celebration of traditions

Ahoy there! I am blogging from the far flung isle of Paso Robles on my Mom's computer! Pretty s'weat, eh??? My one woman road trip down here was perfectly uneventful, just the way I had planned it. :-)

I'll probably be off hanging out and visiting with my Mom, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, and great nieces but I did want to pop in today to join in the fun that the talented and fabulous Jill is hosting over on her blog. She's doing a "Celebration of Tradition" party today. Ever since she mentioned this I have been thinking so much of the traditions that my family has had for the holidays. It was kind of eye opening because I realized we just don't have that many that have stuck around. But the ones that have stuck, are pretty powerful.

Since most of my family live in different states, I don't get to see them most holidays. For the last 14 years or so, our traditions have been things that Glen, Miranda, and I have grown into. And then this year, with Miranda living in Hawaii, it won't even be the three of us. It'll just the two of us. That's going to be so strange! But so far there are two Christmas parties on the schedule with one of them being Christmas day. That will be nice. Otherwise, it might be tempting to just do the Thanksgiving thing and stay in my jammies all day again!! :-)

Th traditions that Glen and I will still do this year will be going to The Grotto to light a prayer candle or two. This event absolutely sets the tone for a new year for me. Here are pictures of last year's trip to The Grotto.

Even with Miranda being away from home this year, we'll still do our Christmas stocking tradition of hanging them on the fireplace to open Christmas morning. Ever since Miranda was little, the deal was that she got to get up early and open her stocking while we caught a few more Z's. When she was done, she would then come in wake us up and then presents would be opened! Miranda's stocking opening would always take a bit of time because it would be full of little treats, including a roll of Bubble Tape and lots of little gifties all individually wrapped!

This year, being at my Mom's, I got a chance to participate in a tradition that has been going on in Paso Robles for 30 years or so. The Vine Street Victorian Showcase. This is the first year I got to go and it was marvelous. Cold, but marvelous! :-) I got to go with my brother Neil, niece Meagan, and sister Simone. SO much fun!!!!

The "showcase" is a section of Vine Street that gets closed off and all the Victorian-style houses are brightly and cleverly decorated. Lots going on...musicians, dancers, a marching band, and many of the residents provide hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, and cotton candy. Oh so fun.

I took a few pictures of the houses but most came out fuzzy but here's one a couple...

This one came out nice though. :-)

I will try to come out and play a little bit while I'm at my Mom's, but I have a feeling I'm going to want to spend all my time staying real close to my dear family. I haven't spent nearly enough time with them in my lifetime, so I got lots of catching up to do!

Lots of love to you and your families!!!

Comments

[Lea]

Hello Michelle! I so enjoyed visiting here with you on your travels! I had no idea there was such a grotto in Portland! It is magnificent, and I can see why it would be such a special place to set the tone for the new year and to join in with the thousands who have lit a candle and prayer in this beautiful place. I loved the images of Miranda and her stocking and wish for those of you at home this year that those extra zzzz's are as special with such memories to hold dear! Enjoy being with your family dear, and love to all of you too!

[eb]

love that grotto tradition - it sounds lovely...

happy holidays to you and yours...

xo x- eb.

[Leslie]

I'm so happy that you were able to drop in and share some of your traditions! I'm glad that you are able to have this time with your family. Enjoy!

xo

[Jill]

Michelle,
Your traditions sound so lovely. The grotto... yes... beautiful! So glad you are able to have some time with your family. Enjoy it! Thanks you for sharing your holiday traditions and being a part of the celebration!
Merry Christmas...
Jill

[Lilli]

Have lots and lots of fun, Sweetie! Such precious moments are these, when you get to be with your beloved family. Talk to you on the Flipside!

And a special Hello to Glen the Husband, who's all by his lonesome!

[Mosaic Queen]

Paso Robles? Some of my mosaic confections are for sale at the Firefly Gallery there. I've never been to Paso Robles, but I hope to someday soon!
Thank you for sharing pictures and have a very Happy Holiday!
Michelle
P.s. Great name you have! lol!

[Glen the Husband]

Help! I'm starving here! I can't get my Hot Pockets out of the plastic wrapper thingie, and the ring busted offa my puddin' cup! And the cats won't share their kibble! Bwaaahhh!
Today we had a few hours of snow flurries here in Beaverton, so I called Michelle and described it to her. Tom, Atticus and I are being very brave without Michelle to entertain us. Atticus tries to cuddle me at night but I don't think I have the good s quite like Michelle! He leaves after a short visit. Oh well.
I watched football today with neighbors Wayne & Becky down the street (those who know me may stop GASPing now.) Thank the Gods they have beer to make football almost tolerable.
I have the Bravo Three Flying Club holiday party to look forward to this Thurs, and Lou and Jan across our back fence are having a get-together next Sunday so I'll have some fun too.
All is well and I know Michelle is enjoying a much needed break and visit with her peeps.
Love you ShellShell, say hi to my in-laws! Bring back some good Zins!

[AnnieElf]

I was at the Grotto just this past summer, for the first time. Made a fast visit last week to the area but could not get there so have missed the chance to see the Christmas beauty of The Grotto. I'll be lighting a candle in spirit with you.

[Andrea Forgnone]

Michelle,
You're in my old neck of the woods, Paso Robles. We actually live more near Pismo Beach but had friends in Atascadero and Paso. My husband and I were just driving back from Monterey last weekend and through Paso and we both commented how we miss the Vine Street Victorian Showcase. It's so much fun . Did they still have the Grinch from the upper balcony of a house? This was one of our yearly events to do with a a group of friends and a warm mug of hot buttered rum. Glad you're spending time with family.

[Natalea]

Hi Michelle! Thanks for sharing your traditions with us! So nice! Happy Holidays!! xo natalea