Friday, December 11, 2015

Thoughts and tree trimming


When I last posted on the first of December, I had no idea that the next day would bring the worst terror attack since 9/11. 

Not only that, but in my home state.

I was born and grew up in California, less than an hour away from there.

I drove through there all the time, when I was young, going to Big Bear or Palm Springs, never thinking much about it, but I knew where it was.

It's not a big city, like LA, and it doesn't have that kind of notoriety, so unless you grew up in Southern California, you probably wouldn't know where it was.

But when I first heard about it, I thought... "Oh God, they hit by my hometown!"

I figured at one point they'd hit California. After all it's famous, like New York, but like everyone else that grew up or lives there, no one would have or could have imagined that they would have hit where they did.

Which I guess was the point.

A little town, compared to the bigger cities.

In a place that people were giving accolades to people that worked for the city.

Not a big site, like LAX or maybe somewhere in Hollywood.

A small town where people were just living their lives.

Much like the cafes in Paris or the concert hall, only much much much smaller.

I'm still stunned and for days, I was either watching the news or looked much like Bubba does here...



Or like this...


So I apologize for not visiting but a few of you and for not blogging, but I'm scared.

Just as scared as I was that day on 9/11, when I lived in Virginia, if not more, because they're not just hitting big important places anymore.

They're hitting normal places now.

The press can tell me that I need to go on, not to give into them and live my normal life, but now I'm warning my daughter not to stand near trashcans and if she hears fireworks that she needs to run.

Normal.

What is that anymore?

Well, normal is what we did a few days afterwards, because it's Christmas and terrorists aren't going to stop me from enjoying my favorite Holiday,

Damn them.



Anyway, they name the trees at our local nursery and Annie picked a tree called Willie Nelson.

He's a little crooked, like Willie, but we love him :)





Annie is always the one that puts the angel on top :)


Amazing that's she's tall enough to do it on her own now.

My big grown girl.



More to come.

I'm just getting through the rough stuff and trying to enjoy the holidays as much as I can, because that's all we can do.

Except say, God bless the people and families that were affected.

And God Bless us everyone.

xo
rue



Edited to add.. Just after I finished writing this, I looked out the window and big fluffy Christmas snowflakes were falling.

Yes indeed, life really does go on after all.

Thank you.

I needed that ;)






51 comments:

  1. Beautiful tree my friend! And just try to not dwell on the wickedness in the world....dont let them steal your joy! Did you make any pictures of the pretty snow?

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  2. Your tree is beautiful - and your daughter too! Enjoy your Christmas preparations. The press are right, you and all the rest of us have to carry on! xx

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  3. That is a gorgeous tree, and your daughter is oh so lovely.

    We can't let evil steal our joy. We need to focus on what's good and right. I pray for those affected by these horrors, and try to stay focused on God, knowing that in the end He will win over evil and all will be well.

    May your Christmas holidays be filled with peace and love and joy.

    Love, hugs & prayers for you dear Heather ~ FlowerLady

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  4. Terrorism can happen on a personal level too. December 2014 was one of the most devastating and horrendous times of my life. This Christmas I am expecting two new grandchildren. One day at a time. Blessings to you and yours. We can't let evil win.

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  5. Terrorism is such a heartless crime, and my heart goes out to all the victims and their families. Our oldest daughter lives in Minneapolis, and we've avoided the Mall of America the past few years because it's been named as a site they'd attack. I can't watch the news before I go to bed, because it keeps me awake at night.

    On a brighter note, your Willie Nelson (I love that they name the trees!) looks gorgeous in front of your window, and I hope the view outside is just as pretty with a cover of new fallen snow!! Your daughter placed the star in perfect position.

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  6. So much sadness and fear. I'm trying very hard to let the love of God just flow over me this Christmas.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  7. I love the tree, and the view you were able to see of the snowflakes falling. A sign life goes on in a more softer kinder way. fondly ~lynne~

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  8. Rue, my sister's friend went there for assistance for her Grandson, yes, it hit home.
    Your Christmas pictures shows daily life amongst your family. Cuddle with them around the fireplace and admire the Christmas tree with the beautiful snow falling in the background. Keep warm and safe, Kathleen in Az

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    1. That is truly scary, Kathleen. I hope she didn't lose anyone close to her and if she did, I'll say even more prayers.

      Keep warm and safe too, my friend.

      xo

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  9. Very scary what is happening in our world, but we can't live our lives in fear. I live about 45 miles from downtown Chicago and while we rarely go there, I sometimes wonder when and if Chicago will be attacked. But I can't let that stop me from going there if I wanted to. In fact, I'm going to dinner at a friend's house in Chicago tonight - she lives right by the downtown area. I am going to choose to focus on the good in this world and all the wonderful people - because there still IS good and I hope it overrides the evil.
    Anyhoo...your tree is beautiful. And so is Annie. So good to hear from you again, Rue.

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  10. Life can be so hard without those deliberately adding more pain. I don't know the answer or if there is an answer. I hope there is someone really smart out there to lead us. As for your tree - Willie is just perfect, like his namesake. It so nice when your children can do the decorating. My grand girl did most of my decorating. I loved it and she did too. I've added a little bit here and there but I love looking and knowing she did it.

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  11. I think that is the "new normal" unfortunately. With technology has come ways to hurt more people with less trouble, to prey on the innocent, and there will always be bad people who don't have a conscience. I guess that's one reason I like just cozying up here in my little apartment and shutting out the world.
    Brenda

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  12. Rue, I wish someone had an answer, but I guess all we can do is to go on until someone does. Your tree and your daughter are beautiful. Stay safe and warm!

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  13. Unfortunately, I think is the new "normal". We just have to be vigilant at all times.
    Your tree is beautiful...so is your "little girl".
    Enjoy the season, Rue...don't let anything spoil it for you!

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  14. Love your pretty Tree Rue. Yep we live in a scary world sometimes but we have to go on and not let it steal what the season is about. Finding joy like your daughter putting the angel on the tree is a good place to be. Happy Week End.
    Kris

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  15. Dear Rue,
    Yes! We do have to be aware of our surroundings. Wise words to your daughter. Life, as we have always known it, is changing BIG time. I fear it is going to get a lot worst moving forward. It is senseless tragic loss and it sickens me. Scary as it is, we MUST continue and not let them spoil our holidays and everyday life. We also cannot be paralyzed by fear. Prayer and awareness are our two biggest defenses. When fear overwhelms you recite the simple but powerful words of psalm 46:10...it is calming to the soul.
    Keeping you and your family, my friend, in my prayers!
    Addie

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    1. Sweet Addie, thank you so much for those words. I needed them :)

      I hope you have a lovely Christmas.

      xo

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    2. And prayers for you and yours too!

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  16. Terrorism, and it's effects, are the new normal it seems, and I don't think it's ever going to change. As for worrying, I'm reminded of that saying...'worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It keeps you busy, but gets you no where'.

    I'm typing this with my 5 y/o grand nearby. I look at this innocent face and wonder how long that will last, and what kind of world he will grow up in. It's tragic that these things happen, but we must live our lives with joy and purpose nonetheless.

    Your crooked Willie tree is sweet, and your daughter is lovely.

    xxx

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  17. It is so scary and so sad how it is all getting to close for comfort. We all have to rely on our faith so much more, knowing that we are in His hands. We are defenseless in this world otherwise. Your tree and your daughter are beautiful!

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  18. Your tree is lovely...as is your daughter. I was scared too. I am worried...my oldest son will be flying back and forth to London soon. Then he and his wife will be living there for at least a few years. I know we have to carry on...In spite of everything. Hope you enjoy your weekend! ;)

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    1. I pray that your son flies safely and that they'll be safe living there, Donnamae.

      I hope you had a lovely weekend as well :)

      xo

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  19. Your tree is lovely and I have had days like Bubba lately, too. I try to focus not the decorations and the lights instead...and your crooked tree is adorable. xo

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  20. Hi Rue, your tree is gorgeous and your daughter is beautiful. Placing the angel on the top of the tree is a highlight and a reminder who is still in charge. God Bless you and yours and enjoy the season with a very Merry Christmas. xo

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  22. Hi Rue,
    I'm not a big commenter but I fully enjoy your blog. I do know how you feel and it does make life scary. I live in Newtown CT and my children and I went through the Sandy Hook shooting. They were not at that school but it is all one district, we are all connected here, and my kids that were in the intermediate school at the time went through real lock down of hide because at the time they thought there was more than one shooter. My daughter's friend lost her brother. I have friends who did have kids there that were not hurt but it will always be apart of us now here. It wasn't terrorism, but seeing all these awful things keep happening does make me scared too. I just stay very vigilant when I'm out and as careful as I can but am also trying very hard to enjoy life as much as I can and look for the beauty in the world every day. I wish you a very happy peaceful holiday and new year! I love your tree!
    Erica

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    1. How scary for you and your children, as well as the whole town. I can't even begin to imagine how awful that was. Children should never have to go through that and I pray that they don't ever have to again.

      Thank you for your kind words, Erica. I hope you and yours have a happy and peaceful holiday as well.

      (((hugs)))
      rue

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  23. Rue, as always your posts touch my heart - all we can do is be aware and find peace in simple moments. Your daughter is lovely as is your crooked tree. Merry Christmas, my friend. xo

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  24. You cannot live your life being frightened because that is what they want, and if you do you have let them win. I lived in S. California from 18 months old until I moved to Oregon in 1998. Grew up in the same house where my parents lived for 32 years, lived in City of Orange, then Riverside, then Canyon Lake near Elsinore.
    Now I am in the town of Oregon City, Oregon. I feel more saddened than fearful.

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  25. The world we live in is changing fast ... but we must go on as best we can ... we must share the love and joy that this time of year can bring... and forward onto 2016, and beyond!

    Your tree does look lovely and I also like the photo's of Bubba

    All the best Jan

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  26. I'm not sure what to say a bout the serious part of the post. So I will just focus on the fun part. I love that your tree farm names the tree and Willie Nelson looks perfect!

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  27. I know exactly how you feel, being knocked off kilter and having a hard time righting yourself and the world around you. But it sounds like things are starting to feel more normal to you now...at least I hope so. Even tho the new normal has still lost some of the old luster. Did you ever see "Oh, God" with George Burns? My favorite line was "Sometimes doing a normal thing makes you feel more normal" as he handed John Denver a razor to do his morning shave. (:

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  28. Watching the old Greer Garson movie "Mrs. Miniver" has helped me because it reminds me of the courage of the British people during the Blitz. I believe they did present the "Life Goes on as Usual" front. As a child, during the Cuban Missile Crisis living near Chicago, I was scared senseless. I wish some adult had told us how brave the children were throughout England (and, no doubt, other parts of the world) during war. That movie calms me down.
    Ginene

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  29. Yes, the mean guys are scattered all over our beautiful United States and it makes me heartsick to think other attacks are being planned. I was so scared thru the Macys Parade...hoping and praying nothing happened there...so so many people...but good security I understand.
    God help us all.....

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  30. Pretty tree, pretty Annie!
    Glad you had a little snow to brighten your day. :)

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  31. Rue,
    I share in your concerns, your fears and your hopeful outlook ... damn them is right, it's Christmas and time to come together and celebrate. Your tree is beautiful just like your heart.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  32. Rue, I thought maybe the terror attack was the reason you weren't posting. And I thought of your son in the military, which I know brings it all even closer to home. (My father fought in WWII and Korea. He remained in the USMC Reserves for the next 30+ years.) I was also glued to cable news last week, and still am to some extent. I also grew up in the Los Angeles area, and I'm still here. Without getting into politics, I am hopeful that there are better days coming.

    Your tree is beautiful, as is your family. It looks like you have many ornaments that are keepsakes, like I do. One of my most comforting Christmas rituals is having my daughter over. We walk around the tree and look at the ornaments from her childhood and remember where we were and what we were doing when we got (or made) this one and that one. :)

    All I can say is to hug your loved ones (especially the furry ones), and try to do all the normal Christmas things that pull the loose ends of our lives together. I know that you identify with your ancestors. We women are the culture bearers. We keep things normal in the face of adversity. If I think of hard times faced by my mother and grandmother, it somehow comforts me, because they still managed to keep it all together and live their lives. And that is what I wish for you and all of us. Better times will come.

    Love to you and yours,

    LuAnn

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    1. Thank you for your father's service, LuAnn.

      And yes, you're right. I've been glued to the news, sitting here in shock. Thankfully, my son is in officer school right now and won't have to deploy at the moment, but I think of all those in the military that do and I pray that they stay safe and come home to their families. Like you, I hope better days are coming too.

      Thank you for your kind words and I hope that you and your family have a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

      Love to you too!
      rue

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  33. Oh Rue I hear you. I flew this past week and I have never been more nervous about flying (other than immediately after 911). Being in a shopping mall, stopping at a coffee shop, or eating at a restaurant and it was there, stealing the joy, in the back of my mind. After the shock wore off then came the fear and added to the mix is now anger - I'm *%$! angry! How do we go back to normal - what is normal anymore? You hear the holiday songs on the radio singing about Peace On Earth, Goodwill Towards Men, and I can't help thinking "that was then". But I have made a promise, they WILL NOT steal my Joyeaux Noel!

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  34. It's definitely a difficult time right now and I pray that we can keep His joy in our hearts! Hugs!

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  35. Rue,
    So sorry to hear that you have been having a difficult time and please know I will be praying that God can give peace to your family and safety to your son as he serves our country. Good for you in moving forward with your Christmas plans! Keep the faith and blessings to you dear.
    xo Karen

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  36. Such a beautiful tree Rue! And your daughter is so beautiful also. I am getting to where I cannot even talk, or write, about all of the horrible things that are going on. My temper shoots through the roof and my outrage over the behavior of these miscreants sends me into anger fits I can't explain. And you are right, they are not attacking large metropolitan areas anymore...it's the every day places we visit. So scary and makes us afraid also...glad the hubster is always packing!! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!! And so glad you have some snow! :-)

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  37. It's very hard to watch the news and see everything that's happening. It's hard to take it all in. Every day it seems like something more happens . . .
    There's not a lot we can do as individuals, but putting an angel on a tree seems to me one of many ways we can resist evil.

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  38. It is a scary time, Rue...there have been many arrests here, and like Vickie, we have avoided the Mall of America. Makes me sad that we do that. I try very hard to look for the good in the world...xo

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  39. Times are scary, and there really isn't anywhere to be safe. It guess its the new normal. I'd rather have the old! A lovely tree and our home is to small to have a full one so I always use half one. Blessing to you, and be safe!

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  40. Hi Rue, I live about 40 miles away from the SB/Redlands area where all this happened, so yes, the terrorist threat got a lot more real and scary for me and my husband. I'm trying to continue my Christmas decorating and baking, and focus on the little details of every-day life that make life good. Your tree is lovely, by the way!

    Melissa

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