Saturday, December 12, 2015
Two Wonderful CDs
Listening this morning to "Christmas with Julie Andrews" --and "Katherine Jenkins--This Is Christmas" ---two of my favorite CDs ---and two of the most under-rated singers I believe---along with Marie Osmond.....so calming ...so beautiful......what are your favorite Christmas / Holiday CDs--Tapes--or Albums?
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Looking for Christmas Light Displays and Events
I'm looking for Christmas Light Displays --Events --Services --to write feature stories and include photos in my blogs and free-lance writing....if you can steer me to displays and events you're familiar with --I'd appreciate it! Thanks
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Nativity my grandfather made
Below is a photo of a Nativity my grandfather, John Sargent made, at least 60 years ago, more probably around 70 years ago. Grandpa made several very similar Nativity scenes, providing at least 3 members of the family with a beautiful, homemade Christmas scene that actually includes two small interior lights, one in the area where the Christ child and parents are located ( in my arrangement ) -and one in the cupola ....I have the Nativity displayed all year round ...in either the bedroom or more recently, in my office.
I find it not only a wonderful reminder of my grandparents who I love and miss to this day..but a peaceful focal point for prayer. I'd love to see other nativity scenes readers display in their homes and display those here or in my Facebook Group: Christmas Everyday with Matt LaBarre.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Why we are "called" to celebrate Christmas throughout the year
Once in a while I get laughed at for celebrating Christmas --in my own way --throughout the year--
Beyond my wanting to escape reality --and escaping what seems to have become a more mean-spirited and violent world in my lifetime is indeed part of my interest in "celebrating" Christmas --especially listening to Christmas Carols and Hymns throughout the year--along with watching Christmas / Holiday movies....and in general having fun with my "escape" from reality....there is another dimension for me...
I believe that we are "called" --or asked--to celebrate Christmas, the spirit, the joy, the kindness that seems amplified, the caring for others --that embodies Christmas...throughout the year......and that attitude, that spiritual focus, that way of living....connects Christmas with Easter ..as it must be..for without Christmas there is no Easter and the invitation to live in relationship with God eternally...and without Easter there is really no Christmas.....
So anything we can do to "live" Christmas throughout the year..to carry that joy and caring forward ....from watching a movie to reading a book to sharing decorating ideas or worship traditions....all of that...not only makes life in this often cold world a little easier and more fun..but brings us closer to what God -in Christ and the Holy Spirit ---everyday.....so today and every day, rejoice in the Lord!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
A Very Merry Mix-Up --Another Favorite Television Movie
My reviews of "made for television" movies continues here--with another one of my favorites: A Very Merry Mix-Up.
"Vintage" / antique shop owner Alice Chapman ( Alicia Witt ) is proposed to by a driven and successful real estate professional Will Mitchum ( Scott Gibson ) at a posh restaurant a week prior to Christmas. Will then follows up that proposal with the idea to go visit ( and introduce Alice ) to his parents.
As they head to the airport, Will gets a call--another big deal is in the works--so he sends Alice ahead--promising to catch a later plane. He's also working on a big deal Alice knows nothing about--the sale of her shop, for very big money!
Alice's luggage is lost by the airline, but she meets Matt Mitchum ( Mark Wiebe ) at the airport. Fate seems to take a hand as one accident follows another --and Alice--now without her cell phone --luggage--or Will's parent's contact information--and Matt come to believe that Alice is engaged to Matt's brother Billy ....and after a trip to the hospital ...Matt takes her to his parents' home.
Her future is cast in doubt, and how her life fits into Will's life --as she gets to know Matt and his family...then meets the "real" Will's family --and ..well..I don;t want to give it all away! LOL....
This was my introduction to Alicia Witt...who I'd never heard of ...but she was terrific ..as were the entire cast from Scott and Mark to Susan Hogan ( who plays Matt's mom ), Richard Fitzgeral ( Matt's dad ), and Laurence Dane ( Grandpa ).
Another movie that is pretty predictable, not terribly heart wrenching ( I avoid heart wrenching--that's not my idea of escape ) ---fun---and a happy ending! Like most of these Hallmark movies, it helps if you can suspend reality for a while --which again-is what attracts me to them! Love it! Just fun without having to think too much.
"Vintage" / antique shop owner Alice Chapman ( Alicia Witt ) is proposed to by a driven and successful real estate professional Will Mitchum ( Scott Gibson ) at a posh restaurant a week prior to Christmas. Will then follows up that proposal with the idea to go visit ( and introduce Alice ) to his parents.
As they head to the airport, Will gets a call--another big deal is in the works--so he sends Alice ahead--promising to catch a later plane. He's also working on a big deal Alice knows nothing about--the sale of her shop, for very big money!
Alice's luggage is lost by the airline, but she meets Matt Mitchum ( Mark Wiebe ) at the airport. Fate seems to take a hand as one accident follows another --and Alice--now without her cell phone --luggage--or Will's parent's contact information--and Matt come to believe that Alice is engaged to Matt's brother Billy ....and after a trip to the hospital ...Matt takes her to his parents' home.
Her future is cast in doubt, and how her life fits into Will's life --as she gets to know Matt and his family...then meets the "real" Will's family --and ..well..I don;t want to give it all away! LOL....
This was my introduction to Alicia Witt...who I'd never heard of ...but she was terrific ..as were the entire cast from Scott and Mark to Susan Hogan ( who plays Matt's mom ), Richard Fitzgeral ( Matt's dad ), and Laurence Dane ( Grandpa ).
Another movie that is pretty predictable, not terribly heart wrenching ( I avoid heart wrenching--that's not my idea of escape ) ---fun---and a happy ending! Like most of these Hallmark movies, it helps if you can suspend reality for a while --which again-is what attracts me to them! Love it! Just fun without having to think too much.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Another Favorite Christmas - Themed Television Movie--The Christmas Parade
Many of us enjoy a number of the "made for television" Christmas - Themed movies--enjoy watching them throughout the year in fact. As mentioned in previous posts, two of my favorites are "Secret Santa" with Jennie Garth, and "Matchmaker Santa."
The Hallmark Movie Network / Channel produced 12 new movies for the 2014 Christmas season--and most -perhaps all of them depending on your taste--were winners!
Added to my "Favorites" list---The Christmas Parade--starring among others: AnnaLynne McCord, Jefferson Brown, Jennifer Gibson, and Drew Scott. I've got to admit that I'd never heard of any of these actors prior to watching the movie--with the exception of Drew Scott--who co-hosts, along with his twin brother --at least one program on HGTV --doing renovations on homes! One of the results of my watching a number of these movies is I begin learning about and looking for these actors in other programs and movies.
This was just a fun, feel - great movie with a couple of nice emphasis on life lessons and in a town that I'd love to find to live in! You know, filled with many nice people, but a small community that cared about Christmas and the meaning / spirit year round....I'm always searching for Mayberry --and here is another version!
The acting was very good -fitting the mood and tenor of the movie perfectly. Most of these "themed" movies are supposed to be uplifting --basically cheerful---without too many dramatic "downs" ---leaving us smiling and feeling a little more hopeful about life. The Christmas Parade certainly fits that description --without being too "sappy" ---with an appeal to most anyone who watches --no matter what age. Sometimes the acting in movies like this can be less than stellar---but the actors in The Christmas Parade do a fabulous job!
My heartiest recommendation to The Christmas Parade! I hope Hallmark will begin selling the DVD of this production SOON --on their site!
The Hallmark Movie Network / Channel produced 12 new movies for the 2014 Christmas season--and most -perhaps all of them depending on your taste--were winners!
Added to my "Favorites" list---The Christmas Parade--starring among others: AnnaLynne McCord, Jefferson Brown, Jennifer Gibson, and Drew Scott. I've got to admit that I'd never heard of any of these actors prior to watching the movie--with the exception of Drew Scott--who co-hosts, along with his twin brother --at least one program on HGTV --doing renovations on homes! One of the results of my watching a number of these movies is I begin learning about and looking for these actors in other programs and movies.
This was just a fun, feel - great movie with a couple of nice emphasis on life lessons and in a town that I'd love to find to live in! You know, filled with many nice people, but a small community that cared about Christmas and the meaning / spirit year round....I'm always searching for Mayberry --and here is another version!
The acting was very good -fitting the mood and tenor of the movie perfectly. Most of these "themed" movies are supposed to be uplifting --basically cheerful---without too many dramatic "downs" ---leaving us smiling and feeling a little more hopeful about life. The Christmas Parade certainly fits that description --without being too "sappy" ---with an appeal to most anyone who watches --no matter what age. Sometimes the acting in movies like this can be less than stellar---but the actors in The Christmas Parade do a fabulous job!
My heartiest recommendation to The Christmas Parade! I hope Hallmark will begin selling the DVD of this production SOON --on their site!
Massive Christmas / Holiday Displays
Throughout November and December--I watched several television programs that "spotlighted"--and in some cases actually set up competitions with cash prizes ---homes with what can only be described as MASSIVE Christmas / Holiday Season displays.
First, it kind of boggles my mind that people would spend THOUSANDS --and in some cases over time --TENS of THOUSANDS of dollars --and countless hours over months --purchasing, building, electrifying, and running these kinds of displays.
Second--all who read this blog know that I am certainly a person who loves and finds great meaning and joy in Christmas. But, would want to live near one of these displays --which become attractions?
A couple of the programs suggested that in fact--not all the neighbors around those who built the displays --whether for money or not--were very happy. Most of the displays at "this level" included loud, blaring music --many included pulsating light and animation---and neighbors "get to enjoy" that every night for maybe 6 weeks?
I love light displays ...but ...if you live in any sort of neighborhood---in anything that approaches proximity to neighbors --like a mile or so---do these people --however well intended they may ( or may not ) be---demonstrate any consideration for those neighbors? Is this really the Christmas or Holiday Spirit?
One of my dreams has always been--and continues to be--should I win Powerball or MegaMillions--to own and run a "Holiday Village"---along the lines of a couple of "Santa's Village" that I've seen...and I have helped communities and Chambers of Commerce build animated light displays --but all of those are in non-residential areas --not far off the beaten track--but with at least a half mile between the "Light Park" or "Village" and homes or apartments...not 20 feet from my neighbor!
These programs were focused on celebrating these displays --which I understand to a point--but I have no doubt what those who have to live adjacent to those displays think about the displays --or the people producing --hence encouraging --the shows.
In the true spirit of the season --which we hope to carry with us year round--perhaps some "re-thinking" might be in order?
What do you think?
First, it kind of boggles my mind that people would spend THOUSANDS --and in some cases over time --TENS of THOUSANDS of dollars --and countless hours over months --purchasing, building, electrifying, and running these kinds of displays.
Second--all who read this blog know that I am certainly a person who loves and finds great meaning and joy in Christmas. But, would want to live near one of these displays --which become attractions?
A couple of the programs suggested that in fact--not all the neighbors around those who built the displays --whether for money or not--were very happy. Most of the displays at "this level" included loud, blaring music --many included pulsating light and animation---and neighbors "get to enjoy" that every night for maybe 6 weeks?
I love light displays ...but ...if you live in any sort of neighborhood---in anything that approaches proximity to neighbors --like a mile or so---do these people --however well intended they may ( or may not ) be---demonstrate any consideration for those neighbors? Is this really the Christmas or Holiday Spirit?
One of my dreams has always been--and continues to be--should I win Powerball or MegaMillions--to own and run a "Holiday Village"---along the lines of a couple of "Santa's Village" that I've seen...and I have helped communities and Chambers of Commerce build animated light displays --but all of those are in non-residential areas --not far off the beaten track--but with at least a half mile between the "Light Park" or "Village" and homes or apartments...not 20 feet from my neighbor!
These programs were focused on celebrating these displays --which I understand to a point--but I have no doubt what those who have to live adjacent to those displays think about the displays --or the people producing --hence encouraging --the shows.
In the true spirit of the season --which we hope to carry with us year round--perhaps some "re-thinking" might be in order?
What do you think?
Christmas Lights--Holiday Lights--or just Welcoming Lights
Here we are in mid -February, our landscape still covered with snow in this never - relenting winter. We used all white lights to adorn our bushes, our light pole, and the reindeer / sleigh display--and with the exception of the reindeer / sleigh, all our lights are still shining bright every night! I've had to replace a few strings, but to look at during the evening or middle of the night ( I have trouble sleeping )--and see the lights brings a feeling of warmth and welcome to the night--and hopefully to those who live nearby or drive by the house.
One of the neighbors up on a hill behind our house uses multi-colored lights around their back deck --which "faces" our backyard and patio---and as I walk our little maltese Romeo in the evenings out back --the lights they still have up and lit never fail to bring a smile!
Another neighbor --using primarily white lights, still has the bushes in their front yard--which I can see from the living room window--lit during the evenings---and again, always brings a sense a smile.
Small things perhaps --and some people would wonder why we leave lights lit all winter---but I appreciate --and hope others might too--the smiles--the sense of welcome and gladness --just a warmth needed in this world every day throughout the year. We added candles to the front windows this year, and leave them lit during the evenings as well --a traditional sign of welcome ....and may do that year round....
Have you considered leaving some sort of light displays up --inside and/or outside your home--throughout the year? Throughout the cold nights of winter? I'm not referring to Santas and musical displays that are particularly "Christmas" season displays --but lights of some kind to warm your hearts and the hearts of others around you?
Please share ideas --what you might do--with the rest of our readers--our community....and have a peaceful day.
One of the neighbors up on a hill behind our house uses multi-colored lights around their back deck --which "faces" our backyard and patio---and as I walk our little maltese Romeo in the evenings out back --the lights they still have up and lit never fail to bring a smile!
Another neighbor --using primarily white lights, still has the bushes in their front yard--which I can see from the living room window--lit during the evenings---and again, always brings a sense a smile.
Small things perhaps --and some people would wonder why we leave lights lit all winter---but I appreciate --and hope others might too--the smiles--the sense of welcome and gladness --just a warmth needed in this world every day throughout the year. We added candles to the front windows this year, and leave them lit during the evenings as well --a traditional sign of welcome ....and may do that year round....
Have you considered leaving some sort of light displays up --inside and/or outside your home--throughout the year? Throughout the cold nights of winter? I'm not referring to Santas and musical displays that are particularly "Christmas" season displays --but lights of some kind to warm your hearts and the hearts of others around you?
Please share ideas --what you might do--with the rest of our readers--our community....and have a peaceful day.
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