Another Day, Another Door

What a Fabulous week! There is a nice chill in the air. Holiday music is on my mind. Many wonderful thoughts abound.

Yesterday was a special day for me. I helped the family I adopted for the holidays, and let me tell you; it could not have gone better.

Last week I had gotten the girls some toys, books and craft items. Yesterday I met with the mother, had some coffee and chatted for a while. Then she and I went shopping for coats, gloves and some clothing for the girls.

It was really sweet how much the mother opened up ... she was glad that I was willing to help without judging her situation.

I'm glad she was willing to ask for help. Not everyone has to be living in squalor to need help. There is a lot this family was thankful for, but the extras like presents just weren't able to happen this year.

I believe in the notion of Santa... I believe that he lives within each of us. If you so choose you can be someone's angel. Skeptics will say that I may have been taken advantage of ...how do they know? I understand that, given today's society... one cannot be too careful. But I whole heartedly believe that it should in no way stop us from helping one another out. Helping others is not about what you receive in the end, it's about what you give. Yes, I gave this woman presents ... more so I gave her my time. I sat and listened, I sat and talked. I gave her the hope that her 3 months of misfortune will turn around. I allowed a small child who still believes in Santa to have a Christmas.

It's arguable whom got more out of the experience. Again, we cannot change society unless we change ourselves. Give someone hope this holiday... it'll mean more than any fancy gaming system could ever give you.

No Bushes... No Problem

This urban dweller decorated their front column. It looks quite nice.

How I love the holiday season!

COOKIES

One Trish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

This girl LOVES cookies. I've been known to have an evening snack at the bookstore of a cookie and a glass of milk! Coworkers find it cute and quite frankly I find it delicious.

A coworker made a fresh batch of cookies and left me a present.

Tired Hostess

Sunday was a bit tiring. Tired eyes ... head wrap and a long nap in the living room was a perfect way to recoup.

Sigh... what a great weekend, i was sad to see it go.

Happy Place

I realize there are lots of empty dishes... but that's a sign of a great dinner party!

Drum Roll Please!

Tada.... Fab tree. It looks great. Nice and full and fills the space beautifully!

Great shape to.

Thanks to everyone who partook in the fun!

Wine, Good Friends, Great Food!

I always love the dinner parties!

Fab Menu included:

App: Antipasto Platter
Pinwheels with Ham and Spinach
White Bean Hummus

Course 1: Butternut Squash Soup
Course 2: Mixed Greens with Pear, Gorgonzola, Pecans and Balsamic Dressing
Intermezzo: Orange Sherbet
Main Course: Cannelloni (with spinich, beef, cheese and a blush sauce ... made with homemade crepes)
Dessert: Chocolate Bark

Of course there was lots of yummy wine!!! ... and some great music!

Tree in Progress

Some old favorites were hung on the tree this past weekend along with some new goodies.

The top left is an ornament I got while cruising in bermuda (see the pink/gold ribbon). The snowman my mother made while I was a small child. The pic of me was made by Lique and has adorned my tree for 4 years now (wow... I can't believe it's been that long!). There are many others too ...

Hmmmm.... happiness!

Busy Busy Day

After working at the market and decorating tree #1. ... it was time for my own fun.

It was my tree decorating party / dinner party. These 2 fab ladies helped out in the kitchen while dancing up a storm! Look at Nissa go with those crepes.

Friends around the holidays are wonderful!

Tree #1

My little sis and I decorated the first tree of the season.

It's a little skinny, but perfect for what we needed. And for $10, it really couldn't be beat! I love love love tree decorating (and was quite partial to the magenta ornaments!).

A little behind

Ok... this house was free of holiday decoration. However, leftover fall guords were still out and about.

I also know of one house that has some pumpkins still out front. It may be time to trow them away!

Charlie Brown Style

This one happens to be a favorite ...

Christmas balls on the street trees! Pretty clever and it looks good in the daytime!

Independent Woman

A good book, a glass of wine, lot's of water ... and a good meal.

Dining out by oneself can be supremely relaxing.
I highly enjoy it ...

Da Doors

Doors seem to be the typical adornment. Lot's of wreathes around town.

City Decorations

I decided to take pictures of urban decorations. Since people cannot get out of control... these are kind of sweet little hints of the holidays.

Ham it up...

I couldn't resist posting this one!

No explanation needed here!

TREE!!!

Gosh, I'm so far behind ... I'm sure you've seen the pics of the decorated tree.

I took my little sister to help select the tree. It was a thumbs down, thumbs up process till we came across the perfect match.

Something so simple as picking out a tree: it was so fun trying to do it without speaking. To have the ingenuity of a child!

Work, Museum, Drinks, Dinner, More Drinks

Ok... so this was many moons ago, but a fabulous way to kick off the holiday season. I've decided to make the holiday ... "all things fun".

What are presents anyway? How many more candles, earrings and sweaters could I possibly use.

Time is precious... and I've decided that holidays should be about time and fun! (Moving into end of year resolutions if you will)

Operation "All things fun" does not involve long lines or the local mall (thank goodness... I get my fill of holiday retail working at RTM and the bookstore).

Mission one was a HUGE success. Friday was a half day spent at the museum, then off to drinks at Brigids, then more drinks at Monks ... followed by fabulous dinner at La Viola, and more time spent with friends!

What an exhilarating day!

Another Philly Night

Apparently I've moved on from trees to fuzzy nighttime pictures!

Anyway last night was a great evening ... Wine and Cheese with Lique, Bookclub and dinner with the ladies, sitting by the fire and an ornament exchange.

Wine, Cheese, Food, Fire, Ornaments and Ernest Hemingway ... what more could a girl ask for.

The world as I see it...

Literally, this out of focus picture is how I see the world without my glasses! It really is beautiful. At times, I remove my glasses to enjoy the beauty of it all.

My evening walk to the train is one of the best commutes! Chilly air, snow falling, the quietness of the small block in a bustling Center City neighborhood ... how could I not love it!

New Beginnings

If a plant can flower this time of year... I can continue on my path. My path being self worth. Taking the time to slow down and aknowledge those around you and help those in need. I will continue to do what I can one small step at a time. On and individual scale I enjoy making a persons day.

This week I've:
Given the homeless man in the cold the rest of my hot tea, scrapping the window of the person next to me at the train station so they didn't have to use their jacket, helping an old lady out of a cab, donate an unused winter coat to a woman in need. Going the extra mile for strangers truly shocks them. Most people don't expect the help and how can I blame them. We all travel though life within a giant skeptical bubble. Why not make it a perforated bubble? Let a little air in, you'll see ... you breath easier.

Little Things

Every now and again a girl has to treat herself. Thankfully, I enjoy treating myself to small pleasures (no expensive shoe habits here!). My small pleasure that I allow myself only a few times a year is a dark chocolate champagne truffle!!! Mmmm.... I can still taste it.

I'll have fond memories to keep me warm in the chilly weather ahead.

Ice, Rain and COLD

It was a COLD miserable day for a football game. The game pretty much followed suit with the weather.

I'm glad I missed the end ...

Freedom

I've decided to throw myself completely into the spirit of the holidays.

While trying to decide what to do for friends and family; I came to the realization that everyone has everything, for the most part. I've decided to take the money I've set aside for presents and adopt a local family in need. I've found my family and have been corresponding with the mother.

I'd like to thank everyone whose "present" will help me give christmas to a family who might otherwise go without.

Shhhhh ...don't get too loud

I attended the Sixers - Wizards game on Friday. It was interesting to say the least. The crowd was quiet... Nikki remarked at one point that she felt like we were in the library! The game moved slow, but at least they won.

They had the potential to blow it. Thankfully the final second shot from Washington did not make it.

It's not the same as the games I went to 3-4 years ago, but it was fun (especially since it was free).

Old Graphics

PATCO has started adorning their trains with their new logo, the P in motion.

This image pays homage to the original train decal. I really like it's simplicity and the stark black white and red design.

The new logo is fancier and I admit will take some getting used to.

NYC Company

Favorite NYC company. Miss Livingston! Although, due to pedestrian traffic, our trip was truffle free, it was still memorable.

Post tree lighting ... let's get a beer.

LED lights

It was the first year the tree was adorned with LED lights. There are a TON of lights on the tree. How I love the holiday times! I can't wait to decorate my own house and tree!

Tree Lighting

Our neighbors at the NYC tree lighting ... a fun chilly evening.

Poor planning on the networks fault... the entertainment stopped for commercial breaks.

Great Morning

At least it's not another tree picture!!!

I wish I could record sound and post it here...

Walking through Suburban Station on my way to work this morning I was greeted with the charming voice of a man singing in the concourse. One might be saying to themselves (as I am while posting this): there are always musicians in the concourse areas. Yes, I'm aware, but this particular singer got it right. He was singing a Capella, at the just the right volume to allow the space to accent his voice; not just make it sound like he was singing in a hole. That combined with the crisp morning air, the freshly decorated concourse made for a pleasurable walk (as short lived as it was).

Best Little Eagles Fan

Another cutie picture ... this one is stolen from his father. It was too cute to pass up!

Phew... all caught up.

Ah ...NJTP how I love thee

I wasn't expecting to see the sunset on the turnpike yesterday. Me and all the holiday travelers had PLENTY of time to take it all in!

Tribute

I had the unfortunate circum- stances of attending a funeral over the weekend.

A friends father was taken from us. Although he will be greatly missed ... we can all hope to ever so slightly follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Erickson was always volunteering, always thinking of others. If any of us could be 10% of the person he was, we'd have accomplished a lot. Kudos to Mr. Erickson for leading one of the most fulfilling lives I know.

(the picture is the First Communion Quilt from my Little Brother ... which still hangs in the church)

Relaxing

Mmmmmmm ... time to lay under the trees and look up at the sky. A favorite pastime!

STUFFING

If there is one thing that is coveted at my thanksgiving table more than anything... it's the stuffing. Kudos to a great family tradition.

There are hardly leftovers, everyone goes back for seconds and sometimes thirds. The delectable treat is really THAT GOOD!!!

Traffic...and trees

Holiday traffic doesn't seem so bad when surrounded by pretty fall foliage! Although, PA could step up to the plate and plan their highways a little better. It's make life MUCH easier!

Driving along with dreams of turkey dinners!

Where am I?

Phew... a break from the trees. Look at the sky, it's quite fake looking.

This was a leisurely day spent around town.

More Trees ?!?!?!

No, it's a very good thing. It means I've been playing outside ALOT lately. Playing outside translates into a very happy Trish. Welcome to my week off.

Cole Robert!

Welcome Cole Robert! The little guy made his way into NJ on Sunday November 18th! Congrats to the proud Mama and Papa!

To spare you guys my mushiness... let me end with:
I couldn't think of two better parents to raise a child in this world. Cole doesn't even know how good he has it, but a grounded loving family is the greatest gift.

More Fall!!!

Ok, so maybe these boots were made for lounging in the leaves! It's been a month since the last shoe picture.

I did leave you with the disclaimer... lots of fall pictures!

Bliss

How I love my little oasis' within the city. A quick walk through the Rodin garden is enough to calm / relax anyone. It was a rough week, but just the quick glimpse inside my little haven should have you wanting more.

Fall in Philly is a great time of year!

Final Preggy Belly

Coffee with my favorite lady! I'm sooooo belated, the preggy belly is no more! You'll see the little guy soon.

Eek

Ok, I know...

I'm one day shy of 2 weeks! What was I thinking...

Let's play catch up. While waiting for the train, I couldn't help myself. I love trees, you'll see many autumnal pictures in the coming posts!

FOOD!!!

So, I went a little overboard. Dinner yesterday was spectacular!!! Stuffed peppers, fresh salad and a nice bottle of wine.

Great way to end the evening. Good food, wine, jazz and some nice company.

Late dinner, but well worth the wait.

Old Friend

I came across an old friend that I've been holding onto for the past 5 years.

He reminds me of Jean and how much I miss her.

Phew... I'm finally caught up. Sorry about the 5 day delay.

It was a wonderful weekend. Saturday evening, post turkey dinner, was spent dancing. Sunday was spent lounging around the house. Mmmmmm .... can't wait to do it again!

TURKEY #1

One great tradition ... pre thanksgiving dinner at Gina's house. The menu included: pumpkin soup, fall salad, turkey, stuffing, green beans, potatoes gratin, broccoli rabe, cranberry sauce, corn souffle ... then berry cobbler for dessert!!!

YUMMY!!!

My Time ...

Inner 8 year old ... here I come. What a great week...I got to see lots of friends and have lots of fun. Running through life with the wreckless abandon of an 8 year old has been fun. I've learned not to over analyze things to the point of killing them (Nikki would be proud).

I've also decided to make my holidays just that ... MY holidays. Make my own decisions ... make gifts if I feel like it (and not feel bad about not buying big things). Bake and spend time with family and friends ... basically enjoy the holidays the way they are meant to be.

Patty Trish

Old picture, but same lovely ladies!

Thursday I got to catch up with a greatly missed friend. PATTY!!! Of course she's awesome, she's named Patricia! (ok, maybe I'm biased!)

Catch up with friends is always fun. I look forward to doing it a bit more often.

Growing Stack

Apparently I've been a slow reader lately. Granted my life has been a bit full and my reading / art can take the back seat at times like this.

But ... vacation vacation vacation will allow me to make a dent!

Bitter, Not so Sweet

With medical oddities coursing through my system ... I've decided to rebalance myself. I went to a Chinese herbalist and got some help. I mix 12 diff. herbs together from various barks, roots and flowers ... dissolve in hot water. Hopefully in a week, my skin will be much happier.

The only downside is ... IT'S VERY BITTER. Well worth it and I'll be happy to have my insides properly balanced.