Love...Actually is All Around....

In my attempts to feel fabulous and festive, I've  decided to have a Christmas film festival for myself this week.  I would love any suggestions!  I will definitely be watching my two all time favorites...

"Love Actually" never fails to make my heart feel full.  I highly recommend it for holiday viewing!  Who can resist the charms of Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye in "White Christmas?" I always wanted one of those gorgeous red gowns with white fur...simply divine!

Once you hear the music from "Love Actually", you won't be able to stop singing Bill Nighy's rendition of "Christmas is All Around."  All of the "Love Actually" music is superb, especially the instrumental pieces by Craig Armstrong.  I listen to the soundtrack all year round!  And Colin Firth and Liam Neeson are in this film....how can you pass that up?!

I also adore "The Holiday" too....I know...I am a big, sappy romantic when it comes to Christmas movies!

So, please help a sister out!  I'd love to know what your holiday faves are!  I need some ideas!  I've got my special popcorn with white chocolate chips ready to go!


xoxo,

Yes, Mrs. Smith...there is a Santa Claus..

Party Girl Returns!

I've been missing from Blogland for a few weeks because I've been at this huge party. Family and friends will tell you that I have a talent for throwing awesome parties. This party was a doozy! I was the only guest (hooray for me!) Maybe you've even been to one of these fabulous special occasions...It's called the Pity Party.

I really threw myself into the festivities. I dressed up in my special Pity Party attire of sweats and tees. I ate Frownies. I played sad music. I grumbled and griped at everyone I know. I even let my nerve endings blow out into a full bout of shingles! I know how to throw a good party!

I honestly thought this party was going to last forever...that is, until my daughter made Santa Claus cry. Yep, nothing like Santa's tears to put the smack-down on a good Pity Party.


It started at the mall last week. I figured it was still too early for Santa to be hanging out at his usual spot in the center court area. Boy howdy, was I wrong! Not only was Santa there, but he brought lots of elves, a postal center for North Pole mailings, a naughty/nice meter and paparrazi! Irish Dancer Girl was in holiday heaven!

She starts tugging on my Pity Party clothes and dragging me toward Santa. "But you aren't wearing your Christmas outfit!" I whined. "Let's come back when you have it on."

"Mommy, Santa will like my rockstar dress...trust me, it's fine." She continues dragging me toward the elfin paparrazi. I just sighed, and we hit the red carpet toward Santa.

Irish Dancer Girl climbed on Santa's lap and very intently began to give him "the list." She was so serious that the elf photographer took an extra photo and didn't even charge me for it. "That's a keeper!" said the elf. Finally, she and Santa smiled for the elf and "pop" went the flash. We wandered over to where the photos were printed to wait.

Suddenly, Santa appeared and knelt down next to Irish Dancer Girl. "You have the purest heart of any child I've ever met. I hope all of your Christmas wishes comes true." He gave her a big hug. Then he stood and I saw tears in his eyes. He grasped my hands and said, "I've been doing this for many years. I really felt like this was my last year. Children seem so caught up in the material world and some can be pretty demanding." He smiled and continued.."Your daughter didn't ask me for toys. She asked that this NOT be her Daddy's last Christmas with her. She told me he was sick. She asked if I could give her more Christmas seasons with her Dad."

Of course, my Pity Party ended right there on the spot. I became a blubbery mess all over Santa and his red suit. I scooped up Irish Dancer Girl and smothered her with hugs and smoochies.

Santa patted my shoulder. "I think I'm going to stick around the North Pole a while longer now," he smiled and started back toward his chair. Irish Dancer Girl ran up to him and gently tugged on his jacket. He bent down and she whispered (really loudly), "Oh, and can you bring me the Powerpuff Girls dolls?" He winked at her and looked at me. I gave him the thumbs up. "I'll see what I can do!" he smiled, hugged her again and went back to greet the other children.

I am deeply saddened that this most likely will be our last Christmas with Chilly. This realization is what started my big old Pity Party a few weeks ago. My daughter has never been told anything about this. She just intuitively sensed that time is of the essence. She helped me to remember that we must celebrate this season...fill it with happy memories...give each other all of our love with joy, not fill ourselves up with the sadness of what might have been. She also reminded me of the magic of the season...where hope lives and faith abounds.

As we move into the holiday season, I wish you all days filled with laughter, shared happy memories and the creation of new traditions while honoring old ones.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving too!

xoxo,

Well, I Never! Wednesday

It's "Well, I Never! Wednesday here at the Bee and Rose! (Say "Well, I Never!" with a southern accent...it sounds so much cooler!)

Well, I never thought this would happen to me in a department store....

*So, I'm doing a little pre-holiday shopping at Home Goods on Monday and what to my wandering eyes did appear?

A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer? An aisle full of fabulous markdowns on things I couldn't live without? Stacks of hundred dollar bills? No.....

It was a naked guy sprawled out on a white furry doggy bed.....Naked....as in Nude....as in not wearing a stitch of clothing....

Here's a re-cap...I was trolling the aisles for goodies....I turned to head down the pillow aisle to discover it was occupied by a Naked Guy who appeared to be a Dead Guy upon first glance. (His eyes were closed and he was very still...) After I realized he was actually breathing, I started laughing and backed myself out of the aisle. The lady at the other end of the aisle was hollering "What the blankety~blank? Why are you layin' on a dang dog bed naked, son?" We both then headed straight away to find the manager. The manager had already been made aware of the situation, but refused to call the cops. I'm still not sure why she refused. Anyhoo....another shopper called the cops. While we were waiting for them to arrive, we could hear more customers laughing as they passed the Naked Guy aisle. They also came to alert the manager.

Suddenly, Naked Guy appeared along the perimeter of the store except that he was now Stupid Pervert in a Wife Beater Tank Top and Black Gym Shorts. He looked irritated and left the store quickly. As he was leaving, the women waiting for the cops were yelling out "You Idiot! Loser! Come back when you have something worth showing!" I'm sure he wasn't pleased that he didn't provide the shock and awe he intended. Most of the women shopping at that time were my age (40+) and obviously felt he was ridiculous. Clearly, this person is very disturbed and could potentially be dangerous. That being said, I think he figured out that we weren't buying his "sexy beast" routine in the pillow aisle and decided to make a hasty exit. What a creep!

I don't know if they caught him...I do know that it will be a long time before I go back to Home Goods!

*Well, I never felt so filled with warm fuzzies as I have the last few days reading all the very kind birthday wishes left for me here! Thank you so very much! It really made my day special!

Have a delightful Wednesday! XOXO!