[BOUTIQUE] Christmas Wishes

'Tis the season to seek out the perfect gift for everyone on your list. For some, only chocolate will do while others just want a hug or a visit. For those who seek the truly unique, these are the creative offerings of a few of my friends. I provide a brief description for each, but I suggest you go ahead and click the links to see what each has to offer.

*Journals, Jewelry, and More by yours truly
*Cute Visual Aids for Teaching Gospel Topics This is a new project, so she will be adding more items as she develops them.
*T-shirts for Geeks, Nerds, and Sports Fans The friend who runs this page has interests from Doctor Who to Star Trek to vintage video games to Nascar, so click to see if he has created something for the nerd on your list.
*Photographic Prints of Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and other unique views of the world. Click on the 365 project to look at the photographs.
*Healing Crystal Jewelry made by a friend who practices Reikie and teaches belly dance. These are truly unique items.
*Paintings (in the style of Bob Ross) Click on the arrows above the slideshow to advance the pictures. This artist is based in the Pittsburgh area, but travels to Alquippa, Ohio (December 13, 2014) and Morgantown, WV (December 6, 2014) to teach classes, so call her before the date she will be in those places if they are convenient for you and she can bring the painting of your choice.
*Knit Caps, Baby Outfits, Quilts and More Serious cuteness overload on this page. If you have a baby or know someone expecting a baby or  who takes photographs for a living, you have to check out this page.

I hope I didn't leave anyone out. It has been a long day on the road. Also, I hope to hear from you soon. Time is of the essence for receiving those gifts in time to wrap them and tuck them under the tree.

[???] The Night Of Turkey Day

'Twas the night before turkey day, when all through the house

not a creature was stirring, not even the fat mouse.

The stuffing was stuffed in the turkey with care

In the hopes that the hungry family would soon be there.

The children raced all around the full halls

Forcing the adults to cling to the walls

And Mama in her apron, and I with my spoon

Prepared to be eating ever so soon.

When out in the kitchen arose such a clatter

We sprang from the table to see what was the matter

Away to the fridge we flew like a flash

To find the children eating the pie stash.

Chocolate on their lips, a little on each nose

and yet each struck an innocent pose 

As mama looked down with adoring eyes

And papa released the saddest of sighs 

But momma winked, so slow, so quick

As the littlest child took one more lick

And papa realized more pie was to be had

He couldn't punish the children or be mad

"Eat Pumpkin! Eat Chocolate!

Eat, Apple and Blueberry!

Then, coconut! Then, mincemeat!

Then, Pecan and Cherry!

We baked them all night!

We baked them all day!

And now in our tummies we put them away!

We'll eat them all!"

But first we eat turkey, juicy and sweet

And mashed potatoes that can't be beat

Though green beans will follow with corn

And stuffing comes out, nice and warm

And then, in a twinkling, the food disappears

and we stumble away as in past years.

We rub our big tummies, plump and round

And settle down so a nap can be found. 

And papa settles down in his comfy chair

Our voices become muffled by warm air

And some of us watch as his eyes gently close

Awaiting the chorus he plays with his nose.

All wrapped in a blanket with a tummy full of food

Papa becomes such a musical dude

But he doesn't know, for he is fast asleep

And only children a wakeful rhythm keep

With eyelids closed tight and lips slightly open

Papa is dreaming that he's eating again

Behind his eyes, a turkey leg disappears

Amidst the charming children's cheers

But in the waking world, his snores wreck the peace

And the children's wild antics cease

As they turn in amazement to watch his round belly

Bouncing a happy tune since it is full of jelly

He wakes with a start to see so many eyes

Staring and marveling at one so wise

And he smiles such a smile they jump to give hugs

Even the little girl who only gives shrugs

He spoke not a word, just hugged everyone

and rose so slowly to renew the fun

For one piece of chilled pumpkin pie

Couldn't fail to catch his eye

And mama watches with a smile on her face

To have her whole family in one place

But now she is weary from winning the feast fight,

"Happy turkey day to all and now a good night!"

Props to Clement Clark Moore who wrote A Visit From St. Nicholas a.k.a. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, with which we should all be familiar. If you are not, 'tis the season to educate yourself on all things Christmas from tales of childish wonder to the deeper wonder found in the scriptures.