Advent 2011

I love this season, Advent. It is a word that indicates anticipation, excitement of the future. This year is an extra special year for me and many others as we finish our exit from Iraq. The news today online said only 18,000 American personnel left in Iraq and most of the stuff we had there is reduced by shipping to Afghanistan, home, or selling and donating to Iraq. Oh joy! The end of a war to me is wonderfully exciting. The families waiting here at home are filled with an extra special energy waiting for their loved ones to return. Every American should be extra happy this year because of this event. We will be gone by the end of the year and maybe before, by Christmas.

I start my Christmas decorating during the first weekend of Advent. It is extra special this year because my sweetheart, an advisor in Iraq will be home for good from Iraq. He will be as safe as we are in the US, not hearing bombings daily or seeing fearful eyes in people around him. He will be surrounded by Christians and their love. And we will be united!

How wonderful that this year or rather last year I decided to always get fresh greenery and a tree. I gave away my artificial tree and wreath and swag I had for over 15 years. It is a great sign and symbol for me to have a real tree and wonderfully scented greenery throughout my home when my sweetheart will be here. I am so looking forward to this season of fresh scents, evergreen, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, nutmeg, sage, chocolate! Wonderful baked aromas from cookies and cakes. Christmas music is full of joy and hope and love and so sweet to listen to. It compels us to sing along which is good for the soul! I have been practicing my Christmas songs on the keyboard and singing along. Hope my neighbors don't mind!

Smokey, my cat, knows something is going on and it is driving him crazy. He dashes around at night and wants to go out and look at the moon for hours. But he is a wise cat and never gets into gifts or climbs the tree or knocks anything over. He is a blessing to watch as he sniffs around and then contently cuddles down in his condo to watch the proceedings. He loves the music too! He especially wants to cuddle more and sit on my lap for scratching and petting, then falls asleep on my lap.

There is so much love now and I wish everyone will enjoy this year's Advent and Christmas season with the knowledge of our brave military returning home at last from this long war. Prayers are with them and their families.