Christmas in July

Hi everyone, thought I would share a short story that I published last year. Check out amazon if you want an ebook version. This one does not have the pictures that the ebook version has, but the story is just as good. Thank you for reading and God Bless.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS…

By Debbie Teague

 

Dedicated to gentle hearts everywhere. May you be blessed.

 
In December of 2021, a special wish came floating into Santa’s office at the North Pole, written by a little girl with the purest of hearts who lived in Arkansas, United States of America.

Dear Santa,
I don’t want any toys this year. Instead, I am asking you to bring a blanket for my horse Shadow. His old one has worn out in several places, and I know it hurts when I put the saddle on. Also, a new pillow for grandma. I will leave carrots for your reindeer and cookies for you.
Thank you,
Your friend, Susie.
That letter touched Santa and he called his head elf into his office for a meeting. After hot cocoa they discussed plans for including gifts for animals in the sleigh. His head elf Simon replied:
“Absolutely. A heart that is good can always expand with more love, gratitude, and kindness.

The sleigh is the same principle, and the weight is light so the reindeer can easily manage more gifts.”

Santa knew this already but said
“I understand now, excellent. Can we get everything ready in time?”
“Santa you can rely on us. The animals deserve gifts, and we always do our best to answer the wishes of children. We’ll get to work on that blanket today and can manage any other letters that come in as well.”
“I knew I could rely on you Simon, thank you.”
The elves were delighted to make gifts like the blanket for Shadow. Threads soft and thick so the saddle would not rub against him when ridden. Mrs. Claus knitted a pretty cardigan for Susie in her favorite color – purple. The pillow was hand-crafted with a purple heart embroidered on each of the edges since it was a gift from a special little girl. This year, Christmas would be a time of delight for Susie, Shadow, and her Grandmother.

More letters arrived during the days that followed. A young boy in South Africa asked for a new bowl for an older dog who had pain (the elves made two bowls in a raised platform, so she didn’t have to bend so far to eat and drink and personalized it), wooden swing seat bird feeders requested for outside bird friends, bird houses (Santa had lots of requests for these), blankets for horses, snuggle fleece blankets or covers for short haired dogs (the children who asked for these got matching ones for themselves and even their toys as a surprise), cooling blankets for pets who lived in warm climates (good thinking youngsters smiled Santa as he read), the imagination and thoughtfulness was endless.
Each good thought sent ripples of kindness throughout the world, so the elves were extra busy but were delighted. With Christmas treats provided by Holly (Mrs. Claus) the work was easily completed. Children asked for gifts for small creatures too – requests for them included hide outs with mazes for hamsters, bamboo treats for guinea pigs…the list went on and on. The sleigh was filling up fast.

Letters from children in Argentina were sent to Papa Noel, from England to Father Christmas, children from the Netherlands wrote to Sinterklaas, South African children wrote to Vader Kersfees, those from Switzerland sent letters to St. Nicholas, and children from Turkey used the title Noel Baba. Part of the Christmas magic is that Santa can read and understand every letter that comes across his desk, no matter what language the letter is written in. Amazing, huh?

Finally, after weeks of preparation, the big day had arrived.
Santa had a feast on Christmas Eve in the middle of the day followed by a long nap.
It was going to be an exceedingly long night, but a delightful one. Each gift distributed filled his heart with gladness. The cookies and milk left by children didn’t hurt either. Some left cheese or carrots (for the reindeer) or oranges. Santa could not eat and drink all the treats left for him, so he shared some with children by putting them in stockings, gave some to his reindeer (they were partial to carrots and oatmeal biscuits), or left food and treats on tables for the hungry, and some he ate to keep his strength up.

After all the gifts were delivered and he was about to return to the North Pole, Santa heard a tiny cry from under a tree just outside the last house. He knelt slowly so he didn’t frighten the little creature. A cold little kitten with shining eyes was looking up at Santa.

He had a feeling the little kitten would be happy with Mrs. Claus up at the North Pole, so he scooped the little one up and nestled her in one of his spare boots that he kept in the sleigh. It had been a wonderful night bringing joy to children and animals worldwide. The kindness of one child from Arkansas had spread to all. People were doing good things for each other and there was peace in the world, the spirit of Christmas was abundant.
As he was about to give the command to the reindeer to fly home, he noticed a faded letter on the floor of the sleigh.

Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is a kitten to keep me company. Jet black with little white socks, please. I have been good but am lonely.
Thanks, your friend,
Holly

Amazing, the writing looked just like that of his wife, Holly. To think that all these years he had not had a chance to answer that letter, well, this year was the year. In his fur lined boot was a black kitten with four white socks. Santa smiled. Holly was always helping wherever there was a need and had done that ever since she was a little girl. He tiptoed into the front room where his wife was asleep in front of the warm fire and placed the little kitten in her lap. The kitten at once began to purr softly, and Holly smiled. A good night’s work done, Santa took of his boots and outer coat and joined Holly for a long winter’s nap.
Holly named the kitten Merry which means brings happiness. Santa showed his wife the faded letter he found that Holly had written years ago. They both looked down at little Merry and said:
“It is never too late to answer a letter.”
Santa had a feeling that 2022 was going to be an even busier year and that was fine with him.
Merry would live out her days at the North Pole as a happy and well-loved cat and bring smiles to everyone she met.
A message from Santa to all readers:

“Merry Christmas to all!”

ANT spray

My mum and I came up with a great solution to ants (yes, the autonomic negative thoughts that sabotage our happiness). Instead of a shield kind of barrier that I had used in the past, I decided to pretend to spray a room before entering with ANT spray (just like the mozzie spray). On days when my brain is not fooled, I can very easily put a little essence like lavender in a spray bottle and actually spray the area. I tried this yesterday and it works. Only took me 50 odd years to come up with the idea (smiles). I sincerely hope it helps others. It gave me such a feeling of accomplishment.  Sometimes I had put everything in sacks to “sort out” later which of course, never happens.

Using the “spray” I was able to clean an area that previously was unkempt without being bombarded with self sabotaging thoughts. YAY!

Just like the mozzie spray, we need to keep using it though. One spray won’t do them all. Good luck dear readers and thank you for stopping by.

The Invited

This is the most recent story I submitted.  The link to Reedsy is in the previous post.  Why not join me?  Hope you enjoy the story.

It was hard for Sara to concentrate on her work that Friday. She just went through the motions; her heart was not in it. That was understandable since her friend/ coworker had just been laid to rest and only their supervisor where they had worked in customer service had been able to attend the funeral. Ben was a dedicated worker who always gave above and beyond. Each year when the office closed early for Christmas she and Ben would still be working, long after most others had left. It was in their nature; ingrained. To console herself Sara walked home through Lincoln Park, stopping for a while at the Farm in the Zoo (one of Ben’s favorite places) and treated herself to animal shaped fries with cheese (a favorite snack they would often share). Doing this seemed to bring a little comfort as if he were still there with her. She shed a few healing tears and continued to her apartment which overlooked the lake. It was because she worked with Ben that Sara was able to secure lodgings in the building. Rent took most of her salary, but it was worth it – being able to walk out on the lakefront of a weekend when most others were still asleep. Sometimes the two of them would walk, other times it was just Sara. She would listen to the birds and the sounds of the water, breathe in the freshness of the morning, then take off her shoes and wiggle her toes in the sand if the day weren’t too cold. It gave her a feeling of being connected to the earth and everything in it. That day she didn’t want to look out the window when she got home, but instead curl up with a cup of tea and one of her favorite books. She missed her friend but knew that he was at peace and would want her to be happy for him. Easier said than done Ben but I’ll try, she thought to herself. After a shower (always a comfort) she settled back into her wingback chair and her book. Something was different…

Ah, there it was – something was under her door. An envelope had been slid under her door while she’d been in the shower. It was embossed with the initials D O G. How very strange. There was some sealing wax on one side of the envelope with a paw print engraving. Clever, she thought. D O G has a paw print for a seal. She secretly hoped it was not another of her coworkers playing a prank on her – she wasn’t really in that kind of mood. Some of them had a questionable sense of humor. No, they would not have been able to get the envelope, wax, and seal. After breaking the seal, she looked at the folded piece of paper inside.

Dear Sara,
We have been watching you for some time and are pleased to invite you to membership in our society. If you are interested, please go to the front of the Museum of Science and Industry at 11am tomorrow where one of our society members will give you more details. Please wear your blue paisley scarf.
Sincerely,
John Wesley – recruiting officer

What? She’d never heard of a society called D O G. Even a search online yielded no clues. She would pray about it and decide in the morning whether to respond to the strange request. She would weigh the possibilities in as logical a manner as she could muster. What would Ben do? He was a trusting soul so he would probably go for it. Sara was a bit more apprehensive though and wanted to make sure nothing sinister would happen if she went. Her head was a muddle of thoughts – missing Ben, the envelope, the weekend, (which was supposed to lift her spirits but didn’t), and the chores she had set herself to get done before the work week started again. Add to that the strange note from the D O G. She was in for a tossing/ turning night. To soothe herself she sniffed a little lavender, that helped. She always kept a small bottle of the essential oil on her nightstand in case she didn’t feel relaxed before sleeping. Her grandmother had given her the first bottle as a birthday gift, so Sara kept using it in her honor.

The next morning Sara got dressed then looked out at the water while sipping her coffee. There was some money that someone had slipped underneath her door while she slept (the exact amount she needed for a bus ride to the museum) with a note that said, “just in case”. Curious, she thought. Just then, an image of her friend came to mind. Ben always wore a little pin on his tie at work – a Collie. It was enamel and very elaborate but unobtrusive. Ben didn’t talk about it, but the pin was always worn. Okay, that decided it. She would check out this mysterious society to honor him. As directed, she put on her paisley scarf, picked up the money, took a deep breath, and wandered down to the bus stop on what was to be a life changing excursion.

During the ride she gave up her seat to an elderly lady; something she did whenever the need arose. Treat others the way you want to be treated was the way she lived; it was plain courteous anyway. There was enough harshness in the world; she could make it a little brighter for some if possible. During the ride she remembered all the charitable events she and Ben had participated in – Walk a thon for the Have a Heart for Animals, dance contest and jump rope contests (they were both exhausted by the end of those), and baking contests to raise money for food shelters. Any time there was a fundraiser it seemed. They would get their coworkers at Midas International to sponsor them sometimes. For the first walk a thon they had no sponsor at all since it was kind of a last-minute decision. However, the Have a Heart for Animals organization had a list of donors for people who didn’t have any sponsors. She and Ben raised $300 from each of their “adopted” sponsors that day; it made them feel great. Oops, a little tear – she surreptitiously wiped it away, looked out the window, and realized that the Museum of Science and Industry would be the next stop. That ride went fast – she had been miles away with her memories. Good thing she looked up when she did, or the opportunity might have gone. Lots of people got off the bus when she did so she let them hurry into the museum entrance. Wearing her paisley scarf, she waited for someone to approach (wondering if it was a prank but hoping not). Just then from behind her came a voice that startled her just a tiny bit –
“Hello Sara, I’m extremely glad you accepted our invitation. Let’s sit down on the bench over there and I will explain more about who we are and what is involved for the members in our society.”

There was a shady bench nearby (the weather was quite pleasant, but the sun was intense, so the cool shade was a welcome relief). The two sat down. Sara did a quick self-scan. She didn’t feel in any way uncomfortable so decided to stay.
“My name is Jim. I’ve been a member of D O G for several years now. We are a secret altruistic society. We have no web site and we don’t advertise. We recruit by observing good people such as yourself and only have a select number of members at any given time. We go through our day doing as many good deeds (anonymously if possible) as we can and making the world a better place. If you decide to join us, there will be a small initiation ceremony. Don’t worry, it is not at all unpleasant and you will understand the significance afterward. You may be wondering how we recognize each other. Each member has a small enamel pin of a particular breed of dog that they wear at all times – that’s how.”

Sara gasped.

“Yes, Ben was a D O G and will be missed greatly. Our society was able to help his mother out by giving her a check at the funeral which will cover all her expenses for three months. We felt that it was a fitting tribute to him and would help a grieving family through the worst of times. Now, you are under no obligation, but are you interested in joining our society? Take your time to think it over.”
Sara didn’t hesitate – she could both honor her friend and do good by joining. Doers of Good was what D O G stood for – clever.
“I would be honored,” Sara said.

“Great,” said Jim. I would like you to follow me into the museum and we can hold the initiation (we use one of the exhibits – it will make sense soon). Jim paid the $15 for each of them and they proceeded to the walk-through heart exhibit – a giant 18-foot heart that one could walk through and had a pulse audible throughout. She had seen this exhibit before and had walked through it, so she knew what to expect. When they got to the entrance of the heart, Jim said:
“As you walk through this heart, know that you are celebrating life and everyone/ everything in it. You will honor it as you live and do everything in your power to help. The D O G members are incredibly grateful that you are joining us. Drink in the sounds of the heartbeat as you walk through and I will be there on the other side. Take your time – this is a personal reflection.”

Sara looked at the left and right ventricles, the blood pulsing through the arteries, and the tiny capillaries. She heard the heart beating and it seemed to match hers. Too soon it seemed she had reached the end of the walk-through heart. To her surprise, several people began to applaud. The other members of the D O G had gathered to welcome her into their circle. She felt comfort, acceptance, and joy. She was given a pretty Staffordshire Terrier pin which she immediately placed on her paisley scarf. Cheers went up all round.

“One more ritual remains. Everyone outside to Mr. Jenkins and his hot dog stand please.” On the way to the exit Jim said that Mr. Jenkins was a hard-working hot dog vendor who had a family of three to support since his wife was disabled and unable to work. He worked from early in the morning to early in the evening and was profoundly grateful when the D O G had initiations and monthly meetings – he could count on their support. His children needed new shoes so now he would be able to get them, an answer to prayer that he had faith would come. As Sara approached, he smiled and said
“Ah, newcomers get an extra hot dog on the house. I have a talent – I can guess exactly what each person wants on their hot dog.” He looked into her eyes. “You like ketchup and onions with finely chopped green pepper. Coming up!”
A stunned Sara nodded but was sure she was not going to be able to manage a second hot dog. Just then she saw her answer, a homeless person was looking at the vendor from across the road. Sara crossed and handed the food to the man with a smile and said “enjoy – this is from Mr. Jenkins and all of us.”

After lunch, handshakes, and hearty welcomes Jim said
“See everyone at the next monthly meeting on Saturday two weeks from now at the usual gathering place. For those new to our group (with a glance in Sara’s direction) that is the Farm in the Zoo. We will meet at 11 a.m. then have our usual snack. Mr. Jenkins will be there to provide lunch for us. Until then, God bless all and keep up the great work.”

A contented Sara returned to her apartment with a smile on her face and whispered softly “thank you Ben. I’m proud to be a D O G as you were and will honor your memory.”

Reedsy short stories

This is a link to the short stories I submit on Reedsy prompts – I will try and submit one a week.  Hope you enjoy them and maybe in will inspire you to write some short stories too.  Have a blessed day everyone.

Chau

Chau is pronounced chow (like the Durban SA specialty Bunny Chow which is a delicious dish. Anyway, say Chau when you get off the plane in Latvia and you will impress the locals. Latvia has been described by the Lonely Planet website as “A tapestry of lakes and woods” – beautiful.  Who knew you would learn so much from a blog huh?! Spent an extra day visiting those wonderful caves, but now time to venture on to another place.  Today we will visit one of several cat islands in Japan – Tashirojima.  There is a belief that wealth will come if you feed a cat.  Hmmm; I have two cats at home and I am rich in spirit – must be something in that.

Today’s pic always makes me smile – I can relate to cookie monster – a sensitive soul who is cheerful.

Looks to me like cookie monster likes Japan too – that sure appears to be Mt. Fuji.  I have such a taste for cookies right now even though the moment is pleasant.

Comfort food for me includes fried chicken, breaded cauliflower, celery with peanut butter, cheesecake, and crepes.  Very favorite is Cottage Pie (referred to by myself and others as Shepherd’s Pie).

Courage is a positive word indeed.  I had the courage to publish Back from the Brink – head on over to Amazon to check it out.

I care about each and everyone who views this page.

Touch some soothing crystals if you want calm (maybe they will send their energy to you).

A moving song is Circle of Life by Elton John.

Until next time, au revoir.

Ciao

Ciao readers. Today we are going to an amazing series of caves in Chile. Absolutely breathtaking.

 

I would sure like to visit that place.  I can’t think of a more inspirational setting; the colors are amazing.  I understand that it changes all the time and is accessible by kayak or canoe.  For an indulgent treat I search in my goody bag – chocolate cake.  Yay!  Perfect.

Other C foods that make us feel good – cheese, cream, cucumber (makes us feel cool on a hot day), and carrots.  Carrots are very good for the eyes – have you ever seen a rabbit with glasses?  Kidding; but they are good for you.

A cheerful attitude can brighten the bad/ sad days and can help one be centered and calm.

Maybe you want to spend the day coloring, cooking, cleaning (for some this brings great joy), or how about cuddling?

Calypso by John Denver always makes me feel good; also California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and the Papas.  I saw them at my town fair one year.

Until next time – cherish each moment.

Bon Jour

Bonjour fellow travelers; today we leave amazing Aberdeen and the letter A for the time being and head over to the capital city of Brussels in Belgium. (You thought we were going to somewhere in France? Another time.
I wonder if we can get some Brussel sprouts while we are here? Yes, I have no doubt we can. Perhaps from the Bon Bon eatery – they have vegetarian options on the menu and have some rave reviews. Maybe the name of the vegetable came from its popularity in this part of the world. Legend has it that that may be true. I like them steamed with butter or roasted with olive oil, black pepper and sea salt; then tossed with parmesan cheese prior to serving.

Biscuits are yummy too; in America they refer to them as cookies.  McVities Ginger Nuts are the best and Garibaldis as well as Jaffa Cakes.

Books = one of my favorite things.  My most favorite authors are J. K. Rowling, Richard Bach, and Richard Lederer.

Board games = I love playing them especially Monopoly, Scrabble, Baker Street, The Garden Game, and Steal the Crown Jewels as well as Ticket to Ride.

For inspirational music – how about Blowin’ in the Wind.  It was written by Bob Dylan in 1962.

Our positive B words today – beauty, bright, blessed.  This reminds me of a prayer/ affirmation I use – thankful, grateful, blessed.

Have a beautiful day all.

Aloha!

Aloha and welcome to Where in the world – a virtual travel experience with a twist. Last year we made it to Germany and stayed put.  Maybe we’ll get all around the world with this attempt.  This time we will have a positive message or thought to empower or comfort, a place, food, game, book, something related to a different letter each day of the blog. Ready to join in? Our first stop is Aberdeen. Aberdeen is in Scotland. It is the third largest in cities in Scotland. Of course, there are lots of other Aberdeen towns and cities around the world Like Aberdeen Washington and Aberdeen South Dakota.  If I book with a travel agent I had better be specific – city and state or country (smiles).

serene lake

This picture is not from Aberdeen, but I just like it – water and mountains.  Azure blue, there we go.  There is a reason why things happen as they do – fate, opportunity from the universe, law of attraction, angel blessings, use whatever feels comfortable to you and go with it.  So, I posted the image by mistake, but it is appropriate since it is the color azure blue and we are talking about A.  Apples and asparagus begin with A too, yum.  (Maybe not on the same plate though).

While searching for inspirational works I came across two – Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn; and a fascinating one called Invisible Acts of Power by Caroline Myss; this last one is now on my must find and read list.  Here is a quote from her book –

“You are where you are supposed to be and in every moment there is an opportunity to serve another or to receive support.”

Wow, that really resonates with me!

If you want a truly inspiring song, head over to You Tube and listen to Angel City Chorale as they sing Africa while trying out for America’s Got Talent.  A huge choir that does an amazing job with this song; sends chills.

We’ll continue our journey tomorrow.  Maybe stay with A; maybe switch.  Who knows?  Until then, have an Awesome day.

Where in the world…. Funabashi

Germany was a wonderful experience.  Now we have gone all the way across Europe a total of 5,773 miles.  (Phew!)  Ohayou gozaimasu (pronounced oh- hi- oh- goh – zai – mas).  You just said hello in Japanese – give yourself a big pat on the back!

Our first stop is the Funabashishi Funabashi Anderson Koen Kodomo Museum.  It is an art museum that is in a children’s park.  It offers classes.  One of the exhibits it has is called Animal Power – that sounds interesting.

We can make a pit stop at the Nakayama Horse Tracks – maybe pick a winner?

Sacred sites more your cup of tea?  A trip to Funabashi Daijingu then – it is a shinto shrine with approximately 2,000 years of history in its many buildings.

I smell roses – we must be near the Yatsu Rose Garden – breathtaking.  They have hundreds of roses – well worth a visit.

Okay, I hear the beer fans that are with us cheering.  We have arrived at the sapporo Beer Chiba factory.  Most rate the experience as very good.

There are several places to shop too – malls, street markets, and everything in between.  My favorite memory is the 2nd floor of Ito Yokado – a garden terrace (first floor is the japanese equivalent of 7-eleven) complete with soft serve ice cream for 100 yen, pinball machines, and teriaki on a stick.  I was 13 at the time so the price of the ice cream has probably gone up a little.

Funabashi has something for everyone.  Ooo, must stop at the Planetarium Museum.  Planetarium shows are always out of this world!  (smiles to self).

Enjoy the visit dear ones.  See you next time for a place beginning with G.

Where in the world… Essen

Sadly we leave Durban for now, but we get back on the Trans-Sahara Highway to arrive in Essen, Germany.  A beautiful place that was founded in the 9th century.  It took us 188 hours to get here (8,480.1 miles).  I think some exquisite German chocolate is in order now!  Essen is on the Ruhr River (how’s that for a tongue twister?) and the Rhine.

It has something for everyone for sure – a train museum, sea creatures, botanic gardens, Blankenstein Castle, and an interactive water museum – sounds interesting.

Want to see a sculpture of Mary that is gold leafed and crafted in 980?  Essen has it – find Minster and you are there.

The forest valley exhibit in the botanical gardens has bonsai – neat!  And if you like birds, you’ve come to the right place.  The gardens have aviaries that house owls, flamingos… Oh, and there is also a miniature train on the grounds.  All aboard!

A synagogue from 1910 is now a Jewish cultural center – the front of the building is curved and looks really interesting.

How about a visit to a philharmonic (meaning loves harmony) orchestra.  With a 2000 seat capacity I think we will all fit.  Beethoven’s Ode to Joy would be spectacular here I think.

A pretty side visit is Kettwig with its paved streets.  It used to separate from Essen but was incorporated in 1975 – a very good spot for a cream tea I think.  The buildings here are from the 17th century.

A spectacular light display is featured during the Christmas season in Essen.  The first display was in 1928.

Take only memories – leave only footprints.  See you next time!