The magic of the season is here. Decorations are being taken out of their boxes and strings of lights are turning yards and homes into beautiful displays. The malls are open early and closing late hoping for a great seasonal shopping and profitable close to the year. Small hometown stores are offering bargains galore and it's great to experience the welcome and smiles the small business offer their customers. It's a pleasure to hear the sales person say, "Wrapping is free and have a happy holiday." Children are patiently waiting in line to have their picture taken with the big man in the red suit and a beard that tickles. Everyone is secretly hoping they have chosen the right size and the perfect color tucked in their shopping bag.
I made my annual visit to Bob's Garden Center in Egg Harbor Township. It's a place I never would go without my camera, since the displays put you in the holiday mood and everything is beautiful. This visit I concentrated on seasonal words. HO, HO, HO, enjoy.
BELIEVE
PEACE
NOEL
JOY
JINGLE BELLS
SANTA
MERRY CHRISTMAS
NAUGHTY OR NICE
HO, HO, HO
May your season be filled with happiness and joy and may the world find peace on earth.
People have different beliefs on just what an angel is. We often think angels are sometimes in disguise, as they could come in the form of a loving teacher, a caring doctor or nurse, a friend or neighbor or even a stranger. Angels are not just ornaments on top of a holiday tree. They are very well addressed in stories, poems, songs and they sometimes are the fabric that gives people the comfort when they are in need.
Where can angels be found, often in the warmth of a helping hand, or in a mother's gentle words, or after a snow storm when a child lies in the snow and makes a snow angel.
After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park forest rangers began the trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under the mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wing instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die so those under her wings would live.
I found a penny today, just laying on the ground.
But it's just not a penny,
This little coin I've found.
Found pennies come from Heaven,
That's what my Grandpa told me.
He said Angel's toss them down
Oh, how I loved that story.
He said when an Angel misses you,
They toss a penny down,
Sometimes just to cheer you up,
To make a smile out of a frown.
So don't pass by that penny,
When you are feeling blue,
It maybe a penny from Heaven,
That an angel tossed to you.
Thought for the day!
DON'T DRIVE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY !
Almost time to put the fall decorations away, since the approaching winter is soon to be here. It's also a great time to reflect on past summer days, warm sunshine, blue skies and activities at the New Jersey shore.
I was looking at some of my shore photos and decided to go back to August 11th when Atlantic City proudly had the fourth Atlantic City Salutes America's Armed Forces Parade. The parade was the kickoff to the Atlantic City Airshow weekend.
The parade included 120 units, 184 vehicles and more than 1500 people. There were representatives from WWII right through to the present day. It was very inspiring watching the young and old as they made their way down the boardwalk.
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This WWII vet I'm sure was proud to carry an American flag. Sitting next to him was a United States Wave also proud to have served her country.
Three cheers for the red, white and blue !!!
This float was full of Ms. New Jersey Senior Americans ( singing that unfamiliar military hymn, "Hey Big Spender".)
I couldn't resist walking across the boardwalk to ask this gentleman if I could take his photograph. These words meant a great deal to him and also to all his fellow mates.
As "Old Glory" passed by spectators applauded, some covered their hearts, and it was a sight to behold. There is always something special about the Red, White and Blue, she flies with dignity, honor, integrity and represents a nation of people called free Americans.
