Want to reward yourself ( or a loved one ) with something they will truly use and appreciate this year ? Well , i love the idea being spread by one of my loved ones , Fleur at
Frangible Pie.
There are many worthy charities out there in need of your help.
The true meaning of Christmas is to give of oneself and true self-less giving is the most loving and generous evidence of this spirit. I am extremely attached to wordly goods and worldly pleasures - my true inner Buddhist recoils at the reality of my oh-so-desirous soul . I try to temper that side of me with a good dose of abstinence ( no shopping for at least 48 hours ) - I know it SOUNDS ridiculous but think of how many times we mark things off in a magazine , or browse online , or even when we enter the grocery store - popping things into the cart because we WANT them - not
really needing them . I shop in my head - all the time.
Desire breeds desire, after all.
Like rabbits .
God knows , i have failed the rabbit test many, many times.
The good news is i purchased bunnies ( and chickens and goats and bees) this year from
Heifer International for all of the children in my family in lieu of the 'fancy' gifts. There are still fun stocking stuffers and such of course but this is the big gift that really counts this year.
Heifer Intl. is my new favorite charity - it is more of a gift than a hand-out to families in need around the world. Agriculture and farming helps produce food, raw materials and income for communities in need. What better way for a foodie to help spread the wealth at this time of year ?
I urge anyone reading this blog to check out the website above (click on Heifer International) and donate a few dollars towards improving someone's life in a meaningful and sustainable way. If you are a veg- you can donate a sheep or another wool producing animal to help. There are even Honeybees and since they have been hard hit by disease and disaster too, they could use replenishing everywhere and anywhere. Spread the bees !
Since i am still recovering from a fairly recent surgery , i won't be putting on much of a holiday party this year . In lieu of my own fanfare i decided to post some pictures i took the other night at a Christmas party we attended. The hosts had an incredible array of vintage and collectible holiday decorations set out . The effect was truly magical and did wonders for my spirit.
All Photos Copyright Sunday Dinner 2007 - Not to be reprinted without permission -All rights reserved
