"THE CHRISTMAS SPARKLE" written by me in 2005- My first short story/Christmas fantasy

 

*  THE CHRISTMAS SPARKLE   *

 

The woman sat comfortably on the couch with her cup of tea, gazing through the window into the cold dark night.  Outside, snow was gently falling in large flakes, coating the trees and ground in a heavy white, the first of the season.  She pulled the blanket up around her chin, and gave a pensive sigh.... and she remembered……

 

Once upon a time there was a little girl.  She lived with her family in a very small house and she didn’t have much.  Each year when Christmas was almost here, the little girl would write a list of all the things that she wanted.  They were simple youthful things that every little girl dreamed of.  Things like a baby doll, a shiny bicycle, and brand new clothes and shoes that would be just for her.  Her brother was the littlest and so she always asked him what he wanted and she’d wish for more for him because he was so cute.  She wasn’t the oldest child – or the youngest- and the little girl didn’t often get things that were only for her, but because she was so young she never really noticed.  Through the years of her young life the little girl soon came to realize that there was no sense in writing any more lists or wishing for things she’d never have because her family didn’t have the money to buy them.  So each year Christmas indeed was a surprise, and although there were never many gifts under the tree, all four of the siblings would get a few. For a long time her favorite was always that new doll.  She was a good little mommy and when she grew up she would be a real one some day.  For all her tender years, her youthful eyes would sparkle during the Christmas season of twinkling lights and playful snow, and for the most part she was happy. 

As the woman sat there thinking of the past, she realized that through a child’s eyes everything is beautiful until the harsh realities of the world settle in, one by one, pecking away, robbing and destroying that innocence.  She sat wishing she could bottle and sell “Childlike Joy” as the cure for all the worlds’ ills.  She’d make her fortune for sure, toppling technology and baffling science.  For so much of her adult life it had always pleased her and brought her great pleasure to look at life through the eyes of a child - but today…….. today her heart was heavy. 

 

Her emotional state was challenged by all the recent circumstances she faced.  Her oldest sister’s long term illness and then death; a pending divorce after thirty years of marriage, and now her young unwed daughter was pregnant.  She shook her head slowly and pondered the perplexities of life as she reflected on the events of this last year.  As her sister’s illness progressed and neared the end, she had clung to the hope of something happy; the hope of a fairy tale romance with someone who had suddenly stepped into her life during this difficult time.  And so, completely out of character and with caution foolishly thrown to the wind, she filed for a divorce.  Deep in her spirit the warning was there but she chose to ignore it.  Now the man she supposedly thought she had waited her whole life for, said he couldn’t leave his past behind.  All this combined, left her entire family unit weakened and vulnerable and the very core of her spiritual life was thrown into darkness.  Before - faith and family were her safe haven. 

 

The unknown loomed before her and she was trying to hold on as best she could, but suddenly it seemed that she had lost all her zest for life.  On top of everything, the holidays were upon her, and God, how she wished they were over already.  She looked around the room in disgust at all the boxes of decorations strewn on the floor waiting to be put up.  Each year, she’d find a special place for all of them until the last ornament was finally on the tree.  Tonight, she wanted to throw them all away for good.

Within her there was no true peace to be found as too many realities were confronting her.  She stood up and walked past the fireplace to the mirror and looked into it.  Gazing back at her was a fairly pretty face she thought, but upon inspecting it more closely, it was the reflection of her eyes that bothered her and she couldn’t get past the look of emptiness she saw.  There was no real joy in them – there was no sparkle.   

Taking a few steps over to the floor length windows, she leaned her head tiredly on the frame and stared outside into the silent woods.  She closed her eyes for a long moment and just didn’t want to think anymore.  She’d go to bed now to try to put her thoughts to rest.  As she turned to walk away, a curious movement from outside in the distance caught her attention… and she leaned in closer to the glass, trying to focus straight ahead on the night before her.  Unexpectedly, and as if in slow motion, the wind kicked up into great gusts and the snow began to swirl towards her in a huge wall of white.  

As the vision cleared, she blinked in disbelief as she found herself virtually watching a scene from what was a winters’ past. Little children were running and laughing and playing in the snow and suddenly, as one of them turned to face her, she saw that it was her deceased sister.  Her skin was rosy red from the crisp night air and her eyes glowed with great joy, illuminating her face.  The woman at the window stood there frozen in time - glorying in the sound of her sister’s laughter… and then, clear as could be, her sister called out her name.  The woman instinctively started to move forward but stood still, when, from out of the shadows of the wintry trees, walked a little girl.  It was herself as a child once again!  The child ran straight into her sister’s arms and they fell down on their knees together, laughing and hugging.  Suddenly -there were bright and colorful Christmas lights everywhere, on every tree, and it was a winter wonderland filled with snow and song and moonglow, and the beauty of a winter’s eve in it’s fullest.

 

She dared not move an inch, knowing deep inside that this magnificent moment was too good to be true, and at the same time thinking that this must be the effects of the exhaustion she was experiencing  - but before she could turn herself away, her sad eyes met her sister’s joyful ones through the glass… and, in an instant, she was physically transported to that place outside.  This time she truly was the child her sister was holding!  She felt real arms around her and a warmth beyond belief as her sister held her in a tight embrace.  There was no sadness now, only the miracle of heavenly love in its’ sweet fullness - the kind of love she had only hoped existed one day.  Then her sister slowly took her by the shoulders and knowingly gazed straight into her eyes.  She couldn’t look away, and at that very moment when the two pairs of eyes met, a blinding flash of light occurred and she couldn’t see.  Seconds passed and then her vision returned.  She watched mesmerized as her sister softly touched both her eyelids with her fingertips and bestowed on her the special gift she had come to give her.  It was the gift of the Christmas Sparkle.  Her sister took her face in her hands and kissed her on the lips and said from the very depths of her being, “I love you”, then with a promising and knowing smile, ran happily off into the glorious night.  The woods became as still and peaceful as they were before. 

 

The child gradually became the woman again standing at the window.  Her immediate impulse was to run into the night after her sister, but… oddly enough, a calm settled over her and she was content to stay just where she was as she watched the parting figure disappear.  The beautiful vision was gone, as well as the euphoric moment of total bliss - but it was ok … because she knew now, without a doubt, that it wouldn’t be gone forever. 

She had been given the ultimate privilege of entering a new dimension and she had experienced a miracle that no one would ever believe.  It was something set aside in time by her Divine maker, just for her and a true sense of peace and joy that had been missing from her life for so long, now enveloped her.  The burden of her heavy thoughts no longer held her in their grasp and her shoulders dropped to release the tension that had held her captive for so long.

It was all clear now:  The future held the hope of brighter days.  By the grace of God, she had narrowly escaped making a disastrous change in her life.  Her marriage would be stronger than ever, her family life would be intact and strong, and she would never question her faith again. 

She purposefully walked back over to the mirror and instinctively her hands went up to her face.  Happiness bubbled up from somewhere within her and spilled over in an audible laugh.  To her amazement, there, gazing back at her, were the prettiest sparkling eyes she had ever seen and a twinkling smile to match!  Most, and best of all, was that what had given them their luminescence, not only came from within her, but from a very special place above. 

She realized on this blessed night that nothing that happens in life is ever worth losing your Christmas Sparkle over.  For beyond our realm lies the promise of an everlasting joy…….. and tonight her sister proved it.

Copyright 2005-2013  by Elaine Spaziano

All rights reserved.  No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Elaine Spaziano   

 

 

DECORATING LAINE: Martha Stewart Dishes

I purchased  this new dinnerware from Macy’s department store.   It’s a  Martha Stewart with Wedgewood collection called “Martha’s Garden”.  The place settings are offered in four  different patterns:  Tulip, Primrose, Peony and Rose.  The cup and saucer are of a generous size and allow for a roomy and comfortable hand grip, unlike some daintier styles .  The floral patterns are set against a creamy white china base and the salad plates are edged in a solid soft green border.  This fresh garden combination makes a such charming presentation of what I call "country elegance" and welcomes everyone to the table.  I love it! 

 

Some people might think that in this economy, spending money on a  luxury item of this sort is a frivolity.  I say it’s a necessity.   You ask, how so?  In the face of adversity or hard times, the human spirit longs for a safe haven to turn to,  and,  what  better safe haven than the comforts within your own home?   The word home sooths you and denotes a place where you are nurtured.   Martha Stewart has helped to do just that by bringing domesticity back to our American culture with style and class.  In our society today, she has revived the word "homemaker" and made it something to be embraced and proud of.   

What more important thing can we do for our family than to make our house a home?  Certainly one way of doing that is by sitting down all together for a meal around the proverbial dinner table.  The old adage that “there’s strength in numbers” still holds true.  It's proven that as we sit to share a meal together, the family unit is strengthened in all ways, and a sense of security is created within that circle.  No matter whether you prepare a five course meal or just simple sandwiches, once in a while take some time out of your busy schedule to set an appealing table for family or friends.  It's a "feel good" for the spirit and it won't go unnoticed, I promise.

 I'm glad I made this purchase of Martha’s dinnerware.  Thank you Martha….. and thank you Macy’s…….  you did a “good thing”!

Happy eating from Cranberry Laine!

GARDENING LAINE: The joy of finding a Spring Bird's Nest

This Robin's nest was built in my hanging geranium pot  

Although we get a bad rap (and justifiably so) for our long winters, I think Spring in upstate New York is breathtakingly beautiful.  With that said, for me, no other season quite compares with it because it speaks of new beginnings.  In my opinion anyone who doesn't welcome one of the first real signs of spring - the proverbial bird nest - has a gene missing from mother nature.  To me, it's like finding a small treasure.  One day the nest  may be empty and the next, filled with pale hued ovals.  It becomes like a daily devotion for me watching and waiting for the eggs to hatch.  All of us at some time or another find a  nest hidden in the most interesting spots.  My sister had a yearly visitor who built her nest in the spring wreath hanging at the front door on the porch.  Needless to my sister, as well as her visitors, were unable to use that door for a while until mother Robin had nurtured those babes to the fledgling stage.  If we got too close (and of course we did because we were nosy and had to peek often!) the father robin would signal danger by flitting around and making sharp chirps as mother flew at us in strong warning.  I found this nest above in the middle of my geranium pot.  How on earth do they do that?  I mean, I live here, so how did I not notice the frenzy of flutter?

Not sure, but I think this was a sparrow? Found in my tall spiral 

Love these "baby blues"

I sit on my porch and watch the miracle of life.  It's a parallel:  When a nest is built in a spot close to your living quarters, the birds are a nuisance intruding on your private territory and birds droppings are not what you ordered with your coffee & newspaper on the porch that day.  You think of tearing it down (yes, you know you do and some of you have done it, so admit it) but wait and hold off for a few weeks if you can.  They say don't ever touch the nest or the eggs or a mother bird won't take care of their young if human scent is near.  I won't ever test that as truth or myth.  In my book, anyone who fills their mouth with mud, takes a few blades of grass at a time, and makes flight after flight overnight equaling "frequent flyer miles" to build their home, has all the respect I can muster!  Enjoy this miracle of nature and share it with your company because it will only present itself a few times a year if you are lucky.

The babies

I've been a nature lover all my life and as a young girl I was taught by my mother to enjoy these simple yet intricate treasures.  My profile states my belief that the simple things in life are priceless, and so I will share them for you to experience also. 
 
Happy nest finding in your nature walks!

DECORATING LAINE: The Bridal Shower

The Bridal Shower is always such a special time in the lives of the bride to be, her family, and her guests.  Below are just a few tips to add a touch of elegance to your event.   

The Umbrella:  This garden fresh umbrella was embellished with silk tulips and clusters of silk hydrangeas.  The ribbons are pinstriped pink & white, as well as a pale off white, in alternating lengths.  Green silk leaves are attached to the ends, each topped with a rosebud and crystal "rain drops".   After all, for every Shower you need an umbrella!  

Gifts & Bows:  I think one of the best parts of any shower is being able to view the colorful display of gifts that people have taken that extra special step to decorate. These gifts have three dimensional bows made from different layers of ribbons.  The lower layer is white tulle that was gathered into a double sided fan underneath; the next layer is made with  3" wide shiny silk wired ribbon;  the top ribbon is a large store bought pull bow.  Classic style.

    
Simply put:  Cupcakes are in!  We took  a variety of flavors and arranged them as visual eye-candy that had a message in sync with the event.  How clever was that?

Champagne Punch flowing out of lighted fountains and served in stemware is as retro as it gets when you add this vintage touch to your shower.  Your guests will love the extra "punch" that this touch of elegance adds to your event. 

The Tablescape :  Your tables should reflect
the mood or theme you want to project 
so be creative
and have fun with it!

The Desserts:  Tradition has it that homemade pastries & cookies are to be
placed on a tray at each table.  Be generous and wow your guests.  *Place out extra take home bags

Lamb's Ear and Pee Gee Hydrangeas are hand picked from the garden on the morning of the shower and add a personal touch that says "I care".

   The Food: 
Be sure to give guests the ultimate pleasant experience
they will remember 
by serving food that is of the freshest quality
 and presented with style.



The Venue:  Remember one thing:  This particular day, as well as your wedding day, is all about YOU!  Your guests will come to share this time with you, bearing gifts for your future happiness. Wherever you decide to host your shower, be it at home, in a park, in a restaurant, or in a lovely historic setting, remember to thouroughly enjoy the entire process as you go along!  Happy planning!  
I hope you have enjoyed some of the tips to help you have the shower of your dreams.
Best wishes from
Cranberry Laine

Copyright  April 26, 2012
All pictures and text in this post are the property of CranberryLaine's

MEMORY LAINE: Vintage Dresses of the 50's/60's....an everyday lifestyle

Being a baby boomer, I vividly remember my mom, my sisters, and I wearing these types of cinch waist dresses for our special occasions in the late 50's/early 60''s.  Life wasn't really the perfect Ozzie & Harriett/June Cleaver/Donna Reed prototype that we watched daily on our TV shows, but let me tell you younger ones, it was close, so very close.  Feminine dresses were simply "in", and pretty much whenever and wherever.  The casual pure cotton styles were the norm for going grocery shopping,  to weekly beauty appointments, (oh yes, they were weekly back then if you could afford it), to church, to a movie, or to a school PTA meeting.        

   We wore the fancier fabrics to bridal and baby showers, mother daughter sorority luncheons, club meetings, graduations, communions and baptisms,  school dances, social occasions, etc. I am happy to see that the romanticism of the 50's & 60's eras is alive and these fashions are currently trending again!   Although I am not the teeny-bopping youth I once was, I will embrace the retro styles as they emerge and I will proudly wear them with a few more pounds added to my frame.  I plan on visiting my local vintage fashion shops as I'm sure I will find a few of these treasures again.   Join me darling, won't you?  We can do Tea after....








I smile when I think that I never, and I mean never, saw my Grandmothers in anything but a dress. That's just they way they lived. If they weren't going out for the day then a floral "housecoat" would do just fine. But never pants. Actually I will take that back. There was one winter day in the 60's when I was a teenager and my Grandma took the bus over to our house. We were all sitting in the kitchen when she walked through the door. She had on a wool coat, gloves & boots, her kerchief, her pocket book on her arm, and a pair of sweat pants sticking out from under her dress. I kid you not, the room became dead silent. She looked at all of us - we looked at her and everyone burst out laughing. She laughed herself so silly, and it was a moment I will never forget.  I hope today you've enjoyed your trip with me down Memory Laine! 

GARDENING LAINE: Osmocote - The only fertilizer I use! Find out my secret....

An annual plant:   "Dragon's Wing Begonia"....  Go from this... 

  .....to this!!   and here's the secret.....(oh how I love a good mystery....) 

Fertilizing Perennials, Annuals, Trees or Shrubs

For me there is only one word in my fertilizing vocabulary:   OSMOCOTE   
Simply put, I think Osmocote is the best fertilizer on the market.  I have been  gardening for over thirty years now and I generally use nothing else.  Osmocote is a granular fertilizer that is worked into the soil during the initial planting process, either in the ground or in a pot.  I also use it for established perennials by broadcasting around the plant base whenever I feel the plant needs a little "help" from their friend. (me, of course) 

When planting most new specimens, (excluding evergreens) I put some Osmocote on the bottom layer of soil in the pot or ground hole.  I place the plant into position and begin to add more soil in layers of about 4", incorporating tablespoons of Osmocote as I go.  If planting in a pot remember to leave at leave 3" between soil/ pot rim for watering purposes.  If planting in the ground I follow the instructions for depth required.  Firm the soil around the finished pot and add 1 tablespoon of Osmocote for good measure!

I cannot tell you how important this product is for the infrastructure of your plant.  The root system will be stronger than ever and your plant will grow strong and upright.  Years ago my friend Carol (another gardener) shared with me the benefits of using this miracle fertilizer.   Her plants did not bend over or fall -they were so upright that I could not get over it.  I would not leave without finding out exactly what was used on them.  When I was told to try Osmocote I could not wait to get out to purchase it and try it on my gardens and trees.  

My plants were always nice and healthy, or so I thought.  The first season I used it I saw a marked difference in the appearance of the plants.  The leaf colors were vibrant; the flowers larger and long lasting and the stems straight.   The most noticeable  difference was in the overall size of the plant.  (as in the above photo samples).  Annuals definitely tripled in size by the end of the first  season.  Perennials benefited greatly over each season/year in the ground.  They were not "long and leggy" as some plants can get but grew consistently true to their species.   In my garden club I learned a gardening rule of thumb and it is so true: First year sleeping, Second year creeping, Third year leaping.  Believe me, Osmocote will help make your plants leap for joy! 

In an average planting season in upstate New York, which is from May through November, I probably go through about the equivalent of about 10 gallons.  Yes, it is a pretty expensive product to buy but, once again, when I garden it is for the sheer joy of reaping the fruits of my labor.  Isn't that what all we gardeners live for?   Why not have the healthiest plants, trees, or shrubs you can right from the get go?  I’m telling you – get some Osmocote today.     Your plants will love you for it!

Your friendly tip from
Gardening Laine

GARDENING LAINE: Scaveola - The sun loving annual and my secret to keeping it healthy

Although we were teased all through the month of March with record breaking glorious weather in upstate New York, today is a cool but sunny Spring day here.  It definitely puts me in the mood to start thinking of  the annuals that I will be planting next month into large pots throughout my gardens and walkways.  Although I mostly garden in perennials, I do plant some annuals as well, and Scaveola is one of my absolute "have to haves".   There are 8 stone columns in the front of my house and the picture above is of  one of  the thriving Scaveola that I plant to add the pop of color I need.  I am never sure of what color to call this plant.  At first glance it's a vibrant cobalt blue.  Look more closely and you see periwinkle and then the subtle puff of powder blue.  Lavender and purple emerge while gazing.  Scaveola love sun - lots of it and will not do well in partial shade.   They need to be watered in very well but also need good drainage whether you plant them in a pot or in the ground.   My potting rule of thumb is that the container should be 4 times bigger than the plant that's going into it.  That's if you want to see it produce to it's fullest capacity.  Yes, you can plant up only 1 pot size if you prefer....but why limit your plant's capability for the season?  Even in year round warm weather, a plant will get rootbound in a few months if not given enough room for the roots to grow.  Therefore I plan on much larger pots for transplanting at the season's start.  When potting these up, I first add large stones to the bottom of my pot which always has - I repeat - always has a bunch of drainage holes.  I never trust just "one" hole as it can get clogged, and so when buying my pots (which usually only come with one punch out for a hole), I know that I will be drilling a few more in them.  It takes a few more minutes to get your drill out and do it, but is so worth the effort in the long run.  Small stones may clog the holes so use stones that are proportionately larger than the hole.  Every gardener loves to enjoy the fruits of their labor, right?  If you don't take the time in the beginning to nuture your plant by using good products and caring for them properly, then don't be surprised when they don't do so well.  I hear it all the time:  "But I watered them when I planted them"  Watering well "just at planting time"  (be it in a pot or in the ground) and then ignoring them for weeks at a time will always result in a dead plant  much sooner than you'd like.  So here's what I use to keep my plants happy:   Moisture Control Miracle Grow potting soil.  I start to fill the pot about 1/3 full, placing the soil on top of the rocks and packing down.  I set the plant in the pot so that the plant's original dirt level is going to set 2 - 3" below the rim of the pot.  (you need this space to hold water in the pot)  Then comes the secret ingredient:  Osmocote.  (I will be blogging specifically on Osmocote very soon so keep watching)   Osmocote is a granular fertilizer that I simply don't garden without...ever!  I you want your plants grow and thrive, it pays to spend money on the good stuff.   I generously add it to my potting mix  as I build layers around the plant.  Pack the soil moderately and water the plant in well after potting.  I water well  3 days a week unless it's raining and gloomy out, then it's 2 days.  However, when the weather gets in the 80's & 90's and sunny, I water every day.  That's just what a gardener does!  So, Sun - Water - Drainage - Osmocote, makes for a very happy plant, not only a Scavelola!  Believe me, you will be impressed at the way the plant will triple in size over the growing season.  I have people constantly ask me what I use on my plants and today I am sharing my success with you.  Note:  I had one plant last year that I lost in a large pot.  I believe I may have skipped watering it well for a few days during a 90 degree week.  That cost me my plant, and ultimately made the front yard "umbalanced".  Be very careful and take care of your plants.  I hope you have enjoyed my very first blog!     Greetings from

"Gardening Laine"