MY TOP TEN RESOLUTIONS FOR 2011

RESOLUTION #1: I’m going to wake up every single morning and find at least one thing to be thankful for, and focus on that particular thing.

RESOLUTION #2: I’m going to lose the weight I’ve discussed time and time again. One of my fellow bloggers named Val has two separate blogs she authors. One of which is http://see-val-run.blogspot.com. Be sure to check out her online progress. Her journey’s such an inspiration to all of us who battle our own weight issues. Kudos, Val, and keep up the great work! You look terrific…and I must say I’m growing insanely jealous (LOL) Just kidding ya, Val! =-).

RESOLUTION #3: I’ll never fail to let others know just how much I appreciate them, especially all my fellow bloggers out there who show the world every day that it may change, but they never will. I’m honored to be among you all in the World of Blog. You’ll never know how much a certain gentleman from East Tennessee became inspired by each and every one of you, and I‘m still inspired and constantly in awe by all your wonderful talents that make the world a much better place.

RESOLUTION #4: I’m going to stop worrying about things I cannot change, and try to focus on living instead of existing. Just because we breathe doesn’t mean we’re really living.

RESOLUTION #5: I’m going to start living true to my beliefs and love everyone regardless of differences. Many people believe in God, but where’s the compassion and love? If you can't love everyone without conditions the way we're supposed to, then what's the point in believing in God unless we live by His example? That example is loving and caring for others as we would ourselves. After all: isn't that what the real meaning behind this past holiday's all about?

RESOLUTION #6: I’m going to find a craft-related hobby on days when my career becomes my life. Hey…It can easily happen.

RESOLUTION #7: I’ll never fail to say “I love you” more. You never know when it might be the last words someone else hears.

RESOLUTION #8: I’m going to find a reason to laugh once a day. It helps to balance everything out.

RESOLUTION #9: I’m going to stop talking about living out life-long goals and just do them.

AND RESOLUTION #10: I‘m gonna wake up every morning thankful that I may not be where I want to be when it comes to certain areas of my life, but that only the best is yet to come.

BLOW MOLD HEAVEN

     I know Christmas is over, but I have to share this little wonder of the world with you.

     Right on the Tennessee-Georgia State Line on Highway 411, sits a place where there are blow molds as far as the eye can see--no joke! On my way to visit family and friends Christmas Day, I saw this little place (I'm not sure if it's a business or someone's residence). There were so many blow molds; even one of the Christmas Star. I'd say there were anywhere between 30 to 40 blow molds, as far as I knew.

     Needless to say, "eye catching" would be far from an appropriate fitting term to call this place. "BLOW MOLD HEAVEN" is more like it.  

THE FIRST DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Taken at a beach in Florida back in 2008.

     Christmas is officially over and I must say it's bittersweet.

    I loved visiting with everyone on Christmas: nice visits with friends, and memorable celebrations with family; but I'm somewhat glad the craziness of the holiday is over. However, it's always the same: I take the Christmas tree down on New Year's Day, stare at a barren hole where the tree once stood, and think about how the yuletide hype is mysteriously gone.

    Everytime you turn around, it just seems like it's always "out with the old" just when you're getting used to everything being a certain way. BUT...however, my dear friends. There is a solution to the woe of a change such as this one.

    We do have wonderful things to look forward to. Within the next few months to come, we'll have warm, sandy beaches and the sounds of children's laughter carrying in the Spring air. We'll have the lukewarm perfection of weather that's just the right temperature, and the glory of sipping tall glasses of iced tea on screened-in porches in our favorite porch swings and wooden rocking chairs.

    When you think about all that awaits us, the barren isn't really barren after all. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

TWO DAYS AND COUNTING...

"Wait! I hear something on the rooftop.
Was that...
Was that...
It is! It is Santa Paws!"

THREE DAYS AND COUNTING...

"The tree's trimmed, my stocking's hung, and I'm dogged tired. Before I came to bed, I put treats out for Santa. Do you think he likes Milkbones? Oh, well. Just wake me when my stocking's full!"

FOUR DAYS AND COUNTING...

"Oh, Daddy! Oh, please; oh please; oh please! Can I? Can I, really? Can I open my presents now? I've been a good little girl, I promise! I've stayed out of the garbage can, stopped drinking from the toilet, and left my brothers and the neighborhood squirrels alone, and everything!"

      
     

ICE ICE BABY: PART TWO

     As I said in my previous blog: During the mini ice storm, the electricity was out for a whopping twelve hours. When the electricity you so heavily depend upon goes out, you have to do something to pass the time. So, I decided to resurrect one of my favorite childhood projects I hadn't done since I was a child: make paper snowflakes.

    My mom taught me this special craft, and I used to love making these even if it wasn't Christmas. If you've never done this before or have simply forgotten how to make these, it's really easy to do. All you'll need is a sheet of paper (any color you wish) and a pair of scissors.

    It goes a little like this: 

Fold one sheet of paper into fourths and then fold it into a triangle.





Cut off the excess strip. 

 

Start cutting shapes along the sides and corners--any shape you wish. For me, I've always had success with triangles and squares, but whatever shape works best for you. You're a pro if you can do circles or stars!



After you're finished cutting your chosen shapes, unfold your creation.



When you're done, it should look something like this.
ENJOY!

ICE ICE BABY

     A few days ago, the weatherman said it was going to ice over, then change over to rain and melt everything away. Instead, this is what I woke up to: a pure blanket of ice. The ice covered everything, and, unfortunately, power was out for a total of twelve grueling hours, because one tree took out five electrical poles. That's right: FIVE...OUCH!
    The bad thing was the cold. The good thing was it wasn't cold enough to freeze you to death. When there's no electricity, boredom tends to set in. What did my household do? In my next blog entry, I'll reintroduce you to an old-time Christmas favorite.
    What is it? Stay tuned and find out!

SIMPLY SPEECHLESS

     Yesterday afternoon, I had the distinct privilege of witnessing this majestic sight: the mountains proudly donning all of winter's glory. I could say more, but I think an image like this simply speaks for itself. Am I right?

WALKIN' IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

     Last night, an awesome snowfall made its presence known. It was very nice waking up and witnessing a winter wonderland display outside. Of course, It was so serene and beautiful that I had to take pictures and make a video of it. And, of course, the babies insisted they were going to play out in the snow today.
    Hey...they're the babies. How can I say "no"? But, then again, I didn't mind. Four-legged or not, you're only young once!
    ENJOY...

THE LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL

     I was at the store the other day and witnessed something strange. Wait: I take that back. I wouldn't necessarily call it "strange". It's more like ironic. By the way, before I begin, I know the above picture might've not appropriately fit the story. It is, however, a picture I took inside the same store on the same day the following event took place. 
     Last Saturday, the stores were packed. I've already got my Christmas shopping done and naively assumed everyone else had as well. When I arrived on the premises, I was in for a rude awakening.
    A big snow was coming, and I was there to get "the necessities": milk, eggs, bread, etc. The lines were LONG! Everyone was elbow to elbow getting that final thing on their shopping list. Then, out of the blue, came a woman who appeared rather different in a very festive way. She donned a Santa hat and greeted onlookers and passersby with a joyful, "Merry Christmas." She didn't work for the store. She did it at her own free will.
    What's bizarre is everyone looked at her as though she was, if I can be so blunt, "one french fry short of a Happy Meal." (LOL). Most of the Christmas shoppers treated the merry-hearted soul like someone who was more of a pest rather than someone wanting to spread a little Christmas spirit. Despite the snarls and grunts, the woman didn't care. She continued with her boisterous holiday greetings and well wishes for the New Year.
    The grumblers and grunters finally got their last trinkets off the store shelves, paid for their items, and drove off just to complain about the heaviness of holiday traffic. Then again, why should Christmas be any different? These same "humbugs" will continue complaining. They'll complain if they didn't buy the right size clothing and the receipt was accidentally discarded. They'll gripe next month when they open their Visa bill and see a total that'll barely cover their regular bills because they've spent more than they knew they had. 
    It'll never cease. I know. I used to be a humbug myself!
    They'll complain, but deep down, they'll have only one wish; a wish buried deep within some deep, shallow grave they've dug for themselves. Now, you might ask, "What's the wish?" They'll wish they could be just like the woman they shunned who cheered tidings of great joy.
    For one moment her life will seem more important than theirs, and they'll wish they could be just like her: A little drummer girl marching to the ongoing beat of her own drum, showing the world it may change but she never will.    

FESTIVE INDULGENCE

     The Favorite Things Household was at the store last week and purchased, in my opinion, THE best popcorn I've eaten in a very long time.
     Being the Christmas season, we were in the popcorn mood and decided to buy a box or two. We purchased Movie Theatre Butter and Kettle Corn flavors, but then we had to get a flavor to quench the perils of the sweet tooth. And then we got this. I took it out of the wrapper, prepared it accordingly to the directions, and the results were nothing short and simply put: heavenly goodness in a bowl.
     Orville Redenbacher's Caramel Popcorn is so good it should come with a warning label attached to the box that reads, "ATTENTION: THIS POPCORN IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE AND WILL CAUSE YOU TO GO OFF YOUR DIET BIGTIME!" LOL. I'm not kidding, folks. It's that ooey-gooey good!
     If you need a quick stocking stuffer for that co-worker, fellow church or temple member, next-door neighbor across the street, or anyone in your life who's been so helpful this year, but you don't want to spend a lot of money; put a box of this in their stocking and I can promise you the response will be overwhelming, and the simple gesture of yuletide cheer will be greatly appreciated.  

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN

     When the sun goes down and the darkness settles in, there's a place in the Smokies that lights up brighter than anywhere else in the area.

     Christmas & Collectibles is a little Christmas store that's opened all year round. It can be the dead of Summer and the lights are proudly displayed. Our plans fell through going to another Christmas light show a few nights ago, but that didn't stop me from getting some awesome light shots.

     And in case you're wondering, this was just a portion of the lighted Christmas wonders they had on display in their parking lot alone.

SANTA BABY

RILEY RUTHANNE RANTA

     At exactly 6:30 this morning, our family welcomed a new addition--and just in time for Christmas, too!
     Allow me to introduce my niece, Riley Ruthanne Ranta. She weighed 5 pounds and 12 ounces, and is cute as a button. I call her "Santa Baby" due to Christmas being only a few weeks away. Now, perhaps I'm biased, but everyone who welcomes a newborn into the fold has every right to boast and brag. It's purely part of tradition.
     As I was walking through the foyer of the hospital, I couldn't help but think about the comings and goings of my family. I couldn't help but think about little Riley and how much life's she's got and, at the same time, how none of us are promised our next breath. 
     It's times like these that teach me to never take life for granted, and to savor every sweet moment and to learn from every heart-wrenching tribulation. It's all part of the overall scheme of things. But for now, dear Riley, stay little. Dance clumsily at the age of two, and play dress-up at the age of seven. Try out for cheer leading as a teenager, and find your true love as a young adult. Experience everything life has to offer, dear heart.     
    But until then, just coo and laugh, and simply be our Santa Baby. 

"TRADING DIAMONDS FOR STONES"

     One evening in December, the sun sat behind the pink and gray clouded hues to rest its weary self. It rested behind a small white house. It rested, and sat until the close of yet another day.
    Such a sight in the sky's impressive, indeed! In fact, I can't help but wonder if the deep, fiery hues in this particular sky's caused by Rudolph's nose illuminating the Eastern hemisphere. Perhaps, it was nature itself that decided to put on a light show. Or maybe just for one split moment in time Christmastime had actually formed a surprise alliance with Halloween, due to its somewhat eerie appearance.
    The world may never know. Then again, maybe we're not supposed to know or wonder. When we spend more time wondering why things are rather than enjoying them for what they are in the now, then we are doing nothing more than, as Richard Paul Evans said in THE CHRISTMAS BOX, "trading diamonds for stones." 

O CHRISTMAS TREE

    
     I wanted to share with everyone pictures of our Christmas tree and other "Christmasy" trimmings.
     Every Christmas, we always mix our tree decorations up. This year, we unanimously decided to do an O Holy Night-type theme. At the local Christmas store, we found some ceramic Virgin with Child ornaments, along with a sterling-colored angel flying underneath a tree-topper star, as well as sapphire blue ribbon with silver stars.
    Then, as things appear serious and solemn, the kid in me always comes out. One requirement I've got for a Christmas tree is some sort of anamatronic ornament that possesses the quality of something you'd buy for a kid. This year, I chose a Mickey Mouse hat and ears from my favorite Disney movie FANTASIA. When you press the button, it plays THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE theme song, and the hat's moon and stars merrily light up to the music.
    The previous day might be rough at times, with jobs, carpooling kids here and there, and other stresses of the day. After all, that's just how life can be. But when night comes, the tree's brightly lit, and the "babies" are snuggled tightly with me on the couch. In one precious moment of tranquility, wild geese fly with the moon on their wings and everything suddenly seems right with the world.  

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

     Early yesterday morning, I indulged my caffeine fix to kick off yet another day when, low and behold, I witnessed little drops of Heaven beginning to lightly cover all my outside surroundings.
    It was everywhere: on banisters, in my flower bed, and even on top of my car's windshield. Even the little gnome who lives in my flower bed had snow on his rooftop, too. It put me in the mood to fire up a steaming cup of cocoa, wrap Christmas presents, and watch a marathon of Christmas movies all day long in my favorite PJ's.
    The snow didn't accumulate much, but even the lightest dusting goes a very long way. And I must say, dear friends, I was both blessed and honored I got the chance to experience Mother Nature once again work wonders with my very own eyes.

MY TOP TWENTY-FIVE FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS

Click on the image strip above for larger image.

    Yes! Officially, 'tis the season! We've traded the turkey and trimmings for bright, red ribbons and boughs of holly. Some radio stations have officially begun their "all Christmas, all the time" schedule. This reminds me of another favorite thing of mine: Christmas music. 

     There have been so many versions of different Christmas songs that it all sounds the same...well...almost. So, without further adieu, I'd like to share with you twenty-five of my favorite all-time Christmas songs. They're listed in no particular order...

#1...SANTA BABY (Eartha Kitt for the original version; Kellie Pickler for the           

                         updated version)

#2...BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE (I have yet to hear a version I didn't like!)

#3...I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS / OH HOLY NIGHT (Josh Groban)

#4...CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER, CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU (Dolly Parton &

                                                                                          Kenny Rogers duet)              

#5...PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (Aaron Neville--hands down. He can croon!)

#6...JESUS, WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD (Kelly Clarkson & Fantasia Barrino duet)

#7...WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS (Johnny Mathis)

#8...I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS (Gayla Peevey)
#9...IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE (Barbara Mandrell)             
#10...WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (Mary J. Blige & Andrea Bocelli duet--VERY moving!)

#11...HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS / BLUE CHRISTMAS (Elvis Presley)

#12...CHRISTMAS CAN'T BE VERY FAR AWAY (Amy Grant)

#13...WHITE CHRISTMAS / IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS (Bing
                                                                                                                Crosby)
#14...THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Perry Como)
#15...SILENT NIGHT / O HOLY NIGHT (Susan Boyle)
#16...ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU (Vince Vance and the Valiants)
#17...THE CHRISTMAS SONG (Nat King Cole)
#18...MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLING (The Carpenters)
#19...LAST CHRISTMAS (George Michael and WHAM!--No other tops this version!)
#20...OUR INCOMPARABLE CHRIST (the late Rev. Leonard Dabney)
#21...WHO WOULD IMAGINE A KING? (Whitney Houston)
#22...I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY (Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians)
#23...IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR (The Manhattan Transfer)
#24...THE TWELVE PAINS OF CHRISTMAS (Bob Rivers)
And last, but not least, #25...THE "NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION"
                                            MOVIE THEME SONG!

AND ANYTHING BY THE TRANS-SYBERIAN ORCHESTRA!

     I know I've forgotten a few more and it was entirely unintentional. Nevertheless, feel free to comment on your all-time favorites and share your thoughts about Christmas Carols and yuletide music.     

SOMETHING SPECIAL

    I wanted to share something special and "Christmasy" with everyone. This time last year, I took various pictures of the babies as well as found various pictures on the Internet, and compiled them all into a Christmas video I made on my computer purely for the fun of it. I put the images with my favorite non-traditional Christmas song: CHRISTMAS CAN'T BE VERY FAR AWAY by Amy Grant.
    You might be wondering who "Majimaw" is, as the movie begins. "Majimaw" is the name I called my Grandma Brassfield. Being five years old, go figure I'd use a name like that. LOL...Oh, well.
    I'm sorry I've appeared "lax" with writing consistent blog entries, especially for the Christmas season. I'm trying to put together the best of the best; and living near Gatlinburg makes it kinda hard to choose the right shot, especially since the town becomes one gigantic Christmas village this time of year.
    Nevertheless, thank you all for your patience and enjoy!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

MACY'S DEPARTMENT STORE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA

     That's right, dear friends. Christmas is here, ready or not; and let me tell you: it was everywhere today.
    I was with some of my family at Macy's in Atlanta, Georgia today. Christmas music rang heavily out the loudspeakers, shoppers worked hard finding the best deals possible, and Santa himself even gave me and P.B.E. a great big wave. I was asked if I wanted to inform Santa of my heart's desire this holiday season.
   Needless to say, I declined. After all: I was thirty-something and there's no way Santa could give me peace among such a busy time of the year. I wanted to ask jolly ole Saint Nick for any sign of holiday tranquility. 
   Then, there it came: peace amid the chaos of Black Friday. It started at Starbucks in a venti-sized cup and bore the name of "Pumpkin Spice Latte." Then came phase two: I sat down in a secluded spot and watched the passersby reminiscing and embracing old familiar friends.
    Finally, I marveled at the sight of each child informing Santa of his or her little hearts' desires and saw the merry twinkle in their eyes. I was instantly taken in my mind to the sweet memories of my childhood; the sheer excitement I possessed, as the same fear and joy swelled up inside me seeing Kris Kringle, as it always did each passing year.
   And, involuntarily, I smiled.
   I smiled because despite the hustle and bustle of eager shoppers and Black Friday itself, the glory days of yesteryear reminded me once again there really is a Santa Claus after all.
   
   

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

(by Edgar Albert Guest)

It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell
Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well;
But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know
A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago,
When all the family gathered round a table richly spread,
With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head,
The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile,
With mother running in and out and laughing all the while.

It may be I'm old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day
We're too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray;
Each little family grows up with fashions of its own;
It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone.
It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends;
There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends,
Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way,
Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day.

I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad
To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad;
The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin,
And whether living far or near they all came trooping in
With shouts of "Hello, daddy!" as they fairly stormed the place
And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face
Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all,
Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small.

Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told;
From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old;
All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do,
The struggles we were making and the hardships we'd gone through;
We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly--
It seemed before we'd settled down 'twas time to say good-bye.
Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew
When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true.

THE VIEW FROM UP HERE

Pictures taken at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

     Today's blog entry is a rather simple one. With winter coming along, I wanted to give everyone one last look at autumn in the Smokies before the leaves of gold are replaced with flakes of white.
     These pictures were taken about three weeks ago at the Great Smoky Mountains overlooking Mount LaConte, and everything was "autumnly" stunning. At the time these pictures were taken the weather on the mountains was a crisp 65 degrees. Three glorious things took place that fateful day: travelers from various parts of the world packed the Smokies with warm regards toward one another, Mother Nature herself smiled upon East Tennessee, and all seemed right with the world.

MR. BOLTON HEARS A WHO

     This might come as a surprise to most, but in my opinion one of the greatest literary minds that ever existed is Dr. Seuss.
     As a writer, I'm often asked, "Who's your favorite writer?" Many anticipate names like Frost, Shakespeare, or any of the other wonderful authors of his and/or her time. Not belittling them by any means because I am a big fan of them all as well, but my preferences for choosing Theodore "Seuss" Geisel are heavily justified. His lyrical usage, his prose, cleaver usage of words are nothing short of brilliant. 
    When I was child, "THE CAT IN THE HAT" was the first book I remember owning. That, and an anthology of Mother Goose's nursery rhymes. To this day, both books proudly sit on my desk, along with my toys and other trinkets.
    I see these precious tales among my "play pretties" and something wonderful happens. I instantly forget about the worries of my day and smile. I smile because I'm in my own little world where there's only one law of the land: every Who is happy and no Grinches are allowed.
     

THANKFUL THINGS #6, #7, AND #8: EAT, PRAY, AND LOVE

     No, I'm not necessarily referring to the book and/or movie, but these three things are indeed next on my thankful things list: eat, pray, and love. 

    EAT: The one thing we love to do in our household around summertime is pick fresh fruits and vegetables at various vending stands. When I was a child, my grandparents had a garden, and I loved picking fresh fruits and vegetables, especially blackberries and grapes from off the vine. They were bitter, but OH, so good! That was one of the few things in my childhood that not only made me feel a sense of accomplishment, but also rang in the news that summer was officially here.
    There was a time I lost everything and didn't have food in my pantry. I'm thankful for having a job, as well as a few bucks in the bank. I'm not monetarily wealthy, but I'm thankful never having to "want" for any need.
    
     PRAY: I know anything involving religion is such a touchy subject anymore, but I've learned to never get caught up in how others do and don't believe and to only focus on what I believe. My favorite Bible verse is one that I believe is evidence of possessing a true belief in God: Hebrews 13:1 (Let brotherly love continue). I'm thankful I don't believe in God the way a lot of others do. There are some who believe God's looking down from heaven with a bolt of lightning, waiting to strike down anyone who isn't perfect.
    My belief in God doesn't waver, by any means. God does want believers to live as close as we possibly can, BUT I'm thankful I believe God understands us more than we give Him credit for. I'm thankful God loves everyone despite differences,  personalities, personal preferences, and, most of all, the self-righteousness and prejudices of others. Despite whether we all believe the exact same thing (which will never happen), or whether anyone else believes in God; He wants us all, believer or not, to love everyone without conditions or exceptions.
  
    And LOVE: I'm thankful for love. There are people who go through life without a single person telling them they're loved. I'm so thankful I hear it every single day from the most precious person in the world and various loved ones in my life. I'm thankful the babies "tell" me they love me every time they cover me with kisses and sit contently in my lap. 

    Yes, my friends, I'm thankful for all these things. But out of all these I'm thankful for love most of all. Because I've learned in my semi-advanced age when you have love, you have everything.

THANKFUL THING #5: MY INABILITY TO PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS

     Yes, dear readers. You've read it right. I am thankful for something that makes my world carefree and happy. I'm thankful for my inability to put away childish things.
     The shelf above my desk is one for the toy box, indeed. You'll see everything, from California Raisins to Care Bears and Transformers; even Disney characters and my favorite toy as a small child: a Kermit the Frog with Velcro hands and feet.
     Remember that one?
     My "childish things" nature doesn't stop there. I have a Pac-Man baseball cap, my key chain is a bronze Mickey Mouse sitting merrily on a Bronze "J". Heck...Even my house key is Mickey Mouse. And if that's not bad enough, my P.J.'s and two watches are...guess what? Mickey Mouse, of course!
    Some people might snub their noses and think I'm...how do I eloquently put it...a little "out there," but I don't care. I love the things I had as a child. In a world of temporary happiness, the memories and items of yesteryear are the one things that will never leave or go out of style. And just as long as we keep those things alive, they'll never grow old and always remain new every single day.
    So the moral of this story is this: Do we have to become adults? Maybe, but do we have to grow up? NEVER!

TOM TURKEY SIGHTING: PART DEUX

     Last week, I spotted Tom Turkey. He was headed to a bakery in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He thought no one noticed his unusual presence, but I saw him. 
    I slowly crept behind the bushes for a photo op. After this photo was taken, he stopped, wiped the proud smile of his face, and saw me. I asked if he would be willing to pose for an upcoming blog entry, but he said he doesn't do the whole paparazzi thing. GO FIGURE! Tom said if he wasn't going to get paid royalties for his "sighting" photos like Elvis does, then he refused to give the media the time of day.
    "A blog, eh," he said. "Are you Perez Hilton?"
    "No," I replied.
    "The Enquirer?" He asked.
    I was slightly irritated but kept the peace. "Uh...No, Tom," I replied.
    "That's Mister Turkey, to you," He said. "And you are?"
     "I've got a blog," I said, thinking to myself, What a jerk. "I'm J.E. Bolton, THE FAVORITE THINGS GUY. Maybe you've heard of..."
     He interrupted and smirked. "...Never heard of you," he said smug.
     Tom Turkey somehow let down his guard and told me about his concerns: the massacre of turkeys for the sake of a holiday (A.K.A. Operation: Butterball), his petition to make chicken the traditional Thanksgiving bird, and how he was tired of being stuffed.
    I said, "But Mister Turkey, sir, you taste SO good like that!"
    And He said, and I quote: "Yeah...Let's shove handfuls of soggy breadcrumbs up your bum and see how good YOU taste!"
    Then, without another word being said, his beady eyes puddled and his bottom turkey waddle quivered. He was one angry bird. Tom Turkey walked away and left me standing in the pouring rain. He muttered profanities about me, but I didn't care. In a matter of days, he'd get his and so would I. 
    I'll stuff his bum with Stove Top, and he'll give me indigestion. 
    Everyone's happy!
    

I "HEART" TURKEY

     Thanksgiving's officially here, and I couldn't help but share with you the babies' Thanksgiving Day shirts. These shirts were purchased last year at Old Navy. The back reads, "I LOVE TURKEY" with a heart in place of the word "LOVE" and a turkey etched within the heart. I want to say the babies are merely excited about Thanksgiving, but I think they love this time of year for the turkey.

    Don't you agree?

    As I've said before, I'm eating my words. I used to shake my head sarcastically at people who did this with their pets. Now, I'm among the guilty party. LOL! And I just have one thing to say in my defense:

    If you think these outfits are cute, wait 'til you see the babies come Christmas!

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE THANKFUL

    
     P.B.E. and I were walking around downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee and we found this bulletin board's hotel getting into the spirit of Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas very much and cherish its real meaning, but it was just nice to see a tiny sign of Thanksgiving among an ocean of pre-seasonal Christmas decor.
     Yes, my friends; thousands of Christmas lights twinkled, trees were trimmed, and Christmas was everywhere--ready or not. Don't get me wrong. The towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg did a wonderful job decorating for Winterfest and the Christmas season; but this one bulletin board seemed to put everything back into the appropriate seasonal perspective.
     On Friday, November 26th, this blog will gladly ring in the Christmas season full force, but until then I just choose to proclaim, " 'Tis the season to be jolly...er, um...thankful!"

THANKFUL THING #4: LOVE CONQUERS HATE

ME AND DADDY, CIRCA 1980

     This is somewhat of a personal entry, almost too personal to be written; but one that needs to be told. In an era where everything seems hopeless, the world desperately needs light among the darkness. So, without further adieu, allow me to share thankful thing number four: love conquers hate.
    When I was five years old, my parents divorced, and my father became estranged from my life. I did get to see him on and off during my early childhood years, but that was about it. I grew up knowing nothing about how to be a man. Everything I learned about responsibility and Independence, I taught myself.
    Years passed and he became nothing more than a stranger to me. I grew up hating him, because of his absence. Everything I experienced was his fault, and everything I DIDN'T experience was his fault. It was an anger I'd never known before and a hate addiction that quickly consumed me.
    Then, in Spring of 2006, I met an acquaintance of the family who told me my father was dying of cancer. I was floored, because I wanted David Bolton to die an old man in a nursing home, I'd give him "what-for", and he'd die of shock that way. It sounds morbid, but you just had to have been there. I always thought when he died, I'd have my closure. The truth is his untimely death didn't bring closure. Instead, it magnified into a hell I couldn't have fathomed.
    Christmas 2006 came and I got the phone call from Mom. She told me she'd went to visit with him and insisted I did the same. I was reluctant, but went anyway. When I saw him in his feeble state, it was like nothing really mattered, except that moment. And when the day came when I finally forgave him, it was like years of anger and hate melted away, and the little boy in me stopped weeping in darkness and walked into gentle rays of light.
     How did I forgive him? I'm not really sure. It wasn't as colossal a change of heart as you'd think. I forgave him and just decided to let it all go. When death comes, nothing's as important as anyone think it would be, except the uncontrolled, stray thoughts of wondering what might've been. 
    On January 16, 2007, Michael David Bolton died peacefully in his sleep. And when he died, I kissed his hand and embraced him like a child. When he was laid to rest, I remembered how important it was that I said goodbye to him as my dad instead of the man I never knew. 
    His hands held me when I came into this world, and my hands held him when he left it; and that, my dear friends, was the most precious moment of my life.
   

ELVIS PRESLEY: THE KING OF...COCOA?

    
     Pretty neat, huh?
     I was in a local superstore yesterday and saw this product on the shelf: Elvis Presley Cocoa. I apologize if the picture doesn't possess the best quality. This picture was taken with the only thing I had on me, which was my camera phone.
     That's right, dear friends. The King of Rock and Roll's legacy lives on through music and now through such products as cocoa. Take your pick from four rockin' flavors: KISSABLE MILK CHOCOLATE, MELTED KNESS MINT, PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA SANDWICH, and VIVA LAS VANILLA.
     Being the cocoa connoisseur I proudly profess to be, I was drawn to this brand of cocoa with sheer curiosity and utter intrigue. To be honest, I haven't tried this cocoa yet but I might when my multiple canisters of Stephen's Gourmet Cocoa run out.
     And knowing me, that won't take long.
     However, I promise to give this particular brand of cocoa a try before the Christmas season comes to a close. BUT if you've already tried this product or wish to share your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you.
     Well, that's my entry for today. Until next time...well...I won't sign off with some quirky anecdote. In lieu of today's entry, I'll just close by saying, "The Favorite Things Guy has left the building!"

A FAVORITE TREAT OF THE SEASON



JUST ONE OF P.B.E.'s FESTIVE CREATIONS


     God really blessed me with a family full of wonderful cooks. Which, by the way, brings me to today's topic of favorite things: PUMPKIN PIE!
     Everyone's got a favorite Thanksgiving Day dessert. When I was a little boy, the women in my family would get together and create wonderfully sweet creations, like sweet potato casserole and sawdust salad. Now, when my family--both the men and women--and I get together and cook, it solidifies a special family bond that carries us from one generation to another. 
    The other dessert I love is pumpkin pie. Give me a sweet slice on a saucer, a generous dollop of COOL WHIP on top, and a wonderful gathering of family and friends, and my Thanksgiving's officially complete. If you love pumpkin pie, I found a great pumpkin pie recipe on the BORDEN'S EAGLE BRAND website. It's by far my favorite pumpkin pie recipe, by far.
    You can find the recipe for "Perfect Pumpkin Pie" on the official website by clicking HERE, or visit http://www.eaglebrand.com/ for a list of products and other recipes to help make your upcoming Thanksgiving Day dinner a success. 

THANKFUL THING #3: BEST FRIENDS

(From left to right): Tracey, Windy, and Me!

     Former President Woodrow Wilson once said, “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.”
    I'd like you to meet two very special ladies: my B.F.F.'s (best friends forever) Windy and Tracey. Much like the "babies", they both came into my life at different times. What's funny is I didn't look for their friendship. We just kinda found one another.
    Windy and I have been friends since high school, while Tracey and I worked with one another a few years ago. There's nothing I haven't told Windy or Tracey, and there's nothing they haven't told me. Yes, my dear readers, we've laughed and cried together, shared each other's shoulders to cry on, tried to help mend one another's broken hearts, and the list goes on forever.
     When I first met them, I had no idea we'd become close enough to actually refer to one another as a "best friend." Now, they're my blessings, my "sisters", and have been my rock time and time again. Grant it, we don't talk everyday, but the love and kindred-ship's forever real.
   They each have their own traits and ways, but what I love about them most is their hearts. They're friendship is like warmth when the world grows cold sometimes. They always lend their ears and quickly let me know that I'm not as wierd as I think I am.
    So to Tracey and Windy: I love you both, my best friends. The world's a much better place simply because you both are in it.

THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY

THE FROZEN TURKEY BIN AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE

     I walked into my local grocery store and there it was: the Thanksgiving turkey bin. Picking out a turkey sounds like fun, but there's so many things to consider. Just like you'd pick out a piece of fruit, you've got to check roundness, potential plumpness, etc. The seemingly simple task can be quite daunting. 
    Then, you get it home and move to phase two: figuring out how to prepare your holiday bird to the height of juiciness and utter perfection. Of course, keep in mind one thing. You might like your turkey prepared a number of different ways, but there's only one way to serve a Thanksgiving turkey. In the company of family and close friends.
     Speaking of friends, a dear friend of mine shared this poem with me, and I'd like to share it with you. I think you might get a chuckle or two, as I did when I read it.
     ENJOY!
 
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THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY

“The turkey shot out of the oven
and rocketed into the air,
it knocked every plate off the table
and partly demolished a chair.

It ricocheted into a corner
and burst with a deafening boom,
then splattered all over the kitchen,
completely obscuring the room.

It stuck to the walls and the windows,
it totally coated the floor,
there was turkey attached to the ceiling,
where there'd never been turkey before.

It blanketed every appliance,
It smeared every saucer and bowl,
there wasn't a way I could stop it,
that turkey was out of control.

I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure,
and thought with chagrin as I mopped,
that I'd never again stuff a turkey
with popcorn that hadn't been popped."

-- Jack Prelutsky

THANKFUL THING #2: THE BABIES

     Most people think this would be a silly thing to do; to be thankful for a mere dog. I suppose it sounds silly to most, but there are things about these precious blessings no one will ever know about. Precious lessons taught to no one except me.
     These three angels: H.R., Dandie and Sonic, came into my life at the perfect time when everything about me came at a crossroads; things that were painful and heartbreaking. When you're at that crossroads in life, you do one of two things: you either become painfully bitter at the world, or you begin learning to love again and fully forgive with your whole heart.
     In the process of learning to let go and forgive, I had these precious angels come into my life one at a time. H.R., who was merely waiting for me to arrive; Dandie, who we purchased in Georgia; and Sonic, who we found as a lost stray (ironically, at a Sonic Drive-in near Chattanooga, Tennessee).
     They taught me three very valuable lessons: to live in the now and cherish the day; to love everyone, even if you don't "get" them; and that the power of love really is greater than the snares of hate. I joke a lot times and say that on the eighth day, God created pets (LOL). 
     But I truly thank God everyday for this wonderful trio of blessings. I've learned a lot and been loved a lot with snuggles and sloppy wet kisses. But out of all the lessons I've learned, they've taught me that unconditional love is the greatest gift of all.