Christmas Decorations!

As you drive southbound on I-71 through the city, you will notice no less than FIVE Columbus skyscrapers decked out with red and green Christmas lights.

And one of those buildings would happen to be the jail!

Reason #978 that I love Columbus. And Christmas.

Back to December

I am currently listening to Taylor Swift's new album, "Speak Now". Ms. Swift has yet again compiled a magnificent collection of moments from Kara's Life ca. 1995-2005. All of the hype aside, no other artist speaks quite to me like her. I have loved Taylor Swift music and lyrics since her first, self-titled, album in 2006. I have been moved to tears upon more than once from her music. In fact, while listening to the "Fearless" album for the first time I cried TWICE on two separate occasions. In the car. I nearly had to pull over. I like to think Taylor and I would have been good friends growing up. I'm sure I could have given her plenty of material to work with.

My favorite Taylor Swift songs:

1. Fifteen (This song sums up high school in a cool 3 minutes and 30 seconds)

2. The Best Day (a tribute to her parents! If I sang or played the guitar, I would sing this to mine! Maybe I could just hum...?)

3. Teardrops on my Guitar (corny but cute!)

4. Tim McGraw (you know how a familiar song takes you back? This song explains that feeling perfectly...)

5. Fearless

6. Breathe

7. White Horse

Okay, maybe they are all my favorites...anyway, before this list gets any longer...

On the new album, I was moved again to tears by "Back to December."

"...It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you...wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine...I'd go back to December turn around and change my own mind...I go back to December all the time..."

I know that there are times in my life when I could have sang this song to about 3 different ex-boyfriends. In DECEMBER, no less. Alas, the regrets of young, unrequited love and flighty teenage emotions. I should not have been allowed to drink coffee at such a young age. (That's right, blame your parents, Kara. Ha!) At any rate, "Back to December" is a lovely, lovely song with a plenty of overbearing string accompaniment and a melancholy tone. I love songs like that (See also: "The Lovers are Losing" by Keane)

True, there is a reference to "texting" in the song, but only briefly; let's just ignore that.

Hooray for Taylor Swift!

My Doppelganger?

Sometimes this woman hits just a LEETLE too close to home...but I still love these funny Target commercials. Art imitating life, indeed!

Signs of the Season

1. One of two of our nativity scenes...however the Saviour will not be making an appearance in our diorama until the 25th, as directed by Mr. Morris.

2a. Our holly tree with its winter blanket and crimson berries!

2b. Berry close-up!

3. Christmas presents given and received. Have a look at these lovely Jo Malone soaps from bestie, Homa.

4a. Peanut's Christmas Cut, courtesy of Nancy at the Sawmill Petsmart.

4b. Holiday Bow Close Up!

Here's to keeping those bows in place until the Saviour shows His face! :)