Saturday, December 12, 2020

Gently 'round


When the candles are lit, the figures in the base go 'round. It seems to be a question of turning the paddles to the correct angle, or maybe it's more about the heat from the candles? This (what are they called?) doesn't come out every year, but when it does, I feel lucky to have something so clever, and charming, something I long admired. We found it in Solvang, a clever and charming town in the Central Coast, California. I think it's funny that much of its appeal has come to center around getting it to work properly! When I do think of it, and anticipate bringing it out, it is with confidence and certainty that we can make it gently turn, that we possess the knowledge to achieve the effect. Inevitably, it takes adjustments, contemplation, re-adjustment, some debate, a little resignation. Geoff almost always concludes that more candles is what's required. One year he had so many candles going it looked a bit ominous for sheep and an infant, with flames everywhere!

Speaking of lights, Geoff found more, and has been upgrading just about every lighting related thing in the house, and out of the house. If not for lockdown, I would hold a contest drawing for one family to receive a Full Home Geoff Speciality Lighting Upgrade with colored lights, synchronized, and automated, sparkling, twinkling, and wondrous lights. He is a wonder.

My contribution to Home For the Holidays is less focused. I practice more of a broad cast sowing approach to everything I do. I flit. I dabble. I come to a grinding halt and stare blankly at the middle distance. Then I spring back into action making Sweet Chex Mix, or stacking more pine cones. Recently, I pursued a link I found, on a blog I enjoy, Julia's Bookbag. I read the words Nordic Advent Calendar, and my soul stirred. It's possible that last year I would have shuddered at the idea of downloading an app, or found myself too busy for online games etc. And I would have been wrong. I would have been remiss. The beauty of this year (if we can call it that) is the ample time for online games etc, and I could not be more happy about having this pretty and wholesome amusement on my computer. I was a teeny bit hesitant, but I even sent some out to family and friends... I don't like to complicate anyone's life. Alex and Bambi recognized scenes and the ambience of Edinburgh, and that confirmed for me that these are worth sharing. I'd love to share a couple more, so if you like, leave a comment, and I'll draw two names.

Do you notice coincidence, or do you believe in serendipity? I am not sure whether or not Leslie reads Chickenblog (I know for certain she's read our Making blog, and there's a wonderful story about that!) Well, yesterday, only the day after I posted about Leslie, and me, and pinole, I discovered a gift waiting for me... seems the family came by with a new pinole source for us to try. It looks promising! I loved eating it straight from the pan it was toasted in, or sometimes sprinkled on an orange. It's good made like a warm, creamy cereal. And now it's the holiday season, one thinks of the very rich and special champurrado. Thank you, friends! I can't wait to test this one out, for science! So, was it crazy random happenstance, when I recall our first pinole talks, that Leslie brings me more pinole, or just a happy coincidence? Sakamoto, what do you believe?

2 comments:

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm glad you brought out and shared your Christmas Pyramid because it reminded me that I have one I need to bring out. He kept calling it a glockenspiel and so I googled it and indeed, it is also called.. a Glockenspiel Windmill Carousel Candle.

I also decorate hither and yon. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
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Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Teresa, you are a gem! "Christmas Pyramid!" That's it. I can never remember that one. Thank you. Have you brought yours out? Have you seen those online advent calendars? You might be the only one to comment (very likely, in fact) and if you'd like to have a calendar, I want to get you one. Merry Christmas!