Friday, December 28, 2018

How to End the Year


1. By completing a project you started.
2. By hanging out with your friends.
3. With a movie marathon.
4. By devouring that book you've been meaning to read.
5. Eating all your favorite foods.
6. By having a party.
7. By spending time with those you love.
8. By helping someone.
9. By getting a good night's sleep.
10. By starting a new project.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Joyous Sounds


Torn paper litters the floor. New toys and treats are scattered everywhere.
Not a soul in sight, but a bout of laughter fills the air.
Through the perilous field of bounty you tread, toward the wondrous call of cheerful hearts.
What could cause such joyous sounds?
You reach the source, and find your sister there.
And her reason for so much laughter?
The cat had gotten all tangled in ribbon, and now purrs in a discarded box.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Last-minute Gifts


1. Cookies. Everyone loves cookies.
2. Books. Because you can never have enough books.
3. Craft supplies. A crafty person can never have enough supplies.
4. A blanket. So they can stay warm when it snows.
5. Their favorite candy. So they have a snack.
6. Socks. Because socks are nice.
7. A hat. Hats are awesome.
8. A candle. Preferably in a scent they like.
9. Food. Doesn't really matter what kind, as long as they like it.
10. A gift card. A bit impersonal, but still a valid option.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Dreadfully Dull


Dreadfully dull marches the ant.
Past the leaf, past the log.
Along the same path all the day long.
Dreadfully dull is the day's routine.
Dreadfully dull for all it would seem.
The same path, the leaf and log.
Yet still the ant marches along.
Doing his work, though it may not be fun.
The ant knows the importance of progress, however dreadfully dull.

Friday, December 14, 2018

White Elephant Gifts


1. The thing that hasn't left the back of your closet for three years.
2. A craft you made.
3. Your favorite candy, popcorn, and a movie.
4. Something useful, like a screwdriver.
5. A comfy blanket.
6. A journal and your favorite type of writing instrument. Even if it is a periwinkle crayon.
7. One rubber duck.
8. Fourteen paperclips and your favorite paperback.
9. A wooden block with these instructions: set on the floor and walk once in a circle with it in the center, then announce to all that you've "walked around the block".
10. An alarm clock.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Love Is


Love is a flower, grown from a seed of trust.
Love is raindrops of compassion when hope seems lost.
Love is joyful rays of sunlight when you see their face.
Love is a whispered breeze in your ear filled with the kind words they say.
Love is the ocean of space, infinite and grand.
Love is in each tender moment, countless as the sand.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Tasty Snacks


1. Popcorn.
2. Juice.
3. Skittles.
4. Granola.
5. Baby carrots.
6. Breadsticks.
7. Beef jerky.
8. Goldfish crackers.
9. Hot chocolate.
10. Muffins.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Runaway Present


Wrapping a present is harder than it looks. This is made even more true when said present suddenly decides to run away.
Legs pumping, tail waving like a flag in the wind, the puppy tore down the hall with a partially tied ribbon around its neck.
I chased after it, grateful the kids weren't home yet. Otherwise their surprise would've been ruined.
Still, who knew a puppy could run so fast?
The puppy glanced back at me, a look of both fright and delight in its lopsided doggy grin.
In that brief look back though, the puppy failed to notice the closed door.
The thump wasn't that loud, but apparently colliding with a door was enough adventure for the little pup. It sat with a small whine, staring at the closed door with a look of betrayal.
I slowed, approaching the puppy with what I hoped were non-threatening movements.
"Here, girl," I cooed, and the puppy's ears perked at that tone. "Let me just fix your bow, and we'll go wait for the kids in the front room."
The puppy's tail wagged hesitantly, and she didn't run when I reached for the half done bow.
"Good girl," I cooed again after the bow was properly tied, and I carefully picked up the puppy.
She squirmed a little in my grip, but soon settled as we made our way out of the hall.
With the amount of energy she had, I was sure the kids would love her.
Even when it meant chasing her down the hall.