Happy Holidays!

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Festivus (all you Seinfeld fans),

I am up in the mountains (in the southeast) enjoying the chilly air, overcast skies, naked branches on the Maple trees and seeing deer roam my parent's yard in the early morning and late afternoon seeking the snack of corn feed my dad puts out for them almost everyday (I kid him about being more of an animal lover than a true hunter!).

There is nothing I enjoy more when I am at home than waking up to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon on the griddle. My father is the best breakfast maker in the world (though I wish he would leave the coffee making to me...I make the best coffee with my premium roasted organic, fair trade beans!!!) and my mom is a great cook and has taught me to appreciate making dishes from scratch.

This posting will be in honor of my parents who, despite our differences, have taught me much and love me even when I'm not so lovable.

What I have learned from my mother.....
Take pride in your appearance and your surroundings. Even though I am not one to spend most of my life in front of the mirror or engaging in the sport of "shopping" I appreciate quality clothing and shoes, manicured feet, making my surroundings colorful, warm, inviting and clean.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Yes, I grew up in a house where every Sunday we went to church. I have since outgrown the idea of religion and have instead embraced spirituality. I don't seek revenge however, I do seek justice. I am generous (my mother would say...sometimes to a fault), compassionate and believe in forgiveness.
An education is invaluable. I come from a long line of educators on my mother's side of the family. Her grandmother had a college degree which was virtually unheard of in our country in her day. Though I have never obtained a college degree I have plenty of credits under my belt and I still continue to take classes I want to take for my own benefit not for anyone or anything else. I love learning and reading for personal growth and to better understand my world.

What I have learned from my father.....
Travel....Go and see the world. Because of my father's profession and my mother's work schedule my family was able to travel quite a bit when I was growing up. I am grateful for those opportunities because I grew to appreciate many places in the United States and have a curious nature for meeting new people and living an adventurous life.
Take pride in your work. Never work for someone who doesn't appreciate what you have to offer them. Do the best you can and never take shortcuts. My dad has a terrific work ethic (as my mother did prior to her retirement) is well respected and liked in his industry.
Laugh.....often and don't take life so seriously. My dad has a terrific sense of humor. Everybody likes him whether at work, home or at some restaurant miles from home. He has an approachable appearance even though he is kind of shy and likes to poke fun without hurting people's feelings. Oh, did I mention he bakes the BEST pies???


Even though I don't spend much time with my parents or family anymore I really appreciate them and will show up when needed. And even though I cannot share everything with them (they really don't care to know everything anyway...who does?) I think they respect and like me as a human being.

So.....take a moment and call someone either family member or very close friend and let them know what you have learned and appreciate about them.

Enjoy the season!

XOXOXOXOX

Emma : )

"FOOD" for thought....

Ok....I have to share a recent fun visit I had just before Thanksgiving with a friend. When I was in high school I remember seeing the film "9 1/2 Weeks" on HBO which features a most erotic scene of the two main characters using food and beverages to play with during their moment of intimacy! It was soooo hot!!!! I knew someday I would recreate that scene with some lucky man!

So on the Monday before Thanksgiving a gentleman friend paid me a visit to recreate the steamy movie scene. We went to the grocery store to pick up some "supplies" for our rendezvous. Our grocery list consisted of "whipped cream, chocolate syrup, honey, vanilla pudding, champagne, confectioners sugar, eggnog, and key lime pie! You can only imagine the excitement building up while strolling through the isles picking up a few unusual tasty sensual aids!!! While the throngs of frantic Thanksgiving Day cooks were grabbing cans of cranberry sauce, green beans and boxes of Stove Top stuffing my friend and I were perusing the shelves wearing grins on our faces while looking for the most unusual textures and tastes to cover our bodies with!

Upon returning to our destination we prepared our pleasure den and added a bit of mystery by blindfolding the receiver! Guessing which condiment was being drizzled on our torsos was quite exciting!!! The messier and more exotic items were saved for the bathtub! My friend and I split the key lime pie down the center and grabbed each half and slathered it on each other....the graham cracker crust felt like a salt scrub (a loofah feeling...oooo....aaaahhhh good!)...our bodies a virtual dessert dish! We quenched our thirst with the eggnog which coated my breasts quite well.

If you have not seen "9 1/2 Weeks" I suggest you rent it. Add some spice to your holiday season and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

XOXOXOXOXOOXOXOX

Blissfully yours,

Emma : )