out, in this charming little way, and in complete sincerity never believe me when I would tell him no, I live in Minnesota, you know, just northeast of it, next to the cheese.

So, last year, when I signed up to Walk For Autism, and I had to name my team, I knew that I had to somehow represent this little dude's fascination with Mt. Rushmore. So, RU@MtRushmore? it was. This year, in the spirit of something different, we're the Rushmore Runners.

So, please, please, please if you get a chance, check out our webpage, http://www.walknowforautism.org/minnesota/mtrushmore and learn more about this unpredictable, uncontrollable epidemic striking today's children, and how you can help. Remember, 1 out of every 150 children develops Autism. Somehow, those numbers are higher for boys, too.... 1 out of every 94 boys! That's more than pediatric cancer, childhood diabetes and AIDS combined. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with Autism. And right now, there is no cure!!

If you'd like to join me, as I walk to raise awareness and support, please sign up to be on my team. It would mean the world to me to know that others believe in this cause as much as I do and want to help. If you can't walk, please make a contribution on my page - every little cent counts towards putting an end to this widespread Neurological disorder affecting innocent children. Maybe I won't ever see you at Mt. Rushmore, but hopefully, on September 26th, at the MN Walk Now For Autism in Canterbury Park, I'll see you there!

A Motherly Dilemna

Ok, so Mother's Day is coming up, and there are a lot of mothers, even besides my own, who I want to celebrate this year. So, in the spirit of scrapbooking and music, two of my favorite things, I decided to put together a CD with songs about mom on it, and then put it in this adorable photo book which I did a Make & Take for at Archivers. I am so excited to share this with my own mom, as well as those mothers I love and respect (Peggy, Michelle, Katie, Karen, you guys are awesome!)

But here's my dilemna - what songs about "mom" do I put on there? All the ones with the good lyrics, like acknowledging a mother's influence are old-time-hokey-country songs, and all the cool ones, with a decent sound to them are about how someone's mother drove them to the point of insanity (those brothers from Oasis are really messed up!).

In any case, here is the playlist I have so far. I can only think of one person who reads this blog (I love you K-girl!!), but in case anyone else does, I'm very open for suggestions: (Oh, P.S., yeah some of the artists listed there aren't the original recording artist for that song, it just so happens I like their version a little better)

Loves me like a rock – Paul Simon (might use the Allison Krauss version)

Someone to watch over me – Frank Sinatra

Stacys Mom – Fountains Of Wayne

Calling my Children Home – Emmylou Harris

Don’t Step on Mother’s Roses – Johnny Cash

Anita's Heart - Fernando Ortega

When Mama Prayed – Randy Travis

Your Heart Will Lead You Home – Kenny Loggins

In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride

A Song For Mama – Boyz II Mama

Heart Of The House – Alanis Morrissette

Shower The People – James Taylor

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

Maybe I’m Amazed – Jem

She Believes In Me – Jarod Mason

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Sheryl Crow

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder

Thank You – Dido

Secret Garden – Bruce Springsteen (really, what woman does this song not apply to?)

Lullaby - The Dixie Chicks

This One's For The Girls - Martina McBride

So, any and all input is appreciated! Maybe once I get this playlist all sweet and together, I can post it on here, wouldn't that be a nice treat for mom's everywhere.

New Meaning To A Great Mystery

And by that mystery, I mean my name. Trinette. See, often when people ask what my name means (after they get done butchering the quite phonetic pronunciation, despite my generous favor of spelling it for them), I tell them "Well, it's a German derivative of Catherine, which is my mother's name". Incidentally, my mom's name means 'pure', and she is actually named after the Princess Catherine of Aragon (Aragon being a province in Spain, where I'm sure my family hails from, and my grandma's maiden name). Sadly, though, my name, Trinette, in and of itself, has no specific meaning.

Though today, I discovered a juicy little tidbit about my name. It has literary reference. By Charlotte Bronte no less!

Yes, my name was the name of one of her characters, in one of her most critically acclaimed works, a three volume novel entitled Villette.

I was thrilled upon discovering this, and quickly searched the entire book for any and all references. Seems they are all confined to chapter ten, in reference to a French Nursemaid, yes, my namesake.

And being the cultural snob that I am, nay, even a literary snob, I was thrilled to the bone about this discovery. I'm named after (or so I will tell myself for years to come) a mysterious character in a Charlotte Bronte novel. A three volume novel nonetheless. I couldn't be more ecstatic than if I was a character in an Oscar Wilde play!!

Come on, doesn't that sound wonderful???

How Fun Was My Easter?

I don't know, but by the looks of it, pretty darn fun. You tell me.

My Sunshine

This has been a hard week. But a great one too. Never before have I felt so relieved at having my hand slapped, or being disciplined. There is a peace and a joy that is accompanying what I am going through right now that can only be attributed to God's grace. I am more than grateful, and don't want to lose sight of this time in my life!

It was also a good week because, at the beginning of it, like a ray of sunshine who's warmth would carry me through some cold fog, I talked to my darling, my sweetheart, Kaya Grace Herdle. I didn't just talk to her though, we had a full blown conversation, centering a lot around favorite colors. It went something like this:

Kaya: What's your favorite color?

Me: Umm, red. What's your's?

Kaya: Well, my favorite color is pink, but then my other favorite color is purple. Do you like purple? What's your other favorite color?

Me: Wow, Pink is my other favorite color too!! What a coincidence.

Kaya: (yelling off into the distance) Dad, Trinette's other favorite color is Pink! Just like mine!! Dad, what's your favorite color?

Mike: (yelling back) Blue.

Kaya: My dad's favorite color is blue. What's your other favorite color?

Me: I don't know, I really just like red and pink. What's your mom's favorite color?

Kaya: (yelling off into the distance, and REPEAT).........

This went on for quite a while, with favorite colors. But then out of the blue, all of a sudden, in a very emphatic tone, she commanded "Sing me a song. Sing me 'Deck the halls with boughs of holly falalalalalalalala'. That's a beautiful song." So I did, I sang to her, and then she sang something back to me. But even though she's three now, and her vocabulary is impressive and her conversational skills are advanced, she still has this little chipmunk voice that I can't quite discern at times. So, she sang to me, but what I don't know.

It was pretty much the highlight of the beginning of my week. A dark, dreary, disciplining week. I am blessed!