Suddenly, the holidays are here. This year, offering gifts to those we cherish can be a challenge, as wallets are thin, smiles are illusive, and nails and tempers are distinctly shorter.
But I'm rediscovering the power to savor, and offer, less tangible gifts, with no pain.
In this unnerving economic atmosphere I've tried to take stock of simpler, personal realities. I'm healthy, warm and dry, loved, and -- and this is important -- I own a mirror. It's been moved into the kitchen to remind me of the power of laughter, first cousin to joy, and sister to twinkles and smiles. It's a power I shouldn't forget to summon, frequently.
That mirror reflects my eyes, the essence of me. The trick is to get smiles to travel from my mouth to that higher level. When I get the Glums, when optimism seems elusive, I'll reflect on the Grinch, and really LAUGH! The mirror clearly sees that the eyes have it -- the sparkle of rich, hearty humor. It's good to be alive.
How could I not chuckle, recalling that outrageous rogue's silly antics as he efficiently steals simply everything from 'Who' villagers, but discovers something simply wonderful, instead. (Boris Karloff was an inspired choice for the personification -- the voice and soul -- of Mr. Grinch (from Dr. Seuss's delightful book, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"). I'll recall that sly, wonderful song, and the Grinch's leer, that absurd hat and those l-o-n-g fingers, then toss in the image of his obsequious, put-upon mutt wearing those dopey antlers -- and BOOM! Belly-laughter happens, as reliably as Yellowstone's Old Faithful geyser, doggone it. Pounds of worry and distress fall away.
So many delights are free. I can give hugs to people I love, and shamelessly lick the bowl of whipped cream I've made to top off my bumpkin pie (my childhood name for that treat). I'll savor the unique aroma of great coffee, and set the table using the laminated, charming drawings created by school children who've visited my garden. I can hold close the memory of my mother's smile as she opened homemade prezzies, and enjoy the wonder of young children gaping at a food-laden, holiday dinner table, or at the exquisite lights decorating snow-trimmed trees in downtown Traverse City. These are free joys, and they're all around me.
Yesterday I opened one of Gary Larson's hilarious 'Far Side' cartoon books, and roared with delight; three spectacled chickens in a restaurant bathroom were trying to apply lipstick. "It's no use, Wanda," one sighs. "Like they say, we just don't have lips ..."
It's impossible to remain, er, broody. (Ha! Aren't words delicious?)
I can't resist a yummy peanut butter/white chocolate chunk cookie from Poppycocks, or the cheerful grin of a tired waitress, or the amazing sight of hundreds of hats, thousands of hats, millions and billions and trillions of hats in Diversions, that fascinating downtown store?
I love visiting the Park Place Hotel's wonderful little shop (established 40 years ago), called Anna's Creations and Collectables, to explore its endless, intriguing, affordable gift ideas. The proprietors are delightful.
My oven has the power to tantalize noses and tastebuds. Homemade zucchini bread, cookies, pies and suchlike make wonderful gifts. Who wouldn't be touched by tummy-love? Recycled Easter baskets stuffed with simple culinary delights, and perhaps a tucked in, store-bought, exactly right treasure, make smiles sparkle.
The enlightened Mr. Grinch, who reminds me to remember what's important, celebrated the season with all those thankful, hardworking Whos, who cherished, and happily shared, the gifts of simplicity, laughter and joy.
The rest simply didn't matter.
Sunnybank Gardens, 325 Sixth St., Traverse City, have closed for the winter. The gardens will reopen on Memorial Day weekend 2009. Please call 929-4351 to schedule next year's events. Visit Dee Blair's Web site, deeblair.com, for recent columns, garden photos and her music, or e-mail her at blairdee@gmail.com.
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