The holidays really ignite a myriad of memories for me. So many wonderful and greatly cherished ones.

I know, not all holiday memories are the best, BUT I choose to remember the ones that bring me joy! And I must say, there are many more of these than there are of the others.

Let’s go back to my childhood. I grew up poor. (that is purely in a monetary sense) I actually didn’t realize that, for a very long time. I mean my parents worked hard and made sure that we had what we needed, clothes, food and best of all Love.

When I was a kid, I was surrounded by love EVERYWHERE! I grew up in a small Southern town. What an amazing privilege that it was to be surrounded by Aunties, Uncles, Grannies, Papas and Cousins that feel like brothers and sisters.

We saw each other almost everyday in the Summer… had many “adventures”… catching lightning bugs, tag, red rover, seances or having “Elvis” sing for us… aka. Cuz Bobby!

Eating ice cream at the Dairy Queen on Sundays and watching football… Also, playing football in the cow pasture…that one was always a hit or miss on the cow plop.

Our parents were just babies when they started having us, but the most important thing that they showed us, was and still is, love.

Fast forward to Christmas…

I remember, my sister and I going with my mom to get fruits and nuts to put into stockings for church and for our families. And how amazing the Spirit of the holiday felt.

It was chilly outside, but so warm in the car with my mom and sister. The lights along the streets were my favorite, they always looked liked stars guiding us to something amazing.

I have always loved sparkly things after all. 🙂

The Sparkling Guidance came from the AMAZING Women in our family…

The Grannies, Mommas, & Aunties, always made sure that we went to church and that we went to all of the family gatherings. And I am so grateful for that!

Papas, Daddies & Uncles – were supposed to keep us safe from the gunshot fire and fire works… Because, here in the South, we shoot guns on any holiday… or any day that ends in Y.

Thank the Good Lord that most holidays ended fairly well…no limbs lost and scars that have faded over the years.

And Trust ME, this is a bright and amazing time! Simple, Care free and LOVE.

So, just getting you warmed up… so much more fun to come!