let it in. let it out.

lighted peace sign - made by dad - napa, ca

how joyful the simplicity.

it snows on main street.

small world - disneyland - anaheim, ca

the magic of christmas lights!

the magic of believing in magic!

that day, santa, micky, minnie--the whole gang--was real.

take a moment.

serenity mug - by rae dunn - lifeisgood, ca

we are way too wired. i know that i check my iphone facebook app more than i'd like. and i can't resist checking the constant email stream, even when i'm at home attempting to relax.

we must disconnect so we don't lose our ability to relish silence completely. whaddaya say?

the holidays and all of the stuff they made.

gingerbread spatulas - sur la table - berkeley, ca

christmastime is the only time that i appreciate kitchy things. bring on the tree-shaped muffins and snowglobes. bring on the spirit of the season!

what?!

green glasses - my cabinet - oakland, ca

you thought i forgot about this baby?
don't be silly.

a noble fir and a second chance.

ornaments for you and for me - my tree - oakland, ca

jon and i purchased our first christmas tree together at de lancey's christmas tree lot on broadway in oakland. their organization gives former convicts a chance at employment after incarceration. george, the man who spun several trees around for us in effort to find our fit, provided some of the best customer service i've encountered.

after a year of challenge and change, it was such a great feeling to witness what a bit of faith and hard work can lead to. a merry christmas it will be, indeed.

tip your treemen generously.