Reflections From a Country Girl

Are you a Christmas card sender?

There must be many of us out there that send them because the stores are full of boxed cards, and often have many left over the day after Christmas for deep discounts.

I always buy my cards a year in advance.

As I pull them out from the decoration boxes each year to “prepare” them, I can tell what mood I was in when I bought them. Interestingly enough, I had just enough this year though I thought last year that I might have purchased enough for two years.

What do you do with your holiday cards when they come?

We’ve had some interesting rituals around Christmas cards in my house. I remember as a child we would hang them individually around the door frame with a small piece of tape so we could look at them more closely when we wanted to. Ours usually covered most of two door frames and, sometimes, we added them to the window sill over the dining room table.

When my son was younger we also did that. I often saw his little hands open them carefully to peek inside and ask about those who sent holiday greetings.

Today, I simply put my cards in my “star” basket and pull them out to look at them several times during the season. Last year, I left them in the basket and looked at them well into February.

While most of the cards are donated at the end of the season to a group that cuts the pictures out and makes something useful, there are some I just can’t part with. In my family memory books I have those scattered throughout the pages. Others I have framed and use every year to decorate.

Last year I got a card from people I didn’t know. That was a first. I’m still trying to figure out who they are.

This year, as usual, I have quite a collection.

For example, many of my family members and friends live in other countries – Wales, Australia, England, Germany, New Zealand to name a few. Those cards are always different.

The funniest thing this year about cards from afar is that I got two different cards from the same person…and they were both received on the same day! I checked with my family here in the US and everyone else received two as well.

I can only imagine what was going on when he did that. He likes to imbibe so perhaps he just didn’t remember writing the first ones and wrote them again on another day!

Then there are the religious cards. I usually get more of those than any other and have a problem every year deciding which one I like the most. This year there are three that speak to my heart…one from my sister, one from dear friends nearby, and one from a friend in the upper part of the state that invited me to our old home church recently.

The most unusual card I received has nearly 200 signatures on it.

It comes from the publisher of my book and has their logo built with a snowman in the middle of it. It was designed by one of their many talented staff members.

Then there is the card that came with no signature on it.

The inside says – “May all your Christmas wishes come true!” and then added are the words – “and then some!” Only reason I knew who sent that one is because there was a return address label on the back of the envelope with his name on it.

I called that friend and said I needed to come get his signature on something and let’s meet for a quick dinner. We laughed till we cried when he saw he had forgotten his signature. It made him wonder if he signed any of them at all!

Normally I would never have said anything to someone who forgot to sign a card. I think we all know he was probably in a hurry to get it done. It is the thought that counts, after all.

With this friend, however, we have an easy going and trusting relationship full of laughter and joy. This was a chance to enjoy time together…something we can all use a little more of around a rushed holiday season.

His card will be a keeper because of that encounter.

My wish for you today is that you will take the time to enjoy the cards you received and take a closer look at them. You may just have a good laugh, a gentle tug at your heartstrings, and a reminder of some fond memories … much more than just receiving a holiday card in the mail.

~Joellen

I had three things to accomplish at 11:00 yesterday.

One was to show up with my violin – “Old Blackie” – and play a song for the children in my pen pal class. I had practiced for awhile the night before. After all, it had been 35 years since I played and I was a “bit” rusty.

The students heard me read the story about “Old Blackie” from my book of short stories last time I was there reading to them. In a weak moment I agreed to bring it with me and play next time.

When I peeked in the window to the classroom and opened the door gently, they all said with excited little voices – “OLD BLAAAAAAAAAAAACKIE!”

I went to my usual rocking chair location, sat down carefully and opened the casket shaped case. We talked about the old box for a minute, looked inside its worn interior, and I prepared to play as I tightened the bow and gave it a few brushes with the rosin.

I actually made it through “Jingle Bells” without many squeaks. I mean, after all, 35 years is a long time not to play. They clapped as though I was a famous musician and I played another round – this time with them all singing.

In their eyes, I am famous.

You see, they believed in me and I could tell.

My other goals were to read a story and to share a little holiday treat with them that was part of my Christmas traditions and heritage.

Their goal was to share – in groups – their holiday traditions stories from around the world with me. We all listened to each child read and clapped after each presentation.

So what do you believe in during this holiday season?

Some believe in Santa. Others do not. Some believe in Christmas. Some do not. Regardless, most of us believe in something.

Before I went to the class I carefully selected a Christmas card with Santa holding a bag of gifts in front of him. I explained to the boys and girls that Santa was part of my family Christmas tradition and that each one had a card with a note in it I had written last night.

Of all the things I could think to write, one statement kept popping into my mind as I began to pen a few words that evening on individualized cards.

“I believe in you.”

Something as simple as that statement has a powerful impact on folks. While each child in the room comes from a different experience, they all need someone to believe in them. Let’s hope their families do a good job at that and encourage them daily. We know, all too often, that some families have issues so great they are unable or unwilling to make sure they show how much they believe in their children. Sometimes it’s the last thing a parent has on his or her mind. Until we walk in their shoes we can only imagine how hard it is for some.

I thought of each individual personality in that classroom and remembered their smiles and comments from visits before. I know each one is capable of many remarkable things in their lifetime. I’m so glad to be a part of it this year.

I thought the best gift I could give them was to say “I believe in you.”

My wish for you today and during this holiday season is that you are surrounded by people who believe in you. I also hope you are a constant encourager of little people and that you help them bring out the best they have to offer. We all need someone to believe in us unconditionally. Find that in your life and embrace it while you offer it to others you care about.

~Joellen

Several weeks ago I read to my pen pal class of 2nd graders.

They are the coolest young students I know for 2nd graders. Their enthusiasm and genuine care for their teacher is amazing and very sincere. They are always so excited about learning and sharing. They are great listeners as well. It’s a pleasure to be their pen pal this year.

I’ve been with the class since the second month of school and we’ve had some great times as I read and communicated with all of them. I’ve learned so much about each one and their personalities have begun to be etched in my mind and heart.

Last time my readings took me to a story about Old Blackie. Their eyes got big as I read about taking Old Blackie out of its casket shaped case. I told the story of how I acquired Old Blackie and how I played it through my school years.

You see, Old Blackie is a country fiddle that belonged to my great, great, grandfather and was passed down to me by my great Aunt Dud. When I got the violin there was a 10 rattle rattlesnake rattle inside. It’s been taken out since I was playing in a proper orchestra, but it still has a rich, full sound.

35 years have passed since I played regularly.

After the story, several of the students said I should bring in next time and play a song. I said I was really not very good at it, but that was no excuse for them.

I agreed, next time, I would have it with me a play one seasonal song.

Tomorrow is the day I visit with Old Blackie in hand.

I put off getting the fiddle out till late tonight. To prepare for the practice, I got a glass of my favorite wine out, took a few sips, and opened the case.

There it was, just as I had left it the time my son’s friend asked if he could see it when he was visiting. Little did I know he was a music major and violin was his instrument. He played Old Blackie as it had never been played before.

As I tightened the bow I was thinking to myself why in the world I agreed to do this. “Because I love these children” I said to myself…”and they believe in me.”

I practiced a little more and decided on a song.

After my glass of wine was done, I still needed more practice so I got just a tad bit more and kept playing. By the time I finished that, I thought I sounded pretty good.

Let’s hope I can remember how to play that song between now and tomorrow.

My wish for you today is that you stretch beyond your comfort zone to bring young people in your life some joy during this season. Even something simple like sharing a small talent from your past can make all the difference.

~Joellen

Many people have heard or know of the Vienna Choir Boys. Their voices blend together like a single voice in the darkness. You can often hear their tunes around the holidays as you walk in the mall or listen over the radio. I always think they sound like angels and will often stop in my tracks to hear them.

There’s nothing sweeter than that sound.

That is, except the sound I heard last night.

I went to one of the many concerts occurring during the holidays. Coming in from a hectic day – with way too many phone calls and little time to relax – the thought of sitting down and listening to others was very appealing.

The “concert hall” was a church with modest decorations. A tree was glistening nearby with hundreds of white lights. There were three pianos – which was a little unusual I thought as I sat down. At those keyboards were a boy, a girl, and a woman who played some of the most remarkable melodies.

After they finished wowing us with their songs, the Lexington County Youth Chorale – complete with 16 young ladies – walked in quietly and gracefully.

They not only looked angelic but sounded like it, too.

I closed my eyes through many of the songs. My Aunt Dud taught me early in my life to do that. She said she could appreciate things more clearly with her eyes closed.

Though many may be fearful that someone might think we were sleeping if they saw eyes shut tight during a concert, I often like to practice that, just like Aunt Dud. Music can often sound clearer when you depend on your other senses to guide you.

I thought of those girls and their families, scurrying around to get there from a busy day at school. Their director was likely just as rushed, but they all seemed they had nothing to do that day but prepare for the event.

It’s amazing what a little music can do for your demeanor.

My wish for you today is that you take the time to experience some holiday concerts during the season. I invite you to close your eyes and let your other senses take over. It’s an amazing thing to experience and can bring even the most harried grench some holiday wonder – just like the angels did when they sang last night.

~ Joellen

Listening to the radio on the way back into town yesterday afternoon, I heard the country song – Little Bit of Life. It’s a cute song Craig Morgan sings about all the simple things in life that he savors as a hard working country boy.

Not sure about you, but my life these past three weeks has been in the fast lane. I’ve been involved in the usual holiday gatherings and time with people I care about and who care about me. In addition to that, there have been a number of book signings and visits with folks regarding my new book…and that is on top of my fulltime job.

As I’ve visited with folks at the book signings, there has been something that stood out at each one. That has turned out to be a given at each one of the signings, so I now head out anxious to find out what the next visit will hold.

For instance, the first book signing I went to at a local bookstore had none of my books when I got there. That was funny, but it worked out ok since I had some in the trunk of my car. It’s the “have books will travel” philosophy…always be prepared or have a “plan b.” I learned that from being an educator.

The next book signing was at a church. Once I arrived and got settled in, a nurse friend greeted me as she said “Have you had your flu shot yet?” When I explained that I’d just been too busy to get it, she invited me to have it there. I laugh when I think that I was signing my books and getting the flu shot all in one felt swoop!

I won’t bore you with all the stories, but the one yesterday is worth mentioning here.

I was in Lancaster at a church – some 70 miles from my home – and a father and son came in together. Stephen had been a young boy when I was living in that town 25 years ago. He and his family were friends of ours and his brother had actually lived with my husband and I one fall as he awaited entry into Duke University that following January. His family was moving up North and he wanted to stay in town and work until he could go on to Duke. We loved having him with us those months. It was like a “practice” before having our own family.

The boys’ mother has since died and Stephen and his Dad moved back to Lancaster to settle there after the father retired.

Of all the many stories and updates I heard that day in the church, Stephen’s was the most memorable to me.

He explained he had been listening to the radio several months ago and heard my voice. I was the winner of tickets to a game that night in Charlotte. We laughed when I told him I wasn’t even sure what “game” the tickets were for but I had nothing better to do that night so I decided I would be able to go and called in… not knowing what kind of sports event it was. Turned out it was professional women’s basketball and the tickets were to sit on the court with the players. My son was very appreciative I asked him to go with me when he found out and we had a blast.

Steven told his father about hearing me on the radio that day. Since we live 70 miles apart, his father just assumed he must be mistaken. Truth is, there aren’t many radio stations you can hear from that distance generally speaking. On top of that, I was amazed Stephen was listening that day to my local station I had randomly tuned in on at the same time.

Yes, it’s the little things we can celebrate when life is whirling around us. For me, that book signing, which was one of the most pleasant I have been to thus far, will have some fond memories…especially of Stephen, his story and the visit we had for that short time.

My wish for you today is that you savor a little bit of life as often as you can – embracing the simple things along the way. It’s some of those events that will enrich your life and fill your mind with the positive memories you can enjoy forever.

~Joellen